Road Scholar : Home
Dive In and Discover: Snorkel Palau and Yap

Program Number: 18535RJ
Start and End Dates:
1/24/2014 - 2/4/2014; 2/14/2014 - 2/25/2014;
Duration: 11 nights
Location: Micronesia/Palau
Price starting at: $6,165.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city
Program Type: Water Sports Activity Level: t (see description)
Meals: 25; 9 Breakfasts, 1 Brunch, 7 Lunches, 8 Dinners    

Strung across the Western Pacific like a thousand green emeralds on a sea of blue are the islands of Micronesia, or “little islands.” These islands are steeped in ancient traditions and fascinating legends, and also offer some of the best snorkeling in the world. Dive in and discover two of these sparkling gems — Palau and Yap.




Highlights

• Snorkel in special areas of the Rock Islands in Palau.
• Visit Rumung, an island that people from outside the village were forbidden to set foot on until a few years ago.
• Discover and meet local people and village chiefs.



Activity Particulars

90 minutes to 4 hours of snorkeling at a time. No previous experience required but you must be competent swimmer. Walks and hikes over rocky terrain with some steep inclines.



The Program Only Price includes round-trip airfare from Hawaii to Palau and Yap. Please refer to the day to day itinerary on the Road Scholar website or contact the provider if you plan on booking your own flights for correct arrival and departure dates.



Itinerary Summary

Arrival Honolulu, Hawaii, 1 night; flight to Koror (Palau), 6 nights; overnight flight; 1 night; arrival Colonia, (Yap, Micronesia, Federated States), 2 nights; flight to Honolulu; Departure



Coordinated by Hawaii Pacific University.



Arrival Honolulu, Hawaii
1 night
Flight to Koror (Palau) / cross International Date Line
1 night
Koror
6 nights

Explore Palau International Coral Reef Center, meet biologists and learn about their current research. On snorkeling field trips, swim among millions of jellyfish who have lost their sting in Jellyfish Lake, glide above milky sand and learn about different corals, and explore the channels in Airai to see remarkable fish and their breeding areas. Through exclusive permission, enter the High Chief’s traditional meeting house as the local chiefs chant and interpret their ancient stories.



Overnight flight to Yap (Micronesia)
1 night
Yap
2 nights
Overnight flight to the U.S.A. / cross International Date Line

Snorkel Yap to spot fascinating fish like the pipefish, clown fish and pajama fish. Venture to the outer reef, rich with coral heads, pygmygobies and nudibranch. Snorkel beautifully clear blue-water and walk the beach of Rumung, an island that non-Micronesians were forbidden to set foot on until very recently. Experience traditional Yapese village life and interact with locals on a special field trip.
Accommodations
Honolulu: Four-star oceanfront hotel Waikiki. Koror: Family-owned hotel situated in downtown Koror. Yap: Small Victorian-style resort with views of Chamorro Bay.
Meals and Lodgings
   Hawaii Prince Hotel Waikiki
  Honolulu, USA 1 night
   The Penthouse Palau Hotel
  Koror, Palau 6 nights
   Overnight Flight
  In Flight 1 night
   Yap Pacific Dive Resort
  Colonia, Yap, Micronesia, Federated States 3 nights
   Overnight Flight
  In Flight 1 night
 Hawaii Prince Hotel Waikiki
Type: Four-Star Hotel
  Description: Once the favorite playground of Hawaii's royalty and their distinguished guests, Waikiki was almost entirely wetlands at the turn of the 20th century - full of taro patches, rice paddies and fish ponds. Today, it has all the amenities and activities of a major urban center, along with some of Oahu's most beautiful white sand beaches. Located at the gateway to Waikiki, the Hawaii Prince Hotel Waikiki overlooks the beautiful, blue Pacific Ocean and the Ala Wai Yacht Harbor. The guest rooms at this AAA Four Diamond property are all oceanfront with floor to ceiling windows. Amenities include shuttle service to Waikiki and surrounding beaches, valet parking, turndown service upon request, swimming pool, whirlpool, business center, fitness room, expanded channel offerings including free and pay movies, in room mini-refrigerator with bottled water replenished daily, in room safe, hair dryer, iron, bath robe, four restaurants, and free transportation to the hotel’s 27 hole championship golf course designed by Arnold Palmer (guests receive preferred tee times and special rates) or to two championship tennis courts.
  Contact info: 100 Holomoana St
Honolulu, HI 96815 USA
phone: 808-956-1111
web: www.hawaiiprincehotel.com
  Room amenities: in-room safes, in-room mini-refrigerator, In-Room coffee maker with coffee, in-room movies, turn-down service (upon request), complimentary use of bathrobes, iron and ironing board, High-speed internet access (wired and Wi-Fi - fees apply -as of 7/2012, $11.95 per 24 hour period available in room and lobby), and hair dryer.
  Facility amenities: Pool, restaurants, business center, fitness center, shops and a spa, full-service concierge.
  Smoking allowed: Yes
  Elevators available: Yes
  Additional nights prior: 2012: $179 + taxes Please call the hotel directly at (800) 321-6248. Request the special PII Road Scholar Group rate. This rate is based upon availability in the “Run of Ocean” Room Category . Please note: the rate may vary based on your program dates. The hotel requires a credit card to guarantee your room reservation. Credit cards accepted include American Express, Diners, Discover, MasterCard, and Visa. Cancellations must be made at least 72 hours in advance to avoid penalty.
  Check in time: 3:00 PM

 The Penthouse Palau Hotel
Type: Hotel
  Description: This simple hotel is a quiet, cozy, friendly, family-owned and run hotel with air-conditioned rooms and ideally located in downtown Koror, close to shopping and activities. The hotel restaurant features Palauan cuisine. The hotel restaurant is very popular with the local community and is a great place to meet and mingle with Palauans.
  Contact info: P. O. Box 6013
Koror, Palau, FM 96940 Micronesia, Federated States
phone: +6804881941
web: www.penthousepalau.com
  Room amenities: All rooms have private shower with bathtub, mini refrigerator with complimentary drinking water, cable television, alarm clock, phone with free local calls, and includes daily maid service. Room service is also available during restaurant operation hours. In-room massage service and laundry service provided upon request. Coin-operated laundry facilities are available as well. Most rooms include balcony, hair-dryers, iron and board and in-room safes.
  Facility amenities: Hotel amenities include a beauty salon, laundry service, safe deposit box, coin-operated laundry, room service, and postal and parcel service Uab's Table and Scott's Bar are open daily from 6:30am until 11:00pm. Registered guests enjoy free local calls, free high-speed internet, and a mini exchange library.
  Smoking allowed: Yes

 Overnight Flight
Type:
  Contact info:   
  Smoking allowed: No

 Yap Pacific Dive Resort
Type: Hotel
  Description: Yap Pacific Dive Resort offers all the amenities of a 5 Star Hotel and attention to detail is their trademark. This intimate retreat of 20 rooms and 2 Grand Suites styled in unique 1880's Victorian architecture is reminiscent of the 19th century era of the Clipper Ship trade. A warm and friendly atmosphere and well trained staff will see to your every need. A former Japanese command post was turned into the Veranda View Restaurant and Pool Side Café and Bar, featuring a panoramic view of Chammorro Bay, Yap Lagoon, and the fringing reef. Yap Pacific Dive Resort has been selected the "Best Resort in Micronesia" from 2005-2012.
  Contact info: 1 Yap Pacific Drive
P.O. Box B
Colonia, Yap, FM 96943 Micronesia, Federated States
phone: +6913506000
web: www.yap-pacific.com
  Room amenities: Spacious rooms have air conditioning, a ceiling fan, mini bar, TV/VCR, IDD telephone, hardwood floors, French doors that open onto a patio or veranda.Accented with hand crafted furniture and original artworks from the Ethnic Art Institute of Micronesia. All rooms have the same basic floor plan and differ by location.
  Facility amenities: Spacious lobby, Spa, Victorian garden ,Yap's only freshwater swimming pool, poolside Cafe and bar, Fine Dining Restaurant, dive shop, local handicraftts, free High-Speed Internet, and business services Additional fees may be applied for some amenities.
  Smoking allowed: Yes
  Bathroom: All rooms have showers, no tubs.


Travel Details
  Start of Program:
Registration between 3:00 - 5:00 pm at Hawaii Prince Hotel lobby.Upon arrival, please proceed to the hotel’s front desk to check in. You will then be directed to the Road Scholar registration desk You will be staying at Hawaii Prince Hotel Waikiki that night.
  End of Program:
At approx 6:15 pm when the Guam to Honolulu flight arrives. Lose one day crossing International Date Line. You will be staying at Overnight Flight the night before.
  Required documents:
The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required. The Snorkeling Equipment/General Health Questionnaire & Risk Release Form must be signed and returned to Pacific Islands Institute.
  Parking availability:
Parking fee at the hotel in Waikiki is approximately $18 per day. (rates subject to change)
Transportation (For Independent Travelers)
  Train or bus availability: Honolulu has an excellent municipal bus system. The fare is $2.50 ($1.00 with Medicare Card) and exact change is required. Transfers are available. For bus schedule and route information, call the bus information line at (808) 848-5555 or www.thebus.org
To Start of Program
  Location:  Honolulu
  Nearest airport:  Honolulu International Airport
  Transportation to site: Taxis or shuttle vans are available from the Honolulu International Airport to the Hawaii Prince Hotel.
  From End of Program
  Location:  Colonia, Yap
  Transportation from site: Taxis or shuttle vans are available from the Honolulu International Airport to Waikiki, if you are extending your stay in Hawaii after the prgoram.
Equipment Requirements: It is strongly recommended that you bring your own snorkeling equipment (mask, snorkel, fins) for optimal fit and experiennce; however, snorkeling equipment will be available availab le for use if needed.
The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.


Daily Schedule

Day 1: Registration and Orientation
(Friday, January 24)
   
 Afternoon: Check in to hotel and Program Registration.
 Dinner: Buffet Dinner- Prince Court Restaurant
 Evening: Welcome, introductions and Program Orientation.
   
Accommodations: Hawaii Prince Hotel Waikiki
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2: Departures from Honolulu to Guam/Cross Int'l Dateline
(Saturday, January 25)
   
 Breakfast: Buffet Breakfast – Prince Court Restaurant
 Morning: Class: Introduction to Palau and Cultural Overview & a Peek Underwater
 Lunch: Your choice to explore local fare.
 Afternoon: Board midafternoon United flight from Honolulu to Guam; meal served in-flight
   
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 3: In Transit/Cross International Dateline
(Sunday, January 26)
   
 Evening: Arrive Palau late evening, transfer to hotel and check in.
 In Transit: Cross International Dateline and arrive Guam. Approx 7:00 pm Flight arrives in Guam; transfer to flight to Palau Approx 8:00 pm United Airlines flight departs for Koror, Palau; light snack on board
   
Accommodations: The Penthouse Palau Hotel

Day 4: Class: Coral Reefs of Palau/ Snorkeling at Nikko Bay
(Monday, January 27)

Note: There will be a brush up snorkeling lesson in swimming pool for those who are interested prior to the first snorkeling excursion
   
 Breakfast: The Penthouse Hotel
 Morning: Class: The Coral Reefs of Palau Depart on bus for dock where will have lunch nearby.
 Lunch: Lunch near the dock
 Afternoon: After lunch, there will be time to pick up snorkel gear (if you did not bring your own set) & brush up snorkeling lesson in swimming pool for those who are interested. After that, head for our first snorkeling excursion. A short boat trip will take us to sheltered Nikko Bay for an introductory exploration of Palau’s fantastic marine environment with its spectacular variety of corals, fish species, and other marine life.
 Dinner: The Penthouse Hotel
 Evening: At leisure.
   
Accommodations: The Penthouse Palau Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Snorkeling Rock Islands South and East Lagoon/Jellyfish Lake
(Tuesday, January 28)

Note: Full day of snorkeling; The actual day we visit a particular snorkel site is dependent upon varying weather, tide, and other local conditions at the time and are subject to change.
   
 Breakfast: The Penthouse Hotel
 Morning: Full Day Field Trip: Snorkeling and History in the Rock Islands South and East Lagoon - You will have a full day motor boat trip exploring the spectacular Rock Islands, wondrously mushroom-shaped with their bases undercut by water erosion, fish grazing, and the scraping by tiny chitons. Here you will explore the abundant variety of marine and bird life, including a rare opportunity to snorkel in a marine lake. In Jellyfish Lake, you’ll swim among millions of jellyfish of all sizes as you learn about the evolution of these creatures that have virtually lost their sting due to the absence of predators and minimized carnivorous behaviors.
 Lunch: Picnic lunch.
 Afternoon: Snorkeling excursion continues. We'll arrive back at the hotel in the late afternoon
 Dinner: The Penthouse Hotel
 Evening: Class: Marine Life in Palau
   
Accommodations: The Penthouse Palau Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Palau International Coral Reef Center/Free Afternoon
(Wednesday, January 29)

Note: Some walking
   
 Breakfast: The Penthouse Hotel
 Morning: Explore Palau International Reef Center. You will begin your visit with an orientation and discussion on the history of the facility and its current research programs followed by a guided tour to view the fascinating marine life exhibits with a special focus on the reef systems of Palau and Micronesia .
 Lunch: On your own to explore local fare
 Afternoon: Arrive The Penthouse Hotel - Free Afternoon – Lunch and Dinner are on your own to explore local fare. You might consider dining at Taj (Indian Food), Fuji (Japanese), Yanno’s (a local deli) or other restaurants. Keep an eye out for kangkum, a delicious Palauan leafy green – delicious served a variety of different ways. There are also a variety of things to do – explore Koror, interact with dolphins at Dolphin Pacific, do more snorkeling, visit the Etpison Museum, visit the jail to see their great local carvings, or have a cool drink at Abai Ice.
 Dinner: On your own to explore local fare
   
Accommodations: The Penthouse Palau Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 7: Snorkeling in the Rock Islands South and West Lagoon
(Thursday, January 30)

Note: Full day of snokeling; The actual day we visit a particular snorkel site is dependent upon varying weather, tide, and other local conditions at the time and are subject to change.
   
 Breakfast: The Penthouse Hotel
 Morning: Full Day Excursion: Snorkeling and History in the Rock Islands South and West Lagoon – Today you head back into the Rock Islands to continue your exploration of this spectacular area. You’ll snorkel many different spots and have the chance to see more of the beauty of this area above and below the water’s surface. Conditions permitting, planned stops today may include Ulong “Channel” where the current may support a drift snorkel; Soft Coral Arch; Cemetery Reef; and a quick stop at “Milky Way” to see and try a “wonder clay” from the ocean floor that can sell for $50+ a bottle in Asian countries.
 Lunch: Picnic lunch.
 Afternoon: Full day snorkeling excursion continues. Return to the Penthouse Hotel late afternoon.
 Dinner: The Penthouse Hotel
 Evening: At leisure.
   
Accommodations: The Penthouse Palau Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: Village Visit & Cultural Excursion/Afternoon Snorkeling
(Friday, January 31)

Note: Some walking in the morning, 1/2 day snorkeling in the afternoon. The actual day we visit a particular snorkel site is dependent upon varying weather, tide, and other local conditions at the time and are subject to change.
   
 Breakfast: The Penthouse Hotel
 Morning: Travel by boat to Metuker ra Bisch (the Yapese stone money "rai" quarry) before making an entrance into Airai Village by way of the sea. Here we have received exclusive permission to enter the High Chief's Bai (traditional Palauan meeting house), and we are honored by the presence of the Airai chiefs who chant and interpret the stories engraved on the beams of the Bai.
 Lunch: Local style lunch in Airai Village specially prepared for Road Scholars by the villagers.
 Afternoon: Travel by boat for our afternoon snorkeling excursion. There will be a quick stop to view WWII aircraft relics, followed by more great snorkeling over Palau’s spectacular reefs. Please note that the stop at the WWII artifacts will be relatively short - although we think you’ll find them an interesting part of Palau’s history and marine environment, they are located in a bay which can have fairly murky water, and we know you’ll want to spend more time over beautiful reefs.
 Dinner: The Penthouse Hotel
 Evening: Free evening to relax or explore.
   
Accommodations: The Penthouse Palau Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9: Belau National Museum/Snorkeling
(Saturday, February 1)

Note: Some walking in the morning, 1/2 day snorkel in the afternoon. The actual day we visit a particular snorkel site is dependent upon varying weather, tide, and other local conditions at the time and are subject to change.
   
 Breakfast: The Penthouse Hotel
 Morning: Field Trip: Belau National Museum – our excursion will introduce us to traditional Palauan culture and history through viewing of cultural artifacts such as the Palauan money bead and learning the history of the Palauan “Story Board”. We will return to the hotel, change for snorkeling excursion and depart for the dock before noon
 Lunch: Picnic lunch
 Afternoon: Snorkeling Excursion – One last peek under water before heading to Yap.
 Dinner: Farewell to Palau Dinner at The Penthouse Hotel
 Evening: Check out of Hotel and Depart for Airport Early morning United flight (approximately 1:45 am) departs from Palau to Yap.
   
Accommodations: Overnight Flight
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10: Arrive Yap/Intro to Yap Marine Life Snorkel
(Sunday, February 2)

Note: 1/2 day snorkel in the afternoon; The actual day we visit a particular snorkel site is dependent upon varying weather, tide, and other local conditions at the time and are subject to change.
   
 Arrive To: Arrive from Palau to Yap at approximately 3:45 am. Early morning arrival in Yap; transfer to hotel and check in. Free morning to rest
 Brunch: Yap Pacific Dive Resort
 Afternoon: Snorkel Excursion – an introduction to Yap’s marine environment – keep your eyes open for great hard and soft corals, parrotfish, pipefish, lionfish, blue sea stars, pin-cushion sea stars, and many other species as you snorkel in Yap. After returning to the hotel, there will be a social hour and with optional activity: The Betel Nut – a chance to learn about the betel nut, the nut of the areca palm, which is so popular to chew in Yap and other places in the Pacific.
 Dinner: Yap Pacific Dive Resort
   
Accommodations: Yap Pacific Dive Resort
Meals Included: Brunch, Dinner

Day 11: Snorkeling and Forbidden Island (Rumung)
(Monday, February 3)

Note: Walking in the morning/1/2 day snorkel in the afternoon. The actual day we visit a particular snorkel site is dependent upon varying weather, tide, and other local conditions at the time and are subject to change.
   
 Breakfast: Yap Pacific Dive Resort
 Morning: Full Day Excursion: Snorkeling and Forbidden Island (Rumung)– We’ll begin with a half day snorkeling introduction to Yap’s marine environment – keep your eyes open for great hard and soft corals, parrotfish, pipefish, lionfish, blue sea stars, pin-cushion sea stars, and many other lucky, you may even see a manta ray (although probably not today)! Picnic lunch included on private beach.
 Lunch: Picnic lunch on a private beach
 Afternoon: We’ll then continue on our journey to the Forbidden Island (Rumung) to experience, via land and boat, a setting where few foreigners have trod. Since the 17th century, Rumung has been forbidden to all foreigners because the absolute preservation of culture and tradition has been paramount to this community. Recently, the barriers of entry were lifted to allow a few outsiders, by special invitation, to visit select areas of this truly historic spot. A symbolic artifact of the Yapese culture resides on the island – the two largest pieces of stone money within the island chain – both span approximately 12 feet and each weigh more than a few tons. PLEASE NOTE: Any photography of the Stone Money or the island itself is forbidden.
 Dinner: Dinner is on your own to explore local fare
 Evening: Free evening to relax or explore.
   
Accommodations: Yap Pacific Dive Resort
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 12: Village Visit and Cultural Excursion
(Tuesday, February 4)

Note: Walking
   
 Breakfast: Yap Pacific Dive Resort
 Morning: Spend a half day at a Yapese village where you will experience traditional village life and have an opportunity to interact and exchange with the inhabitants. You will also explore the rai (stone money) banks, see WW II artifacts, and walk along a historic stone path (weather and path conditions permitting) leading to traditional Men's Houses; includes food sampling of a variety of locally made dishes for lunch
 Lunch: Picnic lunch
 Afternoon: Return to the hotel by 2:00 pm. Free time to pack and prepare for tonight's departure. Late afternoon, we will have a cultural event: We end our stay in Yap with a very special expression of traditional Yapese Culture, including dances, stone money transportation, crafts used in daily life, food sampling, and other activities – bring your still and video cameras and get ready to have fun!
 Dinner: Farewell Dinner – Yap Pacific Dive Resort
 Evening: Late evening- Check out of hotel and leave luggage outside door for porter pick up.
   
Accommodations: Yap Pacific Dive Resort
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 13: In Transit/Cross International Dateline/Lose One Day
(Wednesday, February 5)
   
 Depart From: Arrive at Airport and check in for flight to Guam. Approx 1:30 am United Airlines departs for Guam; light snack on board Approx 3:30 am - Flight arrives in Guam – check in for next flight to Honolulu Approx 7:15 am Depart Guam on United Flight
 Arrive To: **Cross International Dateline - subtract one day, set watches forward four hours** It is now DAY 12 AGAIN or (Tuesday, February 4, 2014) Approx 6:15 pm Arrive Honolulu- Independent departures from Honolulu
   
Accommodations: Overnight Flight

Free Time Opportunities
  
  Honolulu USS Arizona Memorial
At the USS Arizona Memorial, The National Park Service is committed to preserving and interpreting the tangible and intangible historical resources and the memories, attitudes and traditions associated with the attack on Pearl Harbor. The tour includes a documentary film about the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941 and the boat trip to the USS Arizona Memorial. 1 Arizona Memorial Place, Honolulu, Hawaii 96818-3145. Pre-recorded Information: (808) 422-0561. The park is open seven days a week from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Free Admission. For additional information, visit www.nps.gov/usar/pphtml/planyourvisit.html
  Bishop Museum
Designated the State Museum of Natural and Cultural History, Bishop Museum is dedicated to telling the story of Hawai`i and its place in the Pacific. On display is a large collection of Hawaiian artifacts and royal family heirlooms that has grown to incorporate millions of items from throughout the Pacific Islands. 1525 Bernice St., Honolulu, HI. Call for Information (808) 847-3511. Open daily (except Christmas) from 9:00a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Admission Price - $14.95 per person for ages 18 or older, $11.95 for ages 6-17. For additional information, visit www.bishopmuseum.org
  Hanauma Bay
Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve is one of the most spectacular natural resources in Hawaii and is dedicated to safeguarding the fragile marine life in the Bay. It is one of the more popular recreational swimming, snorkeling and picnicking areas on O`ahu. The bay itself is legally designated as a State Underwater Park and is the first Marine Life Conservation District in the State. 7455 Kalaniana`ole Highway. (Enter Hanauma Bay Education Center off the main coastal road Kalanaianaole Highway Route 72 near the eastern tip of Oahu). Pre-recorded Information: (808) 396-4229. Open daily from 6:00a.m. to 6:00p.m. except on Tuesdays. Admission Price - $5.00 per person. $1.00 per car to park. For additional information, visit www.co.honolulu.hi.us/parks/facility/hanaumabay/welcome.htm
  Colonia, Yap Yap Art Studio & Gallery
Yap Art Studio & Gallery is an artists cooperative for marketing watercolor paintings, carvings and handwoven or loomed products by the Micronesian artisans. The gallery represents all of the islands of Yap State. Days of Operation: 8:30am to 4:30pm Weekdays, 10:00am to 2:00pm Saturdays, Closed Sundays. Transportation provided by the Gallery. Call 350-4180. For additional information, visit www.visityap.com
  Hillside Hike - Rull
One of the best ways to experience Yap is to hike through its tropical splendor see the lush flora, fauna and birds that inhabit our unspoiled tropical paradise along some of ancient Stone Paths. See another side of Yap and explore the ruins of WWII aircraft wreckage. Trader's Ridge Resort, Hike Cost: $25.00. When: 2:00pm. Duration: 1 1/2 hours. Entrance fees, Local guide, transportation, and water included in Cost. For additional information, visit www.tradersridge.com/a-hiking.php
  Traditional Canoe Sailing
Take a ride back into history on a traditional outrigger canoe. Traders´ Ridge has one of the few available in Micronesia for visitors to first hand experience the thrill of sailing one of these great canoes. This type of ancient marine sailing is truly becoming a lost art as Yap is one of the few places left in the world with this style of sea-worthy vessel. Glean from these expert sailors the art and technique of this historical tradition as you navigate the tropical waters of Yap. Trader's Ridge Resort, Cost: $40.00 for 3 to 4 hours. Minimum: 4 persons. When: Upon request with 24 hours notice. Traditional navigator, life vest, towels and water included. For additional information, visit www.tradersridge.com/a-sailing.php
  Koror Ngirngemelas Square
Named for legendary figure and Palauan warrior Ngirngemelas, known as the Great Warrior, The Liberator, Defender of Peace & Liberty. Dance performances, garden, and traditional kabekl (war canoe), are featured at this Ngiwal waterfront location. P.O. Box 10288, Koror 96940. Telephone: (680) 488-3253/4 or 679-2967. Contact: Ngiwal State Office. For additional information, visit www.visit-palau.com
  Kayaking - Outrigger Canoeing
Glide silently through the rock Islands, mangroves and marine lakes in a 28 foot canoe that is a replica of the traditional Palauan war canoes. Explore the labyrinth of caves, tunnels, and lakes in a kayak without disturbing the diverse wildlife around you. Fish 'n Fins, P.O. Box 142, Koror, Palau, PW 96940. Tel: (680) 488-2637. Kayak rental $25.00 per person, Canoe rental $25.00 per day. Other activity packages available. For additional information, visit www.fishnfins.com/Activities.html
  Etpison Museum
The Etpison Museum located in downtown Koror, features an impressive collection of various exhibits, a gift shop and a popular restaurant. Many lovingly displayed artifacts to teach you about ancient Palauan rituals and ceremonies. P.O. Box 7049, Koror 96940. Telephone: 488-6730. For additional information, visit www.necomarine.com
Important information about your itinerary: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information featured on this website. Itineraries are based on our best information at this time. Circumstances beyond our control may require us to adjust itineraries or other details. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Information will be sent to you from your Program Provider approximately three weeks prior to the program start date. The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.

Suggested Reading List


Coral Reef Fishes


Author: Ewald Lieske, Robert Myers


Description: A convenient handbook to shallow-water fishes associated with coral reefs throughout the Indo-Pacific and Caribbean. With 2,500 illustrations covering 2,100 species worldwide



Micronesian Reef Fishes: A Practical Guide to the Identification on the Coral Reef Fishes of the Tropical Central and Western Pacific


Author: Robert Myers


Description: A photographic identification guide to the fishes of Micronesia.



Moon Handbook Micronesia


Author: Neil Levy


Description: A thorough introduction to the land, history, and culture of Micronesia, including Guam and Palau. It includes good practical detail on getting around, where to go, and where to stay. With maps and a few black-and-white drawings and photographs



Oceania: The Native Cultures of Australia and the Pacific Islands


Author: Oliver, Douglas L.


Description: Two volume general survey of what is known or theorized about the traditional societies and cultures of Melanesia, Micronesia, and Polynesia. Provides summaries of the theories and interpretations of anthropologists who have studied Pacific cultures.



Palau (Lonely Planet Diving & Snorkeling Great Barrier Reef)


Author: Tim Rock


Description: The Palau archipelago in Micronesia boasts a huge barrier reef that protects the mushroom-shaped limestone Rock Islands, offering tranquil diving and snorkeling in the lagoon's warm waters. Dramatic drop-offs at the famed Ngemelis Wall and Blue Corner makes Palau an adrenaline-pumping drift-diving paradise. Explore historic WWII shipwrecks, venture into mysterious sea caves, and snorkel ancient Jellyfish Lake. From the southern tip of Peleliu to the northern reaches of Kayangel Atoll, this guide covers 48 of Palau's best dive sites, with full-color photos throughout.



Reef Fish Identification


Author: Paul Humann, Ned Deloach, Gerald


Description: A comprehensive guide to Indo-Pacific reef fishes, featuring 2,500 color photographs of 2,000 species.



The Fish and Rice Chronicles: My Extraordinary Adventures in Palau and Micronesia


Author: PG Bryan


Description: This book moves; it scampers from one adventure to another and gives an excellent insight into the "island way." Historically significant, Bryan describes Palau and the Trust Territory the way it was in the 1960's. Aspiring Peace Corps applicants would do well to indulge this book



The Snorkeler’s Guide to the Coral Reef, From the Red Sea to the Pacific


Author: Paddy Ryan, Peter Atkinson (Photographer)


Description: An illustrated overview of coral reefs, coral reef fishes, invertebrates and plants of the Indian and Pacific Oceans, this compact book is an excellent resource for anyone thinking of exploring the underwater world.





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