This itinerary takes you on a journey through some of Palau’s most untouched northern dive sites, combining exciting exploration with the rare chance to witness mesmerising spawning events. Over 11 days and 10 nights, you’ll discover hidden corners of Palau’s diverse underwater world, from dramatic walls and channels to rarely-visited reefs and the stunning waters surrounding Kayangel Island.
Please note: Spawning events are natural phenomena influenced by lunar cycles and various environmental factors, so sightings cannot be guaranteed. The itinerary may be adjusted to maximise opportunities to observe these rare events.
Solitude Gaia Itinerary: Northern Discovery & Spawning Event (11 Days / 10 Nights)
Embark on a captivating adventure with Solitude Gaia Palau through our specialised New/Full Moon Spawning Itinerary, spanning 10 nights and 11 days.
Day 1: Palau Mainland – Embarkation
Settle into your home at sea, meet the crew, and prepare for the adventure ahead with a full orientation and warm welcome.
Day 2: West Passage & Devilfish Area
Dive opportunities: 2-3 dives
Explore the remote western reefs, where dramatic landscapes and abundant marine life thrive in areas rarely visited.
Day 3: Devilfish City & Northern Exploration
Dive opportunities: 3-4 dives
Dive alongside manta rays and schooling fish before venturing north to uncover hidden reef systems.
Day 4 – 6: Northern Reefs & Kayangel
Dive opportunities: 3-4 dives each day
Over three days, embrace the spirit of discovery as you explore untouched northern reefs and the waters surrounding Kayangel, where strong currents fuel thriving coral, dramatic drop-offs, and a wealth of marine life from reef sharks to swirling schools of fish.
Days 7 – 8: Ulong Area & Spawning Event Dives
Dive opportunities: up to 3 dives each day
Across two days, witness the remarkable spawning aggregations linked to the lunar cycle, while also exploring the Ulong region’s iconic sites, where current-swept corners, vibrant reefs, and abundant life including sharks, turtles, and rays await.
Day 9: Ngemelis Area
Dive opportunities: up to 3 dives
Dive Palau’s most celebrated sites, including Blue Corner and Blue Holes, where dramatic coral-covered walls, exhilarating currents, and thriving marine life create unforgettable experiences.
Day 10: Peleliu Area
Dive opportunities: up to 3 dives
Experience the untamed beauty of Peleliu’s southern reefs, where fast currents, steep walls, and schooling pelagic species deliver thrilling dives to cap off your underwater adventure.
Day 11: Palau Mainland – Disembarkation
No Dive Day
Jellyfish Lake, the Milky Way, or both. Lunch will be served before disembarkation, followed by farewells to the crew.
Full itinerary
Discover the full day-by-day itinerary of our unique 11-day northern discovery and spawning expedition in Palau.
Day 1 Embarkation – Palau Mainland
Boarding for Solitude Gaia begins promptly at 1700 and concludes no later than 1000 on Day 2.
Welcome aboard Solitude Gaia! After airport or local hotel transfers, you’ll be warmly welcomed by our crew as you settle into your cabin and familiarise yourself with your home for the next 10 nights.
Orientation, safety briefings, and diver registration will follow, where we’ll also collect your National Park and permit fees. Dinner will be served as you relax and get to know your fellow guests.
Our services include complimentary airport and local hotel transfers. As you step onto Solitude Gaia, our team eagerly awaits to greet you. The registration process, including the collection of Permits and National Parks fees, will commence alongside a reminder to bring your C-Cards and/or Log Books. For a comprehensive guide on fees and guidelines, refer to our Know-Before-You-Go document. Both Lunch and Dinner are included in your package.
Day 2 West Passage & Devilfish Area
Gives the opportunity of a possible 2 to 3 dives.
Embarkation concludes at 1000.
Choice of sites: Devil’s Playground / Satan’s Corner / Additional exploration sites
Today, Solitude Gaia will set sail towards the western reaches of Palau’s reefs, venturing into areas seldom visited by divers. These outer reefs, exposed to oceanic currents, offer thriving coral formations, sloping walls, and a wealth of schooling fish. With their remote location, these sites hold a sense of adventure, setting the tone for the exploration ahead.
Days 3 Devilfish City & Northern Exploration
Gives the opportunity of a possible 3 to 4 dives.
Choice of sites: Devilfish City / Northern reef systems under exploration
The day begins with a dive at Devilfish City, where mantas may gracefully appear alongside large schools of fish. In the afternoon, we’ll navigate further north to Palau’s lesser-dived frontier. This area offers a mix of vibrant coral gardens, rugged underwater topography, and the excitement of exploring sites few have visited.
Day 4 -6 Northern Reefs & Kayangel Exploration
Gives the opportunity of a possible 3 to 4 dives each day.
Choice of Sites: Tailtop / Velasco Reef / Kayangel Island reefs / Additional exploratory sites.
Over the next three days, we immerse ourselves in Palau’s remote northern reefs, including the pristine waters surrounding Kayangel Island. These exploratory dives promise a blend of sheer drop-offs, strong currents, and healthy coral gardens bursting with life. This remote region offers schools of barracuda, reef sharks, and vivid hard and soft corals growing in abundance, thanks to the nutrient-rich waters.
Weather permitting, we may also enjoy some time on the shores of Kayangel Island, where white sands meet lush greenery, offering a peaceful break between dives.
Day 7 & 8 Ulong Area & Spawning Event Dives
Gives the opportunity of a possible up to 3 dives.
Choice of Sites: German Channel / Ngedebus Wall /Dexter’s Wall / Ngemelis Coral Garden / Virgin Blue Hole
Arriving at Ulong Island’s picturesque anchorage, we’ll rise to the sight of white sand beaches and the rugged beauty of this island’s limestone cliffs.
Mornings are reserved for the remarkable spawning aggregation dives, timed to the new moon or full moon cycle. These rare events draw thousands of fish into spectacular gatherings, creating a rare and humbling natural spectacle.
Beyond the spawning, we’ll explore the Ulong region’s renowned dive sites, known for sweeping currents, channels teeming with life, and sheer walls adorned with vibrant coral. From gliding sharks to roaming turtles, the marine life here thrives in the fast-moving waters.
Weather and schedule permitting, there’s a chance for a beach visit and perhaps a relaxed BBQ under the stars.
Day 9 Ngemelis Area
Gives the opportunity of a possible 3 to 4 dives.
Choice of sites: Blue Corner / Blue Holes / Additional sites based on conditions
Today we dive the legendary Ngemelis area, home to Palau’s most celebrated dive sites.
At Blue Corner, expect exhilarating drifts where sharks patrol the reef’s edge, and dense schools of snapper and barracuda swirl around you. Nearby, Blue Holes offers a striking cavern dive, where shafts of sunlight pierce through the limestone ceiling, illuminating the vast, cathedral-like space below.
These sites combine thrilling currents, vibrant coral coverage, and abundant marine life, creating signature Palauan diving experiences.
Day 10 Peleliu Area
Gives the opportunity of a possible 2 to 3 dives.
Choice of sites: Peleliu Corner / Peleliu Cut / Peleliu Express
Today marks our final day of diving as we explore the southern reefs of Peleliu, a region known for powerful currents and dramatic underwater topography.
At Peleliu Corner, you’ll experience fast drifts along steep walls, where sharks, tuna, and large pelagic species patrol the blue. Peleliu Cut and Peleliu Express also deliver dynamic dives, with dense coral formations, schooling jacks, and the ever-present sense that something big could pass by at any moment.
(Please note: A minimum surface interval of 18 hours is required before flying after the final dive.)
Day 11 Disembarkation & Optional Tours (No Diving)
No Dive Day
After a hearty breakfast, guests have the option to take complimentary speedboat tours to Jellyfish Lake, the Milky Way, or both. Please note that a permit is required for Jellyfish Lake.
Disembarkation commences after lunch and concludes at 1700. During this time, farewells will be exchanged, and our crew will assist with your transportation to the airport. If you prefer to disembark earlier, please be aware that any missed meals, tours, or dives due to this change are non-refundable and non-exchangeable. We look forward to welcoming you back soon!
Please note that the itinerary and planned route may be subject to change due to unfavourable weather conditions, sea conditions, or restrictions imposed by local authorities.
** Route Itinerary subject to change due to inclement weather, sea conditions, and/or restrictions posed by local authorities.
Departures
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Solitude Gaia Departure Schedule for All Itineraries
About Solitude Gaia
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Solitude Gaia
PALAU
Experience Solitude Gaia, Palau’s premier liveaboard. This 40-meter vessel offers innovative design and comfort, featuring a spa, elegant cabins, gourmet dining, and exciting water toys. Dive into Palau’s pristine waters with unparalleled Solitude hospitality.
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