Travel Photography: Destination tips, Island Portraits from Chuuk - Pohnpei - Yap & Palau, Micronesia. READ MORE HERE

Tags: Pacific Ocean, Culture, PALAU NEWS, Travel info, MICRONESIA

Official unveiling of the Palau Shark Sanctuary Airport
Display in Palau by President Johnson Toribiong from Palau.,

left to right: Dermot Keane,
Palau President Mr. President Johnson Toribiong from Palau,Todd Essick

The airport display was produced in cooperation with PEW, Palau Visitors Authority,Dermot Keane from the Palau Shark Sanctuary, Websync International Manila and photos by Todd Essick, Mandy Etpison
and Gunther Deichmann.
President Mr. President Johnson Toribiong from Palau, showing again his full support for the Shark Sanctuary and in the conservation of Palau's fragile Environment.

Dermot Keane,
Palau President Johnson Toribiong from Palau

Palau International Airport is getting a nice
facelift, thanks to the
"Worlds 1st Shark Sanctuary"


Shark and Diver - Copyright all Rights reserved.
Mandatory credit with image use:
© Gunther Deichmann - www.deichmann-photo.com


Palau International Airport - Copyright all Rights reserved.
Mandatory credit with image use:
© Gunther Deichmann - www.deichmann-photo.com

The Palau International Airport is getting a nice facelift, thanks to the "Worlds 1st Shark Sanctuary" in cooperation with the airport authorities in Palau: PEW, Palau Shark Sanctuary, the Palau Visitors Authorities (PVA) and many other individuals, like Dermot Keane the Founder of the Palau Shark sanctuary who made this possible.

Websync International; Arnold Munz, Hermes Singson and myself (responsible for the production) are proud to be associated with this project, and of course the generosity from the contributing Photographers: Todd Essick, Mandy Etpison & Gunther Deichmann without their help and photos this could not have been achieved, besides keeping an almost impossible deadline.

These very large display panels will grace now the interior of the Palau international Airport shortly. Showcasing an Environmental statement, a Government committed to the conservation of our natural resources and our precious marine life, and at the same time educating international Visitors up on arrival and departure...another first for Palau.

Editor PalauTours

Now enjoy Palau the way Nature intended it!

Palau Shark Sanctuary Dermot Keane Founder Box 7076 Koror, PW 96940, Palau phone: +680-488-7267 e-mail sharksanctuary@gmail.com www.sharksanctuary.com About Palau Shark Sanctuary Palau Shark Sanctuary was founded in 2001 in an effort to end the annihilation of Palau's sharks as a result of rampant shark-finning at the hands of foreign long-line fishing vessels licensed by Palau to fish in their waters.

In May 2003, former Palau President Mr. Tommy E. Remengesau Jr., became a key supporter of the efforts of Palau Shark Sanctuary; in September 2003 he signed in to law some of the toughest anti-shark-finning legislation in the world. On September 25, 2009, President Johnson Toribiong from Palau declared the EEZ of Palau the world’s first shark sanctuary during a speech in front of the General Assembly of the United Nations in New York.
Palau Shark Sanctuary remains committed to the full implementation, enforcement and success of Palau’s marine sanctuary.

Palau & Sam's Tours at the Duesseldorf Boot Show Germany 2011


Sam's Tours Booth at Quality Divers


Sam's Tours Booth at the Boot 2011


Sam's Tours Staff & Quality Divers Members


Palau- PVA Booth at the Boot 2011

All Photos on this post by © Judith Hoppe

10 trips for every type of traveler...
Palau on CNN

© Gunther Deichmann - aerial of Palau Rock Islands

Excerpts from the article:
Best tropical island trip: Palau Highly regarded Sam's Tours offers a full day of diving and snorkeling for $139. (Sam's Tours, P.O. Box 7076, Koror and the only hotel with its own beach is the Palau Pacific Resort
Read the complete article @ http://www.cnn.com/2011/TRAVEL/01/10/trips.
for.every.traveler/index.html

Late Breaking NEWS! Thank you again President Toribiong from Palau
another step in the right direction!

This info was just received by Mr. Dermot Keane from the Shark Sanctuary in Palau, Micronesia and another mile stone in the conservation and preservation of our precious mariner life.

Dear Friends,
 
I am pleased to report that President Toribiong this morning vetoed SB 8-56 that would have permitted the taking of Humphead Wrasse (Napolean Wrasse; Maori Wrasse), a protected species in Palau.
 
The President deserves our thanks for continuing to steadfastly stay the course in protecting Palau’s marine environment.
 
Thank you all.

The official Veto letter from the office of the President below & You may send “Thank You” Messages to:                      
 
Johnson Toribiong, President of the Republic of Palau: rop.president@palaunet.com     
 
with cc:   to the following: 
PALAU VISITORS AUTHORITY: pva@visit-palau.com
PALAU CHAMBER of COMMERCE: pcoc@palaunet.com
BELAU TOURISM ASSOCIATION: bta@palaunet.com
PALAU SHARK SANCTUARY: sharksanctuary@gmail.com

Just in from Palau, please HELP!

An Appeal to Palau's President Toribiong to Veto SB No. 8-56 November 18, 2010

 Dear President Toribiong, I'm Edward Dorson, a marine conservationist and an underwater photographer. I've been engaged in Palau's marine environment both as a diver/photographer in your waters and as an activist for the ocean. I urge you to veto Senate Bill No. 8-56, the bill now on your desk to allow open seasons for the taking and selling of Humphead (Napoleon) wrasse, Bumphead parrotfish, and grouper.

© Gunther Deichmann - Blue Corner Palau

If you care to respond, please do so right now as this Bill has been passed by both HOUSE and SENATE and will become law in 4 MORE DAYS (NOV 26), unless the President vetoes it right now!

Please send an e-mail to urging VETO of SB 8-56 to:                      
 Johnson Toribiong, President of the Republic of Palau: rop.president@palaunet.com     

With cc: to the following: 
PALAU VISITORS AUTHORITY: pva@visit-palau.com
PALAU CHAMBER of COMMERCE: pcoc@palaunet.com
BELAU TOURISM ASSOCIATION: bta@palaunet.com
PALAU SHARK SANCTUARY: sharksanctuary@gmail.com


SB No. 8-56 was fully passed by the Olbiil Era Kelulau and was sent to your Office on November 12th. If not vetoed within 15 days from that date (by November 26th), SB No. 8-56 will emerge as law.
This bill as law will have a devastating impact on these fish and reefs, on Palau's economy, and upon Palau's standing as a leader in ocean conservancy. I offer you these substantial negative consequences to consider:


• Unrestrained decimation during spawning aggregations: While SB No. 8-56 makes the point that these aggregating species are traditionally valued for consumption, any tradition that now enables substantial harm to threatened species must be seen as unacceptable.

It is also within the scope of Palauan tradition to be observant of the natural environment's condition and of the long-term consequences of harmful practices. Aggregating fish that form large groups to spawn at predictable times and locations are especially vulnerable to over exploitation.

The usually solitary Humphead wrasse is particularly fragile, where groups of up to 150 can gather to spawn in Palau's waters. Contrary to SB No. 8-56's unsubstantiated claim that Palau's groupers are rebounding and can withstand 3 months of fishing pressure; groupers have been documented as virtually eliminated in at least 5 sites in Palau due to over-fishing of spawning aggregations (listed as vulnerable in the IUCN red list). While all studies show these aggregating species have drastically declined worldwide, no management interventions of any kind are offered in SB No. 8-56 for the protection of spawning aggregations.

• Detailed locations of aggregation sites have been recently released: Until very recently, assessments on spawning aggregations in Palau have been mostly anecdotal. Shortly before SB No. 8-56 was introduced, a new scientific study on Palau's Humphead wrasse was released, titled "Aggregation and Spawning of the Humphead wrasse: General Aspects of Spawning Behaviour " by P. L. Colin.
[http://www.scrfa.org/images/stories/pdf/scrfa/colin.2010.
aggregationandspawningofthehumpheadwrasse.pdf

This was the result of 6 years of direct observation where aggregation sites were described in great detail and were mapped using GPS receivers. Marked aerial photographs also reveal precise aggregation locations. The author was aware that his research was a map for those willing to destroy Palau's remaining Humphead wrasse, but he reasoned that such disclosure concerning the fate of Palau's most iconic fish was safe:

"Despite sensitivities about revealing the positions of newly located spawning aggregation sites, detailed information was provided to describe the relationship of the physical aspects of the site to the biology of aggregation and spawning...Cheilinus undulatus (Napoleon wrasse) is now fully protected in Palauan waters reducing potential effects of fishers on populations from such detailed information; no capture is allowed and there is thought to be only minor poaching."


• No environmental assessment performed: There are standing laws and requirements that are being flagrantly ignored with Senate Bill No. 8-56. Removing Palau's total ban in taking and selling adult Bumphead parrotfish (kemedukl) and Humphead wrasse (maml) with a 2 month open fishing season is in direct opposition to the no-sale provision of Senate Bill No. 7-64. In 2006. Palau stipulated a total ban on the taking of these fish unless a thorough non-detrimental finding could recommend altering their protected status, yet there's been no environmental assessment to justify such an open season. Capture/killing methods aren't addressed either -- there's no limitation to size or number. Also missing: a ban on scuba spearfishing is well known to be the single most important measure to protect these species from over-exploitation.


• Coincides with unsustainable demand with the Chinese New Year: The period chosen to lift the ban on wrasse and parrotfish allow capture from November 1st to December 31st with legal sale from January 1st to February 29th. While SB No. 8-56 specifies that it for the holiday season of Palauans (Christmas), a pushed-back sales allowance is also granted to coincide with the Chinese New Year (February 3rd) holiday season. 


• Incentive for illegal export, particularly with Humphead wrasse: Live Humphead wrasse can fetch up to US $100 per kilogram at retail. The Live Reef Food Fish Trade (LRFFT) has been banned in Palau for many years, and advocating a season for Humphead wrasse is a strategy for circumventing that. Hong Kong takes in 75% of the live reef fish food trade. It bears mentioning that Palau now has a new route of direct flights to and from Hong Kong. However, the more apparent threat with quicker access to Hong Kong is that more appetites eager to consume the vanishing Humpheads will be coming to Palau.


• The taking of these species presents secondary destructive impacts to Palau's reefs: The typical method of easy capture using cyanide kills all the surrounding reef and other aquatic life where it is used. Even where cyanide isn't used, without these grazing fish the reef is much more likely to being smothered by algae; particularly while stressed by a warming event like the El Nino in 1998. One third of your reefs were severely damaged, yet these "grazers" were able to help restore the corals before they were lost. Humphead wrasse are also of great benefit as one of only a few animals that prey upon the reef-destroying Crown of Thorns seastar, now present in 5 areas of Palau.


• Contradicts Palau's Sanctuary ethos and the Presidential call for a "Bul": Palau has received world attention as the "World's First National Shark Sanctuary." Overlay that promise of stewardship with the  exploitation of SB 8-56 -- it's totally inconsistent with Palau as a beacon for marine conservation. While the UN sanctuary designation set a new benchmark as a manifesto, your aspirations will rapidly unravel if this bill becomes law. Legalizing needless plunder and disrupting species' interdependence would certainly rescind the visionary promise of your UN pronouncement.

"Palauans have a long history of living in harmony with nature. In days gone by, the traditional chiefs of Palau would declare a "bul" – a moratorium to protect a resource which had become scarce....All governments need to act now, to conserve the vast biodiversity of our oceans. I call upon the world to join me in taking action to protect the best and conserve the rest, so our children will someday thank us"  - from the speech on behalf of President Toribiong by Minister Harry Fritz, during the award ceremony honoring Palau at the Convention in Trade on Endangered Species.

• Divers see the Humphead wrasse and Bumphead parrotfish as living treasures that are just as compelling as Palau's sharks: The repeated experience of viewing them alive is a thousand-fold more profitable to Palau than their destruction as some product for consumption.


It is unthinkable to ignore standing conservation law, economics, and ecological reality and instead facilitate the irreparable demise of Palau's rare Humphead wrasse and Bumphead parrotfish populations. Great promise was instilled with Palau's UN declaration as the world's first national Shark Sanctuary. The 75% of Palau's visitors that come to dive and snorkel now see Palau as a dive oasis. They will feel betrayed with the passage of SB No. 8-56.

Short-sighted, greed-driven interests are vitally dependent on you allowing SB No. 8-56 to become law at the expense of destroying your living treasures and, with them, Palau's lasting well-being. This path will only lead to the collapse of both aquatic species and tourism with the inevitable loss of nourishment and livelihoods. Palau's environmental, political, and economic realm must ultimately be shaped by the will of it's President. I urge you to be Palau's voice for reason on this issue and veto Senate Bill No. 8-56.
Sincerely, Edward Dorson

Congratulations to Sam's Tour who is celebrating 20 Years of "Reflection of
Excellence" in Palau.

Shark Savers' "Thank you to Palau"
book presented to Palauan President Toribiong

Photo: Copyright PALAU HORIZON;
Courtesy www.sharksanctuary.com

You may recall that Shark Savers fielded two petitions regarding Palau. The first one opposed a bad shark fishing law and the second one thanked Palau for subsequently protecting sharks by creating the National Shark Sanctuary. We created a book consisting of your signatures and comments for presentation to President Toribiong. Today, our book was presented to the President on our behalf by our friend, Dermot Keane of the Palau Shark Sanctuary. Here is Dermot's report: Read the complete article @ Shark Savers' "Thank you to Palau" book presented to Palauan President Toribiong

TV report on Palau Shark Sanctuary just in...

Dateline video journalist David O’Shea takes his first ever scuba dive and plunges into the controversy over saving the ocean’s top predator. read more Click this LINK or the Image above.


In support of the Palau Shark Sanctuary & Sam's Tours

Palau Tour, Dive & Resort Operators at Duesseldorf
Boat Show 2010 Germany.

We have just received these Photos and article from Dermot Keane who is attending the Boat Show in Germany with other Dive and Resort Operators from Palau Micronesia. At the Palau Booth you find: Operators from Yap with other Palau operators including NECO MARINE, Fish’nFins & Palau Pacific Resort. China Airlines is also offering flights with direct service from Frankfurt to Taipei, with connecting service to Koror, Palau 4 times per week. Starting at 990 EU in economy class.

Sam's Tours participates in the Q Divers stand for the first time. We joined the Quality Divers network at the last BOOT Show and attended the Birmingham Dive Show in late Oct 2009 as our first show with QD. This is our first BOOT.  Traffic at the show was quite good with lots of interested shoppers who seemed serious about traveling and ready to buy.
Sam's Tours is also participating at the Palau - Yap Booth with other Palau operators including NECO MARINE and Palau Pacific Resort.

As always, the Stemmer Family is there in full force to support Sam's Tours with Kristina staffing the Palau Booth for Sam's Tours and mom Gisela covering the Quality Divers stand, while dad Bernd attends the BOOT representing China Airlines who offers direct service from Frankfurt to Taipei, with connecting service to Koror, Palau 4 times per week.starting at 990 EU in economy class.
 

 
Dermot Keane GM from Sam’s Tours and Vicktor at the
Sam’s Tours Booth in Germany

Sam's Tours good friend, sculptor Vicktor stopped by the booth. Vicktors granite sculpture of Hans and Lotti Haas will be unveiled at the show this week and then go to Vienna for display. http://www.vuam.net/
Presently Vicktors "Legends of the Sea" collection is on display at GOOGLE'S HQ in Cupertino, CA.
 
Vicktor has dived in Palau with Sam's Tours
His Pioneers and Heroes collection includes Valerie Taylor, Jacques Cousteau, Dr. Sylvia Earle, Stan Waterman
 
http://www.vuam.net/pioners_and_heroes.html
 
http://www.vuam.net/education.html

Vicktor the sculptor  www.VUAM.net  

From the Editor: PalauTours.com

© Gunther Deichmann - Courtesy palautours.com
Reef and Islands

Alii from snowy Hamburg,

As some of you already know Mr. Junker from MDR is currently filming in Palau for his broadcast "Forgotten Islands".
During the days of his filming he is blogging and MDR is showing his video diary (at least for the days where he is able to upload the film :-) )
http://www.mdr.de/junkers-tagebuch  (video diary)
www.mdr-junkers-tagebuch.de/

© Gunther Deichmann - Courtesy palautours.com
ancient stone path


© Gunther Deichmann - Courtesy palautours.com
Palau saltwater Crocodile

PALAU KIDS SEA CAMP
@ SAM’S TOURS
LET THE FUN BEGIN....


© Gunther Deichmann - discover the magic of Palau

THE PALAU KIDS SEA CAMP has started... just in from Palau; fun and education for Children another first for Palau and Sam’s Tours, locally sponsored by Continental Airlines, Palau Royal Resort and Sea Passion Hotel & of course Sam’s Tours our Partner in the Philippine Micronesia Alliance.

This is another first for Palau the first one being the Shark Sanctuary...not only is Palau a Shark Sanctuary but now contributing to Childrens education... learning about our environment while having real fun.

Special thanks to all the International sponsors: Sport Diver Magazine - PADI Diving Society - PADI Project Aware - SCUBAPRO - Uwatec
UK Underwater Kinetics - Sea Life Camera - DAN Divers Alert Network.

Good luck to all Kids and adults who
have joined this fun trip to Palau...
have lots of fun and be good.

We try to update you in the coming days on all of the activities from one of Natures best kept secrets...PALAU.

EXECUTIVE BRIEFING - FINAL

Kids Sea Camp – Palau:
November 22 – 28, 2009, Koror, Palau

Local Sponsors:
Sam’s Tours
Palau Royal Resort
Sea Passion Hotel
Continental Airlines

International Sponsors:

Sport Diver Magazine
PADI Diving Society
PADI Project Aware
SCUBAPRO - Uwatec
UK Underwater Kinetics
Sea Life Camera
DAN Divers Alert Network

About Kids Sea Camp: www.kidsseacamp.com

Kids Sea Camp was founded in 2001 by Ms. Margo Peyton, a scuba diver and mother of two children. Kids Sea Camp now visits over 8 countries around the world and is a two time Emmy Award winning prestigious program coveted by top diving destinations. Kids Sea Camps are hosted by PADI 5-Star Dive Centers in exotic destinations that include Bahamas, Bonaire, Belize, Costa Rica, Fiji, Grand Cayman, Galapagos, and now Palau!

Kids Sea Camp is a fun-filled vacation for families who love the ocean and promotes greater awareness of the marine environment with a strong focus on conservation. During Kids Sea Camp, students enjoy multiple educational activities teaching them new and fun things about the oceans in both classroom environment and hands-on programs.

There are approximately twenty families attending Kids Sea Camp Palau, mostly from the United States. All participants will stay at the Palau Royal Resort hotel while educational activities and evening programs will take place at Sea Passion Hotel.

Dermot Keane GM from Sam’s Tours during the welcome Ceremony

Sam Scott and Son during the welcome ceremony

The Kids have arrived...

Children will attend daily marine educational programs, based on their age groups, which include learning to snorkel and scuba dive. Dive certified adults and teens will enjoy snorkeling and diving on Palau’s world renowned outer reefs. SEEDS OF PROMISE, a Palau non-profit group, will conduct the educational activities and programs for children. Evenings will be spent together as families with themed entertainment following dinner.

Sam’s Tours is very pleased to have secured this much sought-after event for Palau with over twenty families attending the very first Kids Sea Camp to be held this side of the globe. We are also happy to report that we have secured Kids Sea Camp for Palau again in 2010, and expect more than fifty families to participate in an expanded program.

Kids Sea Camp - Principals & VIPS

EXECUTIVE BRIEFING UPDATED EFFECTIVE 11/22/09 – FINAL

Kids Sea Camp – VIP Attendee List

Margo Peyton: Founder Kids Sea Camp

Margo, who began diving in 1989 and is a PADI Dive Master with thousands of logged dives, founded Kids Sea Camp in 2001. She is also a photographer and an artist who works with local schools providing marine oriented educational presentations. Margo contributes to Oceans for Youth, Ocean Pals, Sea of Tomorrow, Ocean Wishes and many other charities, donating, proceeds, trips and art work for silent Auctions where proceeds go to her favorite charities. She has won two Emmy Awards for her educational programming.

In 2009, Margo was inducted into the prestigious Women Divers Hall of Fame, an international not-for-profit organization established to recognize the elite and outstanding women divers whose achievements have enriched the worldwide scuba diving community. Margo resides in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida after moving from the Cayman Islands.

First snorkel at the Jelly Fish lake

Ron G. Steven “Rogest”: Marine Artist

Ron Stevens is a renowned marine artist, dive instructor, and North American Group representative for Mike Ball Expeditions Australia. Ron has worked with Kids Sea Camp since 2003, sharing his interests in painting, poetry, song and dance with kids and adults alike. Ron’s work has been featured in many diving and marine environment magazines.
For more information visit: www.rogest.com

Ms. Carolyn Pascal: Publisher, Bonnier Corp www.sportdiver.com
Sport Diver Magazine
Scuba Diving Magazine

Mr. Jerry Beatty Associate Publisher
Dive Training Magazine

Relax 'n Unwind at the
Palau Pacific Resort

Celebrating 25 Years.

Dive & Travel Awards 2008 Winner
Best Resort Hotel & Best Diving Resort Hotel
Reader's Choice

Palau Pacific Resort is surrounded by the pristine, crystal blue waters of the western Pacific Ocean, combining the true spirit and culture of the islands with a tranquil ambience and beauty, in a world-famous resort destination for both scuba-divers and non-divers alike.

Palau Pacific Resort is the only luxury international resort in Palau featuring a private 1000-feet blanket of white sand beach with excellent snorkeling right off the hotel's beach front, a freshwater outdoor beachside swimming pool and Jacuzzi overlooking the Pacific Ocean. This superb hotel has two outdoor tennis courts, a saltwater fish pond with over 200 fish, clams and stingrays, the hotel's all-day alfresco restaurant and a fine dining restaurant offer the finest seafood and international cuisine.

Coconut Terrace Enjoy casual alfresco dining facing the sea! Coconut Terrace offers a delicious buffet breakfast, a la carte lunch, and a la carte or theme night buffet dinner with live music and local dance entertainment featured most every night. 150 seats
Cuisine Type: International Operating Hours: Daily - 6:30 am to 11:00 pm
Meduu Ribtal Restaurant Meduu Ribtal offers a unique dining experience in air-conditioned comfort in an island motif setting, featuring Pacific Rim cuisine including fresh local seafood, U.S. prime beef and island specialties with live music featured most every night. 40 seats
Cuisine Type: International Operating Hours: Daily - 6:30 pm to 10:00 pm
Akoi Koi Bar A cozy gathering place off the hotel lobby. A popular place to get together with friends.
Cuisine Type: Drinks and snacks Operating Hours: Daily - 11:00am to 11:00 pm
Mesekiu Waterhole An oasis under the palm trees by the beach, serving refreshing tropical drinks and offering an all-day snack menu.

http://www.palauppr.com/



For more info on Palau and the Palau Pacific Resort
please go to:
http://www.palautours.com/ppr-hotel.html

THANK YOU from around the World!

Go raibh maith agat - Gracias - 谢谢您 - Bedankt - Salamat - merci - Σε ευχαριστώ - terima kasih - Danke -Cảm ơn bạn - ขอบคุณ - ありがとうございました - 謝謝您 - Dankie - شكرا لك - tänan teid - Благодаря - धन्यवाद - grazie - dziękuję - TACK SJÄLV - благодарю - tänan teid - 감사합니다 - obrigado - تشکر از شم - Teşekkürler - א דאנק - Дзякуй - Kiitos - תוֹדָה - köszönöm!

http://www.sharksavers.org/get-involved/sign-these-petitions/608-thank-you-palau.html

For more information visit: www.sharksanctuary.com   or  www.sharksanctuary.blogspot.com

 A Hero’s Welcome for Palau
President Johnson Toribiong.

A well deserved and warm welcome to
Palau President H.E. Johnson Toribiong

Palau President H.E. Johnson Toribiong arrived home moments ago to a hero’s welcome at Koror International Airport, Palau. The founder of Palau Shark Sanctuary, Dermot Keane, Managing Director of Palau dive shop Sam’s Tours, was on hand to greet the President and thanked him for declaring Palau a Shark Sanctuary.
 
The large welcome committee included grateful members of the Palauan community who greeted President Toribiong with flower leis and loud applause upon his arrival. Palauans are understandably proud of their President who declared Palau as a Shark Sanctuary during his recent address to the United Nations, General Assembly, on Friday, September 25, 2009.
 

A warm welcome...Dermot Keane from the Shark Sanctuary &
President Toribiong from Palau at the arrival only hours ago at the Palau airport

Despite his long journey from Washington D.C. to Palau, the President was clearly moved by the warm reception and graciously thanked everyone for showing up to welcome him. Palau Shark Sanctuary once again thanks and admires President Toribiong for his landmark declaration of Palau as a Shark Sanctuary.
 
Palau Shark Sanctuary was founded in 2001 with a goal of securing a declaration by Palau that the waters of their Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) are a Shark Sanctuary.
For more information visit: www.sharksanctuary.com   or  www.sharksanctuary.blogspot.com

© Gunther Deichmann - Palau Airport from the air

50plus people to meet him at airport.....applause, flower leis, Shark Sanc T-shirts and Shark Sanc banner. More info and I hope images later direct from Palau...

http://www.sharksanctuary.com/

Breaking News & a breakthrough in Conservation from Palau Micronesia!
Palau Does Care!


© Gunther Deichmann - Shark and Underwater photographer
at the Blue Corner Palau, Micronesia;
for more images on Palau please visit the PhotoShelter Gallery at:
Marine Life and other Palau images

Palau President Toribiong has announced only a few hours ago at the UN in New York that Palau is the first WORLD SHARK SANCTUARY ! This is a milestone in the conservation and preservation of Sharks in Palau, setting an example for the rest of the World. More information and updates as they become available soon.

The original message:
Just been advised that Palau President Johnson Toribiong will announce in 30 minutes at the UN Conference in New York that Palau is the first WORLD SHARK SANCTUARY !!!!!!!!!!! 

Excerpts from the announcement by President Johnson Toribiong;
As many as 100 million sharks are killed each year around the world."These creatures are being slaughtered and are perhaps at the brink of extinction unless we take positive action to protect them," said President Toribiong.
Other related LINKS:

http://www.palautours.com/

http://www.palautours.com/blog.html

http://www.sharksanctuary.com/index.html

http://sharksanctuary.blogspot.com/

© Gunther Deichmann - unique marine bio diversity,
image above: Soft Coral Arch Palau

“We need a little more compassion, and if we cannot have it, then no politician or even a magician can save the planet.”
Dalai Lama

Excerpts below from Nature Conservancy website...

© Gunther Deichmann - Palau is home to many Bird
species, like this Rookery near Kayangal

...Legendary for its astonishing marine diversity and beauty, even named one of the “Seven Underwater Wonders of the World” by divers, Palau holds far more than seems possible in the 170 square miles it covers.
Underwater, Palau supports an amazing 373 coral species, and nearly 1,300 varieties of reef fish... read more:
Click this LINK to Natures Conservancy, with more environmental info on Palau.

Support The Nature Conservancy & Palau Conservation Society
Keeping Palau a “Wonder”


© Gunther Deichmann - Palau is an important nesting ground for Turtles


© Gunther Deichmann - dense unspoiled rainforest and unique vegetation


© Gunther Deichmann - flesh eating plant from Palau

For more images on Palau please visit my Photoshelter Gallery
Click the LINK and type your subject e.g. Palau, Jelly Fish lake,
Rock Islands, Aerials etc. or what ever you’re looking for in the Search Box.

Natures Kaleidoscope below and above the waves. Exclusive Travel Report from Palau Micronesia! Photographs... The Pearls of the Pacific...


© Gunther Deichmann - ... Palau Airport

Palau the hidden Crown Jewel in the Pacific…never heard about it? About time we introduce you to one of the most charming places on Earth… some call it… the forgotten Paradise or the Pearls of the Pacific.
No words can describe Palau... even before you land the view from the arriving aircraft will take your Breath away.

© Gunther Deichmann - aerial View of the Rock Islands

© Gunther Deichmann - The mysterious Milky Way

I have been traveling to Palau the past 15 years and I still cant get enough of its beauty above and below the waves. Quoted as one, if not the Best Dive destination in the world.
Like a child in a candy shop, I am like that every time I travel to Palau, discovering new things all the time…it is just awesome. It is one of those places one should visit at least once in their lifetime.

© Gunther Deichmann - Soft coral Arch Palau


© Gunther Deichmann - Eagle Ray at Blue Corner


© Gunther Deichmann - meet the BIG ones at
Blue Corner & Dive with Sam’s Tours

The information below is courtesy of Palautours.com containing information how to get there and a very brief inside of this truly remarkable place. For all our Camera enthusiast we highly recommend Sam’s Tour’s Digital Photo Center which is fully equipped with iMac Computers and state of the art Software like Aperture.

© Gunther Deichmann - The Nautilus our “living fossil”

There are many ways to get to Palau and flying direct is not always the most economical or timely method. Many guests that fly in from the states catch a flight out of L.A. or San Francisco to Japan and then catch a flight from Japan to Guam (there are multiple flights a day from Japan flying into Guam) and then Guam to Palau. The use of frequent flyer miles is also available, remember to book early or have a great travel agent if you are trying to go that route.
Continental Micronesia is the major airline of Micronesia and flies into Palau 6 days a week: 2 times a day on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays; and once a day on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. (Please note: these schedules are subject to change it is advisable to check with your airlines first)
They have service from Guam 6 days a week, with connections to and from Yap on Wednesdays and Sundays. There is service to and from Palau from Manila, Philippines (this seems to be the best way to travel to Palau from Asia or Europe); twice a week on Wednesdays and Saturdays. There is service to and from Kaoshiung and Taipei, Taiwan on Tuesdays and Saturdays; and service to and from Taipei, Taiwan on Thursdays and Sundays on Far Eastern Air Transport (or FAT Airline). Japan Airlines (JAL) has flights to and from Palau twice a month.

Palau offers you the world's most beautiful tropical paradise. Famous for it’s diving, Palau is rated as one of the world's best diving destinations by scuba aficionados. And why not...Palau has unspoiled reefs, caves, and walls with the most amazing array of marine life you can ever imagine.

© Gunther Deichmann - Napoleon Wrasse, get close to Marine life.

Palau beckons to you with some of the world's most
awesome natural wonders.

Imagine the whitest beaches you will ever see, gardens of coral just beneath the clearest waters, lakes filled to the brim with "sting less" jellyfish. Forests, waterfalls and caves that have never been ravaged by man, and hundreds of islands of the purest beauty abound all along our pristine archipelago.

© Gunther Deichmann - swim with jelly fish and not getting stung.

Palau beckons to you with some of the world's most awesome natural wonders. Imagine the whitest beaches you will ever see, gardens of coral just beneath the clearest waters, lakes filled to the brim with "sting less" jellyfish.

© Gunther Deichmann - ... awesome Palau Waterfall

Palau. To many the name conjures up images of lush jungles atop mushroom-shaped limestone islands surrounded by turquoise waters so abundant with life that it is nearly impossible to ingest it all. With magnificent reefs that contain over 1300 species of fish and 400 species of coral, it is no surprise that it is recognized as one of the best and most consistent places to see a huge diversity and abundance of both small tropical fish and large pelagic predators.

© Gunther Deichmann - The Natural Arch, Palau


© Gunther Deichmann - Explore amazing Palau by Kayaks


© Gunther Deichmann - Kayaking through the Mangroves

There are several reasons for Palau's diversity of life, particularly the marine life, with some of the major factors being the variety of habitats and reef structures as well as its location. Between the coastal mangroves of Babeldaob and the outer reef walls of the Ngemelis and Pelelui, exists an extensive shallow and deep water lagoon containing limestone islands, sheltered marine lakes, and narrow passages that provide a mixture of different habitats that support a variety of fish and coral. Further, the ranges of reef structures, from sheer vertical walls to underwater caves provide numerous places for species to live. If the diversity of habitats in Palau is poised to accommodate a terrific amount of marine life, its location is the reason that much of the marine life made it here in the first place. Palau resides just outside of the ‘Coral Triangle' an area recognized as the center of marine biodiversity and has three major bodies of water converge on the island. To the East is the Pacific Ocean, to the West the Philippine Sea, and to the South, the Celebes Sea.

© Gunther Deichmann - paradise is waiting for YOU.

As the Pacific Ocean, the Philippine and Celebes Seas circulate, the potential to bring larva of coral, fish, and invertebrates to Palau from different parts of the Indo-Pacific region is very high.

© Gunther Deichmann- have your own Island

Terrestrially, Palau has one of the most diverse assemblages of flora and fauna in Micronesia The different geology, predominantly the limestone Rock Islands and the large volcanic main island of Babeldaob provide excellent substrate for a diverse number of trees, plants, birds, and reptiles. There are over 1250 species of plants, 140 species of birds (including 8 endemic species), and 50 species of amphibians and reptiles (including the largest reptile, the Saltwater Crocodile, (Crocodylus porosus ). With all of the diversity in Palau , both above and below the water, it will amaze even the most seasoned naturalist.

© Gunther Deichmann - Sunset in the Rock Islands


© Gunther Deichmann - enjoy the Spa at the Palau Pacific Resort.


© Gunther Deichmann - see You soon in Palau Micronesia.

See pages after pages with stunning images and information on Palau @ http://www.palautours.com/
You can Check also with the Palau Visitors Authority (PVA) for more local information once you have arrived in Palau.
For a Birds-eye view of Palau check out Palau Helicopters @ http://www.palautours.com/palauheli-other.html

For more information please contact the Palau Visitors Authority & click this LINK for all Tour Operator Listing and other activities

Or check the Palau Blog spot

Above: The most comprehensive Pocket Guide Book on Palau and Environs, available at all leading Dive Centers, General Stores, Hotels and Resorts.

For more Photos on Palau please click this LINK there you find three seperate Galleries on Palau

Latest NEWS...

Associated Press
Palau cites human rights in resettling detainees
Associated Press, 06.11.09, 12:44 AM EDT
WELLINGTON, New Zealand -- Palau's president says his tiny Pacific island state considered human rights - and not China's reaction - when it agreed to take in 17 Chinese Muslim separatists detained at Guantanamo Bay.

Palau President Johnson Toribiong says his country has agreed to a U.S. request to resettle the detainees out of humanitarian concerns and because their imprisonment is unlawful...more at;
http://www.forbes.com/feeds/ap

More links to this breaking story you find at the following links.

© Gunther Deichmann - It is never to early...learn how to dive.

We have picked up this post from Sam’s Tours Palau, see below the details.

Monday, May 11, 2009
Late Breaking News! KIDS SEA CAMP coming to Palau!
We’re delighted to report that Sam’s Tours has been selected to host the very first KIDS SEA CAMP (KSC) in Palau slated for this November. Kids Sea Camp is an award-winning educational vacation program for families that love the ocean.
Kids Sea Camp PALAU 2009: November 21 – 28, 2009.

Kids Sea Camp is the brain child of Margo Peyton, a scuba diver since 1989. This Scuba mom with husband Tom, two kids of her own, Jen and Robbie, decided it was important for her family to spend time together doing what she loved the most, scuba diving & travel.
Kids Sea Camp is a full week's schedule of events and educational programs that promises great times and learning experiences for families with kids age 4-15. Each week includes 7 nights accommodations, diving, meals, excursions, activities for both adults and kids including, diving, snorkeling and many PADI Specialty courses.
KSC is hosted at PADI 5 Star Dive Resorts around the world which include Cayman Islands, Bonaire, Roatan, Fiji, Curacao, Galapagos and now in PALAU! Sam’s Tours and Palau Royal Resort, a Nikko Hotels International partner http://www.palau-royal-resort.com/ are teamed up to host this exciting event. Space is limited so get in touch with Sam’s Tours right away if you’d like to participate.
Families can spend a week scuba diving, snorkeling, swimming, kayaking, discovering underwater photography, meeting other families and making friends from all around the world. Kids Sea Camp is the perfect family vacation for those that love to scuba!
Sam’s Tours PADI Five Star National Geographic Dive Center is proud to have been selected to host Palau’s very first Kids Sea Camp and we are already in full swing planning an exciting action-packed week of fun in the sun!
For more information on Kids Sea Camp please visit http://kidsseacamp.com/ although details of the Palau Kids Sea may not be posted yet.

For bookings please contact: kids@kidsseacamp.com or e-mail Sam’s Tours Reservations Desk at: reservations@samstours.com
Kids Sea Camp PALAU 2009: November 21 – 28, 2009.

Graphic © palautours.com

Explore Palau below the waves with Sam’s Tours and pamper yourself at the Palau Pacific Resort.

Palau is famous for its outstanding Landscapes and spectacular Dive Sites, a dream for every Nature Lover & Diver on the Planet.

After a good day of hiking, exploring, snorkeling or kayaking what better place to relax then at the Palau Pacific Resort. Tied from walking? Why don’t you view Palau from the air, take a great Helicopter ride with Palau Helicopters and get a birds eye view of the Rock Islands.
In the evening you have the choice to wine and dine at the Palau Pacific Resort or venture to the Taj for some exquisite authentic Indian food, or you can hang out at Kraemers for some good food and a drink or two.
Watch the Sunset with your Dive Buddies at the Bottom Time Bar and Grill right at Sam’s Tours after your Dive.
New to Palau, don’t know what to do? You can check always with the Palau Visitors Authority or with your local Tour Operators what is happening around town or what trip to take.

Another Alien afternoon...

I have picked up this Blog Post from our good friend and top Underwater Photographer Tony Wu, I personally have never seen or encounter this one, if any larger it will send shiver down your spine. Now I know where Hollywood gets all those Alien Movie Ideas from, of course from our so precious and little explored oceans.
You have to check this one out… on purpose I have not included the image, I like to keep you in suspense, he, he. See the LINK below.
GD
Excerpts from Tony Wu’s Blog post:
Incidentally, a few nights ago on another night dive, we found and played with a couple of bobbit worms (Eunice aphroditois)…
a nocturnal, predatory polychaete worm.
I first sought out and photographed these scary animals about a decade ago in Secret Bay, Bali. We stayed up most of the night, diving in dark, cold waters to observe bobbit behaviour…read more and view the Bobbit Worm @

http://www.tonywublog.com/20090319/fright-night.html

Sharks in peril?

Late NEWS received from Sam’s Tour’s Blog, posted by Dermot Keane today the 18th of March 2009.

Repeal of Palau's Shark Protection Laws Proposed!

A Bill is now before Palau's OEK (Congress) that if passed would eliminate Palau's strong shark protection laws and actively encourage fishing for sharks and the taking of shark fins.

Senate Bill No. 8-44 seeks "to amend Title 27 of Palau's National Code to allow for the commercial fishing of sharks within Palau's Exclusive Economic Zone, to impose a tax on the export of sharks and tuna-like species, and for other related purposes."
The proposed law is a potentially severe blow to Palau's tourism industry of which scuba diving is the mainstay. Palau gained international recognition in 2004 for passage of landmark legislation that protected sharks, turtles and rays and outlawed the practice of shark-finning. Under Senate Bill 8-44 it is unclear whether shark fishing and or shark-finning is or is not permitted and the ambiguity will make it virtually impossible for law enforcement to successfully prosecute potential violators. Sections of the bill read as follows:
"It is unlawful for any person: to remove the fins of or otherwise intentionally mutilate or injure any such shark"...
Read More @ Sam’s Tours Blog

Please call Continental Airlines in Manila Philippines at; 818-8701 or 032 -233-7533 in Cebu City.

Here are the results of SCUBA DIVING MAGAZINE Readers' Choice Survey:
SCUBA Diving Magazine Top 100 Readers' Choice Survey Jan/Feb 2009 Issue

Pacific & Indian Oceans

TOP DIVE DESTINATIONS:
1. Palau
TOP WALL DIVING:
1. Palau
TOP UNDERWATER PHOTOGRAPHY:
1. Palau
TOP MARINE ENVIRONMENT:
2. Palau
TOP MARINE LIFE:
2. Palau
TOP VISIBILITY:
2. Palau
TOP WRECK DIVE:
3. Palau
TOP BIG ANIMAL ENCOUNTERS:
4. Palau
TOP MACRO LIFE:
5. Palau

Congratulation to the Management and staff at
Sam,’s Tours in Palau Micronesia for achieving
this outstanding Award!


Sam’s Tours location in Palau Micronesia

It's official.......Sam's Tours wins PVA's
Tour Operator of the Year Award!



Sam's Tours - TOUR OPERATOR OF THE YEAR!

The Palau Visitors Authority (PVA), Palau's official tourism board, announced their selection of Sam's Tours as "TOUR OPERATOR OF THE YEAR" for 2008. The announcement and award presentation took place during the Annual Christmas Gala of the Belau Tourism Association (BTA), Palau's private sector tourism industry association, recently held at the Palau Pacific Resort.
Awarding winning is not new to Sam’s Tours which has been consistently recognized over the years not only by government and industry bodies for their commitment to development of sustainable tourism in Palau but also by their customers for consistent service excellence. In 2007 Sam's Tours received a Top 10 Sponsor Award from PVA for "their continual support and sponsorship" and in 2006 the private sector Belau Tourism Association recognized Sam's Tours with their Outstanding Member Award for their "dedication, support and commitment over the years to Belau Tourism Association and its objectives.”
The readers of a leading international dive magazine have recognized Sam’s Tours more than any other dive center in Palau or Micronesia with seven “Readers Choice Awards” since 1997 including a Gold List Award for top dive center, top staff, and top value.
Sam’s Tours is the first and only dive center in Palau to receive the Palau Conservation Society “Ten Year Partner in Conservation Award” and is a Corporate Sponsor of the Palau Shark Sanctuary, a shark conservation organization founded in 2001 by Sam’s Tours General Manager, Dermot Keane, to help bring an end to the destructive practice of shark-finning by foreign fishing fleets operating in Palau’s waters. The Palau Shark Sanctuary received a PATA (Pacific Asia Travel Association) Environmental Education Gold Award for their work.
“Sam’s Tours has consistently demonstrated their long standing commitment to responsible tourism development, environmental preservation, and excellence in customer service and while recognition is not what drives us to excel, we sincerely appreciate the acknowledgment of our efforts by our industry peers and our valued customers alike” said Dermot Keane, General Manager, Sam’s Tours.

Greetings from Palau Pacific Resort!

Weekly Theme night Buffet Dinner effective on November 17, 2008.

 

Thank you for your continued support in the Palau Pacific Resort.

Phone: (680) 488-2600 ext. 474
Fax: (680) 488-1606
Email: loreensugiyama@ppr-palau.com
Web: www.palauppr.com

All Photos courtesy of Sam’s Tours Palau

Bill Fish are most productive from March through December and Mahi Mahi are most productive in December through April.
So why dont you book your next fishing trip with
Sam’s Tours or Neco Marine in December when the Mahi Mahi is still around to give you a great workout...

The latest NEWS from Sam’s Tours is Fly Fishing now in Palau
Fish in the worlds most exotic fishing hotspots

* Fly fishing and light tackle fishing.
* Coastal and Night Fishing, River estuaries, Flats, Lagoons, Sea grass, Reefs and
Open Water Fishing.
* Casting Lessons provided for beginners!
* Tarpon, Bonefish, Barracuda, Giant Trevally,
Tuna, Dorado (Mahi-Mahi) etc.
* Catch and release only.
* All New Premium Equipment for
Fly, Spincasting and Baitcaster.
* 2 Boats for flats, rivers or reefs,
20', and 16' flats.
* Family fishing trips, great for kids.
* Wade fishing trips on request

Tags: Fly fishing, Marlin Fishing

Have you ever considered a Sailing Trip around the Rock Islands in Palau?
Sailing and Diving in Palau with the Eclipse @ http://www.palau-divensail.com/

Sailing trips and deep sea fishing are among the more relaxing sea going activities, and what could be better than a silent cruise through the many protected lagoons, undisturbed by the whine of motorized vessels. For lunch or dinner, or simply to marvel at the fabulous sunset, just anchor adjacent to one of the sandy beaches, sit back, relax and be pampered by your friendly crew.

Tags: Damselfish, Discovery, BBC Divers, New Fish Species, twilight zone, Abyss, Pacific Ocean, DIVING, Hawkfish, Basslet

Aerial view of pinchers lagoon, a favorite spot for dive training
due to its shallow waters. (excerpts from Fins Magazine)

:: PALAU ::
Palau was first brought to world attention when Captain Henry Wilson of the English vessel “Antelope” was
shipwrecked on Palau’s barrier reef near the island of Ulong in 1783. With assistance from Koror’s High Chief
Ibedul, Captain Wilson and his crew used wreckage of the Antelope to build another vessel and sailed away three
months later. Joining them on their journey back to England was Lebuu, son of the high chief. Word of Captain Wilson’s voyage spread, leading to further European contact, and in 1885, Spain was granted control of Palau by Pope Leo XIII. In 1899, Palau was sold by Spain to Germany, which quickly established mining and other operations to tap Palau’s abundant natural resources. Following Germany’s defeat in World War I, Palau was granted to the Japanese under the Treaty of Versailles in 1919, and by 1922, it had become the administrative headquarters for Japanese-controlled territories in Micronesia and the South Pacific. Japan closed off Palau (and other areas in Micronesia) from the rest of the world and began heavy fortification of the islands. Palau endured heavy fighting during World War II, including massive aerial bombardments of Koror, particularly during the assault of Peleliu Island by US Marines that resulted in horrendous casualties on both sides. Remnants of WWII
are still visible throughout Palau today, including many ship and plane wrecks resting at the bottom of Palau’s
inner lagoon. On 1 October 1994, Palau became the last of the UN Trust Territory islands to gain independence, following the signing of a Compact of Free Association with the United States, and it became a member of the United Nations.

Exploring, kayaking and spectacular diving in Palau
(excerpts from Fins Magazine)

Palau is located at the crossroads of the Pacific Ocean and the Philippine Sea, which is one of the world’s richest
zones of tropical marine biodiversity. This makes Palau a world-class scuba diving destination that few places on
the globe can rival. Palau’s marine ecosystems include barrier reefs, fringing reefs, seagrass beds, marine lakes and mangrove forests. Palau’s marine biodiversity includes over 1,300 species of fish, an abundance of large pelagic animals and over 700 species of corals. Palau was chosen by the National Geographic Society as the
first Underwater Wonder of the World and was featured on Discovery Channel’s “Living Edens” series. It is home to one of the highest number of marine species in the world, and its marine habitats support an enormous density of coral, fish and other invertebrates. Seven of the nine species of giant Tridacna clams are found in Palau, along with the world’s most remote population of dugongs. Palau’s signature dive is Blue Corner, a shallow reef-top promontory with vivid corals, huge schools of fish and ever-present schools of patrolling sharks.Without a doubt, Blue Corner consistently lives up to its reputation for “adrenaline diving” and is a dive that can be repeated time and again without fear of boredom!

In our next few blogs we introduce you to Yap, Chuuk and Pohnpei...plus a lot more.

Tags: Adventure Travel

A variety of traditional conservation methods are still observed ensuring healthy fish populations. There are also formal restrictions such as the Koror State Rangers' annual enforcement of no fishing between April 1 and July 31 in Ngerumekaol, and no fishing at any time within one mile of Ngemelis Island...read more @
http://www.palautours.com/tour-fishing.html

Tags: Sport Fishing, Marlin, Action

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Tags: Travel info, PALAU NEWS

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Tags: Aktivitäten, Unterkunft, Pressemitteilungen, PALAU REISEN, Tauch Urlaub, Unterwasser

KAYAK TOURS IN PALAU MICRONESIA

For visitors preferring to paddle rather than walk, kayaking tours are the perfect way to really get into the island archipelago. Kayaking conditions are diverse , ranging from leisurely (serene water inlets) to challenging (those with strong current, prominent waves or shifting tides).

Palau's famous Rock Islands are a maze of over 400 jungle-caped, mushroom-shaped islands within the barrier reef. What better way to become more intimately familiar with them than to kayak amongst them. Shallow lagoons, tunnel entrances to hidden marine lakes and lost wrecks all await discovery for those wanting to spend some time paddling amongst the islands. The calm water and slow pace gives the explorer plenty of opportunities to observe native vegetation as well as see a variety of sea, shore, and forest birds that inhabit the rock islands...
for more information please visit palautours.com

Tags: Kayaking, Rock Islands, Discovery, Diving, Travel, Websites, Palau, Nature

Tags: Filipino Travel, PALAU Travels

Tags: Culture, Museum, History, Belau Culture, Books on PALAU, Publications on PALAU, MICRONESIA, Federated States of MICRONESIA

Tags: MICRONESIA, Bio Diversity, DIVING, Kayaking, Wreck Diving,, Website

Tags: Hotels, Helicopters, Conservation, DIVING, Shopping, Wreck Diving,

Tags: Environment, Conservation, Marine, Protect, Global warming, Save our Planet

Tags: Helicopters, Aerials, Travel info, TOURS, Rock Islands, Flying, Transportation

Tags: FOOD, Resorts, Restaurants, Entertainment, After the Dive, Local BUSINESS, PALAU, MICRONESIA

Tags: Local BUSINESS, PALAU, KOROR, Insurance, Consulting, MICRONESIA, Property, Group Health

Tags: Resorts, Hotels, DIVING, Spa, Well Being, Vacation

Tags: PALAU, MICRONESIA, FSM, Federated States of MICRONESIA, Yap, Chuuk, Kosrae, Pohnpei, Island hopping

Tags: MICRONESIA, Hotels, Resorts, Information, TOURS

Tags: FOSSILS,, MICRONESIA,NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC,, Culture,, Discovery,

Tags: Discovery, Diving, Travel, Websites, Palau, Nature, Underwater,Unterwasser, Digital Photo Center,, Belau,Culture,, Environment, Conservation, Marine, History, Scuba Diving, Tauchen,Island hopping, Inselhuepfen,, Yachting, Sailing, Kayaking, Photography