Where else might one find the opportunity to safely interact with sharks, crocodiles, jellyfish, and dolphins all in one location? Palau, Micronesia, a natural, ecologically-responsible habitat for each of these attractions.
SHARKS
Shark enthusiasts are invited to enjoy a shark themed week full of adrenalin-packed activities as the Micronesian Shark Foundation (MSF) holds it 7th annual shark week at the Fish 'n Fins dive shop, in Palau between March 8-15, 2009.
The Micronesian Shark Foundation is a Palauan-based, non-profit foundation whose goal is to research and monitor the many sharks of Palau as well as scientific shark data collection.
Between February and April, hundreds of grey reef sharks migrate to the waters of Palau to mate. This generates a fabulous opportunity for shark lovers to dive with the world famous sharks of Palau and to participate in data collection, which is invaluable in the study of migration and behavioral patterns of the sharks in these waters.
Special packages for this week start from $1250 per person and include the following: 5 days dedicated shark diving (2 tanks per day) with lunch provided on a beautiful sandy Rock Island beach; 7 nights hotel accommodations (double occupancy including transportation); evening shark seminars; diving newly discovered shark locations around Palau; shark week T-Shirt; DVD containing footage of the entire weeks events; information pack containing 3D dive site information together with information about guest speakers and the weeks itinerary.
For more information, please contact: info@fishnfins.com, info@msfpalau.org or info@samstours.com. Alternatively, visit www.fishnfins.com, www. msfpalau.org or www.samstours.com.
CROCS
In January 2007, Palau's newest attraction made its debut, namely the Jungle River Boat Cruise, where crocodiles are at center stage. Located in Ngchesar State, the Jungle River Boat Cruise is one of Palau's eco-friendly tours, providing visitors with the ideal opportunity to relax and enjoy the island's natural attributes firsthand.
The River Boat Cruise is the brainchild of Mr. Billy Takamine, who is a native of Ngchesar State. The River Boat Cruise takes about one hour on an all-aluminum boat that can carry up to 40 passengers at a time, depending on the tides of the river. The five-mile tour starts at the main dock and goes upstream coming out to a beautiful ocean vista.
During the tour, visitors will get a chance to see crocodiles; Palauan Fruit Dove Bird, or Biib; Palauan Fruit Bats; Kingfishers; Archer Fish; and several other wildlife and fauna. Additionally, passengers might get a glimpse of locals collecting their catch of the day, big mangrove crabs, along the river banks.
The River Boat Cruise facilities include a gift shop; as well as two "summer houses," resembling Palauan bais' adorned with colorful local paintings, which are used as resting areas, and in the future for entertainment and basket weaving demonstrations. Packages are available, including BBQ lunches with entertainment, basket weaving demonstrations and Babeldaob tours. For information, contact Billy Takamine at rivercruise@palaunet.com or call (680) 488-1188.
JELLYFISH
Attractions most can only dream of also include the daring and the unusual – like Jellyfish Lake, where two types of jellyfish can be found, namely the golden jellyfish known as Mastigias and the moon jellyfish known as Aurelia. This intriguing lake departs radically from convention for it is an enclosed body of water wherein, over the course of millennia, resident jellyfish have completely lost their sting because they haven't had to fight off predators, allowing adventure seekers a rare opportunity to swim amongst these truly unique water creatures.
In order to access this unique adventure, visitors will need to enlist the transport of a local tour guide, both Fish 'n Fins and Sam's Tours offer public access. It's recommended that visitors sign up for the full day excursion, which includes snorkeling, lunch in the Rock Islands and a trip to nature's spa…the Milky Way.
Visit www.fishnfins.com or www.samstours.com for more information and package prices, which may vary during high season.
DOLPHINS
Dolphins Pacific is a local outfit that was created to preserve the integrity of these popular mammals, educate visitors about their unique place in the environment and to study their behaviors and abilities. The facility, located in an enclosed bay within the Rock Islands, offers several public encounters, including everything from a basic one-hour interactive program to fantastical wedding ceremonies. One favorite is the Dolphin Symphony, which is priced at only $80 and provides the opportunity to swim with several dolphins in the clear blue waters of "Dolphin Bay."
Additionally, Dolphins Pacific recently introduced the Dolphin's Ocean Blessing for those interested in a less conventional wedding ceremony. The package starts at $1,600 (8 person maximum) and includes: private ceremony at Emerald Lagoon, alongside the dolphins and surrounded by the beautiful Rock Islands; decorated boat transportation; round trip land transportation from Palau Pacific Resort to venue; Judge-officiated ceremony; mar mar, lei & bouquet; VIP red carpet and flower and candle arrangements; hair and makeup "Bridal Beauty Package"; photo services; coconut Champagne welcome drink; dolphin activity at Dolphins Pacific for couple to enjoy (good for up to one year). For information, call (680) 488-8582, visit www.dolphinspacific.com, or email e-dream@dolphinspacific.com.
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