Join
in
Palau
on board the
luxury liveaboard
Dec 4-14, 2027
"Full Moon Expedition"
Red Snapper Spawning
With Professional Guide
Richard Barnden
Contact [email protected] to reserve today!
In 2013, I lived and worked in Palau as a captain & photographer and have been running group trips there ever since. It was at that time where I first saw the spectacle of the full moon red snapper spawning when thousands of snapper assemble on the reef in the early morning to carry out the duty of propagating their species. The experience left an indelible mark on my dive career. This expedition will carry out three days of morning spawning dives with likelihood that everyone will witness this display of nature for themselves and with some luck, obtain amazing imagery to boot. The diving will be enhanced with expertise of Richard Barnden. Richard spent more than a decade researching this phenomenon along with other spawning events such as bumphead parrotfish and honed it to perfection for the tourist industry. His knowledge of the topic is vast and having him on board guiding us is essential for me to run this trip successfully.
After the spawning dives we will continue to be guided by Richard and experience all the best that Palau has to offer. It is not coincidence when a reef comes alive. it hinges on the currents, temperature, moon cycle, nutrients and tides. Timing is everything and Richard has it dialed in.
Palau is a stunning island nation both above and below the water. It is a "bucket list" destination due to the surreal tropical setting of the Rock Islands and the plethora of marine life to be seen such as sharks, mantas, schooling fish and sheer coral coated walls. Please join me for what I believe will be an epic adventure to Palau. I promise you, the beauty of this place will blow you away.
-Mike
Red SnapperCheck This Out!
Must Watch Red Snapper Spawning Video
The Vessel - Solitude Gaia
Experience unparalleled comfort at sea aboard Solitude Gaia, your premier Palau liveaboard where every detail is meticulously designed to elevate your liveaboard adventure. From thoughtfully appointed cabins to spacious common areas, our commitment to your comfort ensures ensures that your journey is marked by premium amenities, exceptional service, and a seamless blend of refinement and exploration. Unwind in style as you embark on an extraordinary maritime escape, surrounded by the soothing rhythm of the waves and
the exclusive comfort that defines the Solitude experience.
Dining Experience
The commitment to culinary excellence on the Solitude Gaia ensures a dining experience that mirrors the extraordinary nature of your adventure. Immerse yourself in carefully curated cuisine crafted with locally sourced ingredients, whether under the stars or within our dining area. Our culinary team takes you on a delightful journey for your palate, seamlessly blending elegance and exploration.
Diving
Dive into the unparalleled wonders of Palau’s pristine waters with Solitude Gaia, where each underwater excursion is a gateway to a realm of awe-inspiring marine biodiversity. As you explore the vibrant coral gardens and thriving ecosystems, the experienced dive team ensures a seamless and unforgettable scuba diving adventure. From the famed Blue Corner to the enchanting German Channel, Solitude Gaia promises an immersive journey beneath the surface, where the marine wonders
of Palau come to life in every breathtaking dive.
Photo Services
Myself & Richard Barnden will be offering professional photo and video services for the duration of the entire trip not to mention our personal knowledge of Palau above and below the water. Whether we are sitting
around the bar after a great day of diving or on the dive boat getting ready to plunge we will be available for consultation.
Packages starting at $6,450pp
Ocean View Stateroom $8,150pp dbl occ
Ocean View Upper Deck Stateroom $7,450pp dbl occ
Ocean View Main Deck Cabins $6,975 dbl occ
Interior Cabin $6,450pp dbl occ
•Your dive package can be customized with earlier or later departure and arrival dates. Contact Mike for booking assistance.
What's Included?
•11 days & 10 nights accommodation on board the Gaia
•9 days of diving max 3 to 4 dives per day; 3 days of spawning dives
•Professional Guide Service from Richard Barnden & Mike Gerken
•Photography Tips & Techniques
•Nitrox
•All Meals, Snacks, Softdrinks
•Airport Transfers
•Taxes; including room tax
•Wifi
What's NOT Included?
•Large Capacity Cylinder 15l (addl $100)
•Gratuities - Ranges from 10-20% of the charter cost depending on how you felt the service was.
•Wine, Beer & Spirits
•Anguar Island Permit; if we dive there $30
•Jelly Fish Lake Permit; if we snorkel there $100
•Spa Massages
•Flights - Contact Mike for assistance with your flight plan.
•Trip and Dive Accident Insurance - This is mandatory.
Schedule/Itinerary
Dec 4 - Board the Gaia at 6pm
Dec 5 thru 13 - Dive, Dive, Dive w/3 days of early morning spawning dives
Dec 14 - Disembark the Gaia at 5pm; dinner available on board for extra cost
Requirements
You must have an Advanced Open Water certification with 50 logged dive minimum to participate in this trip. Be prepared to fin against stiff currents on steep walls with changing environmental conditions.
Getting There
•United Airlines, Korean Airlines, China Air and Asiana Airlines service Palau via Narita, Japan; Taipei, China; Guam, USA; Manilla, Philippines or Seoul, South Korea. Subject to change.
Terms & Conditions - Please read full Terms & Conditions on the application.
•An initial $1000 deposit pp required to secure reservation.
•An additional $1500 deposit pp is required within 300 days of the trip start date.
•Balance due within 90 days of trip start date.
•Cancellation 300 days or more of trip start date yields $350 non-refundable charge.
•Cancellation 90 to 299 days of trip start date yields $2000 non-refundable charge.
•Cancellation 89 days or less of trip start date yields full forfeiture of fare. No refunds.
Dive Travel & Accident Insurance: Travel Insurance is mandatory for all guests on board Solitude’s liveaboard. If you are undertaking skin and scuba diving activities, the insurance should provide coverage for scuba related injuries and international evacuations in addition to other standard travel insurance policy coverage. The insurance policy should cover international emergency evacuations, trip cancellations, baggage loss, hospitalizations, medical treatments including hyperbaric recompression, etc. Unique Ocean Expeditions Ltd will not take any responsibility whatsoever for any expenses that may be incurred through lack of adequate or no insurance coverage undertaken by you.
