Dive Palau in the company of renowned expert Richard Barnden as you seek out one of Palau’s spectacular spawning events, and the wildlife show that ensues.
Palau is regarded as a very special dive destination among seasoned scuba divers, known for its world-class diving conditions, beautiful coral displays, and diverse marine life.
At certain times of year, based on the cycle of the moon, select species congregate in large numbers in the waters of Palau to spawn. These fleeting events, for those lucky enough to witness them, are spectacular in their own right, but the aggregations also draw in predators from far and wide, looking to benefit from an easy meal, adding to the show.
Moorish idols, twin spot snapper, bumphead parrotfish, blue lined sea bream and camouflage grouper all have their own patterns of aggregation, and these special departures are carefully timed with the aim of catching the action. Leading these unique expeditions will be renowned expert Richard Barnden. Richard has spent the past decade studying these natural phenomena, and understands these crucial rhythms of mother nature like no other.
Our February departure is timed to catch the spawning of both Moorish idols and twin spot snappers, both of which can gather in their thousands. In late April, it is the turn of the sea bream and bumphead parrotfish, while in May it is the turn of camouflage grouper. In each case, the spawning events tend to occur around dawn or late in the evening, leaving the rest of the day to dive Palau’s finest dive sites, with reef diving, large pelagic species, abundant marine life, wreck dives and much more to enjoy.
Each liveaboard itinerary is ten nights in duration, and includes a full board meal plan and up to four dives per day, including the spawning events themselves.
Typical Itinerary
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Day 1:
Depart the UK for Palau, travelling via Manila (or similar)
Due to the length of the journey, you may wish to spend a night in Manila before continuing your journey.
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Day 2:
Arrive to Palau
Depending on flight schedules for your chosen departure, enjoy one or more nights in a hotel in Palau before joining your liveaboard.
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Day 3:
Join your liveaboard
Join the beautiful
SY Palau Siren liveaboard today, settle into your cabin, meet your fellow guests, and get to know tour expert
Richard Barden.
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Days 4-12
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Palau spawning expedition
Early each morning (or late in the evening, depending on the species) you’ll seek out the aggregations of Moorish idols, bumphead parrotfish, snapper or sea bream under the careful guidance of your expert guide.
Moorish idols and twin spot snapper (also known as bohar snapper) spawn around the full moon, while sea bream, bumphead parrotfish and camouflage grouper spawn around the new moon.
Aggregations can be many thousands in size, and in turn attract grey reef sharks, lemon sharks, oceanic blacktips, bull sharks and more predatory species. Where two spawning species are being sought on the same itinerary, a few days will be spent focusing on one species, before focus moves to the second species known to spawn at that time.
In addition to trying to witness these spawning events, daily diving will be offered on Palau’s famous coral reefs and wrecks. Highlights include Malakal Harbour, Ulong Island, German Channel, Ngemelis Island and Peleliu Island. Divers can expect to encounter white-tip and grey reef sharks, manta rays and reefs bursting with life.
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Day 13:
Depart Palau
Today it is time to disembark at the end of an incredible liveaboard adventure and begin your journey home this evening.
Depending on your chosen departure, please note, additional time in Palau may be required to connect with the best flight schedules.
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Day 14:
In transit
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Day 15:
Arrive home
Please note: These trips are for Advanced Open Water divers or above, with a minimum of 50 dives. Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed. Day to day itinerary above based around April 2027 departure.
