Palau…Sets the Stage for Weddings in Paradise

Aside from having one’s own private island, Palau is a North Pacific paradise that appeals to those who truly want to get away from it all, especially for couples who want to enjoy a romantic interlude, far far away. Ideal for those who want to renew their vows in a unique, outdoor fashion or for those tying the knot for the first time, Palau boasts some very intriguing options, including everything from underwater nuptials to an upclose and personal encounter with dolphins.

Front and center are local purveyors, Sam’s Tours, Fish –n- Fins and Neco Tours, whom all offer the incredible opportunity to engage in underwater nuptials. Although no packaged programs exist, each tour company can provide this customizable service for those hard core divers who feel the urge to exchange their vows beneath the surface. Other available options through these vendors include a wedding on the secluded island of Peleliu at Honeymoon Beach or on board a live-aboard yacht while out at sea.

For those who prefer to “be grounded,” the beachside Palau Pacific Resort has hosted many couples interested in exchanging their nuptials in the most idyllic of settings. Surrounded by the gentle sound of the sea, with blue skies or golden sunsets and sparkling white sands as the stage, couples will make their everlasting vows of love in a truly unforgettable setting.

The Palau Pacific Resort’s wedding package includes: private beach ceremony; personal wedding coordinator; transfers to and from the airport in an exclusive VIP vehicle; fresh floral arrangements/flower shower/floral wedding ring pillow;

marriage certificate; bridal bouquet and groom’s corsage; Champagne toast after the ceremony; bridal beauty package; 80-minute treatment for the bride at Elilai Spa by Mandara; wedding gift especially made by Palau Pacific Resort; exclusive use of a bride’s room for preparations; gift voucher (two nights in a Ocean View Room, for a return visit, valid for one year). For more information and reservations, visit www.palauppr.com or contact Palau Pacific Resort at (680) 488 2600 or info@ppr-palau.com.

Dolphins Pacific is another option, where the bride and groom can swim with dolphins in the pristine waters of the Pacific, either pre- or post- ceremony as a special way to commemorate the joyous occasion. Dolphin’s Pacific Ocean Blessing package allows couples to enjoy a private affair in the remote Emerald Lagoon alongside the dolphins. The magical creatures, which symbolize smooth sailing, share their ocean blessing and give couples a truly unique wedding day experience. The package starts at $1,500 (8 person maximum) and includes: private ceremony at Emerald Lagoon, surrounded by the beautiful Rock Islands; boat transportation to and from Dolphin Bay; round trip land transportation from Palau Pacific Resort to venue; ceremony officiated by a Judge; mar mar, lei & bouquet; VIP red carpet and flower and candle arrangements; hair and makeup “Bridal Beauty Package” by Melusch- Dil; and photo (CD & album) services of ceremony. For more information and reservations, visit dolphinspacific.com or contact (680)488-8582 or e-dream@dolphinspacific.com.

Dive it All During Diversity Fiesta - From The Circumference

Typically, when you plan a dive holiday you spend hours researching and narrowing down your choice to one place where you're guaranteed to find a single breathtaking marine attraction. But when planning a Palau dive trip, you won't have to choose just one attraction because it has it all! This isolated set of 200 or so limestone islands showcase a selection of dive sites that nearly all other dive locations can only dream of. Every year to celebrate this natural endowment, pioneering dive shop Fish 'n Fins holds Diversity Fiesta, a week long food and diving event.

The dive schedule during Diversity Fiesta brings patrons face to face with some of the most unique marine phenomenon, including WWII plane and ship wrecks, ancient marine lakes, shark encounters, blue holes, chandelier like caves and coral gardens. The number of quality dive sites here continually spur people to say that they could dive here everyday, and be guaranteed that everyday it would be different. Diving Palau makes you feel like your among a lucky few. During WWII, on March 30 and 31, 1944, over 60 Japanese ships and planes were sunk here by the US. From the startlingly intact Jake's Seaplane to the coral overrun Iro Maru wreck, the more then thirty plus wreck dives here provide a startling testimony of Palau during the war. After gliding over history at a WWII plane wreck, move to staring down a swarm of 10 whitetip reef sharks. For many thrill seekers, their need is more then satisfied after diving the famous Blue Corner. Here at the tip of the southwestern lagoon, three major ocean currents meet, the result of which is one of nature's best shows. About 25 meters down you can hook into the reef as packs of black and whitetip reef sharks patrol the edge of the wall. Although some are still fearful of reef sharks, seeing them surf the current here seems to abate the misconception.

After a long day of diving the festivities keep going with a nightly Palaun dinner, hosted dockside at Fish 'n Fins. Each night you have the pleasure of enjoying different dishes from the exotic Pacific Rim, while reminiscing with your dive group about the amazing dives you did that day. With all the events going on during Diversity Fiesta you'll be glad to stay at the Landmark Marina, which is conveniently located adjacent to the Fish n' Fins dive shop. Location is everything, and being on waterfront as well as having the ability to roll out of bed and be at Fish n' Fins in a second, is a huge pro

Check out this diver's amazing experience in Palau!

http://www.surf-dive.com/diving-palau

From www.thecircumference.org!

The Experience - Diving in Blue Corner

by Kristin Cowles, Editor-in-Chief

Palau is a divers dream, with its fringing coral reefs and burgeoning marine life it's hard to beat. In a time where our oceans are being devastated beyond belief, Palau has managed to maintain some sanctity, and in 2009 with the help of pioneering dive shop Fish'n Fins, declared its waters a Shark Sanctuary.

Thanks to this, people who make the trek to Palau can enjoy an increasingly rare treat - sharks and other large fish that have been overfished in other areas of the world. Although you can see sharks on almost any dive here, perhaps the best place to spot these and other large pelagics is diving Blue Corner. Blue Corner is Palau's most famous dive site, and is continually in the running for the single best dive site in the world. Here at this current charged corner divers flock by the boat load to take in the high concentration of large marine life. Below the surface, a wild spectacle awaits. Drawn by the sharp change in current and depth, a Blue Corner dive parades a seemingly endless scene of sharks, tuna, barracuda and wrasse. Searching for a dive spot that flaunts these increasingly rare species on a more impressive stage may take a lifetime.

Blue Corner was first discovered by Francis Toribiong, Fish 'n Fins founder, just east of the Blue Holes dive site. Although it can be a difficult dive depending on the currents, it's one that you'll remember for the rest of your life. Diving Blue Corner essentially allows divers to pull up a seat and watch the show, by floating at the edge of the drop off suspended by a reef hook in the current. Your dive guide will help position each diver in a straight line so as to not disrupt the path of the sharks patrolling in front. After you've had your fill of the 10 - 20 large sharks that zoom by you, unhook and glide across the reef plateau through huge schools of bumphead parrotfish, jacks, barracuda, and the occasional wandering napoleon wrasse. And this is just your typical day diving Blue Corner. As if that weren't lucky enough, every now and then you may also see a hammerhead, whale shark, manta, marlin, sailfish or whale. Diving a place as extraordinary as Blue Corner will make you grow in awe and appreciation for its amazing sea life.