Prince Albert of Monaco in Palau

Last 11th of March, Prince Albert of Monaco and his wife, Princess Charlene, came to visit Palau as part of their Pacific Tour.

Etpison Museum, with NECO Marine dive shop as one of the local sponsors, runs an education program called "Palau Dugong Awareness campaign" with main goal to educate Palauans about the dugong, Palau's most endangered marine species, survey their feeding grounds and daily routes, and work with local government agencies to improve enforcement on illegal poaching. Indeed, Palauans still hunt and eat dugongs, and poaching remains a problem despite of local laws protecting the dugong.

One of the activities undertaken in 2011 was the publication and distribution to local schools, libraries, and government agencies of an educational booklet about these endangered mammals. In 2013, with founds from the Principality of Monaco though the United Nations Environmental Programme, a new kids booklet as well as posters were published for all 7th and 8th graders in Palau.

The distribution of those booklets to local schools  coincided with the visit of Prince Albert of Monaco and his wife, Princess Charlene, to Palau.

Prince Albert, known for his conservation efforts and donations, handed out those booklets to the kids  and made a speech announcing the importance of protecting this rare marine mammals, especially in Palau where there is a very small and isolated dugong population, with possibly only a few hundreds  animals. 

PALAU SHARK WEEK 2013 WAS A HUGE SUCCESS

The recent 2013 Palau Shark Week attracted over 70 divers from all over the world to take part in Fish ‘n Fins’ fascinating week of encounters.

Great shark dives in both new and classic dive sites were the highlights of the week as well as captivating evening presentations, which showcased a diversity of shark experts, including Dr. Meekan of AIMS on the Micronesian Shark Foundation research update, Tova Harel Bornovski of the Micronesian Shark Foundation on Shark school education in Micronesia, Adam Baske of  PEW Charitable Trusts on Illegal fishing, Kate McKay of Melbourne Aquarium, and Michael Janssen of PADI on Project AWARE and shark conservation efforts.  

The Micronesian Shark Foundation debuted a documentary of a scientific Expedition to South West Islands of Palau and the grim effects of illegal fishing on these reefs.

Shark Week Gala night with Palauan delicacies and many distinguished guests made a perfect ending to this Extravagant Shark Week. For those interested in joining Shark Week 2014, please send an e-mail to: info@fishnfins.com.

   

Fish ‘n Fins will be hosting “WREXPEDITION,” which is dedicated to Palau’s WWII  Wrecks from June 4-11, 2013.  For more information, please visit www.fishnfins.com.

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Visit by His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco

His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco recently made his first visit to Palau.  On Monday, March 11, 2013, the Prince and his delegation met with officials from Palau.  On the day of their call the Prince and Princess, Her Serene Highness Princess Charlene Lynette of Monaco, were escorted from their yacht by a kabekl, a traditional Palauan war canoe, to a dock in Koror. From  there  they  proceeded to the capitol building in Melekeok where the Prince met with His Excellency President Tommy Remengesau, Jr..The meeting between the heads of state was followed by an address from Prince Albert II to Palau’s congress and traditional chiefs.

During his address, the Prince noted the considerable similarities between Palau and Monaco, especially each country’s commitment to the protection of marine resources.  In recognition of the friendship between the Prince and Palau, the OEK made Prince Albert II an Honorary Citizen of the Republic of Palau through House Joint Resolution No. 9-13-1S.

After his congressional address, the Prince, who is a well-known activist for ocean protection, and his delegation continued on to Melekeok Elementary School where they distributed books and educational materials about the importance of protecting Dugongs.   The materials were published for Palau’s Dugong Awareness Campaign made possible by a grant from the United Nations Environment Program which receives funding from Monaco.

The Prince finished his official visit by attending a dinner at the Palau Pacific Resort with President Remengesau and other guests from Palau and Monaco.  During the dinner President Remengesau gave a speech acknowledging the Prince’s dedication to ocean conservation. President Remengesau also announced that he will introduce legislation to ban commercial fishing within Palau’s Exclusive Economic Zone and requested the Prince’s partnership in the effort to undertake this unprecedented conservation measure.

In his remarks, the Prince indicated his support of President Remengesau’s initiative and stated, “This is a huge initiative and I think it will be such a shining example for other countries. I not only commend and congratulate you but we are so proud to be at your side in Monaco for this initiative and we hope to help you carry it much further.”  To conclude the events of the day President Remengesau wished Prince Albert II a happy birthday as he will be celebrating his birthday during his stay in Palau.

JELLYFISH EXHIBITS ARE BECOMING POPULAR ATTRACTIONS NEAR + FAR

Palau’s Jellyfish Lake has long been a popular destination attraction since the early 1980s. Many claim this is the only place in the world in which humans can safely swim with Jellyfish…and it is a vast and very special “playground.”

While it is one of the most unique attractions on the planet, Jellyfish Lake is no longer the only stage in which these fascinating creatures dance for an audience.

As a matter of fact, there are several museums throughout North America that are now featuring Jellyfish displays, including such prestigious aquariums as California’s Monterey Bay Aquarium; Florida’s Key West Aquarium; and Chicago’s Shedd Aquairum; to name just a few.

So, for those that can’t travel to one of the world’s most renowned underwater destinations to enjoy the virtues of swimming/snorkeling up close and personal with Palau’s golden jellyfish (known as Mastigias) and the moon jellyfish (known as Aurelia), “arm chair travelers” can revel in sensational museum exhibits closer to home.  Just Google search “Jellyfish Exhibits” and find an underwater adventure awaiting, close to home.

However, for those that do have the means to travel to one of the “seven underwater wonders of the world,” Palau has many virtues to make the journey worthwhile.

In addition to boasting the popular Jellyfish Lake experience, Palau is known as Jacques Cousteau’s favorite scuba diving destination; became the world’s first shark sanctuary in 2009; features air-, land- and water- based activities that include everything from helicopter tours, eco-adventure zipline course, ATV excursions, World War II history expeditions, Coral Reef Center and waterfall hikes to jungle river boat journeys, kayaking, snorkeling, deep-sea fishing, dolphin encounters and nature’s own Milky Way “spa” nestled in the iconic Rock Islands.

Palau, Micronesia Scores High On Scuba Diving Magazine’s Top 100 Gold List 2013

Considered by industry experts and scuba diving enthusiasts as “the best of the best,” Scuba Diving Magazine’s Top 100 Gold List is a “popularity contest” where rankings are based on a total number of responses from global readers and divers.  The Top 100 Gold List features operators, resorts, live-aboards, underwater experiences (i.e., best wall, shore and wreck sites), dive bars and more.  For more specific information on the results, please visithttp://www.scubadiving.com/2013-gold-list.  Here are some of the highlights that feature our beloved scuba diving destination of Palau and many of our tour operators.

The “best” of the best (where Palau rates):

1          Best Dive Site Blue Corner, Palau

24        Best Bar Kramer’s Cafe, Palau

28        Best Dive Operator, Sam’s Tours, Palau

74        Best Dive Site, Ulong Channel, Palau

95        Best Bar, Bottom Time Bar & Grill, Sam’s Tours, Palau

Best Wall Diving
1. Palau
2. Papau New Guinnea
3. Indonesia
4. Red Sea
5. Fiji

Best Macro Diving
1. Indonesia
2. Philippines
3. Papau New Guinea
4. Palau
5. Malaysia

Best Wreck Diving
1. Chuuk
2. Palau
3. Solomon Islands
4. Tie – Bali and Queensland

Best Value of Diving Dollar
1. Philippines
2. Palau
3. Malaysia
4. Indonesia
5. Thailand

Best Advanced Diving
1. Palau
2. Fiji
3. Red Sea
4. Indonesia
5. Galapagos

Best Underwater Photography
1. Fiji
2. Tie – Maldives and Palau
4. Philippines
5. Red Sea

Best Big Animals
1. Palau
2. Maldives
3. Tie – Galapagos and Mexico
5. French Polynesia

Best Marine Environment
1. Palau
2. Fiji
3. Maldives
4. Australia
5. Red Sea

Best Overall Diving
1. Palau
2. Indonesia
3. Philippines
4. Maldives
5. Great Barrier Reef

To cast your vote for the 2014 Top 100 Gold List, go to: http://www.scubadiving.com/top100

Fish ‘n Fins Introduces New Helicopter Service in Palau, Micronesia

The only one of its kind in Palau, pioneer dive shop Fish ‘n Fins just introduced a new helicopter service. Officially known as Palau Helicopters Inc., Fish ‘n Fins now owns and operates a brand new Robinson R66 turbine helicopter, which allows visitors to experience the beauty of Palau‘s Rock islands from the air.

Scenic flight and photography tours include 20; 40; and 60 minute options, which offer an opportunity to explore the Rock Islands, Jellyfish Lake, the WWII battle fields of Peleliu and the world-class dive sites from a different point of view.  The scene is set by pilot Martin Pacheco who has over 3300 hours of flying experience and is also an FAA certified helicopter/airplane mechanic and FAA A&P helicopter inspector.  Prices for the tours range from $185 to $450 per person or from $1,150 for 30-minute private charters for up to four people.

As the only commercially-available helicopter or airplane tour in Palau, Fish ‘n Fins’ Palau Helicopters Inc. is also developing Search & Rescue and Medevac programs with the local government to provide a safer diving and boating environment.

For more information and booking: email info@fishnfins.com or call 680-488-2637.

Palau, Micronesia Announces The Introduction of Sam’s Tours New Liveaboard Dive Yacht and Fish ‘n Fins 40th Anniversary

As one of the “Underwater Wonders of the World,” Palau is home to two of the scuba diving industry’s most celebrated dive shops, namely Sam’s Tours and Fish ‘n Fins.

Sam’s Tours Introduces New Liveaboard Dive Yacht

Sam’s Tours, Palau’s premier five star dive center, recently introduced its brand new liveaboard dive yacht Palau Siren, in partnership with Worldwide Dive and Sail and the Siren Fleet.  To provide the ultimate in liveaboard dive vacations, the luxurious Palau Siren is based on a traditional hand-crafted design and has been carefully outfitted with modern amenities.  The Palau Siren is setting a new standard in Palau and recently set sail in November, 2012.

Palau Siren features eight large staterooms, complete with en-suite bathrooms, individually controlled air-conditioning, personal entertainment systems and large comfortable beds.  The panoramic dining area offers amazing views of the rock islands that complement the international cuisine that is freshly prepared by a team of gourmet chefs. 

Leisure time is a way of life onboard Palau Siren, where guests can enjoy a tropical cocktail on deck, relax and watch a movie in the salon, unwind with a soothing massage from the onboard therapist or kayak Palau’s inner lagoons. 

The Palau Siren will operate year round embarking on seven and ten day excursions that showcase the famous dive sites of Palau.  For more information: reservations@samstours.com, 680-488-7267 or www.samstours.com.

Fish ‘n Fins Celebrates 40^th Anniversary with Gala Celebration and New Dive Guide

Fish ‘n Fins is the pioneer dive shop in Palau and will be celebrating its 40^th anniversary on December 12, 2012 with a gala celebration that is open to the public.

Fish ‘n Fins was founded in 1972 by Mr. “Dive Palau” Francis Toribiong. Because of his pioneering commitment to scuba diving, Toribiong was inducted in 2010 to the Scuba Diving Hall of Fame. In 1998, the dive shop management was transferred to the hands of wife and husband team Tova and Navot Bornovski, who expanded the dive shop, activities, community and conservation efforts.  Fish ‘n Fins has been Palau’s only PADI IDC center for the last 10 years. 

To commemorate the 40^th anniversary, Fish ‘n Fins is launching a new Diving and Snorkeling Guide book, which features full descriptions of Palau’s diving and snorkeling sites, 3D illustrations of dive sites and WWII wrecks and beautiful photos taken over the years by renowned underwater photographers.