PALAU • DECEMBER 5-15, 2026

There are 195 countries in the world. 179 of them have more land mass than Palau. For perspective, the city of Los Angeles is nearly three times the size of this tiny Pacific Island nation. What Palau lacks in terra firma, it excels in the wet variety, offering some of the most biologically diverse waters on the planet. Palau’s marine offerings make it one of the top dive destinations in the world (for real, not those lists magazines publish that are influenced by their advertisers). In terms of sheer variety, no other destination compares — walls, channels, tunnels, holes, caves, caverns, WWII wrecks (freighters and planes), manta cleaning stations, spawning sites, and of course the famed “jellyfish lake”. This ain’t no one-trick pony.

There is little doubt the diving will satisfy. Yet, that’s only half the story. The time spent blowing bubbles is sure to impress, but that still leaves 18-20 hours a day on the surface. Presenting the Solitude Gaia liveaboard. To call it a “boat” is disrespectful. The Solitude Gaia is more like a yacht. Robes, duvets and turndown service are provided. C’mon! The Gaia brand is synonymous with luxury, service, and quality (just ask those who have experienced her sister ship, the Gaia Love). Imagine a floating 5-star hotel. For every guest there is one crew member. 18 guests. 18 crew. Damn.

Don't believe the hype? Guess there's only one way to find out.

PALAU

Palau, officially the Republic of Palau and historically Belau, Palaos or Pelew, is an island country and microstate in the western Pacific. The republic consists of approximately 340 islands and connects the western chain of the Caroline Islands with parts of the Federated States of Micronesia. Palau shares maritime boundaries with international waters to the north, the Federated States of Micronesia to the east, Indonesia to the south, and the Philippines to the northwest. Politically, Palau is a presidential republic in free association with the United States, which provides defense, funding, and access to social services. Palau's economy is based mainly on tourism, subsistence agriculture and fishing, with a significant portion of gross national product (GNP) derived from foreign aid.

Palau boasts pristine, crystal-clear waters filled with diverse and vibrant marine life, making it a dream destination for scuba divers and snorkelers. However, Palau offers more than just natural beauty; it’s a place rich in history and culture. With influences from Spanish, German, and Japanese cultures, Palau’s traditions are deeply rooted in respect for the environment, which has sustained generations. Since 2017, Palau has been stamping the Palau Pledge into passports, reminding visitors to act in ecologically and culturally responsible ways.

Continent: Oceania • Capital: Ngerulmud • Largest City: Koror • Total Islands: 340 • Primary Islands: Angaur, Babeldaob, Koror and Peleliu • Area: 189 sq mi • Highest Elevation: 794' (Mount Ngerchelchuus) • Population: 18,050 (2024) • Time: UTC+9 • Industries: Tourism + Fishing • Currency: USD • Electricity: 120V (USA) • Official Languages: Palauan + English • Religion: Christian (79%) • Driving Side: Right

WEATHER AND CLIMATE

Palau’s climate can be characterized as hot, humid and rainy throughout the year. In fact, there is no real dry season, but only a relative decrease in the frequency of showers and thunderstorms between February and April. Expect rain at some point. Historically, March is the driest month of the year while December through April is generally recognized as the peak dive season. Typhoons are rare (but possible), as Palau lies outside the main typhoon zone.

December Averages - High Temp: 89°F • Low Temp: 76°F • Sea Water Temp: 84°F • Daylight Hours: 11.75 • Sunshine Hours: 8 • Rainy Days: 19 • Monthly Precipitation: 7.6 in

SOLITUDE GAIA

Introducing the Solitude Gaia – a scuba diving liveaboard that transforms the core experience of exploring and adventuring on the open ocean. This state-of-the-art vessel is more than just a ship; it's a testament to innovation and meticulous craftsmanship. With a robust steel hull, it stands as a symbol of stability, ensuring guests’ safety and peace of mind throughout their diving journey. But that's not all; the Solitude Gaia's aluminum superstructure adds a unique touch, not only contributing to its stability but also lowering the center of gravity for an even more secure and comfortable voyage. Solitude Gaia has a very well-equipped wheelhouse, from up-to-date navigation equipment to advanced communication systems, life rafts, life vests, EPIRB, fire protection and firefighting systems.

The modern 132' steel vessel was built in Batam, Indonesia and designed with a contemporary look. She accommodates up to 18 guests in 9 spacious cabins. Each cabin is approximately 215 sq. ft., has individual air-conditioning and ensuite bathrooms. All upper deck cabins feature floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors.

What sets the Solitude Gaia apart is not just the structural excellence or elegant style, but all of the amenities typically not found on standard liveaboards. After all, she is sportin’ a dedicated spa room! Constructed to meet the highest standards of the classification society BKI and the stringent requirements for a passenger ship, it was crafted with the intent to share the profound passion and wonder of the world beneath the ocean's surface. The curated décor, with its soothing neutral tones, offers a space that exudes elegance and a subtle touch of luxury.

Type: Motor Yacht (M/Y) • Year Built: 2023 • Length: 132' (40m) • Beam: 29.5' (9m) • Decks: 4 • Cruising Speed: 10 knots • Passengers: 18 • Crew-to-Guest Ratio: 1:1 • Massages: Available • Internet: Available

CABINS + STATEROOMS
Solitude Gaia features nine meticulously designed cabins for up to 18 guests. Every cabin and stateroom has neutral hues, top-tier furnishings, is equipped with an ensuite hot + cold water shower, and a common water-flush toilet.

THE DIVING

Palau's marine ecosystems include barrier reefs, fringing reefs, inner lagoons, sea grass beds, marine lakes, and mangrove forests. Palau's pristine marine habitats support some of the richest populations of corals, fish, and other invertebrates. With over 1,500 species of fish, an abundance of large pelagic animals, and over 700 species of corals, Palau is truly top-tier and the legitimate definition of “world-class.” The diving is so good, it could be classified as “jaw-dropping”, however that is not safe while on scuba as the second stage should always remain in the mouth.

Palau is located at a crossroad between the Pacific Ocean and the Philippine Sea, just outside a geographic region of the world known as the "Coral Triangle". Palau falls strategically in the path of transient pelagic creatures, such as whale sharks, whales and dolphins, and is home to the world's most remote and isolated population of dugong, an endangered marine mammal. Within the diving community, Palau is famous for its shark population, numbering over 130 species (that’s cray cray)! In 2009, Palau became the world's first Shark Sanctuary, prohibiting commercial fishing operations from catching sharks.

Palau has the largest abundance of marine lakes in the world (70+), a unique ecosystem containing small, isolated populations of organisms. One of those lakes is Jellyfish Lake, with millions of non-stinging Golden Jellyfish. Palau was declared by National Geographic Society as the first Underwater Wonder of the World and was featured on Discovery Channel's “Living Edens” series as one of the world's last living Edens. Just about everything can be found in the archipelago — from micro to massive. Palau is known for its long list of thrilling big animal sightings including manta rays, eagle rays, reef sharks, moray eels, schools of snappers, and spawning aggregations.

The prime time to dive Palau is between December to April.

Depth: 15'-130' • Visibility: 50'-100'+ • Currents: Range from nada to rippin’ (Drift dives and reef hooks are common) • Skill Level: Beginner - Advanced • Water Temp: 84°F • Dive Sites: 50+

ITINERARY HIGHLIGHTS

BLUE CORNER: The corner is a flat plateau, running a couple of hundred yards out to sea before dropping off abruptly. It is consistently active with big and little fish due to strong tidal currents. Small hills, sand tunnels and gorges cut into the reef. Depending on the direction of the current, the pelagic fish will switch from one side of the corner to the other. Gray Reef Sharks and White Tip Reef Sharks, Blue Fin and Big eye Trevallies, large schools of Jacks and Snappers, Hawksbill and Green Turtles, Groupers, schools of Barracuda, a variety of small tropical fish, Napoleon Wrasse, Bumphead Parrotfish, Moray Eels, Mackerel, Wahoo and, on occasion, spotted Eagle Rays.

JELLYFISH LAKE: Jellyfish Lake is a marine lake located on Eil Malk island which is part of the Rock Islands, a group of small, rocky, mostly uninhabited islands in Palau's Southern Lagoon, between Koror and Peleliu. Millions of golden jellyfish migrate horizontally across the lake daily. Jellyfish Lake is connected to the ocean through fissures and tunnels in the limestone of an ancient Miocene reef. However, the lake is sufficiently isolated, and the conditions are different enough that the diversity of species in the lake is greatly reduced from the nearby lagoon. The golden jellyfish, and possibly other species in the lake have evolved to be substantially different from their close relatives living in the nearby lagoons.

GERMAN CHANNEL: During the German occupation of Palau, guano (phosphate) was mined on the southern island of Angaur. In order to bring guano to town, the Germans blasted and dredged a channel that connected the inner lagoon with the open ocean. The outside mouth is dived on the incoming tide, when nutrient- and plankton-rich current flows into the inner lagoon. Known for Manta Rays, schooling sharks and an abundance of tropical fish.

CHANDELIER CAVE: A cave system made up of five separate connecting chambers with air pockets (four are water-filled). Over the millenniums, rainwater, percolating down through the limestone, eroded the interior of the islands, forming vast cave systems.

BUMPHEAD PARROTFISH SPAWNING: Every month, prior to the new moon, scores of bumphead parrotfish (Bolbometepon muricatum) congregate at a specific site in Palau to spawn and reproduce. Dives are conducted early in the morning and strong currents can be encountered. The massive size of the school (1,000+ individuals) and the proportions of each fish (up to 51" in length + 102 lbs in weight) make the potentially challenging dive conditions worth it. Guests may have up to three opportunities to experience the bumphead parrotfish spawning dive.

DIVE SITES

Note: The route and dive sites listed are examples only and are not guaranteed. All dive sites are subject to weather conditions and are at the absolute discretion of the captain and dive guides.

SAMPLE ITINERARY

FLIGHTS + TRANSIT HOTELS

SAMPLE ITINERARY AS OF JUNE 1, 2024

LOS ANGELES - PALAU
DEPARTING: WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2 • RETURNING: WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16
ESTIMATED COST: $1815

RECOMMENDED PALAU HOTEL

Cove Resort Palau
Inbound: Check In Thursday, December 3 • Check Out Saturday, December 5 (not included in Seasick package). Request late check out or inquire about rate for 5:00pm check out.
Outbound: NA

Room types: Marina Poolside (≈$280), Marina Orchid (≈$300)

Room reservations should include breakfast for two guests. Airport transfers included for guests on Seasick group flights + Cove Resort. Private transfers not included.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

DEFINITIONS: “Company” is defined as Underwater Exposures, Inc. dba Seasick Productions, incorporated in terms of the laws of California, United States of America. "Company Affiliated Parties" is defined as the Company, its directors, members, partners, employees, agents, consultants, suppliers, and contractors. “Guest” is defined as any person or persons placing a booking (whether provisional or confirmed) with the Company and who contracts with the Company for any of the Services together with his/her spouse, dependents and companions. “Services” is defined as the provision of accommodation, transport, transfers, scuba diving and snorkeling activities, tours or any other activities or services provided by the Company and the procurement by the Company of the provision of accommodation, transport, transfers, scuba diving and snorkeling activities, tours or any other activities or services by any Third-Party Contractors.

GENERAL: Price based on double occupancy group rate. Single supplement, extensions, additional services, and all other items not listed in itinerary are not included. All prices subject to change without notice. A $2,000.00 deposit per person is required with each Guest reservation. Company reserves the right, without advance notice, to make changes or cancellations, in part or in whole, as circumstances dictate. Any deposit or payment made to Company or any representative of Company shows acceptance and acknowledgement of the terms and conditions as stated herein.

CHANGES TO RESERVATIONS: Any request by Guest to amend or change a booking once it has been confirmed, may be accommodated by Company subject to availability. If Company is able to assist, a reasonable administrative fee may be charged. Any such administrative fees shall be invoiced to the Guest and must be settled as per the standard terms applicable to the booking. If the invoice is not paid within such time, Company may construe such non-payment as an act of cancellation on the part of the Guest and the provisions of the cancellation clause shall apply. All reservations, confirmed bookings, and Company’s services are non-transferable.

CANCELLATIONS TO RESERVATIONS: Refund (less cancellation fee) may be issued if reservation is cancelled four months prior to departure date and if another Guest can fill the vacancy. All authorized refunds will be assessed a $1,000.00 cancellation fee. No refund or credit will be made for Services not utilized by Guest. No cancellations shall be accepted within 30 days of trip departure.

FORCE MAJEURE: “Force Majeure Event” is defined as any event which is beyond the control of the Company, including, but not limited to a national strike, act of war, armed conflict, insurrection, civil commotion, terrorism or the threat of terrorism; any act of God including but not limited to epidemic, pandemic, lightning, earthquake, flooding, fire, cyclone, hurricane, typhoon, tidal wave, storm, volcanic eruption and other unusual and extreme adverse weather or environmental conditions; any event which falls within any of these categories that is suffered by Third-Party Contractors of the Company, who are involved in the receipt or provision of the Services; and or any other cause or contingency beyond the control of the Company. The Company shall not be deemed to be in breach of any of its obligations to Guest due to any Force Majeure Event. If the Company is affected by a Force Majeure Event, it may in its sole and absolute discretion, amend or cancel any of the Services or the remainder thereof, or to make any alteration in route, accommodation, transportation or arrangement in the event of the Services or any part thereof being rendered impossible, illegal or inadvisable.

GUEST INSURANCE: If scuba diving is a Service used by Guest, Company requires Guest to possess a dive accident insurance policy prior to using any of Company’s Services. If scuba diving is not a Service used by Guest, Company requires Guest to possess an international accident and medical evacuation insurance policy prior to using any of Company’s Services. Information on dive accident insurance can be found at the Divers Alert Network’s website: www.diversalertnetwork.org. In addition, Company recommends trip insurance in the event a Guest must cancel the trip. Information on trip insurance can be found at the Divers Alert Network’s website: www.diversalertnetwork.org or the DiveAssure website: www.diveassure.com.

RESPONSIBILITY: Company acts only as agents for the Third-Party Contractors providing transportation, accommodations, diving and other Services. All tickets and vouchers issued constitute the sole contract between the Guest and Company. Company or its representatives shall not at any time be responsible in any way for loss, injury, or damage arising from any Force Majeure Event, act of government, theft, sickness, customs regulations, delay, cancellation error, or any cause beyond its control. Company or its representatives accepts no liability for the consequences of the personal activities of any Guest who is personally responsible for decisions concerning health, safety, fitness for diving and snorkeling, or any other circumstances beyond its control.