About This Trip
- Scuba dive or snorkel in some of the most shark rich and shark diverse waters in the tropical seas while contributing to conservation.
- Help researchers collect data on coral reef health in areas of differing shark abundance.
- Participate in an ongoing citizen science shark counting and ID project.
Coral reefs are the most diverse and productive ecosystems in the oceans, and yet they are also among the most threatened. Shark populations are also in decline globally, and scientists have begun to explore the connections between shark abundance and coral reef health. Recent findings suggest that the healthiest reefs are those with the most sharks, but more work is needed to understand the linkages between shark abundance and reef health.
As a citizen scientist on this scuba diving or snorkeling program you will learn to identify and survey sharks, corals, and reef fish in order to compare reef health in areas of varying shark abundance. Your work will be a part of ongoing efforts to document shark populations in Palau.
This is a wonderful way to explore Palau while contributing to marine conservation!
Notes on Trip Costs
Single supplement fee $625. Trip prices do not include international airfare. Click here for our full expedition terms and conditions.
Dates & Prices
Itinerary
Day 1: Koror | Arrival
Upon arrival to Koror, Palau, you will be picked up at the airport and transferred to your hotel. Most flights arrive into Palau in the evening or early morning.
Day 2: Checkout Dives, Orientation, & Training
Transfer from the hotel to the dive shop for a brief orientation and research overview before getting in our boat and heading out. You will have a check-out dive followed later in the day by a shark ID focused dive. The afternoon will be spent snorkeling and working on coral and fish ID.
Day 3: Shark Surveys (Diving)
Today we will make two dives at locations selected to provide best opportunity to see a diversity of shark species. Shark survey techniques will be discussed and practiced by the group
Days 4–7: Shark, Coral, and Fish Surveys (Diving)
Each day will consist of two dives focused on surveying shark numbers and species and then returning to the same areas to survey for coral cover and fish diversity. Free time will be used to snorkel or go for a 3rd dive (at an additional cost). Data collected will be reviewed with the group by the researcher each day.
Day 8: Koror City Tour
We will take a 1/2 day city tour to visit the Belau National Museum and local craft market. Your tour will be followed by a traditional Palauan lunch. Enjoy the afternoon on your own to explore and pack up for your departure.
Day 9: Fly home
Accommodations
On this expedition, we stay comfortably in double-occupancy hotel rooms in Koror, Palau while making day trips throughout the Rock Islands by private boat. Optional hotel/room upgrades are available.
Naturalist(s)
Your expedition will be led by one or more of the following expert naturalist guides:
