Welcome aboard the Big Blue Explorer and experience diving the spectacular walls along the barrier reef, including such favorites as Blue Corner, Ulong Channel, Big drop-off and many other sensational dive sites yet to be charted. You can expect mostly wall and drift diving with visibility ranging from 20m / 70 feet to 50m / 150 feet depending on prevailing conditions. Unlike other live-aboards, our diving is donein small groups from fast chaseboats to avoid over-crowding as well as allowing quicker and safer diver deployment and pick up. Offering up to 5 dives a day, and service un-matched by other providers, the newly refurbished Big Blue is simply the best dollar for dollar value when it comes to Palau live aboards. Big Blue Explorer caters to 24 guest in 4 honeymoon suites, 4 deluxe cabins and 4 standard cabins all with en-suite bathrooms. Mv Big Blue Explorer is a large and well-equipped fully air-conditioned liveaboard. The vessel offers en-suite restroom facilities; a full compliment of superbly trained crew to create an ambiance of planned comfort while cruising the remote and enchanting islands of the tropics. This vessel is set to provide the best diving and island adventures. Big Blue Explorer is currently operating in Palau.

Consistently chosen as the world's premiere diving destination by several international diving publications, Palau features enchanting topside topography as well as breathtaking underwater landscapes. Experience big fish action at the Blue corner and New drop off. Shafts of light cutting through deep shadows create a near-religious experience at the Blue holes, German channel, Chandelier cave, Pelieu, Siaes tunnel, Ulong channel, Wrecks and many more
Palau offers some of the most unique holiday possibilities: its natural beauty and untouched wilderness, intact culture, remoteness and stability combine to offer a fantastic destination for adventure seekers. It is located between Guam, the Philippines and Papua New Guinea. Palau is a 400-mile long archipelago, which hosts one of the world's most unique phenomena - " Rock Island". These mushroom like islets are uninhabited and located in a large lagoon that has a vast concentration of corals, fish and other marine life. White sand beaches, lush jungle and remote waterfalls are just among the highlights of Palau
The islands of Micronesia are scattered over three million square miles of the North Pacific. Palau is the Pacific's newest nation, a Mecca for divers and home of the exquisite Jellyfish Lake. The Republic of Palau lies east of the Philippines and comprises of some 350 islands. They are grouped in six clusters stretching to 400miles from North to South, Kayangel Atoll to Tobi Islands.
Palau is world renowned as an unsurpassed dive destination that also offers the sublime Rock Islands, dramatic waterfalls, pristine white sand beaches and some of the most intriguing native flora and fauna found anywhere in the Pacific Ocean. Explore the beauty of Palau with the Big Blue explorer.
Palau has been described as one of the Seven Underwater Wonders of the World, with 700 species of coral and 1,200 species of identified fish. Palau provides some of the best diving to be found in Micronesia and ideally is suited for advanced divers.

Friday to Friday (Arrive from Manila) - Saturday to Saturday (arrive from Guam-Hong Kong-Japan)

Saturday to Saturday

There are 12 cabins on Big Blue explorer consisting of 4 suites, 4 Deluxe and 4 Standard rooms

Cabin Category	No. of Cabins	Capacity
Suite	4	8
Deluxe	4	8
Standard	4	8

The MV Big Blue Explorer is large and well-equipped fully air conditioned liveaboard. This vessel offers ensuite restroom facilities; a full compliment of superbly trained crew and an ambiance of planned comfort while cruising the remote and enchanting islands of the tropics. This vessel is set to provide the best diving and island adventures during your trip in Palau.

- Fully air-conditioned and carpeted interiors

- 12 twin-sharing cabins w/ ensuite toilet and shower facilities

- 4 suites, 4 Deluxe, 4 Standard ( smaller rooms odd shape )

- Hot and cold shower

- 8 open rinse showers on deck

- Entertainment center with TV, VHS, and stereo

- Lounge

- Library of books, magazines, VCR/VCD/DVD and tapes

- 50sqm. large sundeck for open dining with teak furniture

- 18 experienced service crew

- Jacuzzi

The spectacular walls along the barrier reef, including such favorites as Blue Corner, Ulong Channel, Big drop-off and many other sensational offer dive sites yet to be charted. You can expect mostly wall and drift diving with visibility ranging from 20m / 70 feet to 50m / 150 feet depending on prevailing conditions

Cabin type	Price per trip Us$
Honeymoon Suite	$ 2,649.00
Deluxe Cabin	$ 2,549.00
Standard Cabin	$ 2,349.00

Non-diving guests are entitled to a 20% discount off our published rates.
Non-Diving Guests (Including Children)
Expedition Fleet welcomes the inclusion of non-diving guests on its trips. Non-diving guests include children. Children are defined as anyone under the age of 16 on the start of the date of the trip. When children are on board, they must be accompanied by at least one parent or legal guardian at all times. Expedition Fleet accepts no responsibility for the care of the child and does not provide baby care or nanny facilities.

Package Inclusions:
- 8 Days/ 7 Nights Aircon accommodation with ensuite toilet facilities
- Transfers in Koror, Palau (airport/ boat/airport)
- 6 Diving Days (No-decompression diving for 4- 5 dives)
from Sunday through Friday OR Saturday through Thursday including night dives
- Fullboard meals
- Use of skiffs for diving
- Divemaster / Instructors, tanks, weights, weightbelt
- Reefhooks and sausages will be provided
- Kayaks are free for guest use

Package Exclusions:
- Roundtrip international ticket to Koror
- Koror State Diving Permit  and Peleliu tax at US $55.00/person
- US $ 15.00/person for the Green Tax on the package's extra
- Dive Computer is required for every dive.
- Airport and porterage fees
- Alcoholic drinks
- Equipment Rental US $240 Full gear with computer 8D/7N
- Nitrox
- Dive and Travel Insurance
- Fuel surcharge at US$100.00/person
- Cabin Tax of $10 per pax PER NIGHT
- Other incidental expenses

Boooking Policies:
Individuals and groups
Bookings will not be considered confirmed unless a deposit of 30% of the total amount has been received. Group bookings will not be considered confirmed unless a non-refundable deposit of USD 2,000.00 has been received. Each of the participants of a confirmed booking shall be given a booking contract and liability form to be filled-up on a hand-written format.
Payments and Deposits:
Individuals - 30% deposit within 7 days of reservation - Non-refundable. Final 70% required 60 days prior to departure.
Groups - $2,000 non-refundable deposit due within 10 working days of reservation. Full balance required 90 days prior to departure.

Cancellation Policy:
Individuals - 60 days prior to departure the deposit is forfeited. 60 or less days before departure, no refund is available. Cancellations must be in writing.
Groups - 90 days prior to departure, deposits are forfeited - less than 90 days no refund.

Full charter
A whole boat charter is defined as a booking with the maximum number of passengers (depending on boats) at an agreed whole boat charter rate. If whole boat charter is not specified in the booking, then Expedition Fleet Liveaboards retains the right to sell further customers onto the vessel. Whole boat charters can be made for less than the maximum no. of passengers depending on boats but prevailing rates apply. Full boat charter rates are available upon request. A non-refundable deposit of US $2,000.00 is required to secure a boat charter booking.

Dive and Travel Insurances:
Expedition Fleet Liveaboards strongly recommends that agents encourage their clients to have dive and travel insurances. Expedition Fleet Liveaboards is not liable for cancellation of trips due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances including insufficient number of bookings to run charters, mechanical and technical problems. Expedition Fleet Liveaboards will make best endeavors to provide alternative trips on the same date but is not liable for full trip cost refund or trip costs outside of the range of Expedition Fleets service provision.

Force Majeure
Expedition Fleet Liveaboards shall not be liable for failure to carry out any contracted arrangements which are caused by acts of God, labor disputes or conditions beyond its control.

EQUIPMENT RENTAL RATES
Equipment type	Per day	Per trip
BCD	US $12.00	US $60.00
Regulator	US $12.00	US $60.00
Mask and Snorkel	US $5.00	US $25.00
Fins	US $5.00	US $25.00
Wetsuit	US $5.00	US $25.00
Full Gear ( no computer )	US $30.00	US $150.00
Full Gear ( with computer )	US $40.00	US $220.00
Nitrox	US $10.00/tank	US $175.00
SORB AND GAS FILLS
40% O2	US $10.00
50% O2	US $10.00
60%O2	US $12.00
Sorb Canister	US $20.00/fill
*** Full Gear includes mask, snorkel, fins, booties, BCD, regulator and wetsuit
Note: Please bring your own dive light

2. How do I get to Palau?
Cruise Island Adventure can give special fares for guests going to Palau (Manila/Koror/Manila). Most visitors to Palau arrive on Continental Airlines by the way of Guam, the international air service hub for the Micronesia region. Two weekly flights from Manila and charter flights also currently connect Palau with other metropolitan Asian cities.

*** For guests entering via Guam a US Visa is required.

3. What is the Continental Airlines Flight Schedules from Manila?

Effective January 1, 2008, Flight Schedules are as follows:

Wednesday/Friday	Manila/ Koror	CO892	2210	0150
Wednesday/Friday	Koror/Manila	CO893	1935	2110

*** Note: Above flight schedules are subject to change without prior notice.

4. What is included in the Palau Saturday to Saturday package?

Accommodations on board, unlimited no decompression diving, tanks, weights, weight belt, boat, services of a divemaster roundtrip transfers from Koror airport to BBE boat, meals, and complimentary tea, coffee, juice.

5. How many days is the Saturday to Saturday package?

The Palau Saturday to Saturday Packages is eight days/ seven nights. First Dive is on Sunday morning and ends on Friday afternoon.

6. How many dives can be done in one day?

Guests can do maximum of 4 Dives a Day with 1 Night Dive.

7. When is check in and check-out time on the vessel?

For Guests Arriving via Guam: Embarkation is no earlier than 3pm and disembarkation is on Saturday following week no later than 10 am. For Guests Arriving via Manila: Embarkation time is 0300am, Saturday and disembarkation time is 0300PM, Friday.

8. What are the taxes or fees not included in the package?

The taxes that are not included in the package are the Koror State Diving Permit which is US $35.00/ person, Peleliu tax at US $20.00/person, Airport departure tax $ 20, Cabin Tax of $10 per pax per night, gear Rentals, Courses, Alcoholic Beverages and Souvenir Items on board.

9. Do I need a Visa and Passport?

Proof of citizenship (passport or birth certificate) by US citizens’ id required. Visas are not required. Non-US citizens must have a valid passport. All visitors must have return travel arrangements or approval by the Chief of Immigration for an extended stay.

10. How will I go onboard the Big Blue Explorer?

Upon arrival in Koror, our Expedition Fleet Staff will welcome you in their uniform with a banner. Palau is a small island; no one is reported to be lost.

11. What is the weather in Palau?

And when is the best time to go to Palau? Palau enjoys a pleasantly warm climate all year round. Palau enjoys an annual mean temperature of 82 degrees F (27 C). Rain showers starts on the month of June, but the rainy season starts September to November. Although rain falls during these months, most of the dive sites are sheltered by the island and there is still much sunshine. Then, thru December to February, trade winds start to blow. Typhoons are rare as Palau is located outside the typhoon zone.

12. Are tender boats used?

We have two ten meter chase boat with a maximum capacity of 18 persons.

13. Is there night diving?

Yes there is, starting on the second day of diving. Please take a look of our sample itinerary.

14. Should I be an advanced diver?

Diving in Palau is open to all Open Water Divers. An Advanced Open Water Diver Certification is a plus.

15. What wetsuit should I use in diving?

You could use a 3mm wetsuit all year round but during the months of December, January and February, you have to bring a vest and overlapping wetsuit.

16. How can we contact Eco Explorer?

During the one week trip, you can only contact Big Blue Explorer at their satellite mobile no. And during Saturday’s thru our Boat Manager mobile no.

17. In case of emergency where is the nearest medical and recompression facilities?

Here are the medical and recompression contact:

BELAU NATIONAL HOSPITAL & RECOMPRESSION CHAMBER
Ngerekebesang Island
Tel. No:               680-488-2558         680-488-2558
DR. YANO’S BELAU MEDICAL CLINIC
Koror Center Tel.No:               680-488-2688         680-488-2688
SDA Clinic
Behind the post office in Koror
Tel.No:               680-488-1911         680-488-1911