join instructor and trip leader Pierre larocque and Waterfront Diving Center on an adventure to the

      The Palau archipelago radiates a diversity of marine life throughout much of the tropical Pacific. And that is just the start of what you'll discover on this Pacific paradise. Made up of more than 300 islands, Palau is the western-most point of Micronesia in the Caroline Islands. Jealously guarded by snorkellers and scuba divers, the clear, calm waters hold tropical fish in a myriad of colors, platter and mushroom corals, tridacna clams with iridescent mantles of browns, greens and blues, World War II wrecks, hidden caves and tunnels.

      The Palau Pacific Resort, the only place to stay with a beach, is located 20 minutes from Koror on Arakabesang Island. This 64-acre tropical garden resort offers rooms with rattan furniture, tiled floors, ceiling fans and private verandahs. There are ocean view rooms, garden view rooms, a beachside swimming pool, tennis courts, fitness center and dive shop. The resort also offers snorkeling, sailing, windsurfing and other water toys. Although this trip does not offer a meal plan, the resort has two restaurants plus a variety of local establishments a short cab ride away.

      Divers bring your cameras. Palau has become world renowned for it spectacular drop-offs. Vertical walls begin knee deep and plummet straight down to more than 1,000 feet with 200 feet of visibility and gorgonian fans 15 feet tall and 10 feet wide. There are blue holes, giant undersea tunnels, and stalactite filled caves. Palau's most exciting site is the Blue corner. Here the reef makes a 90-degree, forming a sharp corner that juts out into the open sea. On this dive, divers may experience Gray Reef Sharks, blue marlin, manta rays, Dogtooth tuna and schools of more than 100 Barracuda (a dive opportunity not to be missed).

This trip includes round trip airfare from Burlington to Honolulu, Hawaii to Guam to Koror, Palau. One night at the Royal Garden At Waikiki in a Standard. Airport/hotel transfers in Palau (airport/hotel transfers in Hawaii not included). Nine nights at the Palau Pacific Resort in a Garden view - Double. Seven days of two-tank diving with NECO Marine including lunch and dive permit fees.