Palau Bumphead Spawning Trip 2028
Reefs
Jan 19, 2028 - Jan 26, 2028
Join Bluewater Travel for this brand new and unique itinerary offering the opportunity to photograph the amazing bumphead parrotfish spawning event in Palau.
Free Photo Workshops
Off the Beaten Track
Nitrox Included
Why Join This Trip
The trip is scheduled to target the expected Bumphead Parrotfish Spawning date over the new moon
Experience Palau's thrilling drift dives and abundance of pelagics
Enjoy one of Palau's newest high-end liveaboards with FREE NITROX!
Diver to Guide ratio is 6:1
25% off rental photo gear from Bluewater Photo
Fully refundable deposit until 12 months from departure
Trip overview
This 7-night liveaboard adventure aboard the M/Y Black Pearl takes divers to the heart of Palau’s stunning Rock Islands and Southern Lagoon, offering a unique opportunity to witness the spectacular New Moon Bumphead Parrotfish spawning. Each day features 3–4 dives at some of the world’s most renowned sites, including the dramatic walls of Blue Corner, where strong currents bring schools of barracuda and reef sharks; the manta-rich waters of German Channel; and the narrow, coral-filled passage of Ulong Channel. For those seeking something truly unique, a visit to Chandelier Cave reveals intricate underwater chambers, while Jellyfish Lake allows guests to swim among thousands of harmless jellyfish in a surreal, otherworldly setting.
For more information, check out Liveaboard Diving in Palau.
Sample Itinerary
This is a sample itinerary and is subject to weather and other conditions.
- Day 1 – Embarkation
- Pick up from your hotel in Koror and transfer to Malakal Port.
- Welcome aboard the M/Y Black Pearl with a welcome drink and boat briefing.
- Safety briefing after dinner; no diving on the first day.
- Day 2 – 3
- Begin daily diving with 3–4 dives at sites such as Blue Corner and German Channel.
- Optional night dives available.
- Evening: relax aboard and enjoy onboard amenities.
- Day 4
- Explore Ulong Channel and surrounding reefs.
- Dive at sites chosen based on conditions, currents, and marine life sightings.
- Evening: enjoy sunset over the Rock Islands.
- Day 5 – 6
- Special dives to witness the New Moon Bumphead Parrotfish spawning in the Southern Lagoon.
- Continue dives at select sites such as Chandelier Cave and nearby coral walls.
- Opportunity for underwater photography and macro encounters.
- Day 7
- Dive at Jellyfish Lake and surrounding lagoons.
- Additional dives at top sites based on conditions and wildlife activity.
- Optional night dives and onboard social activities.
- Last Day
- Morning dive (if time allows) and breakfast onboard.
- Disembark at Malakal Port and transfer back to your hotel or Koror Airport.
Marine Life to Photograph
Palau is a paradise for underwater photographers, offering a dazzling diversity of marine life across its reefs, channels, and lagoons. Divers can capture schools of barracuda and trevally swirling in strong currents at Blue Corner, graceful manta rays gliding through German Channel, and the unique spectacle of Bumphead Parrotfish spawning in the Southern Lagoon. The rock walls of Ulong Channel and the coral gardens of the Rock Islands are alive with vibrant reef fish, including sweetlips, butterflyfish, and clownfish, alongside reef sharks, Napoleon wrasses, and occasional bull sharks. Macro enthusiasts will delight in colorful nudibranchs, shrimps, and seahorses, while Jellyfish Lake offers surreal opportunities to photograph thousands of translucent jellyfish in ethereal, sunlit waters. With such a range of species and behaviors, Palau provides endless creative possibilities for both wide-angle and macro underwater photography.
Connectivity
There is free Wi-Fi onboard, however, there may be limited or no access to internet once the yacht sails into a remote area or open sea. If you prefer a SIM card, M/Y Black Pearl offers SIM card free rentals during the cruise.
Trip Inclusions
Full-board accommodation on the Black Pearl, twin share
3 meals for every full day onboard
Free drinking water, tea, instant coffee
Two-way transfers only between the hotels in Koror area and Malakal Port
3 guided dives each day (except 2nd last day), plus 1 night dive
12-litre tanks, weights, and weight belts
Nitrox for EANx certified divers
WiFi
An array of activities such as beach BBQ, cocktail party, Jacuzzi pool, snorkelling, paddleboard, kayaking, etc.
Palau Goods & Services Tax (PGST)
Fuel surcharges
Trip Exclusions
Marine Park Fees and Taxes ($150 per person, paid on board)
Transfer between Koror (ROR) Airport (and islands outside of Koror area) and Malakal Port ($25 one-way)
International flights
Pre- or post-cruise accommodation
Specialty coffee, soft drinks, and alcoholic beverages
15-litre tank rentals and dive gear rentals
Diving insurance (mandatory)
Crew gratuities
Travel Insurance - ask us about our preferred partner plan
*Onboard fees and charges are subject to change.
Accommodation
About the Black Pearl
For further details about the accommodation, visit our dedicated M/Y Black Pearl page. The Black Pearl is a luxury liveaboard offering exceptional diving adventures in Palau, featuring 11 stylish cabins for up to 22 guests. The upper-deck Master Seaview cabins and lower-deck Deluxe cabins all come equipped with ensuite bathrooms and modern amenities. Guests can enjoy 3 meals a day with light snacks, comfortable indoor and outdoor lounges, a sun deck, Jacuzzi, camera bay, and entertainment facilities. The vessel also provides expert dive guides, well-equipped tenders, and a large camera station for underwater photography.
Trip Price
Trip starts from $4,580 per person.
Payment Schedule
- Deposit: $1,000 to book your spot
- Payment 2: $2,000 due 1 January 2027
- Balance: due 1 December 2027
Extend your trip
Want to extend your trip? We can also help with that. Flying all that way merits a multi-destination vacation!
See more of Palau before or after your Bluewater group trip. Check out our recommended extensions, or ask us to create your own bespoke package.
Read MorePalau Bumphead Spawning Trip 2028
