Palau

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Revision as of 08:57, 29 March 2016

Palau Cruising Guide

An online cruising guide for sailing around Palau.

Palau/wiki/Palau

Palau 7°21′N, 134°28′E7.35;134.46666666667 destination
Palau
Flag
Capital	Ngerulmud
Language	English and Palauan. Also Japanese, Sonsorolese and Tobian.
Currency	US Dollar (USD)
Time zone	UTC+9
Calling code	?

Palau's most populous islands are Angaur, Babeldaob, Koror, and Peleliu. The latter three lie together within the same barrier reef, while Angaur is an oceanic island several miles to the south. About two-thirds of the population live on Koror. The coral atoll of Kayangel is situated north of these islands, while the uninhabited Rock Islands (about 200) are situated to the west of the main island group. A remote group of six islands, known as the Southwest Islands, some 375 miles (600 km) from the main islands, are also part of the country and make up the states of Hatohobei and Sonsorol.

Palau Islands (Photo by NOAA)

Climate & Weather

Palau enjoys a tropical climate all year round with an annual mean temperature of 82 °F (28 °C). Rainfall can occur throughout the year, averaging a total of 150 inches (3,800 mm). The average humidity over the course of the year is 82%, and although rain falls more frequently between July and October, there is still much sunshine. Typhoons are rare, as Palau is outside the main typhoon zone.

Sources of weather forecasting here.

Charts

Charts

Source

Chart Number - Chart Name

Chart Number - Chart Name

Source

Chart Number - Chart Name

Special Navigation Notes

Any navigation notes here.

Local Radio Nets

Also see Cruiser's Nets

Arrival/Departure procedures

Cruisers must not stop anywhere before having clearing in at Malakal unless in an emergency and then contact must be made with the Chief of Immigration immediately.

It is a courtesy to advise Port Control of your pending arrival. Palau Port Control. Phone:+ 680-775-0419 , VHF 16. Opening Hours: Mon – Fri from 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Email

Vessels must check in immediately upon arrival. Phone the Port Control Duty Officer + 680-775-0419. Palau Port Control monitors VHF 16 during Business Hours - 7.30 a.m. to 4.30 p.m., Monday to Friday.

An Entry Permit is issued for THIRTY days with a possibility of two extensions of THIRTY days each - a maximum stay of NINETY days. US flagged vessels can apply for a one year permit.

Vessel Entry Clearance is somewhat long-winded. Expect to receive officers from Customs, Immigration, Sanitation, Quarantine, Transportation, Health Department, Public Safety (Police), as well as maybe a few others.

Note: Yachts arriving can contact Sam's Tours Email in advance who will kindly assist (free) with current information and help you with the Entry Clearance procedures.

Also see: Checking in Important information from "sv Tankgirl"

Immigration

All arrivals require a valid passport but no advance visas are required. Visitors are granted a THIRTY day visa on entry. Anyone wishing to stay longer should make application to the Immigration Office, not later than 7 days before the expiration of the THIRTY day period. Extensions cost $US50 each and only two additional 30 day extensions will be granted.

US citizens are allowed to stay in Palau for one year before needing to apply for a visa (free).

Palau Immigration Office: Phone: + 680-488-2498 or 2678, Fax: + 680-488-4385. Email

Customs

• Firearms and ammunition MUST be declared on entry. These will be removed and held by the local police until your departure.
• Anti-drug laws are strictly enforced. Prescriptions should be carried for any special medicines or drugs in your possession.
• Fruit, fresh produce, meat will be confiscated.
• PETS: All pets and birds MUST be declared to Customs on arrival.

It is wise to prepare a full, detailed inventory of ship's stores for the Quarantine officer. It is also wise to dispose of any organic trash (properly) before arriving in Palau.

When departing, any firearms and ammunition held in custody will be returned.

Fees and Charges

(As at Jan '10)

• Fairly heavy overtime rates are charged on vessels arriving after business hours and on weekends.
• Customs charge of $US20 per head for departure tax (excluding children under 3 years), and a $US15 "green tax" per person (including all children).
• $US50 Malakal harbour fee to be paid to the Port Captain.
• Additional fees are required for visits to Rock Islands and Jellyfish Lake.

Restrictions and Requirements

• Some parts of the Rock Islands are declared nature reserves and access by any boat is strictly prohibited (ask the Port Captain for details). Also enquire about the special permits for swimming, diving, snorkeling and use of the beaches on the Rock Islands.
• Each person fishing requires an individual Koror State Fishing License.
• Peleliu State has similar Permit requirements - make inquiries before visiting.

Ports & Popular Stops

• Malakal Harbour (Koror) - Port of entry

Islands

Details?

Health

• Cholera and Yellow Fever immunisations are required for those arriving from infected areas.

Security

Details?

Transportation

Transportation to mainland or other countries, etc.

References & Publications

Books, Guides, etc.

References & Publications

Publications, Guides, etc.

Cruiser's Friends

Contact details of "Cruiser's Friends" that can be contacted for local information or assistance.

Forum Discussions

List links to discussion threads on partnering forums. (see link for requirements)

• Checking in (on CruiserLog) Important information from "Tankgirl"
• Palau Sailing and Cruising Discussions on Cruisers Forum

External Links

Comments

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