PALAU

Spotter Platform Deployment

June 28th - July 8th, 2026

This experience is open to all current high school students, program alumni, families and supporters.

High school students traveling without family will have an educator and chaperone as their group leader.

The Mission: CRITICAL ECOSYSTEM MONITORING

Deployment of blue tech

In the 2025/2026 school year high school students from California will be developing and testing marine technology on a new Spotter Platform to be deployed in Palau.

Students on this trip will be deploying a smart moored data buoy, creating photogrammetry models of the coral reefs, collecting ecological data, and evaluating coral health. Students who complete the training will earn a marine tech diver certification.

Learn about Palau with Project Lead Scientist, Staci Lewis

Local Students from Palau

In partnership with Belau Pathways in Koror, WHALEFALL will be integrating local students from Palau in this program as it evolves, allowing the local community to monitor the health of their own reef, restore their own coral, and develop new career opportunities in climate action and sustainability.

Dive Equipment

  • Rental scuba gear

    The following equipment is included in the price of the expedition: Research Diving Equipment, 2mm Shorty Wetsuit, BCD, Regulator, Dive Computer, Safety Equipment, Essential Dive Gear, 90L Duffle, and Underwater Lights for advanced track students. Air and Nitrox Tanks and Weights are included and will be available on location.

    Pease visit for optional, but recommended items like boots, reef safe sunscreen and ear shield.

  • ESSENTIAL GEAR FOR PURCHASE

    Students prefer to have their own essential basic dive equipment. Gear is available through partner dive centers for students at a discounted rate.

    Essential dive gear includes a mask, snorkel, fins, boots, mesh bag, and surface marker buoy.

PRICE - Palau Spotter Platform Deployment Trip: $3,460

10% Discount for early booking. Expires 9/30/25

The team at WHALEFALL has been working diligently to reduce the cost of the programs for all students. If you require additional financial support please email vsmith@whalefall.ngo

    • WHALEFALL Educational Program

    • 4-1 Instructor Ratios for In-Water Training for High School Students

    • Resort Accommodations at Palau Royal Resort ( 2 or 3 divers per room) Upgrades Available

    • Airport Transportation

    • Dive Center Transportation

    • Resort Breakfast

    • Dive Boat Lunch

    • Boat Dives with Neco Marine

    • Equipment Rental

    • Nitrox Fills

    • Complimentary wireless internet access

    • Dive Training & Certifications

    • 10% Government Tax

    • 5% Service Charge

    • 10% PGST (Palau Goods and Services Tax for the resort accommodation)

  • WHALEFALL offers sliding scale tuition assistance for programs based on financial need and availability from community donations.

    Please use this form to request tuition assistance

  • Room upgrades based on availability at the time of the booking:

    Single Rooms are for 1 diver

    Superior Garden Single Room

    Superior Premium Single Room

    Deluxe Harbor Single Room

    Deluxe Ocean Single Room

    Corner Suite Single Room

    Premier Suite Single Room

    Royal Suite Single Room

    Shared Rooms are for 2-3 divers (upgrade price per person)

    Deluxe Harbor Shared Room

    Deluxe Ocean Shared Room

    Corner Suite Shared Room

    Premier Suite Shared Room

    Royal Suite Shared Room

Interested in Joining us in Palau and have questions