
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)
-
Travel Insurance (Highly Recommended) We work with a preferred vender, Wanderwell
Flights to ROR
KSG Rock Island permit - $50
Koror State Jellyfish Lake permit ($100) and dives
Palau Paradise Environmental Fe (PPEF)
-
WHALEFALL offers sliding scale tuition assistance for programs based on financial need and availability from community donations.
-
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