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 experience, 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
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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. Tanks and Weights will be available on location. Students & families are responsible for the replacement value if lost or damaged.
Pease visit for optional, but recommended items like boots, reef safe sunscreen and ear shield.
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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.
