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 team up with local peers from Palau to deploy a smart moored data buoy, create photogrammetry models of the coral reefs, and collect ecological data to support research on coral health. Students who complete the training will earn a marine tech diver certification.

Learn about Palau with Project Lead Scientist, Dr. 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 night diving students. 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.

STUDENT FLIGHT

Enrolled students have the option to join the following chaperoned flight.

Flight Itinerary – San Francisco (SFO) to Koror, Palau (ROR) Operated by China Airlines

Outbound Flight

Date: Sunday, June 28, 2026 → Monday, June 29, 2026
Route: San Francisco (SFO) → Koror, Palau (ROR)
Flight Numbers: CI 3 / CI 30
Layover: Taiwan Taoyuan (TPE) – 1 stop
Departure: SFO – June 28 at 01:05
Arrival: ROR – June 29 at 14:35

Return Flight

Date: Wednesday, July 8, 2026
Route: Koror, Palau (ROR) → San Francisco (SFO)
Flight Numbers: CI 27 / CI 4
Layover: Taiwan Taoyuan (TPE) – 1 stop
Departure: ROR – July 8 at 18:20
Arrival: SFO – July 8 at 20:30

PRICE - Palau Spotter Platform Deployment Trip: $3,845

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

  • FOR STUDENTS

    • WHALEFALL Educational Program

    • 4-1 Instructor Ratios for In-Water Training

    • Equipment Rental

    • Dive Training & Certifications

    FOR ALL DIVERS

    • 3 Boat Dives per Dive Day

    • 2 Night Dives (The 3rd dive on these dive days)

    • Tanks and Weights. Free Nitrox for Nitrox certified divers

    • Resort Accommodations at Palau Royal Resort ( 2 or 3 divers per room) Ask about available upgrades.

    • Airport Transportation

    • Dive Center Transportation

    • Resort Breakfast

    • Dive Boat Lunch (Dive Days Only)

    • Boat Dives with Neco Marine

    • 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

  • A $2,000 deposit is due to confirm your spot on the trip. If the boat or resort is fully booked when your deposit it placed your deposit is 100% refundable at that time, and options will be presented if available.

    The balance of the trip is due March 20, 2026. An invoice will be sent out in early 2026 with an option to pay online with a credit card.

    Please inquire if you would like a schedule of smaller monthly payments.

  • Room upgrades based on availability at the time of the booking. Please contact vsmith@whalefall.ngo to inquire about a specific room upgrade price.

    Single Rooms are for 1 diver and start at an extra $1,322.

    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

  • WHALEFALL Policies

Interested in Joining us in Palau and have questions