Maldives (Northern Atolls) or Palau? | Diving & Snorkelling - Lonely Planet Forum

ONLINE

Sun, 18 Dec 2011 14:28:31 +0000

In January-February 2013 we will be in Bangalore visiting family and I want to make a side-trip for a week's liveaboard diving. I am looking at 2 possibilities at present - MV Monsoon+ in the Maldives Northern Atolls (Baa, Raa and Noonu) or +MV Tropic Dancer in Palau.

Palau is more cumbersome to reach and will cost me £1000 (about $1600) more than the Maldives trip but if it is worth it I will make the effort. The quality of diving is the only consideration.

Any suggestions would be welcome.

ONLINE

Sun, 25 Dec 2011 12:45:27 +0000

I've dived both the Maldives and Palau several times. It's quite a tough call, as the quality of the diving is great in both places, especially if you like to see big marine life. On balance, I would say that the extra hassle/cost involved in getting to Palau versus the Maldives is not worth it, as the diving in the Maldives is pretty much on a par with Palau, although there may be some seasonal variations.

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ONLINE

Mon, 26 Dec 2011 08:15:50 +0000

Thanks for that. Actually, I made a decision soon after that post. Unable to choose between Maldives & Palau, I ditched both and paid a deposit on a liveaboard trip to Truk Lagoon. That was on my hit list anyway and I just brought it forward.

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