ECLIPSE - ACTIVITIES

Photography
Eclipse provides one of the best ways to photograph what you want in Palau. Since we are here to serve you we can be in the right place to get particular creatures on film or wait for the perfect lighting.

Eclipse has both 110 volt and 220 volt power available for recharging battery packs and video cameras as well as running your laptop for photo editing.

Snorkeling Spectacular snorkeling is found throughout Palau . Some of the famous wall dives, such as Big Drop Off and Turtle Cove, are equally fantastic for snorkelers since the reef walls descend straight down from the surface. Snorkelers are very likely to spot sharks and sea turtles within the massive clouds of fish at these and several other locations. Wreck Diving Often overlooked, except when bad weather prevents diving on the outer reef, is Palau's sunken fleet of World War II ships. Dozens of Japanese ships and hundreds of aircraft were known to have been sunk when American carrier based aircraft completely overran Japanese defenses and destroyed the usefulness of this major bastion of the Imperial presence in the Pacific.

In the late 1980s, after years of combing through wartime archives and reconnaissance photos, two notable wreck researchers systematically surveyed likely areas with magnetometers and hundreds of exploratory dives. They found most of what remained of the Japanese fleet. Read the fascinating results of this research aboard Eclipse, see the war time photos of the attacks, then dive the amazing shipwrecks, still littered with weapons and personal artifacts, lost for more than forty years. Since these ships were anchored near port at the time of the attacks, they are fairly close to town, far from the famous reef dives, so are best dived from Eclipse during the first or last day of a trip.

Sea Kayaks
The paddling in Palau is positively world class with miles of meandering waterways through jungle covered islands. Streams and even caves lead into mysterious lakes. Silent passage through the islands gives explorers the chance of sighting sea turtles, giant fruit bats, and flocks of sulfur-crested cockatoos. Eclipse carries enough kayaks for all, they are easily accessible, and guests are encouraged to use them for exploring the remote beaches and island during intervals.

Fishing
Fishing is generally excellent in Palau and Eclipse always trolls as array of lures to keep fresh fish on the menu. We pride ourselves on serving the freshest sashimi found anywhere. But if you fish too, bring your gear. Trevally Jacks, Wahoo, Barracuda, Mahi-mahi, Spanish Mackerel, Sailfish and Marlin abound in these rich tropical waters. And spin casting from a kayak over reef flats at dawn has an allure that goes far beyond fishing.

Trekking
Exploring on foot yields trails leading to interior lakes, archeological sights, ancient village stone work, and waterfalls deep in the jungle. Most of Babeldoab, the second largest island in Micronesia, is not yet accessible by road.

Wildlife
The bird life in Palau is astonishing. In addition to scores of species, both native and migrant, there are eight endemic birds found only in Palau. Giant fruit bats are the largest native terrestrial mammal. Dugongs are rare and illusive residents of the mangrove swamp, as are crocodiles, curiously quite timid in Palau. The flora of Palau is incredibly varied and specialized. The limestone islands are devoid of soil, but the forest is nonetheless very dense, with many special adaptations, endemic plants and even insect eating plants. One of the special joys on Eclipse is waking to the pre-dawn bird chorus in a secluded anchorage where the tropical forest towers over the mast.

Trips with Children

Over the last several seasons Eclipse has proven to be the best possible trip for families visiting Palau. There is really no other way for parents to experience the superb diving in Palau while still having time to share the wonder of such a rich environment with their children. With great snorkeling available between dives, as well as kayaks for everyone, these trips make a memorable family experience. Younger children are delighted with the small dimensions of yacht interiors and the cozy nature of their tucked away berth.

The large shaded cockpit table has space for identification books and drawing projects. Older children love the opportunity for independent exploration that kayaks give them. We also carry a tandem kayak that easily accommodates two small children with an adult. When asked about the minimum recommended age for children aboard Eclipse we advise that children should be mature enough to willingly take directions from adults. In fact, we insist that children listen to their parents. It's a matter of safety, after all. Trips on Eclipse have become extraordinary family legacies.

Beaches
Palau's best beaches are remote, uninhabited, small and secluded, scattered through hundreds of islands, rarely receiving visitors, but accessible by kayak from Eclipse for superb beach combing..

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