Palau's green, mushroom-shaped rock islands offer a variety of exciting dives: World War II wrecks, lots of sharks, blue holes, a freshwater lake with stingless jellyfish and a large cavern. There are also sheer walls covered in lush soft corals and huge anemones. All dives are made from the 18-passenger dive skiff, which is lowered into the water by a hydraulic cradle. Mid-week, the Palau Aggressor II catamaran journeys south to Peleliu, the site of one of the fiercest battles in the Pacific during WWII, Bloody Nose Ridge. A knowledgeable, local guide offers an informative island tour. During May 2-16, 2010, the Palau Aggressor II is offering a two-week northern itinerary to the rarely visited Velasco Reef.

Tel: 800-348-2628; Website: aggressor.com E-mail: [email protected]