upplies and Provisions, and other administrative procedures.Our goal is to ensure that visiting yachts enjoy a warm welcome, first class support and service, and have a hassle-free and memorable experience in Palau.
(L) ANDROMEDA LA DEA with Sam's Tours in background (Courtesy Kevin Davidson).
Agent Services available through Sam's Tours include but are not limited to the following:
Vessel Entry Clearance
Aircraft Entry Clearance
Pilot Services
Local Permit Processing
Anchorage
Docking
Berthing
Ground Transportation
Airport Shuttle Service
Hotel Accommodations
Local Guide Services (Diving, Sightseeing, Fishing, Historical Tours, Cultural Tours etc.)
Car Rental
Kayak Rentals
Underwater Video Services
Scuba Diving Services
Scuba Certification Courses
Shipping & Receiving
Mail Holding & Forward
Cell Phone Rentals
Northern Lights Warranty Service & Support
Marine Diesel Service
Small Engine Service
Air-Conditioning Service
Electrician Service
Air Compressor Service
ScubaPro Warranty Service
Aqualung Warranty Service
Security Services
Manpower
Machine Shop
Scuba Rentals
Canvas Work
Fuels & Lubricants - SHELL
Fresh Flowers
Meat, Poultry & Produce Supply
Beer, Wines, Beverages.
GENERAL INFORMATION:
Contacting Sam’s Tours:
OPERATIONS DESK: INFO@SAMSTOURS.COM
VHF: Channel 16
TEL: + 680-488-1062
FAX: + 680-488-5003
WEB: http://www.samstours.com/
LOCATION of SAM'S TOURS:
We are located on the WEST SIDE of Malakal Harbor at GPS position:
North 07 20.311' x East 134 27.235'
Following Entry Clearance, you may proceed under Pilot to anchorage in visual range of Sam's Tours. Though not charted, there is a lighted channel in to the cove where Sam's Tours is located. 5 minute tender ride to our docks.
ARRIVING VESSELS:
Vessel Entry Permits cost $50.
U.S. Registered Vessels are entitled to an Entry Permit valid for ONE YEAR.
All other vessels receive an Entry Permit valid for 30 Days, with the option of up to 2 extensions of 30 days each at a cost of $50 per extension, for a total stay of 90 days.
All vessels EXCEPT U.S. registered vessels must Clear Out within 90 days.
PILOT SERVICES:
All vessels over 200 GRT are required to use a Pilot.
2011 Up date: Vessels under 1,000 gross tons, may request a Pilot Waiver, after completing one entry and one exit under Pilot. This rule applies separately to each of the two entry channels West Passage (West Entry) and Malakal Pass (East Entry).
CREW VISAS:
U.S. Citizens receive a one year Visitor Visa at no charge upon arrival.
All other citizens receive a 30 day Visitor Visa at no charge upon arrival. Up to 2 extensions of 30 days each at a cost of $50 per extension may be requested, for a total stay of 90 days.
All visitors (with the exception of U.S. citizens) must depart within 90 days.
Holders of Visitor Visas are NOT PERMITTED to work in Palau.
NOTE: SHIPS CREW ARRIVING BY PLANE:
Visitors arriving in Palau by air are required to have a return ticket out of the country. If SHIPS CREW will arrive in Palau by air on a one-way ticket and depart by sea, Immigration must be notified so they in turn may advise the airline(s) to permit the passenger(s) to board flights to Palau, otherwise the passenger may be denied boarding in Manila or Guam. Minimum notice required is 48 Hours. PLEASE inform us if you need assistance with crew arrivals.
AIRLINE CONNECTIONS:
Continental Airlines (www.continental.com) soon to be United Airlines, is the primary carrier providing regularly scheduled flights to & from Koror, Palau (Airport Code ROR), via Guam, USA (Airport Code GUM) and Manila, Philippines (Airport Code MNL). Service from Guam is daily while service from Manila is twice per week on Tuesdays and Fridays (subject to change). Please check on-line for the most current schedules.
In December 2011, Delta Airlines resumed limited scheduled service to Koror from Japan. Details can be found on line www.delta.com
Other carriers operating charter flights to Koror include but are not limited to Aseana, China Airlines and Japan Airlines however, in many cases booking has to be arranged through their respective charter agents.
VISITING THE ROCK ISLANDS:
Before cruising the Rock Islands (most popular cruising ground and location of most of Palau’s world-class diving) a Cruising Permit MUST be secured from Koror State Government for a nominal fee (approx $10 per 10 feet of boat length to a maximum of $80). A copy of the Vessel Entry Permit and a current Crew List is required along with the Cruising Permit Application Form. Sam's Tours can assist in securing a Cruising Permit.
PILOT STATIONS:
The following Pilot Station information is based on charted positions using US DMA CHART 81141. These ARE NOT GPS WAYPOINTS.
Pilot Station East: 70 15.9 N – 1340 28.8 E.
Pilot Station West: 70 32.8 N – 1340 25.3 E.
There are no physical Sea Buoys or Pilot Station buoys for either entry channels. Pilot services must be requested in advance. Presently there is only one Port Pilot, and commercial vessels are given priority over private craft.
INFORMATION REQUIRED for VESSEL ENTRY PERMIT:
Vessel Entry Permit Application required data:
1. VESSEL LENGTH, WIDTH, DRAFT.
2. PURPOSE OF ENTRY.
3. PLACE OF REGISTRY.
4. OWNERS NAME/NATIONALITY (please include address).
5. MASTERS NAME/NATIONALITY (please include address).
6. CREW LIST (With Name, Address, Nationality, Passport #, Passport Exp. Date).
7. CALL SIGN.
8. GROSS TONNAGE / NET TONNAGE.
9. LAST PORTS OF CALL.
10. NEXT PORT OF CALL.
FIREARMS:
Firearms of any sort are NOT PERMITTED in Palau. Firearms & ammunition on board must be inventoried and turned over to the Bureau of Public Safety (Police) for storage while in Palau and will be returned immediately prior to vessel departure.
DRUGS:
Drugs other than common non-prescription medicines MUST be accompanied by a physicians prescription. Some non-prescription medications may be restricted in Palau.
ILLEGAL DRUGS are STRICTLY PROHIBITED.
Palau's anti-drug laws, fines and seizure rules are very strong and strictly enforced. Palau Customs has a Canine Unit which is used randomly to search and inspect arriving vessels and shipments.
ENTRY CLEARANCE:
Being prepared and organized will smooth Clearing In. It is quite likely that officials from several government agencies may arrive all at the same time during entry clearance so it can be confusing and demanding on the bridge. Officials involved in clearance may include Transportation, Immigration, Customs, Quarantine, Health & Sanitation, and Public Safety (Police). It is highly recommended to have on hand multiple copies of crew lists, ships papers, weapons/ammo inventory and other commonly requested papers.
QUARANTINE:
Prepare an itemized inventory of ships stores for review by Quarantine. Dispose of any organic trash properly before arriving in Palau. Quarantine will confiscate for incineration any organic trash, fresh foodstuffs and any meats not bearing a USDA (U.S. Dept. of Agriculture) stamp.
An incineration charge of $35 per bag (subject to change) applies to any confiscated trash.
Contact us for the most current information regarding Quarantine rules. Import permits may be arranged in advance with the Bureau of Agriculture for certain restricted items.
TRASH:
All dry trash should be properly bagged in plastic. An incineration charge of $35 per bag (subject to change) applies to any confiscated trash.
WATER TAX:
A Water Vessel Tax of $50 applies to all visiting yachts.
OTHER PERMITS:
Other local park permits, conservation area permits and or fishing permit fees apply at nominal fees. Permits are readily available and can be easily arranged upon arrival. Sam's Tours provides assistance with permit processing.
DIVE SITES:
The most popular dive sites are located about 55 minutes by speedboat from Malakal Harbor. For large yachts that want to locate closer to the dive sites, it is possible to anchor in a sheltered area with nice beach access but choices are pretty limited. Most large / super yachts anchor inside Denges Pass though it doesn’t look accessible at all by chart. Approx 7.07N 134.23 E, US DMA 81141. (Octopus, Tatoosh, Battered Bull, Double Haven and other large yachts have anchored here).
For cruising sail boats and other small craft there are many suitable anchorages close to great diving and snorkeling.
FUEL & LUBRICANTS:
Palau does not offer Tax Free fuel.
Sam's Tours is a SHELL fuel and lubricants dealer and can assist with bunkering arrangements.
BANKING:
There are lots of banks and automated teller machines. Legal currency in Palau is U.S. Dollars.
Credit cards are widely accepted at most businesses including Sam's Tours. Payments by wire transfer are also accepted.
For additional assistance with banking services, please contact: accounting@samstours.com
RESTAURANTS:
There are lots of great local restaurants to choose from including Taj, an excellent Indian Restaurant with superb food and service, a very informal pub/restaurant Kraemer’s Café (where ex-pats and local dive g
uides frequent), located close to the port.Bottom Time Bar & Grill (left), on the water at Sam's Tours is also home to the Royal Belau Yacht Club, and very popular with cruisers, divers and local residents.
Drop Off Bar & Grill, located at Neco Marine, close to Sam's Tours, is also a popular hang out for cruisers and divers.
SUPERMARKETS:
There are two very well stocked supermarkets / grocery stores in town, though keep in mind that Palau is still an island and from time to time some items are not readily available. Advance notice is advised for large quantities or specialty items. Contact Sam's Tours for assistance with provisioning.
MEDICAL SERVICES:
Palau National Hospital operates a Recompression Chamber staffed by an experienced Barotrauma Team (The chamber can handle up to 8 divers).
There are several private clinics, out-patient surgeries and pharmacies. If you need large quantities of prescription drugs, advance notice is advisable.
TELECOMMUNICATIONS:
International Direct Dialing (IDD) is readily available. Phone Cards are sold at most business establishments. Calling rates are 28 cents per minute to regional countries and 35 cents per minute elsewhere.
Cell phone service is available on the GSM 900 frequency. International roaming is available to some countries. Overseas phones will not work in Palau without a local SIM CARD and must but GSM. Texting is available to a growing number of destinations such in the region. SIM CARDS can be arranged through Sam's Tours and cell phones are available for rent or purchase. Airtime (reload) cards are sold at almost every establishment.
Wi-Fi: Sam's Tours offers Wi-Fi service at our bar and restaurant at nominal fees. A growing number of facilities also offer Wi-Fi service, some free and some on a fee basis. Common to all Wi-Fi service in Palau is relatively slow speeds compared to many overseas areas. Skype and Yahoo Messenger work fine but some times need a little patience and it's best to turn off the video option. Facebook is accessible too..but again, patience is the name of the game.
INCOMING SHIPMENTS FOR YACHTS IN TRANSIT:
Mailing address for incoming shipments is as follows:
Yacht in Transit (state name of Yacht)
c/o Sam’s Tours
Box 7076 Main Street, Koror
PW, Palau, 96940
Tel: + 680-488-1062
FEDEX:
Fedex Service is available at Sam's Tours.
Contact Sam's Tours for complete details or further assistance:
E-MAIL: info@samstours.com or reservations@samstours.com
TEL: + 680-488-1062 or 488-7267 (Tokyo Time Zone).
FAX: + 680-488-5003
PALAU SUPER YACHT SERVICES
at
Sam's Tours Palau
at
Sam's Tours Palau
