MICRONESIA

– 144 – www.paradises.com PO Box 10044 Koror 96940 PALAU Tel: +680 488 8582 Fax: +680 488 4562 Email: e-dream@dolphinspacific.com www.dolphinspacific.com D O L P H I N S P A C I F I C Palau is known for its undersea wonders and Dolphin Bay is nestled amongst beautiful rock islands just minutes via boat from the main town of Koror. Dolphins Pacific's philosophy has three major aims–environmental education, a facility where everyone can have fun and to develop tourism in Palau. The centre believes in the importance of environmental education and the facility provides world-class educational lectures for the children of Palau that are incorporated in school programs. With tourism the main industry in Palau, new ventures are vital to its economy and the dolphin centre hopes to attract even more tourists through its wide- ranging programs. There are several opportunities to learn about and interact with the dolphins including diving with them in their natural habitat. The Close Encounter is approximately a one-hour program that includes an educational tour of Dolphin Bay with a lecture about the ecology of dolphins and the importance of preserving the environment. Guests will be directed to a platform where they will begin interacting with the dolphins. Dolphin dives allow you to enjoy the magnificent underwater wonders of Palau with dolphins, using a scuba tank. Dolphin lovers can even be married at a one-of-a-kind ceremony at Emerald Lagoon. The staff will arrange various dolphin performances for you and your friends to celebrate your special day. Dolphins Pacific invites you into their world—a world of wonder and learning with these playful mammals. to f lourish on the reefs. This dedication to preservation has been echoed across the Pacific as far as the United States, where President Obama recently pledged to conserve 10 percent of their marine environment. Approximately 75 percent of Palau is covered in native forest and mangrove with an estimated 163 plant species unique to the area and 23 endemic orchids to Palau are now known. At least 46 species of reptiles and amphibians can be found, at least 12 of which are endemic. You can also find sea snakes, crocodiles and two endemic species of bats, the large Fruit Bat that can be seen during the day, and the small, nocturnal insectivorous Sheath-tailed Bat found around the limestone caves. Palau has recorded 153 species of birds, and 9-12 of these are endemic. Of these, the White-Breasted Wood Swallow and the Palau Fruit Dove are probably the rarest and most threatened species. Come and witness "Pristine Paradise. Palau." For more information, visit www.visit-palau.com. — M i c r o n e s i a —

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