Divers looking to experience Palau’s fish spawning aggregations will have two new opportunities in 2028, with Dive Worldwide adding departures specifically timed around the lunar cycle.
The 3 February 2028 expedition will focus on Moorish idols and twin-spot snapper, while the 14 April 2028 departure will target blue-lined sea bream and bumphead parrotfish.
Palau’s spawning events occur at particular points in the lunar cycle, with different species gathering at specific locations and times to reproduce. The aggregations can number in the thousands and attract predatory species including grey reef sharks, lemon sharks, oceanic blacktip sharks and bull sharks.
February 2028: Moorish Idols and Twin-Spot Snapper
The 3 February 2028 departure is timed around the full moon and aims to coincide with spawning activity involving Moorish idols and twin-spot snapper, also known as bohar snapper.
According to Dive Worldwide, twin-spot snapper gather in large numbers around the full moon, with the spawning activity taking place around dawn. The resulting aggregations can attract sharks and other predators.
The expedition will also include regular diving on Palau’s reefs and wrecks outside the spawning dives.
April 2028: Blue-Lined Sea Bream and Bumphead Parrotfish
The 14 April 2028 departure is timed around the new moon and will seek out spawning aggregations of blue-lined sea bream and bumphead parrotfish.
Dive Worldwide’s spawning guide states that blue-lined sea bream, also known as sailfin snapper, can form very large aggregations during their spawning period. Bumphead parrotfish also gather around the new moon, with spawning activity taking place at dawn.
The expedition combines these spawning dives with further diving around Palau, including its coral reefs and wrecks.
The Palau Spawning Expedition
Both 2028 departures are part of Dive Worldwide’s Palau Spawning Expedition, led by underwater photographer and Palau spawning specialist Richard Barnden.
The trips are listed as 15–18 days, with the package including flights from and to the UK, overnight accommodation in Palau and Manila, most transfers, 10 nights aboard a liveaboard, full-board meals, diving and spawning experiences, and the services of an expert tour leader.
Prices currently start from £7,595 per person, including international flights from the UK.
The liveaboard itinerary offers up to four dives per day, including the spawning experiences. Dive Worldwide states that the trips are suitable for Advanced Open Water divers or above, with a minimum of 50 logged dives. Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed.
Dive Worldwide also has 2027 departures scheduled for April and May, targeting further spawning events, including blue-lined sea bream, bumphead parrotfish and camouflage grouper.
For more information, visit the Palau Spawning Expedition or read Dive Worldwide’s Palau Spawning Guide.
