Sam's vs NecoMarine?????and.....

Planning on a week in Palau next June.....
2 questions....
1)Does anyone have an opinion on the dive operators i have listed above???
2)What is the woman/nitelife situation like for single guys????
Thanks
Howrd

Sams- Neco tends to do groups, especially from Taiwan.

No idea- nightlife is not a major feature in Palau. And since I'm a woman, I really don't know. There are a few clocal clubs, but they are often reserved for house parties- a Palauan custom where you make a donation for people to buy a house, then drink and dance. I loved them, but don't know how it is for non-islanders.

Lucky you- go have a sunset drink at the Palau Pacific Resort- often people there.

Thanks....howard

Where are you staying?

As a non-diver, I was hesitant to answer your question. My observation, having talked to quite a few divers, is that both have a large following and swear allegiance to one or the other. So I think you will be well taken care of by either firm. Both companies have extensive websites and I suggest you explore them both and decide which one is closer to what you are looking for.

Have a great trip!

Papa Mike
Papa Mike's Palau Islands Handbook

Maybe I'm late in answering, but last year we dove with Sam's and I liked it : very well organized (you get a pickup and dropoff to your hotel every day) and I liked the dive guides. Don't know about Neco.
There didn't seem to be much of nightlife on Palau however. A few restaurants on the big road and the hotels. The bar at Sams was good for a nice after-dive and to get to know some other people.

Thank you all...howard

Go with Sams.....ive always had great experience with them. very professional outfit, and the boats/guides are top notch.

I would go with Sam's

Fish'n Fins used to be the big player, but they seem to have lost their edge. We had an incident with lung expansion with a handicapped guy and they tried to keep it quiet and play it down. Also i found the staff to be more occupied with impressing the ladies than being guide.
I then went to Sam's which was really great.
be ware that not all dive sites are worth the 100-120$ per trip/2 dives. I found the most impressive was blue corner/blue hole (YEEAAHH) and german channel.