Ron Leidich: Ron settled in Palau in 1994 after traveling around the world for five years as an Animal Trainer, White Water Raft Guide, and SCUBA Instructor. With a degree in Zoology from Oregon State University Ron loves exploring the far corners of the planet and learning more about earth's creatures. He's led wildlife tours in the Caribbean, Mexico, Galapagos, Burma, Borneo, Indonesia, and Australia. Ron is an accomplished photographer and loves capturing unique animal images for his expanding portfolio. His personal areas of interest include Ornithology, Coral Biology, Reef Fish Behavior, Paleontology, Human Evolution, and WWII History. He's currently writing several books including: "Man & the Mega-fauna", "A Photographic Guide to the Birds of West Austrlia", and "A Field Guide to the Plants of Palau's Rock Islands".
Ron has also been instrumental in protecting Palau's marine bio-treasures. He's lobbied tirelessly for the protection of Palau's top predators and helped influence a law which now protects all Sharks within the Republic's territorial waters. Ron lobbied to remove jet skis from the rock islands which were disturbing wildlife and harming the reef. His biggest contribution to date has been the removal of the highly destructive Crown of Thorns Starfish. Consuming their body weight in coral every day, the "COTS" have threatened to wipe out acres of Palau's precious reefs. With his teams of volunteers, Ron has successfully removed over 5000 COTS per year with the Rock Island reef system. "I want to insure that my own son, Calvin, can enjoy the beauty of the sea and all her thrilling creatures".

Leticia Sicat-Leidich: Leticia was born and raised in the Republic of Palau, but received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Chico State. Leticia manages Paddling Palau in addition to guiding trips and training staff. She loves to travel and has a particular interest in Primates and Pacific Island cultures. Leticia speaks English, Palauan, Japanese, and the Philippine dialect of Tagalog. She's traveled to Africa, India, Australia, and many of the Micronesian Islands. She's also a master-chef with a specialty in health-food diets.

Shaft Katosang: Shaft was born for the rock islands of Palau. His earliest memories include fishing trips with his father where he was schooled in the traditional art of Micronesian fishing. After receiving a degree in accounting, the "call of the wild" brought him back to his outdoor roots. For the last seven years he's been guiding kayak tours, expeditions, WWII tours, and birding trips throughout his beloved islands. A natural teacher, Shaft loves sharing his extensive knowledge of his culture, history, and native islands. Shaft is also an accomplished boat captain and an excellent chef. Shaft's biggest dream is to pass on his passion for the islands to his two young daughters.

Tarkong Beches: Tarkong "TJ" Beches was born and raised on the remote island atoll of Kayangel. The pristine coral reefs, coconut groves, and jungles were Tarkong's playground from his earliest age. Catching land crabs, climbing coconut trees, and spear fishing were an early passion for a young man who grew up without television or video games. T.J. and the ocean are inseparable. When he's not guiding kayak & snorkel trips, he's still on the water fishing, or improving his newest skill, Under Water Photography. T.J.'s gift for teaching has already elevated him to expedition guide for both Wilderness Travel and Boundless Journeys.

Sean Lund: With a Palauan mother and Canadian father, Sean was born with a natural wonder-lust and a curiosity for the natural world. Having traveled extensively throughout Micronesia, Australia, and North America, Sean has mastered many languages including some of the most difficult Micronesian Dialects. A natural athlete, Sean is a magnificent free diver and kayak guide with particular interests in Human Biogeography and Micronesian History.

Lalli Wong: Lalli was born to be outside. Her natural exuberance and enthusiasm are almost uncontainable. Lalli loves everything Palauan and enjoys sharing the wonders of Palau with guests from around the world. Jellyfish Lake is one of her favorite snorkel sites as she enjoys the wild reactions from guests during this primordial encounter. She's been guiding for over two years and is especially attracted to Palau's fragile coral gardens and the myriad of fish hiding within the reef.

Scottie Kiefer: Scottie has a full time job as the Director of Marine Team at the Palau Conservation Society. Scottie manages a team of researchers and conservationists dedicated to saving Palau's unique eco-systems. Scottie came to Palau in 1995 and worked as a kayak guide while simultaneously studying to become a PADI dive instructor. After four years of grand adventures, Scottie returned to the US to complete a degree in Environmental Science from Michigan State University. He's since put his education to work as a full time conservationist and part time guide. With a mask & snorkel hidden under his desk, Scottie's thoughts and dreams are never far from the sea. Scottie is married with two young boys who are quickly following in their father's aquatic footsteps.