The Republic of Palau
The Republic of Palau is an archipelago of about 500 stunningly picturesque tropical islands. This nation, part of Micronesia in the western Pacific, has most of its 21,000 residents living on the main island of Koror, sharing a fascinating history. Palau is culturally rich; initially settled by Filipino immigrants, it was occupied and governed by Germans and Japanese, ending up in American hands during World War II. Today, Palau governs itself as a republic in free association with the United States. When diving in and around Palau’s crystal-clear waters, one can still see remnants of the war and impressive shipwrecks.
Diving in Palau
Palau is an archipelago renowned among divers for its diving safaris (liveaboards). This country is a diving destination that ranks as one of the “Seven Wonders” on the “bucket list.” Some must-visit dive sites in Palau include Blue Corner and German Channel; these two spots are challenging to reach with a day boat charter, so you’ll need to add a few extra days to your trip. Divers serious about experiencing Palau’s crystal-clear water and stunning underwater world should opt for a 7-10 day diving safari (liveaboard) excursion. Palau boasts a diversity of marine life unlike anywhere else on Earth; there are over 1,300 different reef fish species, 550 coral species, and a long list of large pelagic fish that feed in these nutrient-rich waters.
Diving at the Rock Islands
The Rock Islands: Palau’s Crown Jewels
The Rock Islands stand out as Palau’s most beautiful and visited islands. Divers consider these islands the “holy grail of diving,” offering some of the world’s most unique landscapes. Thousands of eager divers flock to Palau annually, cementing its status as one of the planet’s top diving destinations.
Journey to Palau’s southern lagoon, between Koror and Peleliu, to witness over 200 limestone rocks rising from the deep blue sea, forming distinctive mushroom-shaped islands covered in lush, green jungle. Each island’s base extends into the ocean, creating an amazing habitat for the vast array of life thriving in these waters.
The Rock Islands’ impressive topography makes them one of Palau’s most sought-after dive spots. Blue Corner, a famous dive site in this area, requires a reef hook (invented in Palau) to keep you steady in the strong current. Be sure to include visits to the massive Blue Holes caves and German Channel, a great place to spot manta rays, in your trip.
The islands also house 52 lakes; one of these is the world-famous Jellyfish Lake, where you can snorkel among thousands of stingless jellyfish.
In 2012, the Rock Islands were declared a UNESCO World Heritage site (unesco.org). They’re a must-see destination with a unique beauty that continues to amaze divers from around the globe.
Diving in Koror
Koror, a small island group, offers Palau’s most accessible shore diving. The main island, Koror, hosts Palau’s primary commercial center and most large resorts. While the dive sites here may not be as spectacular as those further out in the Rock Islands, they’re still impressive and easy to reach without needing a dive safari. Some must-visit spots include Jake Seaplane & Cave, Pillbox Channel, Kaibaku Channel, Buoy 6 Wreck, and Helmet Wreck, among many others.
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Diving in Peleliu
At the southern end of Palau’s Rock Islands lies the small island of Peleliu. It brings divers close to Palau’s most famous dive sites. Must-dive locations in Peleliu include Peleliu Corner, Peleliu Express, and Peleliu Drop-Off, a site just a 5-minute boat ride away where you can see sharks stacked upon sharks. Dive into Orange Beach waters to find World War II remnants in the sand, or head to Yellow Wall, another excellent dive spot named after the beautiful yellow soft corals growing abundantly here. Don’t miss Stingray Point; it’s a great place to look for stingrays hiding along the sand.
Diving in Ngemelis
Ngemelis Island hosts Palau’s most popular dive sites. Blue Corner stands out as the top spot, known for strong currents and impressive fish activity. Around Ngemelis, you’ll find massive drop-offs and stunning wall dives just meters from the shore. Don’t miss exploring the incredible walls of Big Drop-Off and Ngemelis Wall, where reefs plunge to depths of 274 meters (900 feet). Ngemelis Wall was also a favorite of Jacques Cousteau. The German Channel is another famous site in the area, featuring a manta ray cleaning station. Keep an eye out for numerous sharks here as well.
Diving in Mercherchar
Mercherchar offers spectacular dive sites right off its shores, including Browncoal, Beluowar, and Ngerchong’s northern and southern coral gardens. It’s the main island in a group of rock islands known as the Mecherchar Islands. This small but beautiful island is home to two of Palau’s most unique sites: Clam City and Jellyfish Lake. Diving in Clam City reveals a hidden gem covered in Tridacna clams of every shape, size, and color. When diving in the protected Jellyfish Lake, you’ll encounter a unique phenomenon: millions of small, golden jellyfish that have completely lost their tentacles and stingers.
Liveaboard Diving in Palau
What To Expect On A Palau Liveaboard
Palau liveaboards offer an unparalleled diving experience. These floating hotels take you to the best dive sites, often unreachable by day trips. Expect to dive up to four times daily, including night dives. You’ll explore diverse underwater landscapes, from vibrant coral reefs to deep walls and WWII wrecks. Encounters with large pelagics like manta rays and sharks are common. Between dives, enjoy comfortable accommodations, delicious meals, and the company of fellow dive enthusiasts. Liveaboards typically run 7-10 day itineraries, covering Palau’s top dive spots efficiently.
Diving enthusiasts worldwide dream of Palau liveaboard experiences, and for good reason! This island nation in the western Pacific Ocean, part of Micronesia, boasts a population of 21,000. While Ngerulmud on Babeldaob island serves as the capital, Koror, home to two-thirds of Palauans, attracts most tourists. Comprising 250 islands, including some in the Caroline archipelago, Palau offers divers breathtaking sites. From the renowned Blue Corner to Peleliu’s sunken relics, Micronesia liveaboards cater to various preferences.
Palau’s history spans millennia, with Filipino settlers arriving 3,000 years ago. European exploration began 900 years back, leading to multiple foreign influences. After U.S. governance post-1947, Palau gained independence in 1994, retaining the U.S. dollar. The population blends Japanese, Micronesian, and Melanesian heritage, speaking Palauan and English. Covering 465 square kilometers (179 square miles), Palau features volcanic and limestone terrain. The famous Rock Islands – a cluster of forested limestone islets within 35 km (20 mi) – create an unparalleled diving paradise.
Palau’s Underwater Wonders
Palau liveaboards showcase an incredible array of marine life and dive sites. Vibrant reefs teem with colorful fish schools, thriving amidst coral jungles, sea fans, and sponges. Larger species include green and hawksbill turtles, grey reef, white tip, and leopard sharks, along with wahoos, Napoleon wrasses, and elusive mandarin fish. Multiple wreck sites feature sunken vessels and other World War II remnants.
Palau’s Prime Dive Locations
Palau’s dive sites offer something for every underwater explorer. Liveaboards visit locations where flourishing reefs host diverse marine life, from tiny, colorful creatures to impressive pelagics. The area’s geological features create unique diving experiences, with dramatic walls, channels, and drop-offs. History buffs can explore sunken World War II relics, while marine life enthusiasts might encounter various shark species, manta rays, and even the rare mandarin fish. Whether you’re drawn to vibrant coral gardens, adrenaline-pumping drift dives, or serene encounters with gentle giants, Palau’s underwater realm promises unforgettable adventures. Each dive site tells a story, be it of nature’s resilience or human history, making every plunge a journey of discovery in these crystal-clear Pacific waters.
Palau’s underwater realm boasts a variety of unique dive spots teeming with diverse marine life. Divers can explore thriving reefs, steep drop-offs, exhilarating drift dives, and an abundance of sea creatures. The area also features intriguing caves and sunken wrecks. Remarkably, these waters are home to over 1,300 fish species and more than 700 types of coral.
→ Blue Corner stands out as Palau’s most renowned dive site. This natural corner, situated on the southwestern reefs of Palau islands and the northwestern tip of Ngemelis Island, lies about 46 km from Koror. It’s a prime spot for shark sightings and massive schools of fish, along with other large marine animals. Strong currents make it unsuitable for novices but ideal for thrilling drift dives.
→ Jellyfish Lake, while not suitable for scuba diving due to potential harm to jellyfish from air bubbles, offers a unique snorkeling experience. Swimmers can glide among millions of stinger-free jellyfish, making it one of Palau’s most memorable in-water activities.
→ German Channel is another popular destination. Created by German colonizers to transport phosphorous from the lagoon to the ocean, the channel itself has powerful currents. The dive site is located at the channel’s southwest mouth. It’s world-renowned for close encounters with Manta Rays, which can span up to 3m (10ft) across.
→ Iro Maru Wreck is one of several wrecks you might explore on a Palau itinerary. This large fleet oiler rests at depths between 23-35m (75-114ft), featuring coral-covered cannon guns and much more. The area is dotted with multiple wrecks, mostly from World War II, each having developed its own unique underwater ecosystem over time.
→ Chandelier Caves features a network of five distinct caverns, each adorned with dazzling formations resembling chandeliers. These caves require a flashlight and confident cave diving skills, but offer a stunning underwater exploration for those prepared.
Seasons (not only for Divers)
The (diving) calendar is divided into three main periods:
- Peak season (December-March): Expect calm seas and drier weather.
- Transition months (April, July, August, October, November): Stronger winds and increased rainfall.
- Off-peak (May, June, September): Variable weather, fewer tourists, and lower prices.
Many dive locations have specific prerequisites, such as wreck or cave diving certifications. Always verify these requirements before planning your trip.