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Dive Palau

Named as One of the Seven Underwater Wonders of the World! 

The archipelago’s oceanic realm is home to about 400 reef-building hard corals and 150 species of soft corals, gorgonians and sea pens. Reef fishes in Palau are also far more diverse than those in neighboring Micronesian islands – at least 1450 species. Favorites of divers, the napoleon wrasse and bumphead parrot fish are protected species here. For shark fans, these regal creatures thrive in the waters that were named the World’s First Shark Sanctuary in 2009.

Why DIVE PALAU?

Palau is famous for its pristine reefs, biodiversity,
caverns, caves, drop offs, varieties of sharks,
huge schools of fish, and exhilarating drift dives!

Palau’s major diving attractions are in close proximity to one another
  • There are over 50 named dive sites to DIVE
  • Over 50 wrecks to EXPLORE
  • Year-round 28 degrees celsius (82 degrees fahrenheit) with visibility up to 100 meters
  • 400 identified species of reef-building corals and about 150 species of soft corals, gorgonians, and sea pens
  • Rich in fish fauna with at least 1,450 species
See-through waters bestow underwater visibility beyond anyone’s imagination. So much so that from the shoreline, a boat fifty meters beyond creates the magical illusion that it floats merely on air, with its conspicuous shadow cast on a translucent seabed a few feet beneath. Visibility is good year-round but can be affected by tide, wind, and weather. A prism of colorful coral reefs and an almost limitless variety of sea life set the stage in this tropical paradise. Palau's experienced dive guides know what to find and where, introducing you to world-class diving.
World War II relics randomly dot the underwater seascape with an almost perfect sense of dispersion; displaying haunting wrecks of World War II Japanese seaplanes and shipwrecks that render the islands a dream for wreck diving aficionados. There is an uncanny distribution to the intervals and space between their whereabouts and the effect that they effortlessly blend in with the underwater environment while at the same time embellishing what are already exceedingly attractive natural diving venues. The irrepressible synergy between all the wonderful elements found in Palau’s diving sites gives way to the many of the finest diving venues.

BLUE CORNER 15m-40m

Many seasoned divers call it one of the best dives on the planet. Tides and rapidly changing currents bring in vast amount of marine life from sharks, turtles, schools of fish, napoleon wrasse, and stunning corals in every color, shape, and size

GERMAN CHANNEL 6m-30m

German Channel (Mesikm) takes its name from a man-made channel, dredged in 1908 by Germans to ease boat passage. It has been recognized as one of the world's best dive sites, primarily known for its manta rays, schooling of sharks, and an abundance of fish.

ULONG CHANNEL 5m-20m

One of the best drift dives in the world; the dive begins at the mouth of the channel where divers hook on to the reef to view hunting sharks, jacks, barracudas, and groupers up close!

DIVE SITES

Embarking on a dive expedition usually spans an entire day, offering a choice of two or three exhilarating dives, tailored to your desires. The dive guide, fueled by real-time weather and tidal dynamics, handpicks the dive sites on the very day of your adventure. Keep in mind, though, that the ocean's living rhythm might lead to last-minute adjustments, making every plunge an unpredictable and thrilling escapade. As such, the dive sites, unfortunately, can't be assured in advance.

Blue Corner, Big Drop-Off, and Peleliu Express – they're like irresistible invitations for divers worldwide. And here's the secret: once you've dived in Palau, you're hooked. It's a place that keeps pulling you back, dive after dive. The following are just a taste of the wondrous sites that Palau has to offer to intrepid explorers like you. Dive in and uncover the limitless marvels that await beneath the waves!

Blue Corner 15m-40m

Many seasoned divers call it one of the best dives on the planet. Tides and rapidly changing currents bring in vast amount of marine life from sharks, turtles, schools of fish, napoleon wrasse, and stunning corals in every color, shape, and size

German Channel 6m-30m

German Channel (Mesikm) takes its name from a man-made channel, dredged in 1908 by Germans to ease boat passage. It has been recognized as one of the world's best dive sites, primarily known for its manta rays, schooling of sharks, and an abundance of fish.

Ulong Channel 5m-20m

One of the best drift dives in the world; the dive begins at the mouth of the channel where divers hook on to the reef to view hunting sharks, jacks, barracudas, and groupers up close!

Siaes Corner 10-53m

Siaes Corner is a stunning vertical drop in Palau, beginning just below the surface and extending to depths of about 40-53m, adorned with an array of marine life including Gray Reef Sharks, barracuda, jacks, and vibrant fish like Pyramid Butterflyfish and Yellowtail Fusiliers. The reef's rich diversity also boasts enchanting creatures like Emperor Angelfish, Clownfish, and graceful turtles, offering a captivating drift dive where encounters with these underwater wonders are both exhilarating and photogenic.

Iro Maru 10 – 30m

Wreck | The Iro stands as Palau's renowned wreck, a quintessential wartime relic. Measuring 143m in length and weighing 14,050 tons, it rests upright on a sandy bed about 40m below the surface. Bedecked with captivating marine life- kingposts draped in clams and corals while the bridge superstructure offers access to hidden corners where lionfish, anemones, and even tomato clownfish reside. The Iro stands as a testament to history and marine splendor.

Big Drop Off | up to 40m

Drop Off | Big Drop-Off traces the expanse of Ngemelis Island, unveiling an awe-inspiring sheer vertical wall that emerges during extreme low tides, plummeting unfathomably to 274 meters below. Here, a bustling underwater world thrives, with Pyramid Butterflyfish and Moorish Idols adorning the reef's edge, while Emperor Angelfish and nimble Dwarf angelfish dart amid coral heads. Alongside, Clark and Blue Striped Clownfish inhabit their anemone abodes, while Hawksbill Turtles rest and forage at the reef's zenith. Below, the sandy floor becomes a haven for tranquil White Tip and Nurse Sharks in slumber, adding to the enchantment of this aquatic spectacle.

Chandelier Cave 3m-10m

Cave/Cavern | Chandelier Cave, a captivating network of five interconnected chambers, offers an enthralling experience for scuba divers to delve into. Formed through eroded limestone and filled with water over time, these chambers dazzle with glittering stalactite and stalagmite formations, showcasing a sparkling spectacle resembling chandeliers.

Blue Holes | up to 50m

Cave/Cavern | Experience the allure of Blue Holes within the cavern. Suited for novice to intermediate divers comfortable with overhead environments. Delve into the amphitheater-sized cavern adorned with whip corals and fish schools, and with careful preparation, embark on a truly epic underwater journey, transitioning from Blue Holes to the famed Blue Corner, a remarkable Palau scuba diving adventure.

Turtle Cove 17- 30m

Turtle Cove, a premier dive destination in Palau, is nestled on the southwestern reefs of Ngercheu Island, just 24 miles from Koror. While its name may allude to its historic turtle nesting grounds, today it's celebrated for its vibrant marine life and captivating underwater landscapes. A notable feature is the mini blue hole, a cavernous delight perched atop the reef, providing a gateway to a world teeming with Big Eye Jacks, snappers, Pyramid Butterflyfish, and other mesmerizing species. Traverse the reef wall to uncover hidden caves, arches, and ledges, encountering Grey Reef Sharks, White Tip Sharks, and Leopard Sharks along the way.
Whether you're seeking heart-pounding encounters with marine giants, serene free diving adventures, or vibrant snorkeling experiences, Palau unfolds as a true oasis for all water enthusiasts. Dive into the adventure of a lifetime, where every aquatic moment is a revelation of beauty, tranquility, and awe.

so much to explore! 

TESTIMONIALS
"We have done thousands of dives all around the world in some of the most pristine areas, but in few places we have seenwhat we have seen here."

Dr. Enric Sala

Explorer-in-Residence, National Geographic

Palau: Where Nature and Humanity Coexist in Harmony

What makes Palau so special - it's a haven where nature and humanity harmoniously coexist. Palau's unwavering commitment to marine conservation, nurtured over thousands of years, sets it apart as a global leader. As you explore the azure waters, you'll realize that Palau's breathtaking beauty is more than just skin-deep. Here, you can feel the pulse of nature's heartbeat, a place where wonders unfold with every stroke of your fins. The year-round accessibility of this aquatic wonderland ensures that every moment is a chance to be captivated by its charms.

Palau's distinction lies not only in its captivating underwater landscapes but also in the deep-rooted respect its people have for the environment. They have cultivated a symbiotic relationship with nature, making Palau a truly rare and remarkable gem on our planet.
Visit our Environmental Initiatives page to learn more about Palau's conservation efforts
Environmental Initiatives

Breathtaking Locales that can be added to your Dive Experience!

Natural Arch 

While exploring Koror’s Rock Islands Southern Lagoon, make a stop at the Natural Arch, a breathtaking testament to the raw power of nature. This incredible limestone island has been beautifully shaped by nature, creating a unique and enchanting formation.

Milky Way

Palau’s very own galactic paradise on Earth. A dreamy, turquoise lagoon filled with soft limestone mud. Legend has it, if you experience its therapeutic properties, you will look out of this world 😉 Treat yourself to this natural spa!

Nikko bay 

A haven of vibrant waters teeming with some of the most diverse coral reefs in the world, thriving in the heart of this pristine oasis. One popular snorkeling sighting is the “Einstein Corals” or brain corals located in this bay. Take in the breathtaking scenery and serene ambiance that envelops the bay, providing a truly rejuvenating getaway. This can be visited by boat, kayak or both!

Book your tour!

Don't miss the chance to create memories that will stay etched in your heart forever. Book your tour with a dive/tour operator today and embark on the adventure of a lifetime!

Private Charters


Picture yourself on a private boat, setting sail on a voyage custom-tailored to your wildest dreams and where your adventure is not confined to the constraints of rigid itineraries. Two primary advantages to chartering your own boat are the exclusivity and the local advantage. With a local captain you will be able to uncover hidden gems that lie off the conventional visitor radar and you can have one-on-one convos to learn more about Palau and our way of life!

Liveaboards


Immerse yourself in unparalleled luxury and maximize your diving adventures with multiple dives per day, all while forging lifelong connections with like-minded explorers in Palau's underwater paradise on a liveaboard. Book your liveaboard experience now!

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