Chandelier Cave Palau is a Must-Do Cave Dive
Welcome to Chandelier Cave, Palau’s unique and breathtaking cave system that will take your breath away. Located in Malakal Harbor, just less than a mile (1.6 kilometers) away from most dive shops in Koror, this cave system is a must-do dive for all experienced divers visiting Palau. At Fish 'n Fins, we are proud to offer our guests the opportunity to explore this magnificent site and we have some of the most experienced divemasters to guide you through the cave.
Chandelier Cave is a five-chamber cave system with an entrance that sits 12 feet (4 meters) below the surface. With excellent visibility, the cave is truly a magical place, and divers can expect to see an array of stunning stalactites and stalagmites hanging from the ceiling and growing from the floor of the cave.
The Formation of Chandelier Cave Palau
Chandelier Cave is a result of the unique geological formation of the Palau Islands. These mushroom-shaped rock islands were formed from limestone reefs that were pushed upwards by underlying volcanic activity. Over the years, wave and tidal action, as well as invertebrates scraping away tiny bits of the island, have given the islands their distinctive shape. Rainwater has also eroded the interior of some of these islands, resulting in vast cave systems such as Chandelier Cave.
At one point, Chandelier Cave was an open-air cave and not water-filled as it is today. Over time, the stalactites and stalagmites slowly grew into magnificent formations resembling priceless glittering chandeliers. After the last ice age, the water level slowly rose, completely concealing the cave's entrance. Today, Chandelier Cave is made up of four water-filled chambers, each with an air pocket, and a fifth chamber that is completely above water and connected to the last two water chambers.
Diving Chandelier Cave Palau
As you enter the cave system, the first thing you will notice is darkness, followed by even more darkness. However, as you start to adapt to the darkness, the shapes of the stalactites hanging down into the water will start to appear. With underwater lights, which are a must, you can explore the magnificent colors and shapes that nature has provided.
It's essential to note that divers who are claustrophobic or have concerns about diving in darkness should avoid this dive. The cave system is made up of five separate chambers, each connected to the other and each can be entered. The entrance to the cave is through a 10-foot (3 meters) diameter opening in the rock island approximately 12 feet (4 meters) from the surface.
As you enter the first chamber and your eyes adapt, you will start to make out the shapes that appear to be hanging magically from the water surface. These will emerge as enormous stalactites hanging down into the water. Start your ascent slowly, with one arm raised above your head so you do not accidentally hit one of the stalactites and damage it (or your head).
In the first chamber, divers can look for soldierfish and cardinal fish hanging around the opening to the cave, as well as small shrimp and crabs that cling to the sponges found along the walls. The elusive Mandarin Fish, found only in a few locations, can also reward the patient diver.
From the first chamber, divers can work their way into the other four chambers, each with its unique features and formations. If you want to enter the fifth chamber, you will have to remove your dive gear. Be forewarned; you will have to crawl and slide through some very tight places lined with slippery black mud, but the reward will be worth the trip.
While still in thecave system, it is a unique experience to turn off all dive lights and truly appreciate the darkness of the cave. After a few moments, the light from the cave entrance will become visible, and soon you will see an eerie green glow.
Chandelier Cave Palau is an excellent dive site for experienced divers looking for a unique and challenging adventure. With its magnificent stalactites and stalagmites, this cave system is a must-do dive for all divers visiting Palau. However, divers must be aware of the potential risks involved in cave diving and must follow all safety protocols and guidelines.
At Fish 'n Fins, we are committed to providing our guests with the safest and most memorable diving experiences in Palau. We offer a range of dive packages that include Chandelier Cave Palau, as well as other exciting dive sites around Palau. Our experienced divemasters will guide you through the cave system and ensure that you have an unforgettable experience.
Conclusion
Chandelier Cave Palau is a unique and fascinating dive site that offers experienced divers an opportunity to explore the stunning stalactites and stalagmites of this magnificent cave system. With excellent visibility and diverse marine life, Chandelier Cave is a must-do dive for all divers visiting Palau. However, divers must be aware of the potential risks involved in cave diving and must follow all safety protocols and guidelines. At Fish 'n Fins, we are committed to providing our guests with the safest and most memorable diving experiences in Palau. Book your Chandelier Cave dive with us today and experience the magic of Palau's underwater world.