Welcome to Peleliu Wall and Cut, located in the southern reef of Peleliu Island, Palau. This dive site is known for its stunning vertical wall and breathtaking marine life, making it one of the most popular diving destinations in Palau.
As an expert dive shop, we recommend Peleliu Wall and Cut to experienced and advanced divers due to its strong currents. The visibility can range from 75 to 150 feet (25 to 50 meters) depending on the tide's direction. This dive site is located 34 miles (55 kilometers) from Koror and takes about 55 to 70 minutes by speedboat.
The Peleliu Wall is a vertical wall that runs along the western side of the island and extends to Peleliu Corner, where the ocean currents converge, making it one of the most challenging dives in Palau. The top of the reef is a plateau that gradually drops from 30 feet (10 m) to 90 feet (30 m) where Peleliu Expressway and Peleliu Cut merge to create Peleliu Corner.
At Peleliu Wall and Cut, you will encounter a diverse range of marine life. The top of the plateau hosts large numbers of tropical fish such as Pyramid Butterflyfish, Square Anthias, Moorish Idols, Sergeant Major's, Yellowtail Fusiliers, Palette Surgeonfish, Bumphead Parrotfish, and Purple Anthias. You will also see dense concentrations of bright yellow soft corals, long strands of cable corals, big bushes of black corals, and sea fans decorating the sheer reef wall.
One of the most fascinating aspects of Peleliu Wall and Cut is the large number of pelagic fish patrolling along the Cut and at the Corner. You may see Sperm Whales, Whale Sharks, Tiger Sharks, Bull Sharks, Orcas, Sailfish, Blue Marlin, and many more. Gray Reef and White Tip sharks are also common sightings while swimming along the reef. When you reach the Corner, you will see more sharks and possibly the largest schools of surgeonfish, snappers, and jacks in the world.
In normal current conditions, Peleliu Wall and Cut can only be done in one direction. The boat will drop you along Peleliu Wall, and you must follow the wall down to 80 or 90 feet (25 or 30 m) while keeping the wall to your left. You may encounter some counter currents along the wall as you approach Peleliu Corner. If the current is strong, stay deep. If you are too shallow, you will not be able to hook onto the reef and may be carried over the reef to Peleliu Expressway and the open ocean. If the current is mild, hook yourself to the top of the reef and enjoy the show. The Cut is a spectacular reef offering many hidden crevices and caves for you to explore as you swim toward Peleliu Corner.
It is important to keep your Dive Guide in sight as they will alert you to any changes in dive conditions. Once across the plateau, ascend slowly to perform your safety stop. Safety Sausages are mandatory equipment for this dive due to the unpredictability and strength of the currents.
When you are ready to take a break between dives, we highly recommend a guided tour of the island's historical WWII sites with local guides such as Tanzy Hesus, who is the guardian of the local museum. The tour is a great way to spend time between dives and should not be missed.
In conclusion, Peleliu Wall and Cut is a challenging dive site that offers a unique and thrilling experience to experienced and advanced divers. Withits stunning vertical wall, breathtaking marine life, and rich historical significance, Peleliu Wall and Cut is a must-visit destination for any diving enthusiast. As an expert dive shop, we prioritize safety and encourage divers to follow the guidelines and recommendations provided by our Dive Guides.
If you're planning your next diving adventure in Palau, be sure to add Peleliu Wall and Cut to your list. You won't be disappointed!