Ulong Channel is one of the must-visit dive sites in Palau. Located on the West side of Ulong Island, the site is famous for its fantastic soft and hard corals, beautiful sea fans, and its abundance of marine life, including sharks, groupers, and schooling fish. The dive site is popular among advanced divers due to the strong and unpredictable currents that can change abruptly during the dive. In this report, we will describe Ulong Channel in detail and highlight its special features.

Ulong Channel is sometimes referred to as Ngerumekaol Pass and is located approximately 15 miles (24 kilometers) west of Koror, which is a 30-40 minute speedboat ride away. The dive site has a visibility range of 45 to 90 feet (15 to 30 meters), depending on the direction of the tide. Visibility is best during an incoming tide when the current is strong, and the water is clear. The diving depth at Ulong Channel ranges from the top of the reef to the bottom, which is 10 to 40 feet (3 to 13 meters).

One of the significant attractions of Ulong Channel is the abundance of marine life that can be observed here. Upon entering the channel, divers will be greeted by schools of reef sharks, which can number in the hundreds. As divers drift deeper into the channel, they can observe the fantastic soft and hard corals and beautiful sea fans. Depending on the season and moon phase, divers can also witness mating groupers, sharks, or triggers, which makes the dive site an exciting and thrilling experience.

However, the currents at Ulong Channel can be strong and unpredictable, making the dive site suitable for advanced divers only. Divers need to be prepared to adapt to the changing currents, which can suddenly change direction midway through the dive. If this happens, divers need to turn around and drift in the opposite direction.

Ulong Island, where the dive site is located, is also a great place to visit for a picnic due to its beautiful beaches and historical significance. Ancient Palauans painted a series of petroglyphs on the high cliffs of the island, and divers can ask their guide to point them out as they pass the western side of Ulong Island.

In conclusion, Ulong Channel is a must-visit dive site in Palau, and for good reason. The abundance of marine life, fantastic soft and hard corals, and beautiful sea fans make the dive site a breathtaking and thrilling experience. However, the strong and unpredictable currents make the dive site suitable for advanced divers only, who need to be prepared to adapt to the changing conditions. Overall, Ulong Channel is an unforgettable dive site that should be on every scuba diver's bucket list.