Picture this - crystal-clear waters teeming with vibrant marine life, lush jungles hiding ancient secrets, and pristine beaches that feel like they’re straight out of a postcard.
Welcome to Palau, a tropical paradise nestled in the heart of the Pacific Ocean. Known for its world-class diving, breathtaking landscapes, and rich cultural heritage, Palau has earned its place as one of the most sought-after destinations for travelers seeking adventure, relaxation, and unforgettable memories.
Discover why Palau is considered one of the world's premier diving destinations, with its extraordinary marine diversity and pristine underwater landscapes.
From legendary sites like Blue Corner to hidden gems throughout the archipelago, Palau offers unforgettable diving experiences year-round.
Palau Diving - Exploring an Underwater Paradise
Table of Contents
Nestled in the crystal-clear waters of the Western Pacific, Palau stands as one of the world's premier diving destinations. This archipelago of over 300 islands offers divers an extraordinary underwater experience with pristine reefs, dramatic drop-offs, and an abundance of marine life. Whether you're a seasoned diver or planning your first tropical dive trip, Palau delivers unforgettable underwater adventures. Let's explore everything you need to know about diving in this Pacific paradise.
Is Palau Good for Scuba Diving?
Palau isn't just good for scuba diving - it's exceptional. Often ranked among the world's top diving destinations, Palau's waters host an incredibly diverse marine ecosystem that few places on Earth can match. The archipelago boasts over 1,500 species of fish and more than 700 species of coral, creating a vibrant underwater landscape teeming with life.
What truly sets Palau apart is its commitment to marine conservation. In 2015, Palau designated its waters as a marine sanctuary, creating one of the world's largest protected marine areas. This conservation effort has allowed marine life to flourish, providing divers with extraordinary encounters with sharks, manta rays, turtles, and vast schools of fish.
The diving conditions in Palau are generally excellent, with water visibility often exceeding 100 feet, allowing divers to fully appreciate the underwater scenery. Water temperatures remain comfortable year-round, typically ranging from 82-86°F (28-30°C), making wetsuits optional for many divers.
While Palau offers sites suitable for beginners, many of its most famous dive sites feature strong currents that require some experience to navigate safely. That said, local dive operators are skilled at matching divers with appropriate sites based on their experience level, ensuring everyone can enjoy Palau's underwater wonders.
What is the Best Month to Dive in Palau?
Traditionally, diving guides have recommended Palau's dry season (November to April) as the optimal time to visit. However, in recent years, the distinction between wet and dry seasons has become less pronounced. Climate change has altered weather patterns, resulting in more consistent conditions throughout the year.
Currently, there isn't a significant difference in rainfall between the traditional "wet" and "dry" seasons – both can experience clear, sunny days and occasional rain showers. The primary distinction now lies in the trade winds that typically arrive during the traditional wet season (May to October). These winds can create choppier surface conditions and larger waves, which may make boat rides to dive sites less comfortable but rarely affect the diving experience once underwater.
Water temperature remains remarkably stable year-round, hovering between 82-86°F (28-30°C), eliminating the need to time your visit based on water comfort. Visibility also remains generally excellent throughout the year, though it may temporarily decrease after heavy rainfall.
Some marine life experiences do follow seasonal patterns. For instance, manta ray sightings tend to be more common from December to March, while certain coral spawning events occur at specific times of the year. If you have particular wildlife interests, it's worth researching these patterns when planning your trip.
Ultimately, Palau offers exceptional diving throughout the year, and the best time to visit may depend more on your schedule and preference regarding topside conditions than on underwater factors.
Where is the Best Dive Site in Palau?
Palau features over 50 documented dive sites, each with its own character and appeal. While "best" is subjective and depends on personal preferences, certain sites have achieved legendary status among the global diving community.
Blue Corner stands as Palau's most famous dive site, and for good reason. This underwater plateau features strong currents that attract an astounding concentration of pelagic life. Divers typically hook into the reef with reef hooks (a conservation-friendly practice in this location) and float in the current while observing gray reef sharks, napoleons, barracudas, and massive schools of jacks and snappers swirling in the blue. The experience is often described as "flying underwater" and represents the pinnacle of Palau diving.
German Channel rivals Blue Corner in fame, offering a different but equally spectacular experience. This man-made channel, cut through the reef by German engineers during colonial times, now serves as a corridor for manta rays traveling between the lagoon and ocean. The channel features cleaning stations where mantas come to have parasites removed by smaller fish, providing divers with intimate encounters with these gentle giants. Patient divers may also spot reef sharks and occasionally leopard sharks resting on the sandy bottom.
While these two sites often dominate conversations about Palau diving, the destination offers numerous other world-class sites:
- Ulong Channel presents a thrilling drift dive through a coral-lined channel with vibrant reef life and often large schools of fish.
- Blue Holes Palau features a series of caverns with sunlight filtering through openings in the ceiling, creating ethereal light effects.
- Jellyfish Lake, while a snorkeling rather than diving experience, offers the unique opportunity to swim among millions of non-stinging jellyfish.
- Peleliu Wall provides a dramatic vertical drop-off with incredible visibility and the chance to spot larger pelagics.
Fish 'n Fins, Palau's premier dive operator, offers a comprehensive dive site description of all major dive sites on their website, providing detailed information for those wanting to explore specific sites.
How Much is Diving in Palau?
Diving in Palau represents a premium experience with pricing that reflects the destination's remote location, excellent infrastructure, and protected status. While costs can vary based on season and specific operators, understanding the general price structure helps with planning.
Daily diving typically ranges from $190-250 per day for two-tank dives when booking directly with operators. Most dive centers offer package deals, with 5-day packages (10 dives) costing approximately $950-1,250. These packages include boat transportation, tanks, weights, lunch and professional guides but may not include equipment rental.
Fish 'n Fins stands out as Palau's premier dive operator and the only one-stop-shop for hotel and dive packages in the country. They offer package deals with several of the best hotels and resorts in Palau and provide online pricing and booking availability on their website for maximum customer convenience. What sets Fish 'n Fins apart is their high-end service combined with competitive pricing - their 5-dive day packages offer the best value in Palau for divers wanting to maximize their underwater time.
The quality of dive staff can significantly impact your experience, and Fish 'n Fins boasts the most experienced team in Palau. Their guides have worked with the company for many years, knowing the reefs and especially the currents and sites like the back of their fins. This expertise translates to enhanced safety and better wildlife encounters, as experienced guides know exactly where and when to look for marine life. Fish 'n Fins puts the comfort and safety of guests first, consistently going the extra mile to ensure memorable diving experiences.
For those needing to rent gear, full equipment packages (BCD, regulator, wetsuit, mask, fins) typically cost $35-50 per day, with discounts for longer rentals. Many operators offer free nitrox for certified nitrox divers, adding value for those qualified.
Additional costs to consider include:
- Koror State Permit: This permit includes access to the Rock Islands and costs $50, valid for 5 days
- Jellyfish Lake entry: $100 (if planning to visit this unique attraction, includes $50 Koror State Permit, valid for 5 days)
For divers seeking the ultimate Palau experience, liveaboards provide intensive diving schedules and access to more remote sites. The Ocean Hunter Palau is widely regarded as the best liveaboard option in Palau, offering up to 5 dives daily and the finest cuisine of all liveaboards in the region. What truly distinguishes Ocean Hunter is its exceptionally experienced staff, with each crew member having been with the company for over 10 years. This level of experience and continuity is rare in the diving industry and ensures guests receive unparalleled service and expertise.
Liveaboard prices typically range from $3,000-5,000 per person for a 7-night trip, depending on the vessel's luxury level and the cabin type. While this represents a significant investment, the comprehensive diving experience and quality of service provided by operations like Ocean Hunter justify the cost for many dedicated divers.
When budgeting for a week of diving in Palau, plan for approximately $1,600-2,500 per person for diving and accommodation only, meals, and international transportation not included. While not an inexpensive destination, most divers find the extraordinary underwater experiences justify the investment.
Conclusion
Palau stands as a testament to what happens when nature is respected and protected – an underwater wonderland of extraordinary biodiversity and beauty. From heart-pumping drift dives alongside sharks at Blue Corner to serene encounters with manta rays at German Channel, Palau delivers the full spectrum of diving experiences.
The quality of your dive operation can make or break a Palau diving trip, particularly given the challenging currents at some sites. Choosing an established operator like Fish 'n Fins with experienced guides who understand local conditions ensures not only safety but also maximizes wildlife encounters and overall enjoyment. Their combination of comprehensive services, from hotel packages to equipment rental, simplifies the logistics of a Palau diving vacation.
For those seeking the most immersive experience, the Ocean Hunter liveaboard provides the opportunity to live and breathe Palau diving, with multiple daily dives, gourmet meals, and the guidance of the most experienced crew in Palau's waters.
While reaching this remote paradise requires effort and investment, those who make the journey rarely regret it. Palau consistently ranks among divers' most memorable destinations, often becoming a place they return to repeatedly throughout their diving careers.
Whether you're drawn by the legendary dive sites, the conservation success story, or simply the allure of diving in one of the planet's last pristine marine environments, Palau deserves its place on every serious diver's bucket list. The memories of drifting in clear blue water, surrounded by thriving marine life, will remain long after your tanks are dry and your logbook is filled.
Discover how Palau is leading the way in sustainable diving and ocean conservation. This blog explores Palau’s groundbreaking initiatives, eco-friendly diving practices, and the unforgettable experiences it offers to divers worldwide.
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Discover the hidden wonders of Palau, where diving is just the beginning of an unforgettable adventure.
Sharks are often misunderstood and feared, but they are essential to the balance of marine ecosystems. As apex predators, they help regulate the populations of other species, ensuring that no single group dominates the ocean. This balance is crucial for the health of coral reefs and other marine habitats, which in turn support the broader biodiversity of the oceans.
When you think of diving in Palau, certain creatures come to mind right away—Napoleon wrasse, manta rays, dugongs, and, of course, sharks. These animals are the stars of the show, making every dive unforgettable. Let’s talk about where you can see them and what makes these dive spots so special when you’re exploring with Fish 'n Fins.
When it comes to diving adventures that combine breathtaking marine life with top-notch facilities, Palau stands out, especially for those eager to meet the ocean's gentle giants, the Napoleon Wrasse. For the best experience, diving with Palau’s pioneer dive shop, Fish 'n Fins, or aboard the Ocean Hunter liveaboard offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore this pristine underwater world.
Blue Corner - A Display of Marine Majesty
At Blue Corner, divers are treated to dramatic encounters with the Napoleon Wrasse. Known for its bold and curious nature, this fish often comes close enough to share a moment of connection with the divers. The strong currents here bring a dynamic mix of marine life to the fore, providing a perfect stage for these majestic creatures to perform. Photographers find this site a paradise, where the clarity of the water and the abundance of light make it ideal for capturing the vibrant hues and grandeur of the Napoleon Wrasse.Siaes Corner - Dive with the Young Explorers
Siaes Corner offers a contrasting experience with its calmer currents and abundant juvenile Napoleon Wrasse population. This site allows divers to observe the nurturing environment that supports the growth of these young wrasses. The intricate coral formations and gentle waters make Siaes Corner a spectacular site for those looking to enjoy a more serene dive, watching the youthful antics of the Napoleon Wrasse amidst a backdrop of rich biodiversity.
Choosing the Best in Palau
Opting to dive with Fish 'n Fins or aboard the Ocean Hunter liveaboard enhances your diving journey. Both offer expert guidance and access to the best spots, ensuring every dive is safe, enjoyable, and filled with memorable encounters. Fish 'n Fins, as the pioneer dive shop in Palau, brings decades of experience and a commitment to excellence that is unmatched.
Explore More on Fish 'n Fins Website
For those looking to plan their dive in detail, the Fish 'n Fins website offers comprehensive descriptions of both Blue Corner and Siaes Corner, among other sites. Here, divers can find all the information needed to prepare for their underwater adventures, from current conditions to the biodiversity they can expect to encounter.A Dive Worth Taking
Palau is not just a diving destination; it’s an experience, enriched by the presence of the Napoleon Wrasse and facilitated by world-class diving services like Fish 'n Fins and the Ocean Hunter liveaboard. Whether you’re hovering in the currents at Blue Corner or floating over the serene reefs at Siaes Corner, Palau offers an intimate and awe-inspiring glimpse into the lives of one of the ocean’s most impressive inhabitants.
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Palau, an archipelago teeming with life and natural beauty, offers divers an unparalleled underwater experience. This paradise is renowned not only for its stunning coral reefs, vibrant marine life, and historical wrecks but also for its enchanting sea turtles, which are one of the main attractions in Palau. As you explore Palau's diverse dive sites, you'll encounter these gentle giants, adding an unforgettable highlight to your underwater adventures.
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While Palau is famous for thrilling drift dives, gorgeous reefs, and breathtaking big animals at its outer atoll, there is, in fact, another side to it, one less obvious to the casual visitor.
Herzlich willkommen zur Shark Week Palau 2024, dem ultimativen Tauchabenteuer, das Naturschutz und luxuriöses Erlebnis in einem beispiellosen Event verbindet. Tauch ein in das azurblaue Wasser Palau's und erleb ein marines Paradies, das die Heimat einiger der bemerkenswertesten Meeresbewohner der Welt ist.
Embark on a journey of unparalleled adventure and luxury with the most sought-after liveaboard experience in Palau. Ocean Hunter Liveaboard has earned its reputation as a world-class destination, consistently adorned with international awards and praise from divers across the globe.
If you're a diving enthusiast or even just a curious adventurer, this blog is a must-read. We've delved deep into the heart of one of the world's most spectacular diving destinations - Palau. This Pacific paradise offers an underwater experience like no other, and we're here to guide you through it.
A New Law in Palau Prohibits Electronic Cigarettes for Commercial Purposes. Palau, a small island nation in the Pacific, has recently passed a new law that recognizes the health risks of electronic cigarettes and expands The Tobacco Control Act to include electronic cigarettes.
Welcome to Palau, a breathtaking tropical paradise that's home to crystal-clear waters, lush green landscapes, and some of the world's best diving sites. Whether you're planning a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or an adventure-packed trip, finding the perfect place to stay is essential to make the most out of your Palau experience. With a wide variety of accommodation options to choose from, including luxury resorts, budget-friendly guesthouses, vacation rentals, and eco-resorts, there's something for every traveler's taste and budget in Palau. In this guide, we'll explore the different types of accommodation available in Palau, the best locations to stay depending on your interests, and provide tips for booking the perfect stay in this tropical paradise.
The Republic of Palau, an archipelago located in the western Pacific Ocean, is known for its pristine waters, diverse marine life, and stunning natural beauty. However, what sets Palau apart from other tropical paradises is its commitment to environmental conservation and sustainability. Palau has become a prominent environmental poster boy, setting an example for other nations to follow.
In the annals of World War II, the Pacific Theater remains one of the most brutal and tragic chapters of the conflict. Battles were fought across vast expanses of ocean and on countless islands, each with its own unique history and legacy. One of these islands, Peleliu Island, was the site of one of the bloodiest battles of the Pacific War. In this article, we will delve into the history of Peleliu Island and the Battle of Peleliu, exploring the tactics used by both sides and the impact the battle had on the island and its people. We will also examine the legacy of the battle and its significance in the larger context of World War II. Join us as we dive into the history of Peleliu Island and explore the horrors and sacrifices of the Pacific War.
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At Fish 'n Fins, we take very good care of Underwater Photographers. Our boats are spacious providing ample room for photographers and camera rigs, no matter what size and make. Our dive guides know every inch of Palau's reefs and are very enthusiastic to find great photo opportunities or be models in wide-angle shots with sharks, WWII wrecks or colorful corals.
Of the two dozen Palauan dive centers the largest, and perhaps the most famous is undoubtedly Fish 'n Fins, a long-term reliable partner of "Ultimate Depth Magazine Russia".
We have two species of sea turtles in Palau, the Green Sea Turtle, and the Hawksbill Sea Turtle, both protected by the environmental protection laws of Palau. Hence we have a lot of turtles and they are very relaxed around us divers. While you dive Palau you'll surely see a couple of them and will be able to take underwater photos home. To give you more information on the critically endangered Hawksbill Turtles we've compiled the following information about this species. We hope you'll enjoy the read.
As a diver, you know and have many times encountered this friendly and curious fish, the Napoleon wrasse (Humphead Wrasse). During dives, such as the Blue Corner in Palau, these fish come very close and pose for photos. Unfortunately, these friendly giants are under increasing pressure and, according to the World Conservation Union, stocks have declined more than 50% in the past 30 years, and in some local areas even by 90%. Apart from climate change, which leads to rising water temperatures, and thus dwindling reefs and habitats for its residents, the "gourmet" has become an increasing problem. In some Asian fish markets, one kilogram (roughly 2 pounds) of this friendly giant costs up to $ 400.00. This leads to increasing pressure for this amazing creature.
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It is well known that the pristine islands of the Republic of Palau are a volcanic archipelago spread over the western Pacific Ocean with some of the most spectacular scenery on the planet. However, as stunning as Palau’s islands are and as breathtaking its underwater world - while known for pristine reefs, deep blue waters, and big fish, beneath the surface, Palau offers an underwater museum of over 30 spectacular WWII wrecks providing a glimpse into the country’s past.
You can meet them at many dive sites in Palau, they are cute little fish and come in a variety of colors and body shapes. They move slowly and are a great photo subject. They look harmless, but they know very well how to defend themselves from attackers. Read more about puffer fish in this blog.
I know Franco for many years and admire his great photos. It was no surprise to me to see when starting my job with Fish 'n Fins that Franco had been one of our happy customers. Hence it was very easy to get him to agree to be featured on FNF MAG and display some of his underwater art.
We would like to introduce Rose & Udo Kefrig, two very good old friends who have been with Fish ’n Fins many times over the years and who have made many stories about Palau, Fish ’n Fins, and our Ocean Hunter Liveaboards. I met them at the Fish ’n Fins/Ocean Hunter booth at Boot 2019 in Germany and I asked them if they would feel like being featured at FNF MAG and here we are.