Love Marine Life? Discover 15 Spectacular Diving Spots in Palau

There is no doubt that Palau is one of the most breathtaking scuba destinations on earth. Located in the western Pacific Ocean, this island country houses crystal clear waters, lively coral reefs, and some of the planet’s most biologically diverse marine surroundings. Not surprisingly, as Palau features 1,600 species of fish and 400 various species of coral, it continually competes with other top destinations for divers.

Palau is home to heart-pounding drift dives, historical wrecks, and secretive underwater sanctuaries, to name a few. Here are 15 must-visit sites for adventure seekers and marine life lovers visiting this diver’s paradise. Every location has something special the first time you dive into it and will never be forgotten.

Blue Corner  

One thing worth mentioning is Blue Corner, which is an iconic site that is considered by many to be one of the best dives in the world. Famous for its current swept reef plateau, which boasts abundant marine life, schools of snapper, jacks, and barracuda abound. Dozens of gray reef sharks, blacktips, and even hammerheads will circulate outside the reef in the deep blue.

But it is not just the sharks that attract you; there are huge Gorgonian sea fans, soft corals, and pelagics like manta and sailfish. Here, the strong, quick currents mean reef hooks have to be used, and from there, you get a great viewpoint to watch the action.

Jellyfish Lake 

Try snorkeling amongst millions of non-threatening golden jellyfish. Eil Malk Island’s Jellyfish Lake provides this experience. Because the jellyfish have no stingers, swimming in the water with them is safe. This landlocked marine lake offers a tranquil and otherworldly encounter that is as mesmerizing as it is surreal. These gentle creatures feel like swimming beside you; it is more like floating in a dream.  

German Channel  

The German Channel was man-made during World War I and is now a hot spot for spotting mantas. Mantize offers divers an opportunity to see this fascinating behavior. The Channel is lined with cleaning stations where mantas glide gracefully to be cleaned by tiny fish.

It also has a variety of marine species like gray reef sharks, turtles, and coral gardens. Large gatherings of mantas are best sighted from December to March.  

Ulong Channel  

The Ulong Channel is well known for its thrilling drift dives and is a must-visit for any adventure-loving diver. This natural Channel has healthy marine life, including surgeonfish, fusiliers, majestic reef sharks, and rays.

Spells of current allow you to be blown past walls of soft coral and schools of pelagic fish, producing a thrilling full-under experience. The famous “Ulong Coral Garden” features a towering lettuce coral formation that will leave you in awe.  

Peleliu Wall  

The historical significance of Peleliu Wall is coupled with outstanding natural beauty. It’s located near the site of a notoriously fierce World War II battle, and this steep wall goes down deep to reveal bright reefs, sea fans, and caves.

Seeing significant encounters is the game’s name; there is no shortage of hideouts for these purposes anywhere else on the site. There are often sightings of huge pelagics, including tiger sharks, bull sharks, and, occasionally, even hammerheads.  

Chandelier Cave  

Chandelier Cave is the only adventure suitable for those who want to venture away from reefs and walls. The system of five interlinked chambers has limestone stalactites and stalagmites that create exquisite formations.

But there’s more to it than this, as troglodytes can ascend into air pockets inside the cave, and a shallow lagoon nearby hides mandarin fish for the macro photographers addicted.  

Big Drop-Off  

Big Drop Off is often named one of Palau’s most spectacular wall dives, plunging dramatically towards the abyss. The wall hosts an incredible variety of hard and soft corals alongside a kaleidoscope of reef fish species such as butterflyfish, surgeonfish, and fusiliers.

Sharks and eagle rays patrolling the depths add to the thrill of diving. There is also one other thing in the area—a historic WWII ball and chain near the mooring point—that is most fascinating.  

Ngemelis Wall 

Ngemelis Wall, often called a “picture-perfect wall dive,” is a coral lover’s dream. It features a stupendous array of coral gardens and boisterous fish life. Vibrant coral, a school of damselfish, butterflyfish, anthias, and other marine life make their home here, creating an underwater tapestry completely rivaling any in the world.

Siaes Tunnel  

For the Siaes Tunnel, underwater topography is a unique brand. During your descent, the divers will explore a large 300-foot-long dug tunnel with multiple entrances and light-filled wetter and drier chambers.

You will find unique marine residents such as pygmy seahorses and sand-resting whitetip reef sharks inside. It is a quiet, serene place that will be fascinating to any advanced diver.  

Mandarin Fish Lake 

Mandarin Fish Lake is the perfect spot for macro photography enthusiasts, named after its dazzling inhabitants. Exquisite Mandarin fish are very shallow and calm lagoon fish, characterized by their vibrant scale colors and patterns, featuring a beautiful mix of blue, green, and orange. At dusk, their intriguing mating rituals create a unique dynamic in this tranquil habitat.    

Chuyo Maru Wreck 

Palau boasts many fascinating World War II relics, including these wrecks, which serve as captivating windows into history. One such wreck is the Chuyo Maru, a former Japanese oiler sunk by US forces during Operation Desecrate One. This 177-foot-long vessel sits on its starboard side at a depth of 125 feet. The wreck is home to several species of colorful corals, schools of fish, and even resident barracudas that have made the wreck’s holds their home.  

Shark City  

Shark City is a dream place for shark enthusiasts. This site, lying in the northern reaches of Palau, is so named for the number of sharks congregating here.

Regular visitors to this dive site are blacktip, whitetip, and reef sharks, and it’s not infrequent that they chance upon bigger species, such as a tiger or hammerhead shark, patrolling the depths. Divers can also explore a network of caves and tunnels, adding an extra adventure layer.  

Iro Maru  

Palau’s most intriguing wreck dive is the Iro Maru. Identified as a Japanese World War II cargo ship, it measures approximately 40 feet, providing divers with incredible access to what remains of its coral-encrusted exterior. Enchanting schooling fish (such as glassfish and batfish) are seen within the superstructure. Rusted gun mounts and other artifacts give you a glimpse of its days as a wartime ship.  

Blue Holes  

Nothing is better than combining adventure with natural beauty, such as the Blue Holes. On this site, four vertical openings in a reef system provide access to a cavern full of excellent sunlight beams.

Stepping into an underwater cathedral is the feeling conveyed by the experience. Divers can explore the cavern and finish their day of diving at the neighboring Blue Corner.  

Ngerchong Outside

Less famous than other sites, Ngerchong Outside is well worth exploring, even if you have been to the other sites on the list above. This area is known for its pristine coral gardens, excellent visibility, lots of reef fish and turtles, and the possibility of pelagic species. The relative calm is ideal for divers who wish to enjoy their underwater time more relaxed.   

Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information. It is not intended to be professional advice. 

Read More:

• Ultimate Guide To Picking The Best Travel Credit Card
• The 5 Best Budget Airlines in the United States
• 15 Best Countrıes to Vısıt in Afrıca