Diving in Palau

Diving

Palau is where divers can have it all, more sea life and shipwrecks than other island destinations, and an incredible 400 species of reef-building hard corals and 150 species of soft corals, gorgonians, and sea pens, Palau also has at least 1,450 species of reef fish. There are over 60 dive sites, as well as 60 sunken ships and aircraft, reminders of the titanic battle fought here during World War II.

Palau’s famous Blue Holes and Blue Corner have been renowned as top global dive sites many times over. Starting from a deep cobalt cavern to exit to an explosion of color on a deep drop-off, surround yourself with cruising black-tip sharks while you peer into the depths for thresher sharks. Manta rays, turtles, tornados of fish, and even the friendly local napoleon wrass can be found here. And a dive at Blue Corner would not be complete without specially-designed reef-saving hooks which allow you to watch the stage set against an indigo curtain as you soar in the strong incoming tides.

In the same area, known as Ngemelis Island, there are incredible drop-offs, such as New Drop-off and Big Drop-off, which descend to 3,000 feet or more, home to colorful corals and sea fans.

Oulong Channel is known for its Christmas tree worms, schools of batfish and reef sharks. One of the largest collections of cabbage corals is found in this channel, where the incoming tide brings you along an underwater road with groupers living in reefs which surround you like city skyscrapers.