Palau

Above The Water

Ask most well-travelled divers where the best dive destination in the world is and their answer will probably be Palau. Situated around 3 hours flight south of Guam, Palau consists of around 250 islands surrounded by a barrier reef. Many of the islands form the “Rock Island” group, a series of umbrella-shaped islands surrounded by blue lagoons. Many surprises hide among the islands including Jellyfish Lake where you can snorkel with thousands of non-stinging jellyfish, the Milky Way where you can give yourself a free mud wrap treatment, and countless white sandy beaches and blue lagoons perfect for short or long kayaking trips. There is literally something for everyone in Palau, whether you like big animals, wrecks, reefs, macro life, technical diving or underwater photography.

The main town of Koror displays a glimpse of Palau history and culture, most notably; the Etpison Museum. Complete with handcrafts and artefacts dating back over a century it is well worth a visit as is the local jail. In Koror jail the Inmates proudly display their carved story boards which depict past legends and lifestyles. These can be purchased from inmates for a reasonable fee and are a unique piece of history for you to own. This island is a photographer’s delight and is also excellent for the non-diver. Palau is, without doubt, one of the most scenic islands in the Micronesia group.

Below The Water

Palau’s waters boast some of the world’s best reefs and concentrations of the most spectacular marine life in the world. Inquisitive sharks, friendly dolphins, manta rays, tuna and barracuda – all are prolific in the rich Palau waters and every dive holds something new and breathtaking. There are dive sites to suit all levels of experience with the two best sites being “Blue Corner” and “Blue Holes”. There are also a number of easily accessible WWII wrecks, world renowned Jellyfish Lake and the exquisite Chandelier cave. See below for a small sample of dive sites:

BLUE CORNER

Virtually any living creature can be found on this dive which is rated as Palau’s best. Schools of snapper, barracuda, sharks and tuna swim in the current. You’ll be tethered by your reef hook watching the most incredible underwater show you’ll ever see. The action begins as pelagic animals start to appear from the blue and patrol the reef in front of you. The more the current picks up, the more marine life will appear. You might have 50 or 60 reef sharks, a couple of schools of jacks and barracuda, as well as special visitors such as turtles, dogtooth tuna, eagle rays, napoleon wrasse and silvertips.  Once the current starts to abate, unhook for the ride of your life down the sandy channel. The exciting drift dive will take you on a scenic tour of stunning underwater topography and as the current subsides you will be delivered in safety to your waiting dive boat.

PALAU BLUE HOLES

Spectacular for photography, the beautiful Blue Holes features three connecting holes dropping 110ft to the sand, with access to a sheer drop-off wall at 80ft. The crystal clear water and the various shades of blue encountered as you swim through this magnificent dive site make the Blue Holes a dive to remember.

JELLYFISH LAKE

This is a unique experience and an absolute must while in Palau! Trapped centuries ago in this inland lake, thousands of jellyfish live here and make for a memorable experience.

Accommodation in Palau

Dive Operators in Palau