Palau
Palau
Palau is an archipelago located in Micronesia, in the western Pacific Ocean. It is a world-class diving experience that draws divers from all over the globe. It is a top ten destination and a must-see for all avid divers.
Palau is known for its pristine underwater environment and crystal-clear waters. It is full of lush coral reef ecosystems and an abundance of tropical fish of all varieties at every site. Palau boasts over 1,300 species of fish and 700 species of coral. The Palau National Marine Sanctuary covers 80% of its exclusive economic zone and is a leader in sustainable diving practices. With up to 30m in visibility and 26-30C waters, it’s comfortable all year round.
Diver Requirements
Open water diver (Advanced certification and SMB are recommended for all boat diving)
Below the Surface
You'll encounter everything from tiny nudibranchs and macro critters to large pelagic species like blacktip, whitetip, and grey reef sharks, manta, devil and sting rays, and large schools of snappers, barracudas, jackfish, fusiliers, batfish, bigeyes and much more. If you’re lucky, it’s possible to encounter hammerheads and whale sharks.
Special Dive Sites:
Blue Corner – Widely considered as one of the best dive sites in the whole world, Blue Corner offers thrilling drift dives where you’ll see an array of marine life of all kinds. It’s a dynamic site that offers a dramatic drop-off to coral gardens creating a stunning environment for all to enjoy!
The Rock Islands - The Rock Islands of Palau are a UNESCO World Heritage site, known for their lush, forested limestone formations above the water and stunning coral gardens beneath. These islands offer a wide variety of dive sites, ranging from shallow reefs teeming with fish to deep drop-offs where you can encounter pelagic species. Many dive trips will take you to remote sites only accessible by boat.
Above the Surface
Ngermeskang Bird Sanctuary – You need to pay a few dollars at the entrance to get in. You can also ask a ranger to guide you. There is a trekking course built along the Garmiskan River. It has the highest concentration of wild birds in Palau. If you go early in the morning, you can also see fruit bats and the national bird, the green pigeon. Binoculars required. If you're lucky, you might even see a crocodile. There are also the remains of a large launch boat of the former Japanese army.
Ngardmau Waterfalls – A 30-minute hike to reach the beautiful waterfall! It is an interesting hike through the jungle. The trail is mostly dirt, so I do not recommend this hike after heavy rain. The waterfall is well worth the 10$ entrance fee.
How to Get There
Flights by China Airlines are available from Taoyuan International Airport in Taiwan. From Koror Airport, it’s a short distance to the main town. You can book a shuttle through your dive shop or hotel to pick you up upon arrival.
Travel Information
Peak Season: The best time to scuba dive in Palau is typically from November to April, during the dry season when the weather is sunny, and water visibility is at its peak. However, diving is possible year-round, with the occasional rainstorm in the wet season (May to October), but conditions are still usually favorable.