Diving in the Republic of Palau

DESTINATION OVERVIEW | Flying in to Palau, you get your first view of just how breathtaking the island landscape is. It's quite a sight especially when you know you are about to dive there!

Palau sits between the North Pacific Ocean and the Philippine Sea so the marine life is influenced by these two environments. Geographically, the islands are either limestone or volcanic in origin. Nearly all are ringed by reefs with steep walls that are sometimes perforated by caves and tunnels. The marine diversity is incredible as are the variety of dive sites.

Most scuba diving takes place around the islands to the south of the chain: Koror (the capital), Malakal, (the harbour) and Pelilu island in the far south. The lagoon near Malakal has enough wrecks to give Chuuk (Truk Lagoon) a run for its’ money but Palau's major attraction is her pelagic life. Dives like Blue Corner are a magnet for sharks, barracuda, jacks and rays although the currents can be strong. Likewise, the walls of Pelilu can be quite a rush but the colours of the soft corals are amazing.

The limestone Rock Islands are where you find the stunning Jellyfish Lake, one of several marine lakes in the area. It's an unmissable experience to be able to snorkel with literally millions of velvet-soft jellyfish – these have evolved without any stinging tentacles as they have no predators.

Palau
scuba diving features

PROS AND CONS | Palau is not the easiest diving destination to reach, especially if you live in Europe. It can take two days to get there and flights cost more than many people would normally consider paying. However, if you want to see pelagic species, these islands do have extremely good diving. Hopping on a liveaboard will mean you can make the most of your time – and for even better value try going to Yap or Chuuk (Truk Lagoon) at the same time.

SCUBA DIVING | Conditions in Palau are variable with substantial currents at times especially around the channels. However, that is what attracts the sharks and manta rays to the famed dive sites like Blue Corner and German Channel. Many dives are drift dives.

OPINION | This may well be a once in a lifetime destination but you really do have to do it. We planned a three week long trip to do Palau, Yap and Truk together but combining them wasn't easy. At the time, liveaboard schedules for Palau and Truk did not coordinate so we slipped Yap in between. Diving there is land-based so it's easy to add a few days in between the other islands.

MICRONESIA | diving in Chuuk and Yap

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