Blue Corner Palau (★4.6)
Blue Corner is considered the number 1 of Palau dive sites. Often strong currents, so a Reef hook is strongly recommended. Incredible fish and coral life. Best visibility on outgoing current. Adrenaline rush guaranteed!
© Mares
Explore Ngemelis
Ngemelis Island, nestled within the stunning archipelago of Palau, is a diver's paradise renowned for its extraordinary underwater landscapes and abundant marine life. One of the most captivating features of diving in Ngemelis is the presence of dramatic wall dives, such as the legendary Big Drop-Off and Ngemelis Wall. These sites boast vertical reefs that plunge to depths of 274 meters/899 feet, offering divers a breathtaking view of vibrant corals and schools of colorful fish. These walls are not only visually impressive but were also favored by the legendary diver Jacques Cousteau. Another highlight of Ngemelis is the renowned Blue Corner, a dive site famous for its strong currents and exhilarating fish action. As divers drift along this underwater ridge, they are greeted by an impressive array of pelagic species, including barracudas, jacks, and the occasional shark. The currents here create a thrilling experience, making it ideal for more experienced divers seeking adventure. Moreover, the nearby German Channel offers a unique opportunity for divers to witness manta rays at their cleaning station, adding to the rich tapestry of marine encounters. Ngemelis offers a wide range of diving styles, from shore dives to liveaboard experiences, catering to divers of all preferences. The area's seasonal features, like the manta ray migrations, ensure there's always something new and fascinating to discover. With its dramatic drop-offs, diverse marine life, and exciting dive conditions, Ngemelis Island stands out as a world-class diving destination that promises unforgettable underwater adventures.
Dive Activity
Diving in Ngemelis
Ngemelis Island in Palau offers a plethora of dive sites renowned for their vibrant marine life and underwater adventures. Blue Corner is a highlight, featuring thrilling drift dives where divers can encounter schools of sharks, barracudas, and large pelagics. For wreck enthusiasts, the Iro Maru wreck dive provides a glimpse into World War II history, with the sunken vessel now hosting an array of coral and sea creatures. Divers can enjoy the balance between shore and liveaboard diving. Shore dives offer easy access to sites like German Channel, famous for manta rays performing their feeding dances. Liveaboard options expand the exploration scope, allowing divers to experience the likes of Peleliu Wall, known for its strong currents and diverse marine life. Night dives reveal a different world, with nocturnal creatures and bioluminescence creating a unique underwater spectacle.
Dive Sites
The best Months to dive in Ngemelis
Ngemelis offers exceptional diving conditions throughout the year, making it a prime destination for diving enthusiasts. Water temperatures range from 27°C–29°C/81°F–84°F, ensuring comfortable dives regardless of the season. Visibility is typically outstanding, often exceeding 30 meters/98 feet, allowing divers to fully appreciate the vibrant marine life and stunning coral formations.
While diving is possible all year, certain weather factors can influence conditions. The western Pacific region experiences a wetter season from June to August, potentially leading to stronger currents and less predictable weather. However, these factors rarely impede diving activities significantly, making Ngemelis a reliable choice for divers year-round.
Top Wildlife Sightings in Ngemelis
Ngemelis, located in Palau, is renowned for its vibrant marine biodiversity, making it a haven for divers. The area is teeming with a variety of reef fish such as butterflyfish, angelfish, and parrotfish, which are commonly seen fluttering around the corals. The rich underwater landscapes support a healthy population of these species, providing divers with stunning visuals year-round.
Seasonal highlights in Ngemelis include encounters with majestic marine giants. Sharks, including grey reef sharks and white-tip reef sharks, are frequent visitors, especially around Blue Corner, a popular dive site. Turtles, primarily green sea turtles and hawksbill turtles, can often be seen grazing on seagrass or resting on the reefs. Stingrays and eagle rays may also be spotted gliding gracefully through the waters, particularly during the warmer months. These larger species, although seasonal, are a thrilling sight for divers exploring Ngemelis.
Wildlife Sightings are Based on User Generated Content
Shutterstock-Shane Myers Photography
Green Turtle
430 Sightings
J
44
F
58
M
43
A
48
M
35
J
19
J
9
A
23
S
29
O
11
N
46
D
65
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species approx.: 27
iStock-Global_Pics
Barracuda
354 Sightings
J
41
F
49
M
37
A
47
M
24
J
10
J
2
A
19
S
18
O
13
N
22
D
72
iStock-crisod
Reef Manta Ray
303 Sightings
J
43
F
59
M
34
A
23
M
14
J
14
J
0
A
8
S
14
O
9
N
36
D
49
iStock/Divepic
Giant Oceanic Manta Ray
297 Sightings
J
40
F
35
M
31
A
27
M
19
J
9
J
2
A
13
S
11
O
15
N
28
D
67
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species approx.: 600
iStock/ultramarinfoto
Wrasse
260 Sightings
J
34
F
23
M
26
A
41
M
25
J
21
J
3
A
14
S
9
O
21
N
15
D
28
Shutterstock-Andrey Armyagov
Hawksbill Turtle
95 Sightings
J
9
F
9
M
4
A
17
M
4
J
18
J
5
A
6
S
1
O
5
N
8
D
9
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species approx.: 200
Alamy-WaterFrame
Moray Eel
90 Sightings
J
11
F
22
M
0
A
3
M
13
J
2
J
2
A
12
S
2
O
1
N
16
D
6
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species approx.: 25
iStock/Juliosanjuan
Eagle Ray
44 Sightings
J
1
F
2
M
0
A
22
M
0
J
2
J
3
A
11
S
0
O
1
N
2
D
0
iStock-June Jacobsen
Whitetip Reef Shark
597 Sightings
J
74
F
94
M
93
A
76
M
38
J
25
J
10
A
19
S
27
O
16
N
47
D
78
AdobeStock-Marc Henauer
Grey Reef Shark
500 Sightings
J
42
F
61
M
46
A
70
M
27
J
27
J
8
A
34
S
26
O
25
N
59
D
75
