Rock Islands
Visibility in Palau can be astounding allowing divers to see more underwater life than they ever thought possible in a single dive.
Explore Palau
The western Pacific archipelago of Palau that consists of around 250 islands promises unparalleled diving experiences that impress even seasoned divers that think they’ve seen it all. The backdrop of glimmering turquoise ocean, silky sandy beaches and lush green island fauna is only the appetizer before you enter the water. Below the gentle waves, the delightful mix of untouched, pristine reefs, eerie drop-offs, plunging blue holes and walls, historic World War II shipwrecks, ancient caves and canyons, energetic drift dives and exceptionally abundant macro and large marine life make for some sensational scuba diving all within one of the largest marine protected areas on the planet. As a result of the government’s intense efforts to maintain the reefs and marine species over the years, Palau’s scuba diving scene remains unchallenged by most destinations.
Visibility has been known to exceed 60 meters (200 feet) on good days, and the diving scene here is year-round thanks to a welcoming tropical climate that maintains warm water temperatures averaging 27°C-30°C. While diving is excellent throughout the seasons, it can be rainy from July to October, though little changes underwater. The dry season runs from November to June, when the weather is often clear and sunny, and diving conditions are usually at their peak.
The numerous reputable dive centers and dive resorts in Palau offer plenty of boat diving and liveaboard trips catering to all budgets. They also offer dive courses suitable for every level, from beginner all the way to professional. Most of the top sites are typically around 45-60 minutes away from Koror, which is Palau’s activity center. The majority of diving occurs around the Rock Islands, Peleliu and Ngemelis, though there are also excellent dive sites around the rural island of Babeldaob, where the capital of Ngerulmud lies.
Although easy, shallow reefs suitable for beginners to blow their first bubbles are aplenty, the Pacific Ocean delivers sweeping currents through Palau, meaning many dive sites are better suited to experienced divers. Divers often use a reef hook at sites at the outer walls of the barrier reef, where fast-paced currents attract all manners of large creatures, especially at sites like Blue Corner and Ulong Channel.
Palau has it all in terms of marine life. Large pelagics are often spotted, including various shark species, manta rays, eagle rays and many more. On the heavily-protected reefs, you can expect a myriad of vibrant reef fish, like anemonefish, batfish, angelfish, barracuda, wrasse and countless more. Plus, you’ll see a wealth of other beloved critters like sea turtles, eels, octopus, cuttlefish, stingrays, scorpionfish and more. Predators like, giant trevally, tuna and sailfish also prowl the seas, while macro creatures like shrimp, crabs, pipefish, seahorses and nudibranchs decorate reefs and wrecks. While all life here is seemingly infinite, one of the many draws of Palau is the nautilus, which can only be seen at a handful of places in the world.
Power Plug Type
A, B
Payment Method
VISA, MC, AMEX
Tipping
10 % / Service Staff / Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory.
Currency
USD
Dial Code
+680
Electricity
120V / 60Hz
Time
UTC+09
Places to explore
Dive Centers
Dive Sites
Top Wildlife Sightings in Palau
Palau is renowned for its rich marine biodiversity, offering divers an array of underwater encounters. The vibrant coral reefs are home to a variety of reef fish, including parrotfish, butterflyfish, and angelfish, which are common year-round. These colorful species are a staple of Palau's underwater scenery, providing a lively backdrop for divers.
Seasonal highlights include the majestic manta rays, primarily seen from December to March, particularly around the German Channel. During this period, Palau also hosts an influx of grey reef sharks and leopard sharks, especially at sites like Blue Corner and Shark City. Sea turtles, such as the green and hawksbill turtles, are frequently seen in these waters, with peak nesting seasons from June to August, enhancing the chances of encounters. Divers visiting Palau can expect a diverse and dynamic marine experience, with specific species more likely to be seen depending on the site and time of year.
Wildlife Sightings are Based on User Generated Content
Shutterstock-Shane Myers Photography
Green Turtle
254 Sightings
J
37
F
22
M
20
A
29
M
12
J
7
J
5
A
16
S
18
O
7
N
36
D
45
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 27
iStock-Global_Pics
Barracuda
249 Sightings
J
28
F
19
M
29
A
32
M
21
J
7
J
0
A
14
S
15
O
13
N
15
D
56
iStock/Divepic
Giant Oceanic Manta Ray
244 Sightings
J
38
F
25
M
14
A
16
M
13
J
6
J
2
A
12
S
11
O
15
N
28
D
64
iStock-crisod
Reef Manta Ray
232 Sightings
J
41
F
32
M
15
A
13
M
9
J
9
J
0
A
8
S
14
O
9
N
34
D
48
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 600
iStock/ultramarinfoto
Wrasse
176 Sightings
J
25
F
10
M
19
A
28
M
23
J
8
J
2
A
10
S
7
O
15
N
9
D
20
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 200
Alamy-WaterFrame
Moray Eel
50 Sightings
J
0
F
11
M
0
A
13
M
9
J
0
J
0
A
6
S
0
O
0
N
11
D
0
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 25
iStock/Juliosanjuan
Eagle Ray
29 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
18
M
0
J
0
J
2
A
9
S
0
O
0
N
0
D
0
Shutterstock-Ed Jenkins
Hawksbill Turtle
23 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
7
M
3
J
5
J
0
A
3
S
0
O
5
N
0
D
0
iStock-June Jacobsen
Whitetip Reef Shark
375 Sightings
J
58
F
38
M
43
A
46
M
22
J
14
J
6
A
16
S
22
O
12
N
37
D
61
AdobeStock-Marc Henauer
Grey Reef Shark
349 Sightings
J
37
F
23
M
35
A
39
M
15
J
15
J
4
A
26
S
22
O
20
N
48
D
65
