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Palau
Palau is small — fewer than 20,000 people across 340 islands — and the diving is concentrated on the western fringe of the main lagoon, where the reef drops into the Philippine Plate.
The signature dive is Blue Corner. A current-swept promontory at the edge of the reef, where divers hook into the rock with reef hooks and watch the show: grey reef sharks, whitetip sharks, barracuda walls, eagle rays, and trevally patrolling the blue. It is, depending on conditions, either the best dive in the world or the most famous dive in the world. Often both.
Ulong Channel is a drift through a natural canyon flanked with lettuce coral gardens. German Channel hosts a manta cleaning station (best in the green season). Peleliu is pelagic diving for experienced divers only — current-swept walls that drop to over 300 meters.
Palau is also home to Jellyfish Lake, a marine lake cut off from the ocean where the jellyfish have evolved to lose their sting — you can snorkel in the middle of tens of thousands of them.
Palau enforces strict dive permits (there's a green tax) and many sites require advanced certification. Well worth the logistics.
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Frequently asked questions
Q01
When is the best time to dive in Palau?
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When is the best time to dive in Palau?
The best months for diving in Palau are November, December, January, February, March, April, May. During this period water conditions, visibility, and marine life activity are typically at their peak.
Q02
What is the water temperature in Palau?
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What is the water temperature in Palau?
Water temperatures in Palau range from 27°C to 29°C throughout the year. A 3mm wetsuit is generally sufficient during warmer months; consider a 5mm for cooler periods.
Q03
What visibility can I expect diving in Palau?
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What visibility can I expect diving in Palau?
Underwater visibility in Palau typically ranges from 20 to 40 meters, depending on season and dive site. Optimal visibility is generally achieved during the dry season.
Q04
What are the most famous dive sites in Palau?
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What are the most famous dive sites in Palau?
Some of the most iconic dive sites in Palau include Blue Corner, Ulong Channel, German Channel. Each offers a distinctive experience — from dramatic walls and wrecks to pelagic encounters and macro photography hotspots.
Q05
Where should I stay when diving in Palau?
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Where should I stay when diving in Palau?
We list curated dive resorts and accommodations near the best dive sites in Palau. See the Resorts section above for our selected properties, or search Booking.com for a broader range of hotels.
Q06
Do I need a certification to dive in Palau?
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Do I need a certification to dive in Palau?
Most dive operators in Palau require at least an Open Water certification (PADI, SSI, or equivalent). Advanced sites may require Advanced Open Water or specific experience levels. Discover Scuba Diving experiences are often available for beginners.
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