Love Marine Life? 23 Spectacular Diving Spots In Palau For You
If you’re a diver, Palau is the kind of place that ruins you! In the best way possible.
Palau is a diver’s paradise that defies imagination. It’s more than just exploring the ocean. It’s that feeling you get when you see something extraordinary everywhere!
This one is for the curious, the dreamers, and explorers at heart. Ready to lose yourself in the world of wonder?
1. Blue Corner
Step into the front row of the ocean’s wildest show! The second you drop in, the current grabs you, pushing you toward the action like an eager backstage pass.
This is where the big fish come to play. Gray reef sharks cruise by like they own the place, barracudas swirl in tight formation, and massive Napoleon wrasse give you the side-eye as if judging your dive skills. It’s exhilarating, unpredictable, and downright addictive.
By the time you surface, you’ll be buzzing with adrenaline, already itching to go back down. Blue Corner demands your full attention, but in return, it gives you one of the most unforgettable dives of your life.
2. German Channel
Imagine a deep-sea cleaning station, but instead of cars, it’s manta rays rolling in for a rinse. This is one of Palau’s most mesmerizing dives. Originally dredged by the Germans in the early 1900s, this passageway has since become a hotspot for manta rays looking for a spa day.
The trick to an unforgettable dive? Be patient. Pick a good vantage point, settle in, and let the mantas come to you. If one glides overhead, don’t be surprised if it flips into a slow-motion somersault.
Bring your camera, but honestly, no photo can truly capture the magic of locking eyes with a manta ray.
3. Peleliu Wall
Diving Peleliu Wall isn’t just about what you see. It’s about what you feel. This site is raw, untamed, and powerful. One minute you’re drifting along a coral-encrusted ledge, the next you’re gripping the reef, watching a pack of gray reef sharks slice through the water like torpedoes.
Some say it’s an adrenaline rush, I agree. But, I say it’s a living museum! During World War II, this island saw one of the bloodiest battles in the Pacific. While no wreckage remains here, there’s a creepy sense of history beneath the waves.
If you’re looking for a laid-back, easy drift, this isn’t it. Peleliu Wall is a dive for those who love the wild side of the ocean. Come prepared, stay sharp, and embrace the ride!
4. Ulong Channel
Ever dreamt of flying? Ulong Channel is the closest you’ll get! Only instead of skydiving, you’re soaring over a pristine coral highway.
When the current kicks in, you barely have to kick. Just spread your arms and let the ocean take control. It’s like a high-speed magic carpet ride through an underwater paradise.
What makes this place so special? The sheer diversity. Every turn reveals something new. And by the time you reach the end of the channel, you’ll be grinning like a fool, already wanting to do it again.
5. Ngemelis Wall (Big Drop-Off)
They call it the “Big Drop-Off” for a reason! This thing is massive. One moment, you’re hovering over a shallow coral shelf, the next, you’re staring into a vertical wall that disappears into the blue. It’s like standing on the edge of a skyscraper.
Jacques Cousteau himself called it one of the best wall dives in the world, and honestly? He wasn’t wrong.
This is one of those dives where you have to look everywhere. Up, down, and sideways! Because something incredible is always happening. And since the wall runs for over a mile, no two dives here are ever the same.
6. Blue Holes
If Blue Corner is the action-packed blockbuster of Palau, then Blue Holes is its mysterious, slow-burning thriller.
Picture this: you drop into a sunlit lagoon, then slip through a cavern opening that leads into an underwater cathedral. The light filtering through the holes above casts eerie, dancing beams across the walls, creating an atmosphere that feels almost supernatural.
It’s quiet, calm… Until you swim out of the cavern and straight into the fast-paced world of Blue Corner.
7. Chandelier Cave
Ever wanted to dive inside a hidden cavern, surfacing in air pockets like a real-life explorer? Chandelier Cave gives you exactly that, minus the Indiana Jones perilous surprises.
This network of submerged caves is one of Palau’s most unique dive sites. Inside, you’ll find stunning stalactites formed over thousands of years, hanging from the ceiling like upside-down chandeliers.
You’ll weave through passages, your dive light slicing through the darkness, until you find an air pocket where you can pop up, remove your regulator, and just breathe. The silence is almost surreal! Except for the sound of your own bubbles and the echo of a fellow diver’s excitement.
8. Siaes Tunnel
This deep swim-through starts at around 90 feet and leads you through a massive tunnel carved into the reef. Natural light floods in from huge openings, creating a glow that makes the whole place feel almost ethereal.
What makes Siaes Tunnel stand out is the creatures lurking in the shadows. White-tip reef sharks love to nap here, lying motionless on the sandy bottom like underwater ghosts. Meanwhile, shy garden eels poke their heads out from the sand. Just chilling and greeting you!
Exiting the tunnel is just as dramatic as entering. As you glide out into the open blue, the contrast is stunning! One moment you’re in a shadowy cavern, the next you’re surrounded by vibrant reef life.
9. Turtle Cove
If you love turtles (and who doesn’t?), Turtle Cove is the place to be. The dive starts with a vertical drop through a stunning blue hole. From there, it’s a slow, easy drift along colorful corals, with green sea turtles casually cruising by.
They’re not shy either. Some will swim right up to you, giving you a curious once-over before gliding off into the blue.
The best part? The end of the dive leads to a shallow coral plateau, perfect for a slow, relaxing safety stop. It’s one of those dives that feels like pure magic from start to finish.
10. New Drop-Off
If Blue Corner had a younger, feistier sibling, it would be New Drop-Off. This site has everything! Dramatic walls, currents, and big fish action that’ll keep you on your toes.
The currents here can be unpredictable, but don’t let that stop you! Because when the tide is just right, the fish life explodes. Giant trevally zip by like silver bullets, turtles ride the current like pros, and eagle rays make graceful flybys.
If you’re a fan of high-energy dives, this one is a must. Just make sure to keep an eye on your depth. New Drop-Off has a way of making you forget you’re descending.
11. Devilfish City
If you’ve ever wanted to get up close and personal with a cuttlefish, Devilfish City is the place to do it. This dive site is famous for its resident cuttlefish which look like something straight out of a sci-fi movie.
But the cuttlefish aren’t the only stars here. The sandy bottom is a macro photographer’s dream. It’s a home to ribbon eels, ghost pipefish, and other weird and wonderful critters hiding in plain sight.
Devilfish City might not have the high-adrenaline currents of Palau’s famous drift dives, but it offers an intimate, almost otherworldly experience. Take your time, move slowly, and let the creatures reveal themselves to you.
12. Jake Seaplane
This nearly intact Aichi E13A seaplane, nicknamed “Jake,” sits in shallow water just off Koror. It’s both creepy and beautiful at the same time. Completely covered in coral growth but still unmistakably a war relic.
You can almost picture it soaring through the skies before it met its watery fate. Despite its ghostly past, the plane is now a thriving artificial reef. Peek inside the cockpit, and you might spot a lionfish lazily drifting in the shadows, completely unbothered by your presence.
The wreck itself is small but incredibly photogenic, with crystal-clear water making it an easy dive even for beginners.
13. Iro Maru Wreck
If there’s one wreck dive in Palau that demands your attention, it’s the Iro Maru. This massive Japanese oil tanker, sunk during World War II, now sits upright at 130 feet. The moment you descend, you feel the weight of history pressing in.
The wreck itself is massive, covered in thick coral growth that’s turned it into an underwater metropolis. Huge schools of batfish and trevally hang around the superstructure, while lionfish lurk in the crevices.
Penetration is possible for experienced wreck divers, but even just exploring the exterior offers plenty of stunning sights. Even if wrecks aren’t usually your thing, this one has a way of pulling you in.
14. Helmet Wreck
Helmet Wreck might not be as famous as the Iro Maru, but it has a personality all its own. This unidentified Japanese cargo ship, discovered decades after it sank, got its name from the rows of helmets and ammunition still scattered inside.
At just 100 feet, this wreck is accessible to a wide range of divers. The coral growth here is stunning! Soft corals, anemones, and even black coral trees drape over the ship like nature reclaiming its territory.
One of the most fascinating things about Helmet Wreck is its sense of mystery. Unlike other WWII wrecks, no official records of this ship exist, leaving divers to wonder about its origins and fate.
15. Teshio Maru Wreck
Unlike some wrecks that feel ghostly and abandoned, this one feels alive. Every inch of it has been claimed by the sea, transformed into a thriving artificial reef.
As you explore the wreck, you’ll find everything! From colorful nudibranchs clinging to the corroded metal to schools of sweetlips drifting in the current. The ship’s masts and hull are now playgrounds for marine creatures, and even the cargo holds are packed with fish.
It’s a perfect mix of history and marine wonder.
16. Chuyo Maru Wreck
The Chuyo Maru is one of those wreck dives that instantly gives you goosebumps. Its structure is still remarkably intact, making it one of the most photogenic wrecks in Palau.
As you descend, the sheer size of the ship is jaw-dropping. Its deck is home to a variety of marine life. Barracudas hover in the blue, batfish patrol the wreckage, and moray eels peek out from rusted pipes like tiny sea dragons.
Because of its depth, this dive is best suited for experienced divers, but those who make the descent are rewarded with an unforgettable journey through history. There’s something hauntingly beautiful about the way nature has reclaimed this wartime relic, turning destruction into something teeming with life.
17. Short Drop-Off
Just a short boat ride from Malakal Harbor, it offers a stunning vertical wall that plunges into the deep blue. Full of sea fans, sponges, and an endless parade of reef fish.
One of the best things about this dive? The macro life. Nudibranchs in colors crawl along the coral, pipefish weave through the branches of black coral, and if you’ve got a keen eye, you might even spot a leaf scorpionfish swaying like a rogue piece of seaweed.
Short Drop-Off is a great site for all levels, with a gentle current that lets you cruise along without a care in the world. It’s also a fantastic night dive!
18. Barnum’s Wall
Imagine drifting alongside a reef wall so packed with marine life that it feels like an underwater city. This site is a favorite among divers who love a mix of macro critters and big-fish action.
The corals here are mesmerizing! It’s also a great place to spot turtles, who love to hang out here like chilled-out locals at their favorite café.
What makes Barnum’s Wall special is its variety. One moment you’re stunned by a tiny nudibranch crawling across a coral branch, and the next, a squadron of eagle rays soars past in formation. There’s no telling what you’ll see here, which is exactly what makes it so magical.
19. Ngedebus Coral Gardens
Ngedebus Coral Gardens is exactly what it sounds like! A vibrant underwater garden where corals steal the show. This dive is all about the beauty of the reef itself. It’s shallow, easygoing, and packed with more colors than a painter’s palette.
Here, fields of staghorn coral stretch as far as the eye can see, interspersed with boulder corals and branching varieties. The biodiversity is incredible, so if you’re a photographer, you’ll want extra memory cards for this one.
This site is also perfect for snorkelers, making it a great choice if you’re traveling with non-diving friends or family.
20. Jellyfish Lake (snorkeling/diving restricted)
Jellyfish Lake isn’t your typical dive site, but it’s hands down one of Palau’s most surreal experiences. This saltwater lake is home to millions of golden jellyfish that have evolved without natural predators. Meaning they’ve lost their sting.
Diving is no longer allowed here to protect the fragile ecosystem, but snorkeling is still permitted when conditions allow. As you float through the lake, the jellyfish gently bump against you, moving with the rhythm of the water.
Just be sure to check for updated regulations before you go. The lake’s health is carefully monitored, and access can be restricted if needed.
21. Saipan Wreck
The Saipan Wreck isn’t as famous as some of Palau’s other war relics, but that’s part of its charm.
Time and nature have transformed this war machine into an artificial reef, with corals and sponges covering its structure and fish calling it home. Visibility here is usually fantastic, allowing you to take in the wreck in all its creepy beauty.
What makes this dive special is the sense of mystery. As you drift through its remains, you can’t help but wonder: what stories does this forgotten vessel hold?
22. Siaes Corner
Siaes Corner is the definition of an action-packed dive. This site is where the currents meet, creating the perfect conditions for big fish encounters. Drop in, hook onto the reef, and get ready for a front-row seat to one of Palau’s greatest underwater shows.
Sharks are the headliners here! I’m talking about reef sharks, grey sharks, and even the occasional hammerhead. And just when you think it can’t get any better, a group of eagle rays glides past like a squadron of underwater fighter jets.
Because of the strong currents, this dive is best suited for experienced divers who are comfortable with reef hooks and drift diving. But if you’re up for the challenge, it’s hands-down one of the most exhilarating dives in Palau.
23. Shark City
If you’re a shark lover, Shark City is your mecca. Located in the open blue, this dive site is exactly what it sounds like. A gathering place for sharks of all shapes and sizes.
The moment you drop in, you’re surrounded. Grey reef sharks, blacktips, and even the occasional tiger shark make their rounds here, patrolling the deep blue like ancient guardians of the ocean.
There are no distractions here. Just you, the deep blue, and the silent, graceful predators that rule these waters. It’s humbling, exhilarating, and absolutely unforgettable.