Comprising 340 islands in the northwest Pacific Ocean (between the Philippines and Guam), Palau is rapidly garnering a reputation as one of the world’s premier scuba destinations. Of its islands, 70 belong to a fully protected marine reserve, making Palau an undisputed diving paradise in Micronesia.
Its waters boast an astounding diversity of marine life, spanning from the minuscule and intricate to the majestic and awe-inspiring, while its people have made an unwavering commitment to environmental preservation. In fact, the importance of protecting the nation's natural resources is so paramount that visitors to Palau are required to sign a "passport pledge" upon arrival, vowing to behave in an ecologically and culturally responsible manner during their stay.
A highlight of Palau's scuba diving allure is its renowned Shark Sanctuary - a 600,000 square kilometre zone (comparable in size to Thailand) where commercial shark fishing is strictly prohibited. The archipelago is home to an incredible 300 species of soft corals, 1,400 species of reef fishes, 7 out of the 9 known species of giant clams worldwide and the most isolated population of dugongs (a relative of the sea cow) in Micronesia.
Complementing this astounding marine biodiversity are Palau's untouched forests and its famous Jellyfish Lake, the largest freshwater lake in Micronesia. While Palau may not be as well-known for its shipwrecks as neighbouring Chuuk Lagoon, the islands do in fact boast over 60 World War II-era wrecks of their own, collectively referred to as the "Lost Fleet of the Rock Islands."
In short, whether you're marvelling at Palau's thriving coral wonderlands, encountering its staggering array of pelagic species or delving into its historic wartime shipwrecks, this remote Pacific archipelago offers one of the best-preserved underwater paradises left in the world.
In this article, we’ll explain everything you need to know about diving in Palau, from logistics and weather considerations to eco-friendly resorts and hotels.
This article contains affiliate links, which means when you make a purchase through that link, we earn a small commission. Affiliate links come at no cost to you and ensure our content remains free!
Liveaboard vs land-based diving in Palau
When planning a dive vacation in Palau, you'll be faced with a choice between two different experiences - liveaboard diving or resort-based diving. Each option offers its own allure and advantages, making the decision a balance of personal preferences and priorities. When making your decision, consider the budget you have available and whether you want to solely prioritise diving or discover Palau’s other natural and cultural attractions.
The liveaboard experience in Palau allows you to maximise your time underwater with up to five dives per day, including sunset and night dives that reveal the ocean's nocturnal wonders. With shore-based diving, most resorts cap the daily dives at three, concluding by mid-afternoon. Regardless of the option selected, most dive sites require a 40 to 60-minute boat ride from the main town of Koror.
While a Palau liveaboard may appear pricier upfront, the overall cost can actually be comparable when factoring in the limited budget accommodations that are available and the higher costs of dining out in Palau. By living and diving directly from the boat, liveaboard guests enjoy the convenience of an all-inclusive experience, with meals, accommodations and multiple dives covered in one package.
That being said, staying at a Palau dive resort gives you greater options when it comes to dining and access to a wider range of facilities, such as gyms, tennis courts and swimming pools. It may be a better choice if you're travelling with non-diving family members and/or want to experience some of Palau's land-based attractions.
Guide to diving in Palau
Eco-friendly resorts in Palau
Nestled among 64 acres of tropical gardens, this award-winning Palau resort features traditional, cottage-style guest rooms with private balconies or patios. Beyond the accommodations, there’s a full-service spa, a state-of-the-art fitness centre and a jacuzzi, plus tennis courts and a PADI 5-Star dive centre. The Palau Pacific Resort supports conservation efforts aimed at protecting the region's unique biodiversity and proudly promotes eco-tourism activities that allow guests to immerse themselves in the wonders of Palau's natural splendour.
"Beautiful resort.” - Cheryl (read more reviews here)
Centred around one of the largest lagoon swimming pools in Palau, this luxury resort boasts a waterfront setting on Malakal Island. Its stylishly appointed rooms are complemented by the Hungry Marlin Restaurant, where you can savour the freshest local seafood as you gaze out over the stunning marina. Aside from diving and snorkelling excursions, this eco-friendly Palau resort can also arrange swimming with dolphins trips.
“Beautiful resort on Malakal Island.” - Elizabeth (read more reviews here)
As one of only two hotels in the area boasting a private beach, this eco-friendly Palau resort offers a quintessential island vacation experience. After a day of adventure, you can lounge poolside or indulge at the Mandara Spa before sampling the mouthwatering culinary delights at the open-air Waves Restaurant. Demonstrating its commitment to sustainability, Palau Royal Resort proudly partners with organisations like the Palau Conservation Society, ensuring that this tropical paradise remains pristine for generations to come.
"Exceeded expectations.” - John (read more reviews here)
Inspired by Palau's centuries-old architecture, this atmospheric resort features eight private bungalows, all of which have been recently renovated. It’s located in the village of Ngerkebesang, a short drive from Koror, and while it doesn’t have an onsite dive centre, the friendly owners can easily connect you with local operators. Stays at this highly-rated Palau eco-resort are all about reconnecting with nature and it's an ideal choice for travellers who are after a more “boutique” hotel experience.
"The most relaxing choice you can make around Koror.” - Ioana (read more reviews here)
Guide to diving in Palau
Non-diving activities in Palau
While the scuba diving in Palau is an undisputed highlight of visiting this island nation, there are plenty of other activities to enjoy if you want a day away from the water or are travelling with non-diving family members.
Discover the World War II history of Peleliu Island
The Battle of Bloody Nose Ridge, which raged for nearly three months in 1944, was a clash between American and Japanese forces that left an indelible mark on Peliliu Island. Today, visitors can explore the battlegrounds and remnants of that fateful conflict, providing an immersive experience that brings the horrors of war into stark relief. While the jungle has reclaimed much of the battlefield, the vestiges of war remain - rusting tanks, discarded ammunition and military artefacts lie strewn about. Due to the threat still posed by unexploded ordnances, joining a guided tour is essential.
Snorkel in Jelly Fish Lake
This natural wonder offers visitors a one-of-a-kind experience - being surrounded by thousands upon thousands of golden jellyfish gracefully drifting all around you. These mesmerising creatures are a sight to behold, with their gently pulsing bells and billowing tentacles creating an almost otherworldly atmosphere. What makes this encounter even more remarkable is the fact that these jellyfish have lost their ability to sting, allowing you to safely swim amongst them. The water itself is crystal clear and serene, creating a sense of total calm and relaxation - a visit to Jellyfish Lake is a true bucket list experience.
Explore the ancient Badrulchau Monoliths
On the northernmost point of the island of Babeldaob is a series of enigmatic stone monoliths. According to local legend, these massive basalt columns were placed here long ago by a powerful deity, tasked with supporting the construction of a grand Bai - a traditional meeting house intended to house and unite all of the god's devoted followers. The monoliths are arranged in two distinct rows, some bearing intricate carvings that have sparked endless speculation and wonder among historians and archaeologists alike.
Guide to diving in Palau
Photograph the traditional Bai house in Babeldaob
In Palau, each village once had its own Bai house that served as the central meeting place and community centre. At the start of the 20th century, over 100 of these impressive structures still stood, a testament to the rich cultural heritage of the Palauan people. These buildings were constructed with great skill and artistry, their frames and walls crafted from fine, durable hardwoods and their exteriors elaborately decorated with traditional designs. Though many have been lost over the decades, the surviving Bai in Babeldaob continues to stand as a powerful symbol of Palau's enduring heritage.
Marvel at the Ngardmau Waterfall
Rising to 30 metres in height and stretching 37 metres wide, this picturesque cascade plummets dramatically over the rocky cliffs of Babeldaob. As you venture downstream along the trail, you’ll discover a series of charming pools and miniature waterfalls that seem to materialise around every bend. The hike to reach the Ngardmau Waterfall is a journey through history, with the trail dotted by remnants of Palau's colonial past, including relics of the island's former railway system from the Japanese occupation era. And for those disinclined to tackle the hike, there are convenient alternatives, such as a scenic monorail or an exhilarating zip-line.
Paddle between the Rock Islands
The Rock Islands of Palau are rightly regarded as one of the premier destinations in the world for kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) enthusiasts. Scattered across the turquoise waters of the western Pacific, this cluster of limestone islands draws adventurers from all corners of the globe who come to experience its unparalleled natural beauty and serenity. With the vast majority of the islands devoid of permanent human habitation, the sense of solitude is palpable. As you glide silently between the islands or venture into the hidden coves and inlets, the only sounds that interrupt the tranquility are the gentle lapping of the waves and the calls of birds.
Guide to diving in Palau
Best time to dive in Palau
While diving in Palau is a remarkable experience year-round, the high season, spanning from October to May, is widely considered the prime time to visit. During these months, the water is typically calm and pleasantly warm, with visibility often exceeding 40 metres - an underwater photographer's dream. Water temperatures are generally between 27and 30°C (81and 86°F), with most divers comfortable in a 3mm wetsuit.
During the rest of the year, you can expect an increase in rainfall and choppier seas, with visibility not quite as good. While diving is still good during these months, with the majority of sites accessible, fewer visitors choose to vacation in Palau at this time. This translates to reduced crowds at the dive sites and greater flexibility in finding accommodations, making the low season an appealing choice for those seeking a more cost-effective Palauan diving adventure.
FAQs about diving in Palau
When is the diving season in Palau?
The best time to dive in Palau is between October and May when the conditions are simply unparalleled. The water is pleasantly warm and exceptionally calm, with visibility often exceeding 40 metres, while the weather is reliably sunny and mild. If possible, coincide your trip with the new moon to witness the bump-headed parrotfish spawning or the full moon to see large gatherings of bohar snapper.
During the rest of the year, you can expect an increase in rainfall and choppier conditions at the surface, although there are fewer other divers in the water and more affordable accommodation deals. While the weather is more unpredictable during these months, the majority of Palau's dive locations remain accessible.
What is there to see scuba diving in Palau?
Often referred to as the "Big Stuff" capital, this remote Pacific archipelago is teeming with an abundance of pelagic marine life that has been fiercely protected over the years. Divers flock here from around the globe for the opportunity to encounter sharks, manta rays and huge schools of other pelagic fish such as jacks, barracuda, snapper and the distinctive bump-headed parrotfish.
But the wonders of Palau extend beyond just its charismatic megafauna - the island nation is also home to the captivating Jellyfish Lake, where millions of endemic, golden jellyfish undulate peacefully. And for those seeking to explore Palau's World War II history, the island's lagoons and jungles are littered with the wreckage of long-abandoned planes, offering a window into the region's past.
Another highlight of diving in Palau is magnificent Chandelier Cave, where rays of light pierce through the water and illuminate the cavern's stunning rock formations.
How much experience do you need to dive in Palau?
Even if you consider yourself an inexperienced diver, as long as you can handle a moderate amount of current and have learned the proper technique for using a reef hook, you'll be well-equipped for diving in Palau. That said, our advice would be to aim for at least an Advanced Open Water diver certification (ideally combined with Nitrox training) before embarking on a Palau dive trip. This will ensure you have the necessary skills and knowledge to navigate the island nation’s diverse underwater environments and give you the confidence to make the most of your time in the water.
Should I stay at a dive resort or on a liveboard in Palau?
When planning a dive vacation in Palau, you can choose between liveaboard diving or resort-based diving, each of which has its own advantages. It’s worth keeping in mind that most of the nation’s dive sites can easily be accessed from Koror, with a boat ride of between 40 and 60 minutes.
The liveaboard experience in Palau allows you to maximise your time spent underwater, with up to five days per day offered. It’s a great option if you just want to dive, dive, dive and have everything included in a package. The main drawback of liveaboard diving is that you generally have less room to move compared to a resort and there’s not much opportunity to participate in non-diving activities.
In contrast, shore-based diving at Palau's resorts typically caps the daily dives at three, concluding by mid-afternoon, leaving you with more time to experience the island's terrestrial wonders. There may be long-ish boat rides to get to the dive sites in the morning and surface intervals will usually be spent on a small dive boat, rather than relaxing on a liveaboard sun lounger. While a Palau liveaboard may appear pricier upfront, the overall cost can actually be comparable to a resort-based vacation when factoring in the limited budget accommodations that are available and the higher costs of dining out in this remote island paradise.
Are there whale sharks in Palau?
Situated in the heart of the western Pacific, Palau serves as a vital waystation for a procession of migratory marine life. Whale sharks, the largest fish on the planet, cruise through the surrounding waters, drawn by the abundant plankton blooms that flourish in the nutrient-rich currents. Manta rays also congregate in Palau's sheltered lagoons and channels, where they come to filter-feed on clouds of zooplankton. Generally speaking, January to April is the best time to see whale sharks and manta rays in Palau. A variety of cetaceans - from humpback whales to acrobatic spinner dolphins - also make regular appearances, taking advantage of Palau's strategic location along their annual migration routes.
Comments