DIVING PALAU

Palau is home to over 700 species of coral (400 hard corals) and over 1300 species of fish, at last count. This is testament to the fact that the warm tropical waters of Palau (typically an agreeable 84°F/29°C) have the most diverse marine life anywhere in Micronesia.

With over 60 dive sites and 60 wrecks there is a huge variety in dive sites. Whether it be the strong currents found at Blue Corner, the beautiful hard coral gardens, the breathtaking soft corals of Big Drop-Off and Yellow Wall, or even the visually stunning Blue Holes, there are dive sites to wow any and everyone. With critters ranging from Manta Rays and sharks all the way down to Mandarinfish and nudibranchs, in Palau there is always something to look at.

You will find here not just some of the world's best diving and most famous dive sites, but a huge variety of dive sites.

Palau has been written about in numerous diving magazines, and is usually, if not always rated in the "Top 3" sites in the world.

DIVING FOR ALL SEASONS

Just like the weather, the diving in Palau is great year around. But if you're looking for something special then look no further:

• Manta mating season extends from the end of December to the beginning of March. For the diver this means more reliable sightings and more Mantas.

• You'll find Grey Reef Sharks mating through December. So expect more sharks, more action, and some interesting activities... if you get lucky!

• Coral spawning is known to happen four times a year. The coral spawning is linked to the lunar cycle, so for more information on spawning species and estimated dates please contact us. The approximate spawning periods are end of May, end of August, mid-September, and mid-February.

• Huge schools of Moorish Idols and Unicorn Fish get together in spawning aggregations throughout February and March. If you want to have a chance to see this, then synchronise your visit with the half moons.

• Turtles mate and lay eggs from April to July. Though actually seeing turtles mate is rare, the larger individuals are a lot more likely to be spotted this time of year.

• Groupers and Red Snappers spawn in huge numbers around the full moon in the months of June and July.

• Giant Cuttlefish lay eggs inside brain coral in Ngerchong channel from May to August.

DIVE TRIPS

Dive trips typically run a full day with either two or three dives, depending on your preference. Dive sites are chosen on the day by the dive guide, based on weather and tides, and may change up to the last minute, depending on live conditions, so unfortunately, dive sites can not be guaranteed in advance.

Trying to budget your vacation? Click for our current price list.

DIVE PLANNING

Dive profiles
Our dive profiles change depending on the chosen site. In general the maximum depth for a reef dive is 80ft (24m). All dives are planned as no-decompression dives and use a multi-level profile, so bottom times vary, typically from 40 to 60 minutes (and maybe more!), depending on air supply and dive site.

Dive Computers
We highly recommend that all our divers use computers. This enables you to monitor your own dive profile and will help you stay safely within your no-decompression limits.

The Reef Hook
The Reef or Current Hook is an incredible little invention; we use it to remain stationary at the edge of the drop-offs where the currents are strongest and the marine life is the most concentrated. Just hang back, relax and let the dive come to you. Reef hooks can be purchased from Neco Marine.