I’ve just returned from a place that is a true paradise for divers… and no, I’m not exaggerating. If you think you’ve seen it all underwater, Palau will surprise you with every dive.
From the very first descent, my head wouldn’t stop turning. I didn’t know where to look with so much action happening at once. Turtles gliding between corals, huge Napoleon wrasse patrolling the area, giant groupers hiding among the rocks, schools of snappers forming golden clouds, and tuna hunting at full speed. Literally, like a live nature documentary.
But what really makes Palau a unique diving destination is its abundance of sharks. This archipelago is a sanctuary for them. Here, reef sharks swim among divers as if it’s the most normal thing in the world. If you’re lucky, you might encounter a hammerhead shark, a tiger shark in deeper waters, and if the ocean decides to reward you, even a beautiful leopard shark.
And if you’re into macro life, don’t worry—Palau has that too. Amidst all the big predator action, if you manage to tear your eyes away from the large creatures, you’ll discover a world full of nudibranchs, shrimp, seahorses, and all sorts of strange creatures. A perfect balance between the giant and the tiny.
Top 3 Dive Sites
But if there’s something that makes Palau an essential destination for any diver, it’s these three dives that you simply can’t miss:
Blue Hole: A Portal to the Infinite Blue
The first stop is Blue Hole, one of the 100 best dives in the world according to National Geographic. And believe me, it has earned its place on that list.
Picture this: you descend into a large underwater cave with four openings that lead to the infinite blue. Light filters through them, creating a breathtaking play of backlighting. As you descend, the walls covered with sponges, corals, and macro life will leave you completely hypnotized. It’s like entering another world.
But the best part about Blue Hole is that it connects directly with Blue Corner. So, after exploring this magical cave, you emerge into a reef full of action… and get ready, because what comes next is pure adrenaline.
Blue Corner: Palau’s Wildest Dive
If there’s one dive in Palau that will leave you speechless, it’s Blue Corner. Here, the current rules, and thanks to that, marine life is everywhere.
The key is to hook yourself to one of the reef rocks with a current hook and let the ocean work its magic. In front of you, dozens of sharks patrol, huge Napoleon wrasse swim by inches away, tuna and jacks hunt in groups, and schools of jacks move in perfect synchrony. It’s the most action-packed dive I’ve ever experienced.
If you’ve ever dreamed of diving in the middle of a frenzy of marine life, Blue Corner makes it a reality. It’s wild, it’s intense, and it’s absolutely unforgettable.
Peleliu: Currents, Sharks, and Raw Action
If Blue Corner is adrenaline, Peleliu is pure power. This was, without a doubt, one of the most intense dives of my life.
The current here is no joke, and precisely because of that, it’s a magnet for predators. In this area, you can see huge schools of Giant Trevally swimming in formation, ready to attack any unsuspecting fish. Reef sharks patrol the area, giant groupers (as big as a person) hide among the rocks, and when you look toward the blue, a seemingly endless wall reminds you of how vast the ocean really is.
If you like high-energy dives, Peleliu is next-level. It’s not for everyone, but if you dare, the reward is indescribable.
German Channel: History and Manta Rays
As if all this weren’t enough, in Palau, manta rays are practically guaranteed. And the most incredible part is where you can see them: in an artificial channel created by the Nazis during World War II.
German Channel was excavated by the Germans to transport ships more quickly between the islands, but what no one expected was that, years later, it would become a strategic hotspot for mantas.
Here, you can see them at their cleaning station, surrounded by cleaner fish—or if you’re lucky, during a feeding session, filtering the water in a spectacle that looks almost choreographed. It’s a fascinating clash between history and nature that only Palau can offer.
The Spawning of the Bumphead Parrotfish: A Unique Event
If you thought we had already seen the best, wait until you hear about the spawning event of this species.
At certain times of the year, thousands of Bumphead Parrotfish (Bolbometopon muricatum), also known as the green humphead parrotfish, gather to spawn en masse. It’s one of the most spectacular events you can witness underwater — a whirlwind of enormous fish, moving in perfect synchronization while releasing their eggs and sperm into the water. It’s an incredible natural phenomenon.
The best part is that we know exactly which days give you the highest chances of seeing it. So yes, we can take you to the right place at the perfect moment.
If you thought the spawning of the Bumphead Parrotfish was the most impressive thing you could see in Palau, wait until you experience two other natural spectacles that take place beneath these waters:
The Spawning of the Red Snapper – Two-Spot Snapper (Lutjanus bohar)
Thousands of Red Snappers gather in a reproduction frenzy that attracts a whole army of predators. It’s controlled chaos, where sharks and other predatory fish take advantage of the moment to feast. The action is brutal, and seeing it live feels like being at the center of a National Geographic documentary.
The Spawning of the Sea Bream – Pirate Fish (Symphorichthys spilurus)
Similar to the snapper spawning but with a more hypnotic feel. Large aggregations of Sea Bream gather in open waters, releasing their eggs and sperm in perfect synchrony. The water fills with life, and the scene feels almost surreal. And the best part is that this only happens in Peleliu.
More Than Reefs and Sharks: Wrecks and Caves in Palau
So far, we’ve talked about Palau’s most iconic dives — but this diving destination is far more complete than you might imagine. In addition to action-packed reefs, sharks, mantas, and unique natural events, Palau is also a paradise for wreck and cave diving enthusiasts.
World War II Wrecks: An Underwater Museum
During World War II, Palau was the site of intense combat in the Pacific, leaving behind more than 25 shipwrecks resting on the ocean floor. Many of them are Japanese warships sunk during American bombings. Some of the most impressive wrecks include:
- Iro Maru – A massive Japanese oil tanker with its imposing anti-aircraft guns still in place.
- Amatsu Maru – One of the largest wrecks in Palau, completely covered in coral and now home to a huge variety of marine life.
- Chuyo Maru – A transport ship with its structure still intact, where artifacts from the era can still be seen.
Chandelier Cave: A Magical Journey Underground
If you’re looking for even more variety, Palau also offers an incredible submerged cave: Chandelier Cave. Unlike the reefs and wrecks, this dive is completely different.
Chandelier Cave is a system of caverns with five chambers filled with stalactites, formed over thousands of years. As you swim through the cave, you can surface in several of these air chambers, where the reflection of the water and light creates a mysterious and mesmerizing atmosphere.
But the best part is the feeling of being in a closed, peaceful space — in contrast to the frenetic action of Blue Corner or Peleliu. Plus, at the cave’s entrance, there’s a small paradise for macro lovers, with nudibranchs, shrimp, and ghost pipefish hiding among the rock formations.
This dive is one you can’t miss if you’re seeking a truly different experience in Palau.
Palau: The Last Ocean Sanctuary
As you can see, Palau isn’t just any dive destination—it’s a place where nature still reigns. Here, sharks are protected, the reefs are full of life, and the feeling of exploring an untouched ocean is something every diver should experience at least once in their life.
If you’ve ever dreamed of a destination where every dive is a spectacle, where marine life is at its peak, and where the ocean shows its wildest side, Palau is that place.
And the best part: in 2026, we’re going to experience it together.
Are you coming with us?
Author: Bru Eito
