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5 Best Dive sites in Palau's Marine Sanctuary

Writer's picture: tiani duntiani dun

Palau, an archipelago of over 500 islands in the western Pacific Ocean, is home to some of the most pristine coral reefs in the world! Situated at the crossroads of three major ocean currents, the nutrient rich waters attracts an abundance of marine life. In fact, Palau's underwater landscapes have been awarded the “Seventh Underwater Wonder of the World.” From large schools of fish to vibrant coral gardens to hidden caves, WWII wrecks, and the iconic snapper spawning event, Palau makes a dream destination for underwater photographers and conservationists alike. We've put together our top five favourite dive sites within Palau’s Marine Sanctuary, a small snapshot of what makes this place so special!


1. Blue Corner


Blue Corner is one of Palau's most famous dive sites and truly deserves the top spot on your must-see list. Located at the edge of the reef, this site is usually done as a drift dive where you can spot schools of jacks, barracudas, and the occasional reef or hammerhead shark.


Here, the reefs are teeming with life, and visibility seems to be endless. The site varies in depth from 15 to 30 metres, meaning that both beginner to advanced divers can enjoy the dive. One might witness over 90 species of fish in these spectacular, nutrient rich waters.

Blue Corner Dive Site: Image by Ran Mor
Blue Corner Dive Site: Image by Ran Mor

2. German Channel


German Channel is well known for its rich marine life and artificial reef that attracts a colourful variety of species, including mantas! According to divers, manta sightings occur up to 60% of the time on this site.

Eye-level view of manta rays swimming in German Channel
Manta Rays in the German Channel: Image by Ran Mor

3. Peleliu Express


The Peleliu Express is one of the deepest and most beautiful dives in Palau. It is only accessible by a liveaboard, and is known for its strong currents that make it an advanced drift dive. Large pelagic species like tuna and the occasional hammerhead can be spotted in the blue, while the vertical walls are covered in colourful corals and sponges.


Additionally, Peleliu Express is close by to Peleliu Island, where WWII battles unfolded and a number of historic wrecks can be found underwater!

Close-up view of a breathtaking coral wall at Peleliu Express
WWII Wreck in Palau Marine Sanctuary: Image by Ran Mor

4. Blue Hole


The Blue Hole is a relatively easy dive site, where several holes in the reef mark an entry point into a large cavern. The entry point begins at 5 metres, but the cavern quickly drops down to 35, so it's important to watch your depth and bottom time inside the cave. The walls of the cavern are covered with sponges, fans, crustaceans and reef fish. Divers exit via a “window” during their drift, typically finding their way to do their safety stop at the Blue Corner.


Wide angle view of coral formations at Blue Corner
Diving the Blue Holes: Image by Ran Mor

5. Ulong Channel


Ulong Channel is known for its gorgeous coral gardens. The channel is rich in diversity, and it's common to spot rays, reef sharks, snapper, barracuda and turtles along this drift dive.


Divers often report seeing over 30 different species of coral on this site alone! One of the standout features is the 'Ulong Carpet,' a large patch of coral that looks like a colourful carpet on the ocean floor.


It's also one of the region's best macro site, and a prime spot to observe the triggerfish spawning between April and July. (Be careful, they are territorial when nesting)!


Green Sea Turtle: Image by Ran Mor
Green Sea Turtle: Image by Ran Mor

Discover Palau's Underwater World


Regardless of skill level, there are incredible dive sites to be explored all throughout Palau's marine sanctuary. From vivid coral reefs to large animal encounters, each site is memorable and unique.


Join us on our Palau Underwater Photography Liveaboard Trip, coming up in April, 2025! We will be exploring and photographing these marine wonders for 7 nights on board the luxury Black Pearl Explorer.

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About Us

We are Ran and Danielle Mor. Ocean lovers, explorers, world travelers, entrepreneurs and divers of course! 

 

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