Just 500 miles from the Philippines lies a quiet island nation with more than 350 individual islands dotting the western Pacific: Palau. A world class dive destination, Palau is also considered one of the healthiest ocean environments around. There are more than 1,300 species of fish here, as well as over 800 varieties of corals and sponges.
Palau is teeming with marine life, ranging from tiny tropical fish to larger pelagic species. The manta ray cleaning stations are one of the few places you’ll have the chance to spot the elusive mandarinfish. This tiny fellow looks something like a clownfish adorned with neon blue accents, and can be found in Mandarin Fish Lake. This site is perfect for novice scuba divers and snorkelers, with depths ranging from just 4 to 24 feet.
On the larger side, orca and whale sharks are seen in the waters surrounding Palau, along with the Napoleon wrasse. Also called the Maori wrasse due to the intricate markings on their head, these friendly creatures are naturally curious and often approach divers. These enormous fish can weigh up to 400 pounds!
Many dive sites can be reached by boat in less than an hour, or you can opt for a liveaboard, a popular choice for many visitors. Most liveaboards frequent the southwestern barrier reef, close to many major dive sites. There are plenty of spots to choose from, including shallower dives for snorkeling or for newer open water divers to more advanced sites like the Peleliu Expressway, so named because of the fast currents ripping through this area of the reef.
There are also sheer vertical walls like the Big Drop Off, with the edge of the island dropping down to 900 feet. There’s plenty of marine life to enjoy here. Angelfish, clownfish, hawksbill turtles, white tip sharks, and nurse sharks are common sights.
The weather here is blissfully tropical with temperatures averaging between 80-90F during the day with high humidity, dropping into 70-75F at night. Water temperatures stay pretty consistent — about 75-85F year round.Visibility is pretty reliable too, with 100 feet or more being commonplace. Lush blue waters, tons of tropical fish, and a literal island paradise are waiting for you in Palau.
