dive trips to palau

Experience Palau

Scuba Diving in Palau

We provide affordable scuba diving packages on the Palau islands. From sea creatures to beautiful coral reefs, Palau is the ultimate scuba diving location and vacation spot. Palau differs from many other locations because of its topography. As a chain of over 200 islands, Palau boasts a large variety of fish, reefs, wrecks, sharks, and WWII history scenes. The Palau island chain features over 1500 species of fish and 700 species of coral, an incredibly impressive amount of both. With over 100 feet of visibility and warm water temperatures at any given time, Palau is a true diver’s paradise. Enjoy a scuba diving vacation in Palau with family or friends. Choose from a large selection of luxury scuba dive resorts and dive trips hosted on beautiful liveaboards.

Scuba Dive Resorts in Palau

Fish n' fins dive & tours.

You did not travel all the way to Palau to dive in a crowd! Small, intimate dives are Fish n Fins specialty. Explore the reefs with a select group of scuba divers accompanying you. Palau scuba diving packages are available for divers of every ability, catering to your dreams and desires.

Palau Pacific Resort

Palau Pacific Resort is located on a pristine white sand private beach on the western shore of Ngerkebesang Island, Koror, Republic of Palau in Micronesia. It’s 1,000 feet of beautiful white sand beach is equipped with beach cabañas, umbrellas and sun loungers. This private lagoon has been declared one of Koror State’s conservation areas which is home to a variety of corals, fish, and giant clams making for a perfect afternoon snorkel.

Liveaboards & Scuba Dive Trips in Palau

Ocean hunter i.

The Ocean Hunter I has been specifically designed by divers, for divers. Unlimited scuba diving is conducted off a spacious diving platform at the stern of the boat and hardly ever off a chaseboat – so you can climb right back onto Ocean Hunter I when you’re done and take a warm freshwater shower!

Ocean Hunter III

The Ocean Hunter III is the newest Palau liveaboard scuba diving vessel to sail the waters of Palau. Scuba divers will delight in the opportunity of diving for 7 days, instead of the normal 5 days, which most other scuba diving boats offer in Palau. The Ocean Hunter III holds a total of 16 passengers in 8 staterooms, all of which have private en-suite bathrooms. This cozy scuba diving live-aboard in Palau is sure to make unforgettable memories!

Solitude One

Rebuilt from a 171ft steel-hulled merchant vessel, MV Solitude One has undergone complete makeover from her original form to set new standards in hospitality and professionalism. With clients in mind, the vessel was purpose-built to incorporate smart design, functionality and comforts close to home without going over the top.

Call us today at  (800) 737-3483 to book your

Palau dive trip. or simply reserve your palau dive vacation online by clicking below..

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The 7 Best Palau Liveaboard Trips | Palau Dive Guide

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Table of Contents

PALAU DIVE GUIDE

Palau is one of the most environmentally progressive regions, with nearly 90% of its waters declaed as a marine protected area. They are also one of the first countries to institute a ban on reef-damaging sunscreens . Because of these initiatives as well as its ideal location in the coral triangle, Palau is one of the most incredible places to go on a liveaboard trip no matter what you love to see.

In this guide to scuba diving in the Palau we’ll cover:

• Why dive in Palau: what you can expect to see, and when to visit
• The best Palau liveaboards

Why scuba dive in Palau?

Best time to dive in Palau : The best time to dive in Palau is between late October and May. This is when you’re most likely to have great visibility and its also when many of the oceanic pelagic fish migrate through. June to September typically has less visibility, but is often when you can find the best deals on liveaboard trips in Palau.

Dive ability : There are many different types of dive sites in Palau ranging from calm to strong currents. However, many of the best dive sites tend to be a bit deeper than 18 meters and many also have at least a mild current. It’s best to be an intermediate to experienced diver to make the most of Palau — it’s not a great place to go if you’re just learning or coming off of your open water certification.

What you can expect to see on a Palau liveaboard trip:  Palau is known for its incredible array of huge pelagic fish. But don’t underestimate the amount of reef fish (1,200+ species), corals (500+ species), and macro life tucked away in Palau’s waters. There are also wrecks, caves, channels, and so much more.

Why choose a Palau liveaboard trip over a land-based dive trip? : With so many islands and varied dive sites, staying landlocked during a dive trip to Palau will be very limiting. This is one destination where you’ll likely have a better time on a liveaboard trip as the sites will be much less crowded and you’ll experience a wide variety of them.

THE 7 BEST PALAU LIVEABOARD TRIPS: AT A GLANCE

The 7 best palau liveaboard trips: reviewed, 1. palau rock islands aggressor.

The 32-meter long luxury liveaboard has been cruising Palau’s waters for many years since it was first introduced in 2010. It was also renovated in 2014. The nine luxurious air-conditioned cabins cater to 18 guests. They have access to many leisure activities which are at par with their underwater dreams.

The menu on the Aggressor is outstanding to say the least. Lavish spreads from breakfast till dinner make dining after diving a real pleasure. Menu includes local, Western and BBQ items, tenderly prepared by the knowledgeable chef. For liquor lovers, it is advisable to carry own supply to negate the high duty levied onboard. Those who are loyal to the Aggressor fleet will find Rock Islands Aggressor on par with its other liveaboard trips.

Find prices and liveaboard dates: PADI Travel | Liveaboard | DiveBooker

2. PALAU AGGRESSOR II

The challenging waters of Palau are best experienced on the Aggressor II liveaboard as it has been the darling of divers for nearly quarter of a century. The eleven member crew of this 32 meter marvel are adept to take care of the 18 divers lodged in its nine comfortable cabins.

Every moment on or off the ship is pure fun. A spacious salon, bar, library and entertainment center keep everyone occupied. An efficient communication system ensures guests always remain well connected with the outside world at all times.

Cuisine is varied and delicious and includes free beverages and local beer and wine. Hard alcohol attracts heavy duty, so it is recommended to carry your own.

3. MV SOLITUDE ONE

Commissioned in 1979 and completely refurbished in 2013, the massive 52 meter by 9 meter yacht is apple of the eye of many an adventurous diver seeking to explore the depths of Palau. It’s one of a kind. The twenty guests housed in the 10 cabins have ample space due to the large size of the boat.

During free time, guests can watch movies or TV shows in the salon. The large sundeck offers a perfect resting place to sunbathe or read your favorite book. Guests are likely to feel just as home onboard as they are on land.

The food on the Solitude One is taken very seriously by its chefs and divers won’t go hungry during surface intervals. Meals are served in the outdoor dining area and dietary requirements are fulfilled by an attentive chef.

4. SY PALAU SIREN

Dive safari trips around Palau are adventurous onboard the sleek and sturdy SY Palau Siren, built in 2012 and renovated in 2014. The magnificent 40-meter sailing boat is assembled from ironwood and teak, to give the 16 guests on the ship an unparalleled experience in the 8 tastefully designed cabins.

Entertainment on the Palau Siren is of a high standard when it comes to spending time at the bar or just chilling in the lounge. Other between dive activities include kayaking and snorkeling.

The local and international food served is designed to fuel up the divers and relish the taste, different than food offered on most liveaboards. Snacks and beverages do the rounds from sunrise to sunset to keep the divers happy and satisfied.

5. OCEAN HUNTER I

The Ocean Hunter I was primarily designed for divers and underwater photographers. This 20-meter steel yacht is designed for maximum comfort and safety. The three spacious state rooms sleep six guests in total peace and comfort, making it an exciting alternative compared with other liveaboards. It’s also one of the most private liveaboards in Palau, making it a great choice for groups of friends or families.

The teak-finished ship has an air-conditioned lounge with bar and a rich collection of movies and music DVDs. The library has books on the marine life of the region which can be enjoyed on the sundeck.

A word about the food. The chef has been on the ship since 1994, and knows the need of healthy low fat and fiber rich meals in the diet. As a result, a wide variety of international and domestic cuisine is served as well as fresh vegetables and fruit.

Find prices and liveaboard dates: Liveaboard

6. MY DISCOVERY ADVENTURE

The Discovery fleet has been operating diving and non-diving tours throughout the Philippines archipelago for years, with an extremely exemplary and professional crew. The 47-meter long spacious boat can cater up to 30 guests in 13 modern cabins.

A shaded sundeck, wet bar, audio and video outlets all ensure that the guests are made to feel at home in total air-conditioned comfort.

The talented chefs on the Discovery Adventure churn out one delicacy after another to keep energy levels high. The food is prepared fresh and served buffet style either indoors or outdoors on the upper deck. An island beach BBQ is also included with each trip.

Find prices and liveaboard dates: Liveaboard | DiveBooker

7. OCEAN HUNTER III

The 200 odd scattered islands of Palau with the coral reefs and sheer walls are the delight of many an avid diver. This is why the Ocean Hunter III, the latest addition to the Hunter fleet, has been in high demand. The ship has eight cabins for its 16 guests with en-suite facilities.

The luxurious salon is perfect for divers to relax at the day’s end. Movies, music, and a bar beckon divers’ attention. There is also a spacious working station for those interested in toiling away at their day’s underwater photographs.

Delicious meals are served in the wood-paneled dining room by the celebrity chef Tova Har-el. He will ensure a diet of low fat and rich fiber meals in an array of dishes, which may include fresh salads and an international dish of the day during dinner time.

The Salt Sirens is a participant in the PADI Travel, DiveBooker and Liveaboard.com affiliate programs, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to our affiliate partners.

Diving Palau's Astonishingly Rich Dive Spots

The way you've always dreamed with the top rated palau dive shop..

According to Trip Advisor Palau Dive Adventures is the top-rated Palau dive shop. We offer small, flexible, flawlessly organized scuba diving adventures in Palau. You choose the dive spots you want to see, and we take care of everything else.

Tell me more about scuba diving in Palau

• 13 dazzling dives over 5 days
• Maximum of 10 divers per group
• Stay with the same group all week
• Scroll down

Come diving in Palau with the top rated Palau dive shop and get jaw-droppingly close to Manta Rays, Sharks, Dolphins, Turtles, Eels, and whirlwinds of Brilliant Fish

One of the world’s most prized & protected scuba diving destinations, Palau boasts unimaginable riches just below the surface, including…

Dizzying Dropoffs & Dive Spots

Descend into the exquisitely peaceful, ethereal Blue Holes. Watch the sunlight dance above you as you sink deep into an indigo abyss.

Spellbinding Palau Drift Dives

Clip into the reef at the famous Palau dive site Blue Corner and relax as an endless parade of sharks & rays put on a show all around you.

Wreck Diving Palau

Explore the remains of planes and ship sunk during WWII. Experience the eerie thrill of world-class wreck diving.

For 5 Glorious Days Scuba Diving in Palau, You Won’t Lift a Finger… The Hardest Part of Your Day Will Be Rolling Off the Boat.

At Palau Dive Adventures, we make it our mission to spoil you from the moment your plane touches down to the moment it takes off for home. All you have to do… is get here!

100% Hassle-Free Valet Diving

No lugging wet, heavy gear around for you! We clean, dry & store it every night and get it back on the boat with fresh tanks the next day.

Customize Your Dive Schedule

Our  dive schedule  is a thing of beauty, but it’s not set in stone. Want to change it up? We’ll bend over backwards to make it happen.

Explore the Island at Night

Get a live-aboard experience with the freedom & comfort of a shore-based operation. Meet the locals & see the sights!

Experience Unparalleled, Personalized Service.

(we take “white glove treatment” to a whole new level.).

The once-in-a-lifetime delights of Palau should NOT be wasted on crowded “cattle boats” and cookie-cutter itineraries. That’s why we make sure every moment you spend here is special… on the boat and off.

Here are just a  few  examples of how we’ve gone the extra mile to give our patrons a truly flawless, magical experience…

• Helping plan an underwater proposal to a fiancee (she said yes!)
• Making time for land-based attractions, like the war ruins of Peleliu
• Taking an extra-scenic (and secret) boat trip through the Rock Islands
• Changing the day’s route to hone in on a giant school of manta rays
• Setting up an amazing black-water dive just for the heck of it
• Surprising a couple with a personalized wine box & cheesecake
• Arranging car rentals, restaurant reservations, massage bookings, even airplane tours!

Come Scuba Diving in Palau With the Top Rated Palau Dive Shop on Trip Advisor (with 406 Five-Star Reviews and Counting)

“Unforgettable”

“Best diving experience!”

“Best choice for Palau diving”

Pssst…Our group sizes are limited, so spots fill up FAST. Don’t miss your chance! 

PALAU DIVE ADVENTURES PALASIA HOTEL KOROR, PALAU

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How to Dive Palau

Where is that dive site (dive palau).

After I completed my PADI Open Water certification aeons ago, I was living in Taiwan and diving every weekend at Long Dong Bay. Far enough away from Taipei to feel removed from the city for the weekend. My close friend and instructor had a dive shop with a small tatami sleeping arrangement upstairs. So here I would stay, diving as much as possible over Saturday and Sunday before heading back to the big smoke in time for work.

One thing that remains in my mind from that time, aside from the unique scuba diving camaraderie, poring together through fish I.D books for nudibranchs we had photographed, was an extraordinary photograph blue tacked to the wall in the bathroom. It was of just a diver, no coral reef or sandy backdrop, but out in the blue with little reference to go on as to where it was, utterly peaceful. Then, an enormous manta ray was soaring out of the beyond over the diver’s head. It was an image of such amazing sublimity …………

Bucket list destination (Scuba Diving Palau)

I had to put it on my diving bucket list. My mate Ken told me that, taken in  Micronesia , the picture was of an incredible diving destination called  Palau , situated not too far from Taiwan, a small island nation surrounded by an untouched marine environment full of sharks, coral and fish, which sounded pretty good.

Years after, I left Taiwan and worked in the diving industry for long enough to have experienced many of the diving destinations I had on my must-dive list. I finally had the opportunity to scuba dive Palau, which was, without a doubt, stunning. The fish, sharks, rays, corals and remarkable topside topography of the rock islands made it one of the best places I had ever dived and one of the places I often recommend to divers who ask me where they should go diving next.

To help you out with your next dive vacation decision, here are a few pointers for how to dive Palau:

How to Get to Palau:

A small island nation in the western Pacific Ocean, there are a few different ways to get to Palau, depending on your starting point. However, here are some general suggestions to get you there:

Choose your point of departure: There are no direct flights to Palau from many countries, so you’ll need to choose a departure point that offers flights to Palau. Some common departure points include Tokyo, Seoul, Manila, and Taipei.

Search for flights: Use a travel search engine like Expedia, Kayak, or Skyscanner  to find flights to Palau. Flight schedules may be limited, and flight times can vary greatly depending on your departure point. We can also help you book flights with our fully bonded travel agent here.

Book your flight: Book your tickets once you find a flight that suits your schedule and budget. Double-check the baggage allowance and any visa requirements for your trip. If you take your dive gear there, the airline may have a particular sports equipment allowance.

Arrive in Palau: The main airport in Palau is the Roman Tmetuchl International Airport (ROR), located on the island of Koror. You can take a taxi or shuttle to your hotel or dive operator from there.

Palau visa: A 30-day visa on arrival is available for most passport holders. You can check eligibility here: https://visaguide.world/oceania/palau-visa/#who-needs-a-visa-for-palau .

Overall, scuba diving in Palau requires some planning and research. Still, it’s a small price to pay for the opportunity to experience one of the world’s most beautiful and unique destinations.

Where Should You Stay For Your Palau Dive Trip?

To experience what scuba diving Palau offers,  you should jump on a dive liveaboard . As a renowned dive destination, several liveaboard options are available for divers who want to explore the country’s stunning underwater landscapes. Furthermore, by choosing a liveaboard, you can dive some of the further sites, such as Peleliu, in comfort. Here are the dive liveaboards in Palau that Infinite Blue works with.

The Best Dive Liveaboards In Palau:

Palau Siren  

A luxury liveaboard yacht that offers 8-11 day dive safaris in Palau. The boat has spacious cabins, a large dive deck, and a dedicated camera room for underwater photographers.

Rock Islands Aggressor

The Rock Islands Aggressor is a popular liveaboard that offers 8-11-day dive trips in Palau. The boat has comfortable cabins, a spacious dive deck, and a jacuzzi for post-dive relaxation.

Ocean Hunter III

A high-end liveaboard that offers 8-11 day dive safaris in Palau. The boat has luxurious cabins, a large dive deck, and a state-of-the-art camera room for photographers.

Solitude One

The Solitude One is a luxury liveaboard that offers 8-11-day dive trips in Palau. The boat has spacious cabins, a large dive deck, and a range of amenities, including a jacuzzi, massage services, and a dedicated camera room.

The M/Y Black Pearl

A stunning steel-hulled vessel that caters to up to twenty-two guests in 11 twin-bed cabins and offers 8-day Palau dive trips. The ship provides a luxurious, modern platform for your Palau dive adventure.

These are most of the dive liveaboards in Palau; other options are available, but we stand behind these. When choosing a liveaboard, it’s essential to consider factors such as the level of comfort, the quality of the diving and dive site itinerary, and the experience of the dive crew. Do your research and choose a liveaboard that fits your budget and diving needs.

The Best Dive Sites in Palau:

Palau scuba diving is renowned for its pristine waters and rich marine life, which makes it a popular destination for divers. Here are a few of the best dive sites in Palau:

Blue Corner: This is one of Palau’s most popular dive sites and is famous worldwide! Known for its strong currents and abundance of marine life, including sharks, rays, and schools of fish, Blue Corner is where they say the reef hook was invented. Get prepared to ‘hook in’ and watch the reef sharks while other marine life cruises by.

German Channel: The channel is home to a diverse range of marine life, including manta rays, sharks, and schools of barracuda.

Ulong Channel: A drift dive that takes you past coral gardens, schools of fish, and even the remnants of a Japanese shipwreck.

Jellyfish Lake: A unique dive site is home to millions of harmless jellyfish that have evolved to lose their stinging ability.

Peleliu Wall: This dive site features a dramatic drop-off that descends to more than 1,000 feet, with plenty of marine life to see.

Chandelier Cave: Filled with stalactites and stalagmites, This underwater cave system also has little pools of water and air pockets.

Blue Holes: A series of underwater caverns and tunnels known for their vibrant coral and unique rock formations.

Ngemelis Wall: This dive site features a sheer wall that descends to a depth of more than 1,000 feet, with various marine life to see along the way.

Above are just a few of the spectacular dive sites that Palau scuba diving has to offer. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced diver, the clear waters and stunning reefs of this Micronesian beauty make it a must-visit.

Where to Eat in Palau?

Palau is a small island country in the Pacific Ocean, and while it may not have as many vegan restaurants as you will find in a city, there are still options for plant-based dining. If you are on a dive liveaboard from the above list, your dietary preferences are well catered for, but how about before or after your dive cruise while you decompress before your flight out?

Here are some places in Palau where you can find plant-based food

PRR Cafe: This Cafe offers a variety of vegan options, including smoothie bowls, sandwiches, salads, and wraps. They also have vegan desserts.

Palaugreen Smoothie & Salad Bar: A restaurant that specializes in healthy food options and offers a variety of vegan smoothies, salads, and wraps.

The Taj: This Indian restaurant has several vegan options, including dal, chana masala, vegetable curry, and samosas.

Emaimelei Restaurant: O ffers a few vegan options, including stir-fried vegetables, vegetable curry, and tofu dishes.

Kramer’s Cafe: This Palau institution has vegan options such as salads, sandwiches, and smoothie bowls.

Elilai Restaurant: Offers a few vegan options, including vegetable spring rolls, tofu stir-fry, and vegetable curry.

It’s always a good idea to call ahead or check the menu online to ensure vegan options are available. Additionally, you can ask the restaurant if they can accommodate your dietary needs if you are still looking for vegan options on the menu.

Did I See My Manta?

I did, and it was an extraordinary occasion, one of those I will never forget. So, thanks to my mate Ken in Taiwan for sticking that photo to the wall in the bathroom, and after you have been scuba diving Palau, thank yourself for sticking to your dreams.

Written By:

Brett Robertson

(Diver and Vegan)

PADI Platinum Course Director | Dive educator | Dive resort and liveaboard owner | Vegan advocate for conservation projects and plant-based lifestyles, and a burgeoning serial runner.

See author's posts

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Getting to Yap Island

An adventure with pacific missionary aviation, words and photos by laura taylor.

Getting to Yap Island in Micronesia requires either stamina or proper planning. During a recent trip to Palau and Yap on behalf of Bluewater Travel, I found only two flights to Yap per week with a stopover in Guam. The owner of Manta Ray Bay Resort alerted us to an interesting alternative: the once-weekly Pacific Missionary Aviation (PMA) flight direct from/to Palau. We were traveling to dive the Yap Islands immediately following an extended dive trip in Palau, so this option fit perfectly into our plans. 

Flights to Yap with PMA operate on Wednesdays, and the return flights to Palau are on Tuesdays. I got the impression they will run additional flights for private charters. Bookings are made via email correspondence.  For $900 round-trip, it was not the most budget-friendly option, but the convenience of flying direct with PMA was worth it for us.

The aircraft is a small King or Queen Air prop jet with one pilot and approximately 9 passengers. Upon arrival, we were weighed in along with our luggage; it's important to note that the standard allowance is a mere 15 kg (33 lbs) per person, so we paid for excess baggage to bring our dive gear. Don't expect any frills (such as coffee) when you travel to Yap with PMA, but check the seatback pocket for the fascinating story of how PMA acquired the King Air aircraft from donations and support from the Reverend Franklin Graham.

After a prayer by the PMA chief pilot, we took off and cruised at a lower altitude than commercial aircraft, affording us amazing views of the islands of Palau and Yap. In the small plane, we felt the winds buffet and rock us on approach to the airstrip but only felt the landing gear just kiss the tarmac as the skilled pilot maneuvered us to the ground.

Colonia is the tiny capital of Yap and is a short distance from the airport. We deemed Colonia to be little more than a main crossroads where you will find a supermarket and a couple of basic restaurants. It is one of the least touristy places I have visited for a dive trip. Look for the large discs of "stone money" reflecting historical trading practices in the region. 

A short stroll from the crossroads sits the Manta Ray Bay Resort and Manta Divers operation on the bay marina - the only one on the island and a tribute to the founders, the Acker family, who have kept their business running following one of the longest pandemic border closures in the world.

Stay tuned for our adventures below the water in Yap! 

HOW TO BOOK A TRIP

Bluewater Travel can book your dream trip to Yap and 40+ other destinations in the world for the same cost or less than booking any other way. We know the diving, seasons, resorts, boats, and when to go better than anyone else!

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