DiveJourney

🇵🇦Snorkeling, Freediving, and Scuba in Palau

Quick Facts

  • • Best season: Year-round (varies by region)
  • • Typical visibility: 10-30m depending on location
  • • Entry types: Shore diving, Boat diving
  • • Highlights: Explore Palau's underwater world

Welcome to the ultimate guide for snorkeling, freediving, and scuba diving in Palau. With 5 documented dive spots across 4 regions, Palau offers diverse underwater experiences for all skill levels. From vibrant coral reefs to mysterious wrecks, from shallow snorkeling bays to deep freediving drops, discover what makes Palau a must-visit destination for underwater enthusiasts. Our community-driven platform provides real-time conditions, detailed spot information, and local insights to help you plan your perfect diving adventure.

5
Dive Spots
4
Regions
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Regions in Palau (4)

North Pacific Ocean

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Philippine Sea

sea

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Tropical Northwestern Pacific

province

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West Caroline Islands

ecoregion

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Dive Spots in Palau (5)

Chandelier Cave

Chandelier Cave is a 5-chamber cave system in Malakal Harbour, Palau. Divers can explore four underwater chambers featuring stalactite and stalagmite formations, with a maximum depth of approximately 30 feet. The fifth chamber is above water.

7.3327, 134.4263

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Clam City

Clam City is a shallow dive site located 30 minutes by boat from Koror, at a depth of 10 meters (30 feet). Divers can observe giant Tridacna clams, some weighing up to 115 kg (250 lb) and over 100 years old. Other marine life includes anthias, sergeant majors, Chromis, and Moorish idols, with the seabed featuring staghorn corals and large Porites coral heads.

7.1758, 134.3631

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Helmet Wreck

Helmet Wreck is a wreck dive site featuring a 57-meter (189-foot) freighter bombed in 1944. The ship contains numerous Japanese military helmets, ammunition, rifles, and gas masks. Divers can enter through an open middle deck and the penetrable wheelhouse, but caution is advised due to instability and residual explosives.

7.3371, 134.4304

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Iro Maru

Iro Maru is a 143-meter Japanese freighter wreck located at a depth of about 40 meters. The wreck is largely intact, featuring gun turrets, three masts, and a main deck, and is covered with soft corals and marine invertebrates. Experienced divers can penetrate the wreck to explore areas such as the crew quarters.

7.2950, 134.4222

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Jake Seaplane

Jake Seaplane is a wreck dive site located at the northern tip of Arakabesan Island in Palau. The 97-meter long WWII Japanese plane rests at a depth of about 12 meters on a coral reef, surrounded by staghorn, lettuce, table, and brain corals, as well as various sea sponges. Marine life includes a range of tropical fish species that inhabit the area.

7.3662, 134.4390

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is snorkeling good in Palau for beginners?
Palau offers various snorkeling spots suitable for different skill levels. Many locations feature calm, shallow waters perfect for beginners, while others provide more challenging conditions for experienced snorkelers. Check individual spot descriptions for difficulty ratings.
Where can I find easy shore entry freedives in Palau?
Palau has numerous shore-accessible freediving spots. Look for beaches, coves, and rocky points marked with "shore entry" in our dive map. Popular areas often feature gradual slopes and clear water, ideal for freediving practice.
What months have the calmest water and best visibility in Palau?
Water conditions in Palau vary by region and season. Generally, check local weather patterns and avoid monsoon or storm seasons. Our spot descriptions include seasonal visibility information to help you plan your trip.
Do I need a guide for diving in Palau?
Guide requirements in Palau depend on the specific location and your experience level. Some marine parks require guided dives, while many spots allow independent diving. Always check local regulations and consider hiring guides for unfamiliar or challenging sites.
What safety considerations should I know about when diving in Palau?
Key safety considerations for Palau include understanding local currents, boat traffic, and marine life. Always dive within your limits, check weather conditions, use proper signaling devices, and respect local regulations. Some areas may have specific hazards noted in spot descriptions.
What marine life can I expect to see in Palau?
Palau's waters host diverse marine ecosystems. Depending on the region and season, you might encounter tropical fish, coral reefs, larger pelagics, or unique endemic species. Check individual spot descriptions for specific marine life highlights.