In the previous article, I gave information about the underwater structure, current systems and diving season of the Republic of Palau. In this article, I would like to give information about underwater beauties and diving spots.
Palau is located at the intersection of several different types of currents and has a very diverse underwater structure as a result of the rich nutrients that these currents bring from the deep waters. There are more than 50 different diving spots and 7-8 natural wrecks with the total of all the islands and cays that make up Palau. But to be honest, about 10 of these dive spots are the most popular and worth seeing. I am not saying that the other dive spots are bad, but if you are a certified diver, they may not satisfy you.
The most popular dive spots are about 1 hour away from the mainland. Since almost all dive centers use speedboats, the most comfortable thing to do during this trip is to protect yourself from the wind and sudden rains with a neoprene jacket and of course enjoy the view. Depending on the tide, you can sometimes see some reefs floating on the water and when we arrive at our dive spot, our captain is tied to a vault because anchoring is forbidden and the divers jump into the water one by one.
The most popular dive spots are Blue Corner – German Channel – Manta Point -Ulong Channel – Peleliu Wall and Ngemesis Wall. Since these reefs are very large reefs and walls, you have the opportunity to dive several different dives on the same reef.
In these dive spots, especially in German Channel and Manta Point, as you can guess from the name, it is very possible to see giant Mantas. Apart from that, it is possible to see Reef Shark – BlackTip Reef Shark – Nurse – Lemon -Whale Shark – Mako and even Tiger and HammerHead sharks. Besides these, Giant Groupers and turtles are already permanent residents of the region.
If you are more interested in macro life, you will not be able to take your eyes off the reef because the reefs, which are already very healthy and colorful, are full of many different species and colors of NudiBranch, that is, sea rabbits. At some points, you may have difficulty taking photos because the current is very strong, and since current sticks are prohibited, you can fix yourself with current hooks and take photos. If you are not an experienced diver, it will be easier to take photos with small GoPro cameras instead of large cameras.
For cave and cavern divers, especially BlueHole and Chandelier with its clear view are very nice and popular diving spots. There are diving spots such as TurtleCove – Virgin Blue Hole depending on your experience.
Considering that the area was active in the second world war, there are many shipwrecks.Most of them are Japanese ship and aircraft wrecks.The most well known is the Jake Aircraft Wreck.I think if you really want to see it, you can dive this aircraft wreck after diving the dive spots I mentioned above, maybe even after a few dives in some of them.Because it is a small plane and there is not much to see around it.Apart from these, Iro Maru Battleship and Chuyo Maru ships are other wreck spots. Unfortunately, since these dive sites are inland, visibility is a bit lower and the visibility is much less. My recommendation would be not to bother with the wrecks if you have limited days and enjoy the colorful reefs.
There are so many diving points to tell, I wanted to draw in general terms in this way. I have maps of diving points and many photos. If you have special interest or travel plans, you can contact me and I will help as much as I can.
Thank you very much for reading
Good Health
