Surrounding Palau, three ocean currents converge, spawning more than 1,500 species of fish and more than 700 species of corals, providing exciting encounters with a myriad of creatures from the smallest invertebrates to large pelagics such as the whale shark. Biodiversity is remarkable in this underwater incubator, a whole new world of fish and critters for you to ogle and photograph. Besides coral reefs, underwater tunnels, caves, blue holes, drop-offs, and exceptional drift dives, there are a large number of WWII wrecks. Virtually every dive promises something new and breathtaking.
Visibility ranges from 50 feet to well over 100 feet along the drop-offs. Water temps range from 78-82F degrees with the tropical climate bathing Palau in humidity and high 80’s and low 90F degree temps topside. The rainy season is June-November.
Many of Palau’s top dive sites are drift dives where the currents circulate oxygen and plankton which give rise to large numbers of corals, sponges, gorgonians, seafans and other filter-feeding sea life. Schools of fish are attracted to the same nutrient sources, bringing lots of action to every drift dive. A few simple tips for safe drift diving can help make the experience less intimidating. In reality, drift diving is less strenuous than diving from an anchored boat or shore, where a return trip must be made to the starting point of the dive. Listen carefully to the dive briefing and stay close to your buddy or the dive group, as the boat will be following bubbles. If currents are swift, getting separated can happen quickly. Good buoyancy skills are invaluable, as is a good signaling device such as a safety sausage, horn, whistle, or some other means to get the boat’s attention on the surface. Watch your gauges carefully as it is easy to be swept deeper and you don’t even realize it. Relax, don’t try and swim against the current, stay with the group and go with the flow.
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