Visit Palau: diving, Rock Islands and when to go

At the western edge of Micronesia, Palau scatters several hundred jungle-covered limestone islets across a turquoise lagoon. Reef sharks, manta rays and Pacific War wrecks draw divers, while the country makes ocean protection a condition of entry for every visitor.

Why is Palau so popular with divers?

On the western fringe of Oceania, Palau sits where several ocean currents meet, concentrating sharks, rays and schools of fish on drop-offs such as Blue Corner. Its southern lagoon and Rock Islands have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2012, and every visitor must sign an environmental commitment, the Palau Pledge, stamped into their passport.

What to discover in Palau?

Koror, the gateway

The former capital and largest town, Koror holds most of the hotels, dive centres and restaurants. You stay here for the whole trip, as boats to the Rock Islands leave its docks every morning, 30 to 60 minutes from the sites. The Belau National Museum traces the archipelago's history, from traditional clans to Spanish, German, Japanese and then American administration. Half a day is enough for the town itself.

The Rock Islands and southern lagoon

Several hundred limestone islets, eroded at the waterline, make up this UNESCO-listed landscape. A paid permit, valid for around ten days, is required to enter; it is bought through operators and costs more if you add Jellyfish Lake. Kayaking, snorkelling and picnics on empty beaches easily fill three to four days, alternating with diving. Count on a full day per trip, with lunch on board or on an islet.

Babeldaob, the big island

Linked to Koror by a bridge, Babeldaob is the second-largest island in Micronesia and home to the capital, Ngerulmud, with its columned capitol at Melekeok. A day in a rental car takes in the Badrulchau monoliths in the north, Ngardmau waterfall after a forest walk of about 30 minutes, and a traditional bai, a men's meeting house with a steep pointed roof. The ring road is paved, the side tracks much less so.

Peleliu and Angaur, memories of the Pacific War

South of the lagoon, about an hour by boat from Koror, Peleliu was the scene of a deadly battle between American and Japanese forces in September 1944. Tanks, guns and fortified caves remain visible in the vegetation and are best explored with a local guide. Along with Guadalcanal in the Solomon Islands, it is one of the major Pacific battlefields open to visitors. Angaur, further south and more isolated, sees few visitors. A day is enough for Peleliu, often combined with dives at the southern lagoon sites.

Diving in Palau: seasons and skill levels

The dry season, from November to April, brings the calmest sea and best visibility. From June to October, rain and westerly winds make some crossings rougher, but diving remains possible. Flagship sites such as Blue Corner and German Channel can have strong currents: advanced certification and a reef hook are recommended. Allow at least five days of diving to cover the essentials.

Cities to visit in Palaos

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Not to miss in Palau

Six sites that built the archipelago's reputation, underwater and on land.

Jellyfish Lake

A marine lake on Eil Malk home to millions of golden jellyfish with a very mild sting, open to snorkelling only, without sunscreen or hard kicks.

Blue Corner

A current-swept reef point where grey sharks, barracuda and trevally gather, one of the most celebrated dive sites in the world.

German Channel

A passage dug in the early 20th century between lagoon and ocean, now a cleaning station regularly visited by manta rays.

Milky Way

A sheltered Rock Islands cove whose floor is carpeted with white limestone mud, where boats stop for a swim.

Badrulchau monoliths

Around fifty standing stones on a hill in northern Babeldaob, remains of an ancient site overlooking the ocean.

Ngardmau waterfall

The country's highest waterfall, reached via a forest trail and the route of an old mining railway.

Frequently asked questions

Has Palau's Jellyfish Lake reopened?
Yes, the lake reopened in 2019 after a sharp fall in jellyfish numbers linked to drought. Only snorkelling is allowed, scuba diving is banned. The jellyfish population varies from year to year, so check with operators before paying the surcharge.
What is the Palau Pledge stamped in your passport?
It is a written promise to the children of Palau that every visitor signs on arrival: do not touch coral, do not feed wildlife, take nothing away. It is stamped into your passport and is a reminder that environmental offences are penalised.
What dive level do you need for Blue Corner?
Advanced certification and experience with currents are recommended. Divers clip onto the reef with a hook to watch the sharks without tiring themselves out. Beginners usually start with sheltered lagoon sites before tackling the outer walls.
How do you get to Palau from Europe?
You connect through Asia or Guam: the main routes go via Taipei, Seoul or Guam, depending on the flights operating at the time. Expect one or two stopovers and at least 20 hours of travel from Paris.
How long should you stay in Palau for diving and the Rock Islands?
One week on the ground is a good minimum: five days of boat trips for diving and exploring the lagoon, one day on Babeldaob and half a day of rest before the flight home, essential to avoid decompression sickness.
Is Peleliu worth visiting if you are not into military history?
Yes, the island combines 1944 remains, calm beaches and quiet villages. A half-day guided tour is enough to understand the battle, leaving the rest of the day for swimming or a dive in the southern lagoon.
Is Palau hit by typhoons?
Less than Guam or the Philippines, as the archipelago lies on the southern edge of the typhoon formation zone. Storms can still pass nearby, especially between July and November, and disrupt boat trips for a few days.
Palau or Micronesia for a diving trip?
Palau packs shark walls, lagoon and tourist infrastructure into a small area. Neighbouring Micronesia, more spread out, stands out for the wrecks of Chuuk Lagoon and the manta rays of Yap, with fewer places to stay and less frequent flights.

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