Palau

If you are a diver and have read reviews and articles of the top ten places to dive then Palau has been on the list. These groups of islands are part of Micronesia. Traveling to Palau from Los Angeles is quite an endeavor.  Fly from L.A. to Honolulu to Guam then just a few hours south to arrive in Palau. This is just under a day’s travel.  At this point you are exhausted and only want to sleep in a bed rather than a seat on an airplane.  As sleep begins to overtake your body, the mind races and wonders if the trip was worth it.  The answer is YES!

Arising the next morning, grab your gear, have a quick bite to eat and wait on the dock of the hotel for the boat to pick you up.  After situating the dive gear you are off to the first dive site. As the boat races to the site across the water you begin to feel thirsty. The water is clean and clear and so inviting, one is tempted to jump over the boat and begin diving.

 

The dive sites for the day are “Saies Tunnel” and “Ulong Channel.” The warmth of the water overcomes you as you slowly descend, taking in the colors of the fish and the clarity of the water.  Swim through the tunnel and come out the other side, mesmerized by the visibility of the water - at 97fsw the surface appears as though it was mere inches away.

During a surface interval while eating lunch on a picturesque white sand beach, the group discusses the marine life, and searches for the black banded sea snake the nests in the rocks while waiting for the next dive. 

Ulong Channel is akin to a roller coaster ride depending on the tide. This dive can begin at two different points, either at “Blue Holes” or “Blue Corner.” These two sites are close enough to let the current carry you through the 87 degree water from one site to the next. Entering the mouth of the channel the current is ripping and, metaphorically one holds onto their pants and enjoys the ride. Using fins to guide you through the water you will pass over coral reefs with different colors of anemone bowls with a variety of clown fish in each bowl. Spotting turtles, sharks, barracuda and more fish than you can believe.  It is an overload of ocean eye candy.

 

The entire week is phenomenal, full of wonderful experiences from learning the history of Peleliu to swimming with the jellyfish at “Jellyfish Lake”, seeing the Nautiluses on the reef that live in 1000fsw, and brought to the surface for the divers to view. As the week comes to a close, you bid farewell to Palau. The next stop is Yap!