Palau, with its warm, crystal-clear turquoise water, magnificent marine life, and spectacular dive sites, is a place every diver dreams of. If you live for the thrill of drift diving, then look no further – Palau has some amazing things in store for you!
The Peleliu Express
Located on Peleliu Island’s Southern reef, the expressway effect here is due to the southwesterly flow of the outgoing tide, and the northeasterly flow of the incoming tide, the speed of which can vary with lunar changes. During the new moon and full moon, the currents are strongest, so be sure to plan your holiday accordingly if you are bound and determined to do this drift!
The top of the reef here is located between seven and ten meters, while the wall drops down to meet the plateau at 33 to 40 meters. At the edge of the plateau, the reef drops away into the abyss thousands of feet below, creating a strong upwelling, and also causing some treacherous downcurrents at times. Magnificent blue marlins, sailfish, and whale sharks, as well as pods of pilot and sperm whales, and even orcas are seen here each year, while sharks and giant groupers, rays, barracudas, and schooling oriental sweetlips, as well as other delightful creatures can be found here on a daily basis.
Turtle Wall
A very easy, but incredibly scenic drift dive that even novice divers can enjoy, Turtle Wall, which is often referred to as Ngemelis Wall, begins with a reef that starts just a few feet below the surface, which leads to a wall that drops to twenty meters, which in turn leads to a drop into the abyss which is at 300 meters. While the currents here can be unpredictable, they are not normally strong. The main hazard is boat traffic, as this reef lies in the waterway that is used to transport divers to and from Blue Corner.
The water and rock formations are nearly always filled with turtles, as well as swirling clouds of tropical fish such as pyramid butterflies, Moorish idols, fusiliers, snapper, and anthias. Look for Regal, blueface, and even Emperor Angelfish as well. With sea fans and brilliant soft corals, heads of hard coral and beautiful rock formations, this is an excellent site for photography!
Ulong Channel
Sometimes called Ngerumekaol Pass, Ulong Channel runs from west to east perpendicular to Ulong Island’s barrier reef. The sandy bottom, which is at thirteen meters, is bordered by walls on either side, which direct the area’s tidal flow, allowing for a stunning drift dive. At times, the current will change directions during a dive, and if that occurs, just turn around, and drift in the opposite directions, rather than trying to fight it!
Home to gray reef sharks and schooling jacks, snapper, barracuda, and batfish, Ulong Channel is also a site where groupers gather in the thousands to spawn. This incredible phenomenon takes place during the full moons of April, May, June and July; and, if you think the sight of a few massive groupers is amazing, do not miss the opportunity to view this gathering! Keep your distance from the nesting titan triggerfish that protect their eggs here, and be sure to bring your camera. By hooking onto a rock, you can watch the astonishing and ever-changing life around you, and get some superb photos.
Getting to Palau is easy, and so is choosing one of the great dive operators in the area. Whether you have time for just one of these breathtaking drifts, or can do all three, you are certain to be amazed!