Where Pristine Reefs, WWII Wrecks, and Adrenaline Currents Collide

If there’s one destination every serious diver dreams about, it’s Palau—a remote Pacific archipelago renowned for its incredible biodiversity, thrilling drift dives, and deep cultural roots. Nestled between the Philippines and Guam, Palau is composed of over 500 islands, ranging from volcanic to limestone, scattered across a crystalline blue ocean. It’s home to some of the healthiest reefs in the world, a long-standing commitment to conservation, and one of the most unique marine environments on the planet.

Palau made global headlines when it declared the world’s first shark sanctuary in 2009, and continues to lead the way with its marine protected areas and cultural reverence for the ocean. Many of the dive sites here—like Blue Corner, German Channel, and Ulong Channel—are legendary, but what sets Palau apart is its ability to surprise even the most experienced diver. Here, you’re as likely to see a manta ray circling a cleaning station as you are to drift through a coral canyon filled with turtles, reef sharks, and swirling clouds of snapper.

You’ll also explore powerful remnants of the past. Palau played a pivotal role during World War II, and wrecks like the Iro Maru, a sunken Japanese oil tanker, offer eerie, yet beautiful reminders of that history. Coral now covers gun turrets—schools of fish swirl through steel beams. Life has reclaimed what war left behind.

With BlueBound Travel, this isn’t a bucket-list stop—it’s a fully guided expedition. We’ve partnered with the expert team at Sam’s Tours, Palau’s premier dive operator, and you’ll stay at the Palau Royal Resort, where ocean-view rooms, a private beach, and a peaceful poolside scene set the tone for your surface intervals.

Expect 20 dives over 8 days, including a dive at the surreal Chandelier Cavern, and the option to add on Jellyfish Lake or a full-day trip to Peleliu Island, known for both advanced dive sites and its intense WWII history.

What It’s Like to Dive Palau with BlueBound

You wake up with the sun rising over the Rock Islands, grab a fresh tropical breakfast, and head to the dock at Sam’s Tours. The team has already prepped your gear. Within 20 minutes, you’re descending into the German Channel, where manta rays glide overhead and reef sharks circle the coral ridges. Surface interval? A white sand beach on Ulong Island—barefoot, quiet, pristine. Back on the boat, you drift through Ulong Channel, carried by the current past sea fans, giant clams, and a wall of color and life.

By late afternoon, you’re back at the resort, poolside cocktail in hand, or maybe a massage at the spa. In the evening, you join the group at Kramer’s Café or watch the sunset at The Drop-Off Bar, swapping stories of sharks, caverns, and currents. Every day is different. Every dive is unforgettable.

The BlueBound Difference: Dive with Purpose

At BlueBound Travel, we don’t just explore—we preserve. Every trip is personally guided, with one or more of our experienced dive professionals on site to handle logistics, assist with gear, offer dive tips, and ensure safety throughout the week.

Our guides are there to support you, not to vacation. They’ll work closely with local dive teams, helping steer decisions and uphold the highest standards. From the moment you arrive, you’ll feel like you’ve done this with us before—even if it’s your first time.

We partner only with local businesses that share our commitment to conservation, comfort, and meaningful connection. With BlueBound, you dive with purpose, and you’re never just a passenger.

• 2-tank morning dives each day, visiting some of Palau’s world-famous dive sites.

• Full access to Palau Royal Resort’s amenities: spa, pool, private beach, tennis, and more.

• Palau has the largest undisturbed forest and largest freshwater lake a.k.a Jellyfish lake in Micronesia, and 70 unique marine lakes.

• The waters of Palau are one big shark sanctuary and you have a 99% chance to see sharks on every dive in Palau.

• Palau also has over 60 WWII wrecks, many of them considered a part of “the Lost Fleet of the Rock Islands.”

• There are a total of 1572 reported reef fish species living on the reefs of Palau.

A minimum of Open Water certification is required, but Advanced Open Water is highly recommended, especially for sites with currents, such as Blue Corner and Ulong Channel, with at least 30 logged dives. 

Yes, a permit (currently $100 USD) is required for access to Jellyfish Lake and the Rock Islands of Koror State. 

A 3mm wetsuit is generally sufficient, especially for those diving 4 dives a day. 

Electronic propulsion devices are not permitted during dives in Palau. 

Yes. All pricing is based on double occupancy. If you’re traveling alone, a single supplement applies. If you’d prefer to be paired with a roommate, we’ll do our best to match you with another solo traveler of the same gender. Mixed-gender pairing is only done if both parties specifically request it and agree.

You’ll fly into Roman Tmetuchl International Airport (ROR). Transfers between the airport and Palau Royal Resort are included.

This trip includes 20 dives over eight dive days—primarily 2-tank dives with 4 optional 3rd-tank dives, including one at Chandelier Cavern. Additional dives can be arranged for an extra fee.

 Some of the iconic dive sites on the schedule include:

• Blue Corner

• German Channel

• Ulong Channel

• Iro Maru Wreck

• Turtle Cove

• Chandelier Cavern

Optional excursions are available to Peleliu Island and Jellyfish Lake.

Yes! Non-divers can enjoy spa treatments, pool time, kayaking, Rock Island tours, and cultural day trips. Activities are flexible and can be customized to suit your needs.

Daily breakfast at the resort and lunches on dive days are included. Dinners are not included, but we organize group reservations at Palau’s top restaurants each night for those who want to join.

Palau Royal Resort offers spacious ocean-view rooms, a private beach, pool, spa, and tennis courts—all in a relaxed, tropical setting just minutes from Sam’s Tours.

You’re welcome to bring your dive gear or rent from Sam’s Tours. Let us know your needs in advance so we can reserve your gear accordingly.

Water temperatures typically range from 81°F to 84°F. Visibility is excellent—often 100 feet or more. Expect occasional currents on sites like Blue Corner and Ulong.

This trip is limited to 10–24 guests, accompanied by 2  BlueBound guides, ensuring personalized service and a cohesive group experience.

Yes. We usually organize a casual farewell dinner on the final night—an opportunity to unwind, reflect, and toast to the incredible journey we’ve shared.