If Blue Corner is Palau’s epic symphony, then the Ulong Island Sites and Eastern Reef Sites are its hidden chapters—intimate, surprising, and breathtaking. Here you’ll find rare shark patrols, dramatic coral canyons, thousands of bumphead parrotfish spawning, and manta rays gliding gracefully over white sand. Every dive is a private dialogue with the ancient ocean—a dream setting for underwater photographers.
📸 Get your camera ready and dive into Palau’s most enchanting secrets.
Ulong Island Sites (Approx. 40–45 min boat ride)
Sandy Bar (Grass Land) – Great for Check Dives
Depth: Max 22m | Visibility: 15–30m+ | Current: Mild | Recommended: DSD/OW
A sandy plateau dotted with hard coral bommies. Garden eels sway like underwater grass fields, while clownfish, barracudas, jackfish schools, whitetip and grey reef sharks make regular appearances. Mantas occasionally glide by, and even whale sharks have been spotted. Early morning dives can reveal spectacular bumphead parrotfish spawning aggregations.
Ulong Channel – Drift Dive Icon (Reef Hook Recommended)
Depth: Max 18m | Visibility: 10–20m+ | Current: Can be very strong | Recommended: OW
One of Palau’s most famous drifts. Hook in at the channel mouth to watch grey reef sharks and whitetips cruising like fighter jets. Drift into the channel past towering rose corals, eagle rays, groupers, and Napoleon wrasse. During full moon, groupers gather to spawn, while turtles and schools of snappers add to the spectacle.
Mind no-deco time, follow reef hook rules, respect other teams. Keep distance from nesting triggerfish—they can be aggressive.
Ulong Wall – Easy Drift Along the Reef
Depth: 8–25m+ | Visibility: 10–30m+ | Current: Mild | Recommended: DSD/OW
Perfect for beginners and check dives, with soft and hard corals, clownfish colonies, and patrolling reef sharks. At 20m, a coral outcrop often draws turtles, eagle rays, and barracuda schools—a natural wide-angle stage.
Siaes Corner (Reef Hook Recommended)
Depth: 10–25m+ | Visibility: 15–30m+ | Current: Mild to Strong | Recommended: AOW + Nitrox
A must-dive site during outgoing tides. Coral-covered walls, pyramids of butterflyfish, and schools of barracuda surround you. Hook in and watch reef sharks parade along the wall. Lucky divers may spot hammerheads, whale sharks, or tiger sharks.
Mind your no-deco time, follow reef hook guidance, respect etiquette. Consider nitrox for extra safety.
Siaes Tunnel
Depth: 30–50m+ | Visibility: 15–30m+ | Current: None | Recommended: AOW + Nitrox
A wide underwater tunnel along the wall, with massive sea fans and soft corals framing the exit. Stingrays and whitetip sharks rest on the sandy floor. Perfect for silhouette photography, though advanced skills and good buoyancy are required.
Watch for narcosis, check no-deco time, bring a torch, consider nitrox.
Siaes Tail
Depth: 15–25m+ | Visibility: 20–30m+ | Current: Moderate to Strong | Recommended: AOW
A vibrant reef plateau with 80% coral cover. Expect barracuda storms, reef sharks, Napoleon wrasse, and parrotfish, with surprise visits from sailfish or tiger sharks.
Shark City (Reef Hook Recommended)
Depth: 20–70m+ | Visibility: 20–30m+ | Current: Moderate to Strong | Recommended: AOW + Nitrox
The advanced diver’s dream. Home to massive schools of red snappers, bull sharks, leopard sharks, and sometimes even hammerheads. Golden rose corals cover the reef top, while giant groupers and trevallies cruise the depths. This is raw, adrenaline-filled Palau.
Watch no-deco time, always carry an SMB, consider nitrox.
Eastern Reef Sites
Ngerchong Wall (Reef Hook Recommended)
Depth: 15–30m | Visibility: 10–30m | Current: Mild to Strong | Recommended: OW
A classic southeastern wall dive. Turtles, Napoleon wrasse, and reef sharks are common, with large schools of fish at the channel corners.
Ngerchong Coral Garden
Depth: ~12m | Visibility: 10–20m | Current: None | Recommended: DSD/OW
A gentle slope lined with coral bommies and sandy patches. Great for beginners and macro photographers. Rays, reef sharks, and turtles add to the diversity.
Short Drop Off
Depth: 5–30m | Visibility: 10–20m | Current: Mild to Strong | Recommended: AOW + Nitrox
The closest outer reef site to Koror. A stair-step wall drops into the deep, where barracuda storms, reef sharks, whale sharks, and hammerheads have all been seen.
Final Thoughts: Writing Your Own Ocean Epic
Palau’s magic lies in how it blends raw adventure with poetic beauty. At Ulong and the Eastern Reefs, you’ll find manta rays soaring over sandy stages, parrotfish spawning by the thousands, sharks weaving through current-swept walls, and tunnels glowing with ethereal light.
If you seek not just a dive, but a transformative underwater journey—this is where your lens, your heart, and the ocean meet.
👉 Contact LT DIVE to plan your customized dives into Palau’s hidden wonders.
Why Choose LT DIVE?
🌐 Multilingual, Clear Communication
From trip planning, safety briefings, and marine ecology explanations, to cultural tips and dining recommendations—we provide clear guidance in both English and other languages. No confusion, no stress—just safe, enjoyable adventures.
🏝 Local Experts Who Understand Travelers
We know Palau inside and out, from hidden corners of the Rock Islands to practical travel tips that make your trip easier. Our team understands international travelers’ needs and ensures you’re always well-prepared, comfortable, and confident.
🤿 Professional & Safe, Trusted by Divers
Whether it’s your first snorkeling experience or your 100th dive, our professional instructors tailor each adventure to your level. With a strong focus on safety, clear instructions, and care, you’ll always feel secure in the water.
🤝 Reliable Support Throughout Your Trip
Need assistance during your stay? LT DIVE is your local partner. From last-minute changes to unexpected needs, our team provides friendly and reliable support—so you can relax and enjoy Palau to the fullest.
Your Adventure, Your Way
✨At LT DIVE, every journey is personalized. We don’t offer cookie-cutter tours—we design experiences around you: the dive sites you dream of, the pace you prefer, and the kind of memories you want to create.
