Kelp Klippings: Diving in Palau
A Mandarin lurks in the shallows. Photo by Dave Jensen
By Dave Jensen, Body Glove dive master
If you are a diver and have read articles about the top 10 places to dive, then Palauhas been on the list. These groups of islands are part of Micronesia. Traveling to Palau from Los Angelesis quite an endeavor. Fly from L.A. to Honolulu to Guam then another 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. Arising the next morning, grab your gear, have a quick bite and wait on the dock of the hotel for the boat to pick you up. 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 97 fsw (feet of saltwater) 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 snakes that nest 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 one’s pants. 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. You’ll be spotting turtles, sharks, barracuda and more fish than you can believe. It is an overload of ocean eye candy.
The entire week is full of wonderful new experiences, from learning the history of Peleliu Island, swimming with the jellyfish at “Jellyfish Lake” to seeing the Nautiluses on the reef that live in 1000 fsw, and are brought to the surface for the divers to view.
Next stop –Yap.