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Blue Corner, Micronesia - Things to Do in Blue Corner

Things to Do in Blue Corner

Blue Corner, Micronesia - Complete Travel Guide

Blue Corner is one of the world's most legendary dive sites, located at the southwestern tip of Palau in Micronesia. This underwater pinnacle is renowned for its incredible marine biodiversity and thrilling drift diving experiences, where powerful currents attract massive schools of fish, sharks, and other pelagic species. The site sits at the confluence of multiple ocean currents, creating a nutrient-rich environment that supports one of the most spectacular underwater ecosystems on Earth. While Blue Corner itself is a dive site rather than a traditional city, it serves as the crown jewel of Palau's marine attractions and is typically accessed from Koror, Palau's main hub. The area offers world-class diving opportunities alongside pristine coral reefs, making it a bucket-list destination for serious divers and marine enthusiasts. Beyond the underwater wonders, visitors can explore Palau's unique culture, pristine islands, and conservation efforts that have made this region a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Top Things to Do in Blue Corner

Drift Diving at Blue Corner

Experience one of the world's most famous drift dives, where strong currents create an underwater highway for sharks, barracuda, and massive schools of fish. Divers use reef hooks to anchor themselves while observing the spectacular marine parade that includes grey reef sharks, whitetip sharks, and occasionally hammerheads.

Booking Tip: Book with established dive operators in Koror 2-3 days in advance, expect to pay $150-200 per day for two-tank dives. Choose operators with small group sizes (max 6 divers) and current experience, as conditions can be challenging.

Jellyfish Lake Snorkeling

Swim among millions of harmless golden jellyfish in this unique marine lake on Eil Malk Island. These jellyfish have evolved without stingers due to the lake's isolation, creating a surreal and safe swimming experience that's unlike anywhere else on Earth.

Booking Tip: Combine with Blue Corner dive trips for $200-250 total. Requires a $100 Rock Islands permit valid for 10 days. Book morning trips for best visibility and jellyfish activity.

German Channel Manta Ray Diving

Dive or snorkel in this artificial channel created by Germans in the early 1900s, now famous for manta ray cleaning stations. The shallow depth and sandy bottom make it perfect for observing these gentle giants up close as they visit cleaning stations.

Booking Tip: Best visibility during incoming tides, typically morning dives. Costs $150-180 for diving, $80-100 for snorkeling. Manta sightings are seasonal (November-May) with highest probability.

Rock Islands Kayaking

Paddle through the stunning mushroom-shaped limestone islands that make up Palau's Rock Islands Southern Lagoon. Explore hidden lagoons, pristine beaches, and secluded coves while enjoying some of the world's clearest waters.

Booking Tip: Full-day tours cost $120-160 including lunch and gear. Book tours that include multiple lagoons and beaches. Avoid windy days and choose operators with stable kayaks and safety equipment.

WWII Wreck Diving

Explore numerous Japanese and American aircraft and ship wrecks from World War II scattered throughout Palau's waters. These artificial reefs now teem with marine life and offer fascinating glimpses into Pacific War history.

Booking Tip: Specialized wreck diving tours cost $160-200 per day. Choose operators with historical knowledge and proper wreck diving certification. Some sites require advanced diving skills due to depth and penetration opportunities.

Getting There

Blue Corner is accessed via Palau International Airport (ROR) in Koror, with direct flights from major Asian cities including Manila, Taipei, Seoul, and Tokyo. From the airport, it's a 15-minute drive to most hotels and dive operators in Koror. All Blue Corner diving requires boat transportation, with most dive operators located in Koror's main harbor area. The boat ride to Blue Corner typically takes 45-60 minutes depending on sea conditions and boat type.

Getting Around

Most visitors stay in Koror and rely on dive operators for boat transportation to Blue Corner and other dive sites. Rental cars are available for exploring Babeldaob Island and cost $50-80 per day. Taxis are limited but available for short trips around Koror ($10-20). Many hotels provide airport transfers and can arrange transportation to dive shops. For island hopping, chartered boats are the primary option and typically cost $300-500 per day.

Where to Stay

Koror Downtown
Malakal Island
Airai (near airport)
Babeldaob Island
Rock Islands (resort)
Peleliu Island

Food & Dining

Palau's dining scene centers around Koror, offering a mix of local Palauan cuisine, Japanese influences, and international options. Fresh seafood dominates menus, with local specialties including fruit bat soup, taro, and coconut crab (seasonal). Popular restaurants serve sashimi, grilled fish, and Palauan-style barbecue. Many dive operators include lunch in their packages, typically featuring local ingredients and fresh fish. Grocery stores in Koror stock international foods, though prices are high due to import costs. Hotel restaurants often provide the most consistent dining experiences for international visitors.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Micronesia

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

Maharaja Lounge & Hotels - Grand World Phú Quốc

4.7 /5
(858 reviews)

Le moulin fou sxm

4.8 /5
(757 reviews)

Sunset Indian Cuisine

4.8 /5
(554 reviews) 2

Sewa Nepalese and Indian Cuisine

4.9 /5
(404 reviews) 2

Dana Pani: A house of Indian Cuisine

4.8 /5
(378 reviews)

Chez François

4.9 /5
(359 reviews) 2

When to Visit

The best time to visit Blue Corner is during the dry season from December to April, when seas are calmer and visibility is at its peak (often exceeding 100 feet). This period also coincides with manta ray season and optimal diving conditions. The wet season (May-November) brings occasional typhoons and rougher seas, though diving is still possible and marine life remains abundant. Water temperature stays consistent year-round at 80-84°F (27-29°C). For the ultimate experience, visit during February-March when conditions are most stable and marine activity is highest.

Insider Tips

Purchase the mandatory Rock Islands permit ($100 for 10 days) immediately upon arrival - it's required for most dive sites and activities
Bring reef-safe sunscreen as Palau has banned harmful chemicals to protect coral reefs - regular sunscreen will be confiscated
Book accommodations well in advance as Palau has limited hotel capacity and popular dive resorts fill up months ahead, especially during peak season

Explore Activities in Blue Corner