Things to Do in Blue Corner, Micronesia

Blue Corner in Palau, Micronesia, is one of the world's most legendary diving destinations, renowned for its dramatic underwater topography and incredible marine biodiversity. This iconic dive site features a steep coral wall that drops into the deep blue Pacific, creating a natural highway for large pelagic species including grey reef sharks, barracuda, and manta rays. The site's unique geography, where strong currents meet the wall, creates an underwater theater where divers can witness some of the most spectacular marine life encounters in the Pacific. While Blue Corner itself is a dive site rather than a traditional city, it serves as the crown jewel of Palau's diving circuit, accessible from Koror, the main hub for visitors. The area represents the pristine beauty of Micronesian waters, where visibility often exceeds 100 feet and the coral reefs remain largely untouched by human impact. For serious divers and underwater photographers, Blue Corner offers an unparalleled opportunity to experience one of the last great wilderness areas of our oceans.

Top Things to Do in Blue Corner

Drift Diving at Blue Corner

Experience the ultimate drift dive along the famous Blue Corner wall, where strong currents attract massive schools of fish and large pelagic species. Divers use reef hooks to anchor themselves to the coral while observing the underwater spectacle of grey reef sharks, barracuda tornadoes, and eagle rays. This is considered one of the top 10 dive sites in the world.

Booking Tip: Book with PADI-certified operators in Koror, expect to pay $150-200 per day for two-tank dives. Advanced Open Water certification minimum required due to strong currents. Best visibility occurs during slack tide periods.

German Channel Manta Ray Encounters

Dive the famous German Channel cleaning station where manta rays come to be cleaned by smaller fish. This artificial channel cut by Germans in World War I has become a natural highway for mantas, offering predictable encounters with these gentle giants. The site combines easy diving conditions with spectacular megafauna sightings.

Booking Tip: Manta encounters are best during incoming tides, typically morning dives. Choose operators who limit group sizes to 6-8 divers per guide. Costs around $180-220 for specialized manta dive packages.

Jellyfish Lake Snorkeling

Snorkel in the otherworldly Jellyfish Lake, home to millions of harmless golden jellyfish that have evolved without stingers. This marine lake offers a surreal experience as you swim among clouds of pulsating jellyfish in crystal-clear water. The lake represents a unique ecosystem found nowhere else on Earth.

Booking Tip: Requires a $50 Rock Islands permit valid for 10 days. Book combined tours with Blue Corner diving for better value. Early morning visits offer the best lighting and fewer crowds.

WWII Wreck Diving

Explore numerous World War II wrecks scattered around Palau's lagoons and reefs, including Japanese fighters, bombers, and ships. These artificial reefs now teem with marine life and offer a haunting glimpse into Pacific War history. The wrecks range from shallow snorkeling sites to deep technical dives.

Booking Tip: Wreck diving costs $120-160 per day. Some sites require advanced certification due to depth and penetration opportunities. Choose operators with historical knowledge for the full experience.

Rock Islands Kayaking

Paddle through the UNESCO World Heritage Rock Islands, exploring hidden lagoons, mushroom-shaped limestone formations, and pristine beaches. This peaceful activity offers a different perspective of Palau's stunning topography and allows access to secluded spots unreachable by larger boats. Perfect for non-divers or rest days between diving.

Booking Tip: Half-day tours cost $80-120, full-day expeditions $150-200. Includes snorkeling gear and lunch. Book during calm weather seasons for the best experience and safety.

Getting There

Blue Corner is accessed via Palau International Airport (ROR) in Koror, with direct flights from Manila, Tokyo, Seoul, and Guam. Most visitors fly through Guam or Manila for connections to major international destinations. From Koror, Blue Corner is reached by dive boat, typically a 45-60 minute ride depending on sea conditions. All dive operators in Koror provide transportation to Blue Corner as part of their dive packages, with boats departing early morning to reach the site during optimal conditions.

Getting Around

Transportation to Blue Corner is exclusively by dive boat from Koror, as it's a remote oceanic dive site. In Koror, visitors can use taxis, rental cars, or hotel shuttles to reach dive operators' facilities. Most dive shops offer hotel pickup services. For exploring other parts of Palau, rental cars are available but boats are necessary for reaching the Rock Islands and outer reef sites. Many visitors stay near downtown Koror within walking distance of dive operators.

Where to Stay

Koror Downtown

Malakal Island

Arakabesan Island

Ngerekebesang Island

Babeldaob Island

Peleliu Island

Food & Dining

Koror offers a surprising variety of dining options for such a remote location, with fresh seafood being the highlight of most menus. Local specialties include coconut crab, giant clams, and various reef fish prepared in traditional Palauan style or with Japanese and Filipino influences. Many dive resorts offer meal packages, but independent restaurants in Koror serve everything from sashimi to American-style burgers. Don't miss trying the local fruit bat soup, a traditional delicacy, or fresh tropical fruits from local markets.

When to Visit

The best time to visit Blue Corner is during the dry season from November to April, when seas are calmer and visibility is at its peak, often exceeding 150 feet. However, diving is possible year-round with water temperatures consistently around 82-84°F. The wet season (May-October) brings more rainfall and rougher seas but also increased marine activity. Manta ray sightings are more frequent during the warmer months, while shark activity remains consistent throughout the year.

Insider Tips

Bring reef hooks for Blue Corner dives - the current can be extremely strong and you'll need to hook into the reef to observe the action

Book accommodations and diving well in advance, especially during peak season, as Palau has limited infrastructure and fills up quickly

Consider getting Nitrox certification before your trip to extend bottom times at Blue Corner's 90-foot average depth and maximize your underwater experience

Things to Do in Blue Corner