Diving in Rock Islands

Explore 35 dive sites in Rock Islands, Palau. Ocean conditions, marine species, and dive centres.

Best Time to Dive in Rock Islands

The warmest water temperatures in Rock Islands occur in October, averaging 30.0°C. The coolest conditions are in February at 28.4°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 28.8°C
  • February: 28.4°C
  • March: 28.8°C
  • April: 29.3°C
  • May: 29.8°C
  • June: 29.9°C
  • July: 29.8°C
  • August: 29.7°C
  • September: 29.9°C
  • October: 30.0°C
  • November: 29.9°C
  • December: 29.6°C

Marine Life in Rock Islands

Home to 198 recorded species including 171 reef fish, 15 sea cucumbers, 4 clams & mussels, 4 sea snails & nudibranchs, 2 starfish, 1 sea urchins.

Dive Site Difficulty in Rock Islands

Rock Islands has 3 beginner dive sites - suitable for divers of all levels.

Recommended Packing List for Rock Islands

Based on average water temperature of 29.5°C, currents 13 cm/s.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 30°C water needs minimal exposure protection
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories

Marine Protected Areas in Rock Islands

  • Ngerukewid Island Wildlife Preserve - Zone Management Area (IUCN Category Ia)
  • Ngerumekaol Spawning Area - Zone Management Area (IUCN Category IV)
  • Ngaremeduu Bay Conservation Area - Conservation Area (IUCN Category Ia)
  • Ngeruangel Marine Reserve - Co-Management Area (IUCN Category V)
  • Ngermasech Conservation Area - Conservation Area (IUCN Category VI)
  • Lagon sud des îles Chelbacheb - World Heritage Site (natural or mixed) (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
  • East Coast Ngaraard Conservation Area - Conservation Area (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Oruaol Ibuchel Conservation Area - Conservation Area (IUCN Category IV)
  • Ngchesechang Conservation Area - Conservation Area (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Ngelukes Conservation Area - Conservation Area (IUCN Category IV)
  • Ngemai Conservation Area - Conservation Area (IUCN Category IV)
  • Ngeream Conservation Area - Conservation Area (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Teluleu Conservation Area - Conservation Area (IUCN Category IV)
  • Ngaraard Mangrove Conservation Area - Conservation Area (IUCN Category IV)
  • Palau National Marine Sanctuary - Marine Sanctuary (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Medal Ngediull Conservation Area - Fishery Reserve (IUCN Category IV)
  • Bkulengriil Conservation Area - Conservation Area (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Bkulabeluu Conservation Area - Conservation Area (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Olterukl Conservation Area - Conservation Area (IUCN Category IV)
  • Ngerchebal Island Wildlife Conservation - Wildlife Conservation Area (IUCN Category Ib)
  • Ngermedellim Marine Sanctuary - Marine Sanctuary (IUCN Category IV)
  • Ileyaklbeluu Conservation Area - Conservation Area (IUCN Category VI)
  • Ongiil Conservation Area - Conservation Area (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Angaur Permanent Protected Area - Conservation Area (IUCN Category VI)
  • Kayangel Subsistence Fishing Zone 1 - Co-Management Area (IUCN Category VI)
  • Northern Reef Fisheries Management Project - Co-Management Area (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Oisebukel Marine Reef Sanctuary - Conservation Area (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Chiul Conservation Area - Conservation Area (IUCN Category V)
  • Northern Reef Co-Managed Commercial Fisheries Zone - Co-Management Area (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Velasco Commercial Fishing Zone - Co-Management Area (IUCN Category VI)
  • Ngarchelong Subsistence Fishing Zone - Co-Management Area (IUCN Category VI)
  • Ngkesol Barrier Reef - Co-Management Area (IUCN Category VI)
  • Kayangel Subsistence Fishing Zone 2 - Co-Management Area (IUCN Category VI)
  • Matul crab closing zone - Co-Management Area (IUCN Category VI)
  • Koror Southern Lagoon - Zone Management Area (IUCN Category IV)
  • Ngerkebesang Conservation Zone - Zone Management Area (IUCN Category II)
  • Mokad Recreation Zone - Recreation Zone (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Coastal State Waters - State Waters (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Domestic Fishing Zone - Fishing Zone (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Oselkesol Waterfall Conservation Area - Conservation Area (IUCN Category III)
  • Ngeriungs Bird Sanctuary - Bird Sanctuary (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Ebiil Channel Conservation Zone - Co-Management Area (IUCN Category II)
  • Ngemelachel-Ngederrak Seagrass Beds - Zone Management Area (IUCN Category II)
  • Ngemelis Island Complex - Zone Management Area (IUCN Category V)
  • Rock Island Southern Lagoon Management Area - Zone Management Area (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Ngaremeduu Bay Network - Conservation Area (IUCN Category Ia)
  • Ngaremeduu - UNESCO-MAB Biosphere Reserve (IUCN Category Not Applicable)

Getting to Rock Islands - Nearest Airports

  • Roman Tmetuchl International Airport (ROR), Babelthuap Island - 29 km away, approx 46 min travel time
  • Yap International Airport (YAP), Yap Island - 484 km away, approx 543 min travel time

Dive Sites

Dive Centres

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best times of year to dive the Rock Islands for optimal conditions and marine life sightings?
The optimal time for diving the Rock Islands for comfortable water temperatures is during Month 9, Month 10, and Month 11, when temperatures average around 29.95°C to 30°C. These months offer excellent conditions to explore the dramatic walls and reefs, with opportunities to encounter mantas and sharks. For more details on seasonal conditions, visit our When to Dive guide.
What specific marine life can divers expect to encounter in the Rock Islands?
Divers exploring the Rock Islands can expect to encounter impressive pelagic species. The region is particularly known for its sightings of mantas and various species of sharks. To learn more about marine life, explore our wildlife database.
Which are considered the top or must-visit dive sites in the Rock Islands for scuba divers?
Among the must-visit dive sites in the Rock Islands are the world-renowned Blue Corner, famous for its pelagic action, and the unique Jellyfish Lake - Ongeim’l Tketau. Other highly recommended sites include the dramatic The Big Drop Off and the drift dive at Ulong Channel. These sites offer a diverse range of experiences from thrilling currents to serene reef exploration.
What level of diving experience or certification is recommended for diving in the Rock Islands, especially given the currents?
Most dive sites in the Rock Islands, such as Blue Corner and Ulong Channel, are rated for intermediate divers due to potentially strong currents and dramatic wall diving. While beginners can enjoy the unique experience of Jellyfish Lake - Ongeim’l Tketau, divers should be comfortable with drift diving and varying conditions for the majority of the region's offerings.
How do divers typically get to the Rock Islands dive sites, and what permits are required?
Information regarding typical transportation methods to the Rock Islands dive sites and specific permit requirements is not available in the provided data. It is advisable to check with local dive operators or the Palauan tourism authority for the most current details on logistics and necessary permits.
How strong are the currents in the Rock Islands, and what safety measures or equipment, like reef hooks, are recommended?
Currents in the Rock Islands can be notably strong, particularly at sites like Blue Corner and various channels, making many dives suitable for intermediate divers. For safety and to fully enjoy these drift dives, divers should be experienced with current diving techniques. Equipment such as reef hooks are highly recommended to safely observe marine life without damaging the reef in strong currents.
What are the typical water temperatures and underwater visibility in the Rock Islands?
The typical water temperatures in the Rock Islands are consistently warm, averaging between 29.95°C and 30°C during the optimal diving months of Month 9, Month 10, and Month 11. Unfortunately, specific data regarding typical underwater visibility for the region is not available in the provided context.
Are there any unique non-diving experiences, like Jellyfish Lake, available in the Rock Islands region?
Yes, the Rock Islands region offers unique experiences beyond traditional scuba diving, most notably Jellyfish Lake - Ongeim’l Tketau. This beginner-friendly site allows for an extraordinary encounter with millions of non-stinging jellyfish. It's a truly unparalleled natural wonder that stands out in the region.