Big Drop Off
Protected Area
Ngemelis Island Complex
Why dive here
With 182+ marine species recorded in the area - including barracuda, lionfish, mandarin fish, napoleon wrasse and nautiluses - Big Drop Off offers some of Rock Islands's richest wall diving. Water ranges 28-30°C, warmest September, October, November.
The Big Drop Off, true to its name, delivers a proper wall dive in Palau. We’re talking a sheer vertical face here, plunging deep, plastered with big sea fans, sponges, and plenty of colourful soft corals. It's a calmer dive than some of Palau’s speedier spots, perfect for slowing down, framing a wide-angle shot, or really looking close for nudibranchs. You’ll often find turtles cruising the wall, and reef sharks tend to glide by in the blue, making it a solid choice for a more relaxed dive experience.
Typical Big Drop Off Dive Profile
Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.
Safety Notes
Depth of 20m - Advanced Open Water certification recommended.
Always perform a 3-minute safety stop at 5m before surfacing.
Nearest Dive Centres to Big Drop Off
Dive shops near Big Drop Off
Cruise Control palau
Cruise Control palau
DayDream Dive Center
Sam's Tours
Blue Marlin
Blue Marlin
Reviews for Big Drop Off
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for Big Drop Off
Big Drop Off Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for Big Drop Off, sourced from Copernicus Marine satellite data
August Averages
Sea Temperature
29.73°C
86°F
Current Speed
11.05 cm/s
Direction: N (5.2°)
Chlorophyll-a
0.033 mg/m³
Very clear (oligotrophic)
Salinity
33.59 PSU
Data sources: Copernicus Marine Service (EU)
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