Blue Corner (and Blue Holes) - Rock Islands

Blue Corner, often paired with the Blue Holes, is where you really start to understand Palau’s reputation. We’ve seen it described as a fish aggregation device, and that feels accurate. Hook in and watch the show: schools of snapper, jacks, and chevron barracuda, sometimes so thick they blot out the sun. Sharks are a constant presence, usually grey reef, with tuna and wahoo making quick passes in the blue. It’s a drift dive, often with strong currents, so it’s definitely one for experienced divers comfortable managing their buoyancy while suspended in the flow.

Location
Rock Islands, Palau, Central & South Pacific
Coordinates
7.166700, 134.250000

Marine Protected Area: Ngerukewid Island Wildlife Preserve

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

Nearby Dive Sites in Rock Islands

Nearest Dive Centres to Blue Corner (and Blue Holes)

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.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for Blue Corner (and Blue Holes)

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