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
Type
wall
Maximum Depth
15-40m

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the required certifications and recommended experience levels for diving Blue Corner and Blue Holes?
Diving Blue Corner and Blue Holes is rated as an intermediate difficulty dive. This suggests that divers should possess a good level of experience beyond entry-level certifications to safely enjoy the site. While specific certifications are not detailed, proficiency in drift diving and strong buoyancy control are generally recommended for intermediate reef dives.
What marine life and unique underwater topography can divers expect to encounter at Blue Corner and Blue Holes?
At Blue Corner and Blue Holes, divers can expect an incredible abundance of marine life, particularly vast schools of fish and sharks. You will frequently encounter snappers, jacks, chevron barracuda, and red-toothed triggerfish in large numbers, alongside numerous sharks, tuna, wahoo, groupers, and eagle rays. Green and hawksbill turtles are also common sightings on this vibrant reef. For more details on species, visit our wildlife database.
What are the typical current conditions and how do they affect diving at Blue Corner and Blue Holes?
The provided data for Blue Corner and Blue Holes does not specify the typical current conditions or how they affect diving at this site. For up-to-date information on currents, it's always best to consult with local dive operators in the Rock Islands, Palau.
When is the best time of year to dive Blue Corner and Blue Holes for optimal visibility and marine activity?
The available data for Blue Corner and Blue Holes does not specify the best time of year for optimal visibility and marine activity. For seasonal recommendations, we advise checking our When to Dive guide or contacting local dive centers in Palau.
What are the maximum and average depths for recreational diving at Blue Corner and Blue Holes?
The maximum and average depths for recreational diving at Blue Corner and Blue Holes are currently listed as Unknown in our database. Divers should always consult with their dive guide on site for specific depth profiles and dive plans before entering the water.
Is a reef hook essential for diving Blue Corner, and what safety considerations should divers be aware of?
The provided data does not specify whether a reef hook is essential for diving Blue Corner or detail specific safety considerations beyond its intermediate difficulty rating. For safety, divers should always be well-prepared for intermediate dives and follow the guidance of their dive professionals at this renowned Palau dive site.