Chandelier Caves - Rock Islands

Chandelier Caves isn't a wreck dive, despite what some might say, but a fascinating multi-chamber cavern system near Koror. We're talking four distinct air-filled chambers that you can surface in, each with incredible stalactites hanging like, well, chandeliers. You navigate through relatively shallow depths, around 10-12 metres, making it a great option for divers comfortable with overhead environments but not necessarily deep diving. Keep an eye out for the small shrimp and crabs clinging to the walls, and enjoy the eerie silence of the caves.

Location
Rock Islands, Palau, Central & South Pacific
Coordinates
7.339167, 134.466660
Maximum Depth
34m to 98m

Marine Protected Area: Ngerkebesang Conservation Zone

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 Chandelier Caves

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 Chandelier Caves

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