Rock Islands, Palau
    Ngerkebesang Conservation Zone

    Chuyo Maru

    Best months: Nov–Mar

    Protected Area

    Ngerkebesang Conservation Zone

    Why dive here

    With 182+ marine species recorded in the area - including barracuda, lionfish, mandarin fish, napoleon wrasse and nautiluses - Chuyo Maru offers some of Rock Islands's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 29-30°C, warmest June, October, November.

    Best timeNov–Mar
    WetsuitA 3mm shorty or thin full wetsuit
    Marine lifeBarracuda, Lionfish, Mandarin Fish, Napoleon Wrasse and Nautiluses · 182+ species recorded
    Water29-30°C · warmest June, October, November
    CharacterWreck dive
    StandoutExceptional marine biodiversity

    The *Chuyo Maru* in Palau's Rock Islands isn't just a sunken ship; it’s a time capsule. We love how the story of this WWII supply ship unfolds as you descend, the sheer scale of it emerging from the blue. It sits upright and relatively intact, a genuine wreck dive for those who appreciate history and exploration. Dropping down, the ship’s mast points towards the surface, encrusted with a rough tapestry of coral and sponges. Inside the cargo holds, we often find shafts of light cutting through, illuminating schools of fusiliers so thick they practically block the view. Look closely for the smaller residents – Nagasaki damsels flitting between the rusted beams and cryptic gobies tucked into crevices. Out on the deck, large lionfish often pose, unbothered by divers, and we’ve spotted sizable mottled conger morays peering from pipes. This wreck rewards a slow, observant dive, giving you time to appreciate the blend of human history and natural reclamation. It’s definitely our pick for divers who want more than just a quick look.

    Safety Notes

    Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.

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    Conditions

    Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for Chuyo Maru

    Chuyo Maru Ocean Conditions

    Monthly averages for Chuyo Maru, sourced from Open-Meteo marine data + Copernicus Marine (EU) - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (7.2, 134.3) (4km away)

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    October Averages

    Sea Temperature

    30°C

    86°F · Range: 28.5–31.2°C

    Current Speed

    10.05 cm/s

    Direction: N (5.7°)

    Chlorophyll-a

    0.026 mg/m³

    Very clear (oligotrophic)

    Salinity

    33.62 PSU

    Based on 4 years of monitoring data · Data sources: Open-Meteo marine data + Copernicus Marine (EU)

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