Chuyo Maru - Rock Islands

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.

Location
Rock Islands, Palau, Central & South Pacific
Coordinates
7.340286, 134.439290
Type
wreck

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 Chuyo Maru

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 Chuyo Maru

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