Teshio Maru - Rock Islands

The Teshio Maru offers a proper look into Palau’s wartime past, a Japanese transport sunk in 1944 and now a functioning reef. We often find the wreck draped in soft corals and sponges, a stark contrast to its original purpose. Keep an eye out for lionfish tucked into crevices and schools of glassfish swirling through the open holds; it's a macro hunter's delight too, if you go slow. This site is best for intermediate to advanced divers who are comfortable navigating inside a wreck and can maintain good buoyancy around delicate growth.

Location
Rock Islands, Palau, Central & South Pacific
Coordinates
7.333333, 134.466660

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 Teshio 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 Teshio 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