The Big Drop Off - Rock Islands

The Big Drop Off is exactly that, a wall that just keeps going, down to an almost ridiculous 285 metres. We love it because it delivers on both the macro and the pelagic, right from the first fin kick. Drop in and you’re immediately enveloped by the shallows, a flurry of fusiliers and parrotfish darting through the soft corals. Our favourite part has to be the overhangs, look closely and you’ll spot Twinspot Hawkfish perched like tiny sentinels, or the shy Longface Emperor peeking out. As you drift down, the wall itself becomes the star, a tapestry of massive sponges and plate corals, each crevice home to something new – maybe a Fluted Clam, or a Bicolor Angelfish flashing its electric hues. Keep one eye on the blue, though. Blacktip sharks often cruise by, and we’ve even been lucky enough to spot a Chambered Nautilus making its slow, deliberate journey. It’s a site that rewards patience and a keen eye, perfect for divers who appreciate both the grandeur of a deep wall and the intricate beauty of the reef’s smaller residents.

Location
Rock Islands, Palau, Central & South Pacific
Coordinates
7.101426, 134.249650
Type
wall

Marine Protected Area: Ngemelis Island Complex

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 The Big Drop Off

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 The Big Drop Off

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