Route Description - Palau Snapper Spawning (Full Moon)
In the four days leading up to the full moon, divers can witness one of the ocean’s most breathtaking natural spectacles: the spawning aggregations of Bumphead Parrotfish and Red Snapper. These events take place at two key locations — Peleliu and dive sites east of Koror. To catch the action, dives begin early at around 5:30 AM, just before sunrise. Expect strong currents and high-energy conditions. During the Red Snapper spawning, tens of thousands rise from the depths, shifting from red to white as they perform dramatic mating rituals — a stunning, fast-paced show that also draws in large predators hunting in the frenzy. This is a rare, high-adrenaline dive experience best suited for experienced divers.
The following is a description of some of the dive sites guests may visit during their liveaboard safari on board M/Y Black Pearl.
Day 1: Arrival & Check-in
•Hotel pickup ~3:00 PM
•Welcome drink, boat and safety briefing after dinner
•No diving on embarkation day
Day 2–3: Western Reefs
Dive Sites:
•Ulong Channel – World-renowned drift dive with sharks, lettuce coral, and groupers
•Siaes Corner & Siaes Tunnel – Shark encounters, turtles, and a deep tunnel for advanced divers
•Shark City – Sloping reef with reef sharks, hammerheads, and pelagic fish
•Sandy Bar – Gentle coral garden with macro life and reef fish; ideal for all levels
Day 4: German Channel
•Man-made WWII channel, manta ray cleaning station
•Home to rays, reef sharks, snappers, and a lush coral garden
Day 5–6: Ngemelis Island Highlights
Dive Sites:
•Blue Corner – Palau’s signature dive with sharks, big schools of fish, and strong currents
•Blue Holes – Cavern dive with light rays and reef life; suitable for all levels
•Big Drop Off – Sheer 300m wall with WWII relics and vibrant coral life
•New Drop Off – A mini Blue Corner with gray reef sharks and snappers
Minimum of 2 dives at Blue Corner across both days due to varying conditions and marine activity.
Day 7–8: Peleliu (Optional for 8D/7N Trips)
Dive Sites:
•Peleliu Wall, Cut, Express, West Wall – Strong-current walls and drifts with sharks and rays
•Orange Beach – WWII artifacts among corals and eagle rays
•A mix of history and high-adrenaline dives with diverse marine life
Day 9–10: Wrecks, Short Drop Off & Chandelier Cave (Optional for 8D/7N Trips)
Dive Sites:
•Iro Wreck – WWII oil tanker with swim-throughs and thriving marine life
•Jake’s Seaplane – Shallow wreck surrounded by coral and schooling fish
•Chuyo Maru – Advanced dive with lionfish on a deep Japanese freighter
•Short Drop Off – Gentle wall dive with turtles, reef fish, and rare nautilus
•Chandelier Cave – Cavern dive with air pockets and stunning limestone formations
Free time in Malakal Harbor for paddleboarding, kayaking, and snorkeling
Snorkeling Highlight: Jellyfish Lake
•Swim with thousands of non-stinging golden jellyfish in a unique marine lake
•A surreal, once-in-a-lifetime experience
Day 11: Departure
•Breakfast on board (6:30–7:00 AM)
•Disembark around 8:00 AM for transfer to airport or hotel