Palau is one of the world’s premier diving destinations, famous for its shark population, dramatic walls and iconic sites such as Blue Corner and German Channel. While most divers visit during the dry season from November to April, the low season from July to September offers a quieter and often more affordable way to experience this Micronesian paradise.
For divers willing to accept the occasional tropical shower, the rewards can include fewer crowds, excellent marine life encounters and great value.
What to Expect
Palau enjoys warm temperatures year-round. July to September falls within the wetter season, bringing higher humidity and more frequent rain showers. However, rain is often brief rather than continuous, and many days still offer excellent diving conditions. Water temperatures average 29–30°C, making diving comfortable in a lightweight wetsuit or rash vest.
Fewer Crowds Underwater
One of the biggest advantages of travelling during the low season is the reduction in visitor numbers. Famous dive sites such as Blue Corner, Ulong Channel and German Channel are often far less crowded than during peak months.
Excellent Marine Life
The quality of diving remains outstanding throughout the year. Grey reef sharks, whitetip reef sharks, barracuda, giant trevally and large schools of jacks are resident species that can be encountered in any season. Manta rays continue to visit German Channel, where they gather at cleaning stations where you can expect prolonged memorable encounters, particularly when conditions are calm.
Visibility
Visibility can vary depending on rainfall, typically ranging from 15 to 30 metres. While this may be lower than the exceptional visibility often experienced during the dry season, it remains excellent by global standards.
Currents, which make Palau famous for its exhilarating drift dives, continue throughout the year. Local dive operators monitor conditions closely and select sites that offer the best diving each day.
Better Value
Low season travel can offer significant savings. Flights, accommodation and dive packages are often more affordable, and popular resorts and liveaboards generally have greater availability.
Is the Low Season Right for You?
If you’re looking for outstanding diving, warm water, abundant marine life and fewer crowds, Palau’s low season is well worth considering.
Many divers find that July to September delivers everything they came for: sharks, manta rays, spectacular reefs and unforgettable drift dives. For those seeking a quieter and more affordable way to explore one of the Pacific’s great diving destinations, Palau’s low season remains one of diving’s best-kept secrets.
Palau Low Season Special – 8-Night 10-Dive Packages from USD 1,575 pp
Enjoy 8 nights of comfortable hotel accommodation based on double occupancy, inclusive of room tax and 10% GST, complimentary daily breakfast and free round-trip airport transfers.
The package includes 5 days of diving with 2 tank dives per day, lunch, and beverages (coffee, tea, and water), tanks, weights, complimentary 32% Nitrox, professional dive guide services, and round-trip transfers between your hotel and the dive shop. Guests staying at Palau Royal Resort can enjoy convenient boat pick-up and drop-off directly from the resort on diving days.
Not included in the package are Rock Island Permits. Rock Island Permits are valid for 10 days. You can choose $50 (no access to Jellyfish Lake) or $100 (with access to Jellyfish Lake). Also not included are the third tank dive, night dive, and diving gear.
Visit Diveplanit.com/special/fish-n-fins for more information.
Photo Credit: Jayne Jenkins
