Shark Action

Swimming with sharks is a heart rushing experience. Palau is one of the best places on Earth to get up close to these majestic creatures, and this is largely due to the conservation efforts in the area. The first shark sanctuary in the world has been established here in 2009. A fantastic dive site to spot sharks is the aptly named “Shark City” on the western reef of Palau.

The Reef

Palau has generally healthy reef as it’s rather isolated from the negative effects of human activity. What damage has occurred over time has since been resolved by the reef’s ability to recover from most disturbances. Furthermore, Palau is one of the first countries to ban reef-killing sunscreen.

There are over 400 species of hard coral and over 300 species of soft coral in the waters of Palau, making it the most diverse coral fauna in all Micronesia.

Marine Life

Sharks aren’t the only marine creatures worth observing in Palau. And how could they – there are more than 1,300 species of reef fish and many other types of fish inhabiting these waters.

Squirrelfish, bumphead parrotfish, mandarinfish, and leaffish are some of the most common species of fish you can encounter here. But there are also varieties of species of snails, clams, starfish, sea cucumbers, sea urchins, sea anemones, squid, and jellyfish, among others.

In 2015, Palau designated about 193,000 square miles (499,868 square kilometers) of its waters as a marine reserve. All fishing and mining activities are now banned in the area.