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Blue Corner, Belau - Things to Do in Blue Corner

Things to Do in Blue Corner

Blue Corner, Belau - Complete Travel Guide

Blue Corner in Palau is one of the world's most legendary diving destinations, renowned for its dramatic underwater topography and incredible marine biodiversity. This iconic dive site sits at the southwestern tip of Palau, where strong currents create a nutrient-rich environment that attracts massive schools of fish, sharks, and other pelagic species. The site features a steep wall that drops into the deep blue ocean, creating the perfect conditions for encounters with grey reef sharks, barracuda, tuna, and occasionally hammerhead sharks. While Blue Corner itself is an underwater attraction, visitors typically base themselves in nearby Koror, Palau's main tourist hub, which serves as the gateway to this world-class diving location. The area offers a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation, with pristine coral reefs, World War II historical sites, and the famous Jellyfish Lake all within reach. The crystal-clear waters and untouched marine ecosystems make this region a bucket-list destination for serious divers and underwater photographers.

Top Things to Do in Blue Corner

Diving at Blue Corner

Experience one of the world's top dive sites where strong currents attract massive schools of fish and sharks. The dramatic wall dive offers encounters with grey reef sharks, barracuda, napoleon wrasse, and occasionally hammerhead sharks in crystal-clear waters with visibility often exceeding 30 meters.

Booking Tip: Book with PADI-certified dive operators in Koror, expect to pay $150-200 for a two-tank dive trip. Best diving conditions are during slack tide periods, and advance certification is recommended due to strong currents.

Snorkeling at Jellyfish Lake

Swim among millions of harmless golden jellyfish in this unique marine lake on Eil Malk island. This extraordinary experience allows you to float peacefully surrounded by these gentle creatures that have evolved without stingers due to the lake's isolation.

Booking Tip: Tours cost around $100-150 including boat transport and snorkel gear. Book morning trips for calmer conditions and better visibility, and choose operators that include multiple snorkel sites for better value.

World War II Historical Sites

Explore Palau's significant WWII history through wreck diving and land-based historical sites. Visit the Japanese Zero fighter plane wreck, explore sunken ships, and learn about the fierce Battle of Peleliu that shaped the Pacific Theater.

Booking Tip: Historical tours cost $80-120 per person and can be combined with diving trips. Choose operators with knowledgeable guides who can provide historical context, and consider multi-day packages for comprehensive coverage.

Rock Islands Kayaking

Paddle through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Rock Islands, exploring hidden lagoons, limestone caves, and secluded beaches. This peaceful activity offers stunning scenery and opportunities to spot tropical birds and marine life in shallow waters.

Booking Tip: Full-day kayak tours range from $120-180 including lunch and equipment. Book during dry season for best conditions, and choose tours that include multiple islands and snorkel stops for maximum variety.

Big Drop Off Diving

Dive along one of the world's most dramatic underwater walls that plunges over 300 meters into the deep ocean. This site offers incredible visibility, pristine coral formations, and encounters with large pelagic species including sharks, rays, and schools of tuna.

Booking Tip: Advanced open water certification required due to depth and currents. Expect to pay $160-220 for specialized deep wall dives, and book with operators experienced in technical diving for safety.

Getting There

Palau International Airport (ROR) in Koror is the main gateway, with direct flights from major Asian cities including Manila, Tokyo, Seoul, and Taipei. Most visitors fly via Guam or Manila, with United Airlines and Palau Pacific Airways being the primary carriers. From the airport, it's a 20-minute drive to most hotels in Koror, and most accommodations offer airport transfers. A valid passport is required for entry, and visitors from most countries receive a 30-day visa on arrival.

Getting Around

Koror is relatively small and walkable, but rental cars are recommended for exploring the main island of Babeldaob and reaching dive shops and restaurants. Rental cars cost around $50-70 per day, and driving is on the right side of the road. Taxis are available but expensive, while many hotels offer shuttle services to popular dive operators and restaurants. For island hopping and dive trips, boat transportation is arranged through tour operators and dive shops.

Where to Stay

Koror Downtown
Malakal Island
Airai Airport Area
West Koror Waterfront
Ngerulmud Bay
Babeldaob Island

Food & Dining

Palau's dining scene centers around Koror, offering a mix of local Palauan cuisine, fresh seafood, and international options. Try traditional dishes like taro, fresh fish, and fruit bat soup at local restaurants, or enjoy Japanese, Filipino, and American cuisine at hotel restaurants and cafes. The Palau Pacific Resort offers fine dining, while local spots like Emimael Cafe serve authentic Palauan breakfast. Fresh sashimi and grilled fish are highlights, often caught the same day by local fishermen.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Palau

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

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L'ANCIENNE ÉCOLE

4.7 /5
(2423 reviews) 3

Il Ghiottone

4.5 /5
(1957 reviews) 2

il Mulino

4.5 /5
(1946 reviews) 2
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La Cucina Italiana Raleigh

4.8 /5
(1760 reviews) 2
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Casa D'Angelo Ristorante

4.6 /5
(1675 reviews) 3
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Cafe Vico – Authentic Italian Restaurant & Catering in Fort Lauderdale

4.6 /5
(1479 reviews) 3
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When to Visit

The best time to visit Blue Corner and Palau is during the dry season from December to April, when rainfall is minimal and sea conditions are calmest. Water temperature remains consistently warm year-round at 27-29°C (80-84°F), making diving comfortable in any season. The wet season from May to November brings more rain and occasional typhoons, but also offers better visibility for diving and fewer crowds. Manta ray season peaks from December to April, while shark activity remains excellent year-round.

Insider Tips

Bring reef-safe sunscreen as regular sunscreen is banned to protect the coral reefs
Book diving trips well in advance as the best operators fill up quickly, especially during peak season
Pack a good underwater camera or GoPro as the marine life encounters are truly spectacular and photo opportunities are endless

Explore Activities in Blue Corner