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Chandelier Cave, Belau - Things to Do in Chandelier Cave

Chandelier Cave

Chandelier Cave, Belau - Complete Travel Guide

Chandelier Cave, located in Palau (Belau), is one of the world's most spectacular underwater cave systems and a premier diving destination. This magnificent limestone cave formation features multiple chambers connected by underwater tunnels, with impressive stalactites and stalagmites that give the cave its chandelier-like appearance. The cave system consists of four main chambers, each offering unique diving experiences with crystal-clear waters, dramatic light effects, and incredible geological formations. Accessible only by boat and requiring scuba diving or snorkeling skills, Chandelier Cave represents the pinnacle of Palau's underwater attractions. The cave's chambers range from shallow areas suitable for snorkeling to deeper sections that challenge experienced divers. The interplay of natural light filtering through openings and the cave's pristine formations creates an otherworldly experience that attracts divers from around the globe. As part of Palau's Rock Islands Southern Lagoon UNESCO World Heritage site, the cave exemplifies the country's commitment to marine conservation and sustainable tourism.

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Scuba Diving in Chandelier Cave

Experience the ultimate underwater adventure by diving through the cave's four chambers, each offering unique formations and lighting conditions. The dive takes you through interconnected chambers with impressive stalactites, stalagmites, and crystal-clear waters that provide exceptional visibility. Advanced divers can explore deeper sections while beginners can enjoy the shallower areas with proper guidance.

Booking Tip: Book with certified dive operators charging $80-120 per dive including equipment. Best visibility occurs during morning dives (8-10 AM). Choose operators with cave diving specialization and small group sizes (maximum 6 divers) for safety and better experience.

Snorkeling the Upper Chambers

For non-divers or those preferring to stay closer to the surface, snorkeling in Chandelier Cave's upper chambers offers impressive views of the formations from above. The shallow areas provide excellent opportunities to observe the cave's geology and marine life without requiring deep diving certification. Natural light creates magical underwater photography opportunities.

Booking Tip: Half-day snorkeling trips cost $60-80 including gear and boat transport. Book morning tours for best lighting conditions. Ensure operators provide high-quality masks and snorkels, and verify they include underwater cameras or allow personal photography equipment.

Rock Islands Scenic Boat Tour

Combine your Chandelier Cave visit with a complete boat tour of Palau's famous Rock Islands, featuring mushroom-shaped limestone formations and hidden lagoons. These tours typically include multiple stops at scenic viewpoints, secluded beaches, and other marine attractions. The journey to Chandelier Cave itself offers spectacular views of Palau's unique geological landscape.

Booking Tip: Full-day boat tours range from $100-150 per person including lunch and snorkeling gear. Book tours that specifically include Chandelier Cave in their itinerary. Look for operators using covered boats with comfortable seating and fresh water for rinsing after water activities.

Underwater Photography Workshop

Join specialized photography tours designed to capture Chandelier Cave's impressive underwater formations and unique lighting effects. Professional underwater photographers guide participants in techniques for cave photography, including proper lighting, composition, and equipment handling in challenging underwater environments. These workshops cater to various skill levels from beginner to advanced.

Booking Tip: Photography workshops cost $150-200 including underwater camera rental and professional instruction. Book at least one week in advance as these specialized tours have limited capacity. Verify if digital photo processing and USB transfer of images are included in the package.

Marine Biology Educational Tour

Participate in educational tours that combine cave exploration with marine biology instruction, learning about the unique ecosystem within Chandelier Cave and surrounding waters. Marine biologists explain the cave's formation process, endemic species, and conservation efforts while guiding participants through safe exploration techniques. These tours emphasize environmental awareness and sustainable tourism practices.

Booking Tip: Educational tours cost $90-130 per person with certified marine biologist guides. Best suited for morning departures when marine life is most active. Choose operators affiliated with Palau's marine research institutions for the most authentic and informative experience.

Getting There

Reaching Chandelier Cave requires flying into Palau International Airport (ROR) on Babeldaob Island, with connections typically through Philippines, Japan, or Taipei. From the airport, visitors must travel to Koror, the main tourism hub, which takes about 45 minutes by taxi or rental car across the Japan-Palau Friendship Bridge. All cave visits require boat transportation from Koror's marinas, as Chandelier Cave is located within the Rock Islands Southern Lagoon and is accessible only by water. Most tour operators provide pickup services from hotels in Koror, making the logistics relatively straightforward for visitors.

Getting Around

Transportation around Palau centers on Koror, where most hotels, restaurants, and dive shops are located. Rental cars are available for exploring Babeldaob Island, while Koror itself is walkable for most attractions. Taxis are readily available but can be expensive for longer distances. For reaching Chandelier Cave and other Rock Island attractions, boat transportation through tour operators is mandatory, as private boat rental requires local licensing and extensive maritime knowledge. Most visitors find that booking complete tour packages eliminates transportation concerns while ensuring safety and regulatory compliance.

Where to Stay

Koror Downtown
Malakal Harbor Area
Airai Airport Vicinity
Babeldaob Island Resorts
Peleliu Island
Angaur Island

Food & Dining

Palau's dining scene in Koror offers a unique fusion of Micronesian, Asian, and Western cuisines, with fresh seafood being the highlight of most menus. Local specialties include coconut crab, giant clams, and various reef fish prepared in traditional Palauan styles or modern fusion interpretations. Many restaurants cater to international divers and tourists, offering familiar Western dishes alongside local delicacies. The Koror area features everything from casual beachside grills to upscale resort dining rooms, with most establishments emphasizing fresh, locally-sourced ingredients and sustainable fishing practices that align with Palau's conservation values.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Palau

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Local Cuisine Italian Japanese Fine Dining

When to Visit

The optimal time to visit Chandelier Cave is during Palau's dry season from December to April, when weather conditions are most stable and visibility underwater is at its peak. During these months, rainfall is minimal, seas are calmer, and wind conditions are favorable for boat trips to the Rock Islands. Water temperature remains consistently warm year-round (80-84°F), making diving and snorkeling comfortable in any season. However, the dry season also coincides with peak tourist season, so booking accommodations and tours well in advance is essential. The shoulder months of November and May can offer good conditions with fewer crowds and potentially better rates.

Insider Tips

Bring reef-safe sunscreen only, as Palau has strict environmental protection laws prohibiting harmful chemicals that damage coral reefs and cave ecosystems.
Book cave diving tours for early morning departures when water conditions are calmest and natural lighting in the cave chambers is most dramatic for photography.
Purchase the mandatory Palau Pledge environmental fee ($100) and fishing license ($20) upon arrival, as these are required for all marine activities including cave visits.

Activities in Chandelier Cave