Things to Do in Big Drop Off

Big Drop Off isn't actually a city or town - it's one of Palau's most legendary dive sites, a dramatic underwater wall that plunges from shallow reef into seemingly infinite blue. Located along the western barrier reef of Palau, this site lives up to its name with a sheer drop that descends over 1,000 feet into the deep Pacific. The wall itself is a living masterpiece, encrusted with soft corals, sea fans, and sponges in every color imaginable, while schools of barracuda, jacks, and reef sharks patrol the blue water beyond. What makes Big Drop Off particularly special is how it combines the accessibility of shallow reef diving with the thrill of big pelagic encounters - you might find yourself watching a Napoleon wrasse glide by at 30 feet, then turn to see grey reef sharks cruising the wall's edge.

Since Big Drop Off is a dive site, dining happens back in Koror after your diving day. The town offers surprisingly diverse options given its size, from local Palauan restaurants serving fresh fish and taro to Filipino, Korean, and Japanese establishments reflecting the islands' cultural connections. Many dive operators provide lunch during full-day trips, typically featuring local-style bento boxes or barbecue. For post-dive meals, try local specialties like coconut crab (in season), mangrove crab, or fresh sashimi made from the day's catch.

Big Drop Off can be dived year-round, but conditions are generally best during Palau's dry season from November to April when northeast trade winds provide calmer seas and better visibility. Water temperature remains consistently warm at 80-82°F throughout the year. The wet season (May to October) brings afternoon thunderstorms and occasionally rougher seas, though morning dives are often still excellent. Visibility typically ranges from 80-150 feet, with the clearest conditions usually occurring during incoming tides when oceanic water flows over the reef.