Two ways to dive Palau
Palau Liveaboards vs Land-Based Diving
A Palau liveaboard and a land-based trip from Koror reach the same famous reefs, but they make for very different holidays. Here's how to choose between them, and what to check before you book either.
How Palau liveaboards work
Most Palau liveaboards sail from Koror's harbours on trips of around a week. The boat itself usually moves only a short way, anchoring in sheltered spots among the Rock Islands near the outer reef, and divers go out to each site in a fast tender or skiff. That's because the best dives are close together on the southwestern reef, and because the open ocean beyond can be rough.
A typical liveaboard day offers three to five dives, including early morning and night dives, with meals, rest and dive briefings in between. Some itineraries include Peleliu at the southern tip or a trip north when the weather allows, and most include a snorkel visit to Jellyfish Lake when it's open.
How land-based diving works
Koror is Palau's main town and the base for nearly every dive shop and hotel. Land-based divers stay in a hotel or resort and go out each morning on a dive operator's speedboat, which crosses the Rock Islands to the outer reef in about 30 to 60 minutes. Most day trips include two or three dives with a picnic lunch on a beach in the Rock Islands, and you're back in Koror by mid to late afternoon.
Liveaboard or land-based: the comparison
Choose a liveaboard if you want
- The most dives per day, including dawn and night dives
- To be first at the busy sites, before the day boats arrive
- Everything organised: meals, gear and permits in one price
- A dive-focused trip with like-minded divers
Choose land-based if you want
- Flexibility to rest a day, kayak, or tour Peleliu's battlefields
- Non-diving partners or family to have plenty to do
- A wider choice of budget, from simple hotels to resorts
- To avoid seasickness on rougher days
Comparing costs
A liveaboard usually looks more expensive at first because it bundles accommodation, food and diving. Once you add hotel, meals, boat dives, permits and transfers to a land-based trip, the gap is often smaller than it seems, especially if you plan to dive a lot. Check what's included: Rock Islands and other permits, the fuel surcharge, nitrox, equipment rental, reef hooks, crew tips and port or environmental fees all vary from one boat or shop to another. Prices change often, so compare current quotes directly with operators.
What to check before you book
- Experience level: Palau's top sites are current dives. Ask what the operator expects and whether they offer easier sites for newer divers.
- Group size and guides: smaller groups and more guides make current diving safer and more enjoyable.
- Safety: ask about oxygen and first aid on board, surface marker buoys, and their emergency plan for the outer reef.
- Environmental practice: good operators brief on the Palau Pledge, use mooring buoys and teach reef-hook etiquette.
- Insurance: make sure you have dedicated dive accident insurance as well as travel insurance.
A mix of both
Some divers do both: a week on a liveaboard, then a few days in Koror to rest before flying, to snorkel, kayak or visit Peleliu. Remember the guidelines on flying after diving, explained in the Palau dive trip planning guide.
Whichever way you go, the same sites are on the menu: Blue Corner, German Channel, Ulong Channel and the lagoon wrecks. Read about the season in the guide to the best time to dive Palau, because the weather affects how often boats can reach the outer reef.
Palau liveaboard questions
Is a liveaboard worth it in Palau?
If you want to dive as much as possible and be first at the famous sites, yes. If you travel with non-divers or want free time on land, a Koror hotel with day boats may suit you better.
How long are Palau liveaboard trips?
Most are around seven nights, with some shorter and longer departures. Check each boat's current schedule.
Do liveaboards include Rock Islands permits?
Some do and some don't. Ask each operator exactly which permits, fees and surcharges are included in the price.