Palau is part of the Micronesia Island chain and is beautifully located just seven degrees north of the equator in the western Pacific Ocean. It lies 1000km (600 miles) east of the Philippines. The Palau islands include more than 200 islands, of which only eight are inhabited. With three exceptions, all of the islands are located within a single barrier reef and represent two geological formations. The largest are volcanic and rugged with interior jungle and large areas of grassed terraces. The Rock Islands are of limestone formation, while Kayangel, at the northenmost tip, is a classical coral atoll. This gives Palau some of the most favorable tropical weather on earth. Palau beckons to you with some of the world's most awesome natural wonders.



Micronesia has always been hailed as one of the premier dive destinations of the world. From large manta rays to tiny cleaner shrimp, the underwater world truly blossoms and comes alive in Palau. With 5 dive guides and two 30ft tenders Big Blue will show you the time of your life where each day brings new dive sites to explore. Dive days on Big Blue consist of four to five dives, each starting with a short dive briefing and equipment check before heading out into the sea for some underwater exploration.

The History

It was believed that the original settlers of Palau have arrived from Indonesia as early as 2500 B.C.

The Palau islands' position on the western threshold of Oceania and their proximity to Southeast Asia have led to the population being a mixture of Malay, Melanesian, Filipino, and Polynesian ancestry.

Explored by the Spanish navigator Ruy López de Villalobos in 1543, the islands remained under nominal Spanish ownership for more than 300 years before Spain sold them to Germany in 1899. Japan occupied Palau during World War I and received a mandate over them from the League of Nations in 1920. They remained in Japanese control and served as an important naval base until the U.S. seized them during World War II. After the war they became a UN trusteeship (1947), administered by the U.S. Palau signed a Compact of Free Association with the U.S. in 1992, requiring the United States to provide economic aid in exchange for the right to build and maintain U.S. military facilities in Palau. Palau became a sovereign state in 1994. In 2000, former vice president Tommy Remengesau won the presidential election.

Underwater Paradise

The crystal clear waters around Palau are alive with more than 1,500 species of fish and 700 types of coral and sea anemones, making it a paradise for divers. Palau's famous Rock Islands shelter some of natures most breathtaking underwater treasures. And its water are the final resting place for more than a dozen ships sunk during World War II.