Palau


Advertisement
Oceania » Palau » Koror
June 15th 2008
Published: June 16th 2008
Edit Blog Post

During a conversation with Simon the Frenchman (Ed's flatmate), we talked about where to dive in asia. Simon had been an instructor in the area for several years. Philippines? ok. Thailand? very touristy. I mentioned our plans to fly to Palau and Simon's response was "don't quit diving after Palau, eh? You'll never think diving is good elsewhere again!!" With this in mind Lauren and Simon arri... Read Full Entry



Photos are below
Photos: 37, Displayed: 21


Advertisement

Dropping in on Blue HoleDropping in on Blue Hole
Dropping in on Blue Hole

One of the three vertical entrances.
NudibranchsNudibranchs
Nudibranchs

Lauren's favorite sea slugs are also in Palau. This tiny yellow and blue guy was hanging out at Silas corner on the reef behind the ripping current.
Barracuda Checks out the cameraBarracuda Checks out the camera
Barracuda Checks out the camera

Needless to say, they dont mind divers coming close.
Simon and a Giant ClamSimon and a Giant Clam
Simon and a Giant Clam

The clams in Ulong channel were easily larger than Lauren or Simon. This photogenic bivalve was kind enough to not eat Simon and even posed with him for Lauren.
Blue CornerBlue Corner
Blue Corner

Sharks gliding past hooked on divers at blue corner
The Fire Clam or Flame File ShellThe Fire Clam or Flame File Shell
The Fire Clam or Flame File Shell

The amazing Flame File Shell uses a moving bioluminescent "electric arc" to attract plankton to its ensnaring tentacles.
LionfishLionfish
Lionfish

We spied several of these highly toxic, beautiful swimmers on night dives
Bait BallBait Ball
Bait Ball

Bait fish school into a ball as a defense mechanism (more fish means each individual is less likely to be eaten). We saw amazing baitballs at Ulong and German Channel
Simon Hanging on for Dear LifeSimon Hanging on for Dear Life
Simon Hanging on for Dear Life

Simon clinging to a bit of dead coral as the current rips past, sweeping our bubbles sideways. Strong currents brought through heaps of sharks and large fish for our viewing pleasure :)
Napolean WrasseNapolean Wrasse
Napolean Wrasse

These large, curious fish will swim right up to divers looking for handouts
Auxiliary Gen Set #1Auxiliary Gen Set #1
Auxiliary Gen Set #1

Simon had to put at least one big snail picture on here.
Simon with Ideal Body PositionSimon with Ideal Body Position
Simon with Ideal Body Position

Simon clearly paid attention when he learned about efficient diving (i.e. GUE and those UM Science Divers) and is DIR (Doing It Right), as demonstrated here
Giant Coral HeadsGiant Coral Heads
Giant Coral Heads

Simon next to a massive coral head in Ulong Channel, appreciating the pristine Palau environment
Jellyfish LakeJellyfish Lake
Jellyfish Lake

More jellyfish than water, this lake environment is unique to Palau
PalauPalau
Palau

Thousands of karsted limestone islands make up the nation of Palau. Boat rides to and from dive sites were just as breathtaking as the view underwater.
Exhausted from PalauExhausted from Palau
Exhausted from Palau

on the plane ride back to Manila, Simon and Laur finally get a chance to rest. this photo is not staged. at all.



Tot: 0.291s; Tpl: 0.01s; cc: 9; qc: 52; dbt: 0.0441s; 1; m:domysql w:travelblog (10.17.0.13); sld: 1; ; mem: 1.1mb