- Messages
- 567
- Reaction score
- 16
What a fantastic way to start the New Year in Palau!!!
Water temp: 84º F
Air Temp: 86-92º F
Visibility: 60110+ feet
Crew: Capt. Marc, Chef Andy, Agnes, Nadia, John, Hector & Jason
Sunday
A wonderful week of Palauan diving has dawned upon us. The Palau Aggressor II is happy to welcome onboard Petra & Hans, Elliott & Suzanne, Leanne, Mireille, Willem & Margeriet, Yuri & Tatiane, David, Clark, Chris, Vineta and Armands. After a delightful dinner we followed with the safety orientation and were off to bed for a peaceful nights rest.
Monday
Flat calm conditions inspired us to head out toward the Teshio Maru to set the stage for a wonderful days diving. And that it was. This marvelous check out dive is a favorite wreck dive for many visitors. Everyone chose their comfortable depth to explore this beautiful wreck with an array of hard and soft corals. Nudibranchs and flat worms came out for a leisurely stroll on the metal bits that are now so encrusted with coral that is their home; a school of snappers came swimming by. What a fabulous check-out dive.
We returned to the yacht for a snack and a little hammock time and then headed out to the Iro Maru. This larger wreck has much to explore. As we descended we could see the stern gun covered with coral growth. Off to the side of the wreck the glistening of a large school of jacks caught our attention. As we started exploring the deck of the ship we came across some beautiful nudibranchs and stunning soft coral. We also discovered a juvenile sweetlips wiggling about. Another great wreck dive!
After a short journey we arrived at Ulong Island and splashed into Siaes Corner. This amazing little dive site has a little something for everyone. Here we found nudibranchs and flatworms, turtles and sharks. A little down time followed and then the dive bell rang. Ulong Coral Gardens was up next. This delightful dive gave us reef sharks off the wall and batfish curiously swimming up to us. Nudibranchs and flatworms were seen in the shallows with anthias and fusiliers whizzing by us. This was a great way to end a wonderful days diving.
Tuesday
A beautiful day broke over Ulong Island and it was time for Ulong Channel. The famous channel lived up to its reputation with sharks, jacks and bait balls cruising by the mouth of the channel as we anchored ourselves with our reef hooks. The show was busy and once we saw 20 minutes of pelagic action it was time for meander into the channel. Sleeping white tips in the sand scurried as we approached them. Groupers darted into their coral homes as we passed by. This was a thoroughly enjoyable dive.
After a tasty snack the dive skiff headed to Siaes Tunnel. This amazing dive offers both a beautiful tunnel formation and incredible wall in one dive. We started off in the tunnel exploring almost every nook and cranny for little critters. We came across a large long nose hawk fish that posed for the photographers. Then as we swam out of the tunnel a whole new world opened up. The wall was rich with colors and fish life. Schools of snapper, anthias and barracuda were waiting for us. Photographers were delighted to be in the middle of all the action. We then headed to Ngemelis Wall. This colorful wall is incredibly rich with soft corals and sea fans. We found nudibranchs, flatworms and eels.
We decided to then head to the famous Blue Corner. with a great current we were lucky to get fantastic action on the corner. Sharks galore and massive schools of jacks and barracuda left us in awe as we were hooked in for the show. front row seats and the entire corner to our selves. When an incredible experience to end an already great days diving.
Wednesday
A beautiful morning broke and it was time for the famous Blue Corner beckoned again. Initially a casual swim along the stunning wall as we headed toward the corner. Along the way the hustle and bustle of giant trevally, barracuda, snapper and pyramid butterfly fish made our heads spin again. Then the inbound white tip sharks appeared followed by some large black tip reef sharks, both making extremely close passes. With very little current, we decided to explore the plateau with all its life. First we came across a large school of blue lined snapper that would hardly move as we approached. Then large schools of barracuda circled us followed by a very friendly green turtle that casually swam around the group eventually devouring a jellyfish. What a fantastic dive at the corner.
A quick snack followed and then the dive bell rang. New Drop Off. was next. This dive, considered a mini Blue Corner by some, offers fantastic pelagic action. On this occasion it was no different. We descended into a thick school of pyramid butterfly fish and patrolling reef sharks. We hooked in for a while and watched some reef sharks cruising by. We then unhooked and explored the plateau and came across a leaf scorpion fish, moray eel, coral crabs and a sleeping green turtle.
After a delectable lunch and a little break we headed out to Turtle Cove. This dive has something for everyone. We started the dive penetrating a chimney that popped us out at 70 foot off the wall. Then we discovered nudibranchs and flatworms along the wall. Further along the wall we found ourselves in a forest of beautiful soft coral exhibiting a kaleidoscope of colors. Then as the dive site name suggests the turtles came out to play. Green and hawks bill turtles were swimming off the wall, feeding and some taking their afternoon nap. Back to the yacht for a break.
The dive bell rang and it was time for German Channel. We had great photo opportunities with the pink anemone with anemone fish and then headed to the manta cleaning station. It was not long until the giant mantas flew in. These majestic creatures have such amazing dispositions and moved in close to us for a better look. We found ourselves ducking fairly often to avoid touching them. After some incredible manta encounters we headed into the channel to enjoy the variety of coral life on a nice little drift. What an amazing dive.
Thursday
A beautiful morning broke as the Palau Aggressor II made passage over to Peleliu. We started our day exploring West Wall. Here the unmistakable yellow soft coral gets everyones attention. This stunning wall, which is very sheer, is filled with color and macro critters. A turtle causally swam by and hardly even noticed this gaggle of divers admiring him. Sharks cruised by us along the wall with pyramid butterfly fish and anthias scattered around us in the glistening sun rays. This was a thoroughly enjoyable dive.
We then decided to stretch our legs a bit and go on a Tour of Peleliu. This exceptionally interesting tour took us back to September 1944 when the US Marines stormed the beaches of Peleliu. Our guide Tangi showed us the US & Japanese memorial, amtracks, guns, Orange Beach and the 1000 man caves.
Lunch and a little nap and it was time to visit Peleliu Corner. Famous for its strong currents, Peleliu Corner is not for the faint hearted. We started the dive by cruising along the wall where we were at the mercy of the current and simply enjoyed the life that passed us by. Turtle and grey reef sharks seemed to be the main attraction with oriental sweetlips sheltering from the current inside lettuce coral. We then armed our reef hooks and hooked in for a little while to enjoy a more stationary view of the sharks. The remaining part of the dive was enjoyed drifting along the plateau.
Our next adventure takes us to Orange Beach. This wonderful sloping wall housed numerous nudibranchs and flatworms and we encountered more turtles and large schools of snapper. This was a very relaxing and enjoyable dive. We then returned to Orange Beach for the night dive. We enjoyed a mild drift along the reef as we came across crabs, sleepy angel fish and more nudibranchs.
Friday
A beautiful morning broke and it was time for the famous Blue Holes. With beautiful visibility, Blue Holes provided a unique experience with four holes on top of the reef that all lead into one large chamber. From within the holes we looked up and enjoyed the sun rays breaking through the ceiling. Numerous photos were taken. We then exited the holes through a large exit and drifted with the current along a stunning wall toward Blue Corner. Next up was Ferns Wall. This leisurely wall dive was a very relaxing way to spend the rest of the morning as we explored all the macro critters. Nudis and flatworms were the stars. An encore dive was enjoyed at both Blue Corner and German Channel and both were just as exceptional as the last. What a great way to end a fabulous days diving!
Saturday
Another gorgeous morning broke and our adventure starts with the surreal experience of Jelly Fish Lake. This stratified marine lake houses the unique non-stinging jellies. They were everywhere you looked and it felt like we were in another world as we snorkeled around these pulsating critters. After getting our jellyfish fix we headed back to Koror and meandered through the rock islands and stopped at the famous archway for a photo shoot. Then back to diving. We decided to enjoy yet another different experience with Chandelier Caves. Only 18 feet deep or so this cave has four chambers that have air spaces where you can pop up and have a chat to your buddy or take some photos before continuing your dive. Exploring these caves was a wonderful way to end an already fantastic weeks diving in Palau.
So the week comes to a close. We would like to congratulate Hans on his birthday. Also, Elliott completed his 300th dive onboard.
All of us here on the Palau Aggressor wish all our friends a safe trip home and a speedy return to eating, sleeping and diving the Aggressor way!
Capt. Marc
Water temp: 84º F
Air Temp: 86-92º F
Visibility: 60110+ feet
Crew: Capt. Marc, Chef Andy, Agnes, Nadia, John, Hector & Jason
Sunday
A wonderful week of Palauan diving has dawned upon us. The Palau Aggressor II is happy to welcome onboard Petra & Hans, Elliott & Suzanne, Leanne, Mireille, Willem & Margeriet, Yuri & Tatiane, David, Clark, Chris, Vineta and Armands. After a delightful dinner we followed with the safety orientation and were off to bed for a peaceful nights rest.
Monday
Flat calm conditions inspired us to head out toward the Teshio Maru to set the stage for a wonderful days diving. And that it was. This marvelous check out dive is a favorite wreck dive for many visitors. Everyone chose their comfortable depth to explore this beautiful wreck with an array of hard and soft corals. Nudibranchs and flat worms came out for a leisurely stroll on the metal bits that are now so encrusted with coral that is their home; a school of snappers came swimming by. What a fabulous check-out dive.
We returned to the yacht for a snack and a little hammock time and then headed out to the Iro Maru. This larger wreck has much to explore. As we descended we could see the stern gun covered with coral growth. Off to the side of the wreck the glistening of a large school of jacks caught our attention. As we started exploring the deck of the ship we came across some beautiful nudibranchs and stunning soft coral. We also discovered a juvenile sweetlips wiggling about. Another great wreck dive!
After a short journey we arrived at Ulong Island and splashed into Siaes Corner. This amazing little dive site has a little something for everyone. Here we found nudibranchs and flatworms, turtles and sharks. A little down time followed and then the dive bell rang. Ulong Coral Gardens was up next. This delightful dive gave us reef sharks off the wall and batfish curiously swimming up to us. Nudibranchs and flatworms were seen in the shallows with anthias and fusiliers whizzing by us. This was a great way to end a wonderful days diving.
Tuesday
A beautiful day broke over Ulong Island and it was time for Ulong Channel. The famous channel lived up to its reputation with sharks, jacks and bait balls cruising by the mouth of the channel as we anchored ourselves with our reef hooks. The show was busy and once we saw 20 minutes of pelagic action it was time for meander into the channel. Sleeping white tips in the sand scurried as we approached them. Groupers darted into their coral homes as we passed by. This was a thoroughly enjoyable dive.
After a tasty snack the dive skiff headed to Siaes Tunnel. This amazing dive offers both a beautiful tunnel formation and incredible wall in one dive. We started off in the tunnel exploring almost every nook and cranny for little critters. We came across a large long nose hawk fish that posed for the photographers. Then as we swam out of the tunnel a whole new world opened up. The wall was rich with colors and fish life. Schools of snapper, anthias and barracuda were waiting for us. Photographers were delighted to be in the middle of all the action. We then headed to Ngemelis Wall. This colorful wall is incredibly rich with soft corals and sea fans. We found nudibranchs, flatworms and eels.
We decided to then head to the famous Blue Corner. with a great current we were lucky to get fantastic action on the corner. Sharks galore and massive schools of jacks and barracuda left us in awe as we were hooked in for the show. front row seats and the entire corner to our selves. When an incredible experience to end an already great days diving.
Wednesday
A beautiful morning broke and it was time for the famous Blue Corner beckoned again. Initially a casual swim along the stunning wall as we headed toward the corner. Along the way the hustle and bustle of giant trevally, barracuda, snapper and pyramid butterfly fish made our heads spin again. Then the inbound white tip sharks appeared followed by some large black tip reef sharks, both making extremely close passes. With very little current, we decided to explore the plateau with all its life. First we came across a large school of blue lined snapper that would hardly move as we approached. Then large schools of barracuda circled us followed by a very friendly green turtle that casually swam around the group eventually devouring a jellyfish. What a fantastic dive at the corner.
A quick snack followed and then the dive bell rang. New Drop Off. was next. This dive, considered a mini Blue Corner by some, offers fantastic pelagic action. On this occasion it was no different. We descended into a thick school of pyramid butterfly fish and patrolling reef sharks. We hooked in for a while and watched some reef sharks cruising by. We then unhooked and explored the plateau and came across a leaf scorpion fish, moray eel, coral crabs and a sleeping green turtle.
After a delectable lunch and a little break we headed out to Turtle Cove. This dive has something for everyone. We started the dive penetrating a chimney that popped us out at 70 foot off the wall. Then we discovered nudibranchs and flatworms along the wall. Further along the wall we found ourselves in a forest of beautiful soft coral exhibiting a kaleidoscope of colors. Then as the dive site name suggests the turtles came out to play. Green and hawks bill turtles were swimming off the wall, feeding and some taking their afternoon nap. Back to the yacht for a break.
The dive bell rang and it was time for German Channel. We had great photo opportunities with the pink anemone with anemone fish and then headed to the manta cleaning station. It was not long until the giant mantas flew in. These majestic creatures have such amazing dispositions and moved in close to us for a better look. We found ourselves ducking fairly often to avoid touching them. After some incredible manta encounters we headed into the channel to enjoy the variety of coral life on a nice little drift. What an amazing dive.
Thursday
A beautiful morning broke as the Palau Aggressor II made passage over to Peleliu. We started our day exploring West Wall. Here the unmistakable yellow soft coral gets everyones attention. This stunning wall, which is very sheer, is filled with color and macro critters. A turtle causally swam by and hardly even noticed this gaggle of divers admiring him. Sharks cruised by us along the wall with pyramid butterfly fish and anthias scattered around us in the glistening sun rays. This was a thoroughly enjoyable dive.
We then decided to stretch our legs a bit and go on a Tour of Peleliu. This exceptionally interesting tour took us back to September 1944 when the US Marines stormed the beaches of Peleliu. Our guide Tangi showed us the US & Japanese memorial, amtracks, guns, Orange Beach and the 1000 man caves.
Lunch and a little nap and it was time to visit Peleliu Corner. Famous for its strong currents, Peleliu Corner is not for the faint hearted. We started the dive by cruising along the wall where we were at the mercy of the current and simply enjoyed the life that passed us by. Turtle and grey reef sharks seemed to be the main attraction with oriental sweetlips sheltering from the current inside lettuce coral. We then armed our reef hooks and hooked in for a little while to enjoy a more stationary view of the sharks. The remaining part of the dive was enjoyed drifting along the plateau.
Our next adventure takes us to Orange Beach. This wonderful sloping wall housed numerous nudibranchs and flatworms and we encountered more turtles and large schools of snapper. This was a very relaxing and enjoyable dive. We then returned to Orange Beach for the night dive. We enjoyed a mild drift along the reef as we came across crabs, sleepy angel fish and more nudibranchs.
Friday
A beautiful morning broke and it was time for the famous Blue Holes. With beautiful visibility, Blue Holes provided a unique experience with four holes on top of the reef that all lead into one large chamber. From within the holes we looked up and enjoyed the sun rays breaking through the ceiling. Numerous photos were taken. We then exited the holes through a large exit and drifted with the current along a stunning wall toward Blue Corner. Next up was Ferns Wall. This leisurely wall dive was a very relaxing way to spend the rest of the morning as we explored all the macro critters. Nudis and flatworms were the stars. An encore dive was enjoyed at both Blue Corner and German Channel and both were just as exceptional as the last. What a great way to end a fabulous days diving!
Saturday
Another gorgeous morning broke and our adventure starts with the surreal experience of Jelly Fish Lake. This stratified marine lake houses the unique non-stinging jellies. They were everywhere you looked and it felt like we were in another world as we snorkeled around these pulsating critters. After getting our jellyfish fix we headed back to Koror and meandered through the rock islands and stopped at the famous archway for a photo shoot. Then back to diving. We decided to enjoy yet another different experience with Chandelier Caves. Only 18 feet deep or so this cave has four chambers that have air spaces where you can pop up and have a chat to your buddy or take some photos before continuing your dive. Exploring these caves was a wonderful way to end an already fantastic weeks diving in Palau.
So the week comes to a close. We would like to congratulate Hans on his birthday. Also, Elliott completed his 300th dive onboard.
All of us here on the Palau Aggressor wish all our friends a safe trip home and a speedy return to eating, sleeping and diving the Aggressor way!
Capt. Marc