Dive Site: Black Coral Island

About Black Coral Island

Black Coral Island in Palau is not a specific dive site but rather a descriptive term reflecting the region's rich marine life, particularly the presence of black coral, within the broader context of Palau's world-renowned diving. Palau, an archipelago at the edge of the Philippine Sea tectonic plate, is a dive paradise shaped by immense geological forces, featuring sunken volcanoes, sheer walls, and dramatic limestone formations. It sits at the convergence of powerful ocean currents, fostering one of Earth's most biologically diverse marine environments. Divers here can expect to explore vibrant, healthy coral reefs teeming with life, including a vast array of hard and soft corals, gorgonian fans, and various reef fish like angelfish, parrotfish, and clownfish. The strong currents in Palau create dynamic drift dives and attract large pelagic species. Shark and manta cleaning stations are common, and encounters with sharks, rays, and turtles are frequent, making it a hotspot for big animal action. The underwater scenery is spectacular, with excellent visibility showcasing the dazzling colors of the coral gardens. Dive conditions often involve thrilling currents, making many sites suitable for more experienced divers. The region offers a mix of coral-encrusted walls, drift dives, and the potential for exciting encounters with schooling fish and apex predators. While specific entry methods for "Black Coral Island" aren't detailed, Palau's diving generally involves boat-based entries, often from liveaboards that provide access to its more remote and spectacular sites.

Dive site facts: Black Coral Island

Depth

25–50 m

Current

Present, can be strong

Entry

Boat

Level

Intermediate to Advanced

Dive type

Wall dive, drift, pelagic encounters

Region / port

Pohnpei, Micronesia

Coordinates

6.92, 158.14

Conditions & Currents

Diving at Black Coral Island, particularly along Kehpara Wall, often involves currents, which can be strong, especially in the Kehpara Pass area. These currents are an integral part of the dive experience, facilitating drift dives and attracting larger pelagic species. Divers should be proficient in current diving techniques and maintain excellent buoyancy control to navigate the wall effectively. Visibility is generally good, but local conditions influenced by tides and potential runoff from the main island of Pohnpei can introduce variability. Boat entries and exits are typical, and divers must be prepared for swift pick-ups by the dive vessel after drifting.

Marine life & sighting chances

White-tip reef shark

common

Black-tip reef shark

common

Spotted eagle ray

occasional

Grouper

common

Lionfish

occasional

Clownfish

common

Manta ray

occasional

Tuna

occasional

Barracuda

occasional

Dive profile & how the dive runs

The typical dive at Black Coral Island focuses on Kehpara Wall, beginning with a boat drop directly onto the outer edge of the barrier reef. Divers descend along the wall, often with a prevailing current dictating the direction of the drift. The dive progresses along the coral-rich face, exploring crevices and overhangs where various reef fish and invertebrates reside. Mid-dive, deeper sections may reveal grouper spawning sites, while shallower areas towards the pass often feature encounters with reef sharks and eagle rays. The turn point is determined by air consumption and current conditions, leading to a gradual ascent along the wall to conduct a safety stop in shallower, sheltered waters before surfacing for boat pickup.

Underwater photography

Black Coral Island offers excellent opportunities for wide-angle photography, especially along Kehpara Wall, where the expansive coral formations and encounters with pelagic species like sharks and eagle rays are common. A wide-angle lens is ideal for capturing the grandeur of the wall and schooling fish. For macro subjects, the rich reef environment provides plenty of invertebrates and smaller reef fish; a macro lens can highlight these details. Ensure good buoyancy control to avoid damaging the delicate coral and to maintain stable shots in varying currents. Consider using strobes to bring out the vibrant colors of the reef and marine life, especially in deeper sections or during overcast conditions.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Kehpara Island

  Neighboring island in Kehpara Pass, with good snorkeling opportunities.

• Ant Atoll

  A satellite atoll known for extensive coral and shark populations.

• Palikir Pass

  Another prominent pass dive with potential for pelagic sightings near Pohnpei.

Getting there & logistics

Access to Black Coral Island is typically arranged via boat transport from the Seinwar Launch, located behind Seinwar Elementary School in Pohnpei. Reservations for day visits or overnight stays, as well as boat transport, can be made directly with Ace, the island's proprietors. Pohnpei is served by Pohnpei International Airport (PNI). Dive trips to Black Coral Island are usually part of a broader itinerary exploring the marine protected areas and other dive sites around Pohnpei, offering flexibility for both day trips and liveaboard options for extended exploration of Micronesia.

Safety & environment

Diving at Black Coral Island requires adherence to standard safety protocols due to the potential for strong currents and deeper wall dives. Divers should always dive within their certification limits and ensure they have adequate experience with current. The nearest recompression chamber is located in Guam, emphasizing the critical importance of dive insurance that covers emergency medical evacuation and treatment. Divers should always follow the instructions of their dive guide, maintain good buoyancy, and avoid touching or disturbing marine life, especially in the designated grouper spawning areas within the Kehpara Marine Protected Area.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Black Coral Island FAQ

Liveaboards diving Black Coral Island

These liveaboards may visit Black Coral Island on selected itineraries — the exact dive sites depend on departure, weather and conditions.

Palau Siren

Micronesia

16 guests

$501/day

Solitude Gaia

Micronesia

18 guests40 m

$310/day

Palau Aggressor II

Micronesia

18 guests32 m

$360/day

Black Pearl

Micronesia

24 guests

$390/day

Ocean Hunter 3

Micronesia

16 guests29 m

$350/day

Pacific Master

Solomon Islands

20 guests30 m

$268/day