Dive Site: Ulong Channel

About Ulong Channel

Ulong Channel, situated approximately 15 miles west of Koror and adjacent to Ulong Island, is a renowned channel dive in Palau celebrated for its dynamic currents and abundant marine life. This natural passage connects the inner lagoon to the open ocean, acting as a crucial conduit for nutrients and marine activity. Dives typically begin by descending to about 18 meters, drifting for approximately ten minutes before reaching the channel's mouth. The channel itself features a sandy bottom varying from 3 to 13 meters in depth, adorned with vibrant coral formations, including a notable huge lettuce coral garden that provides shelter for small fish. The dive progresses as divers unhook from the channel mouth and are carried through the passage, which some liken to a theme park ride, constantly adjusting buoyancy and direction amidst the flow. Marine encounters are frequent and diverse, especially at the channel's entrance, where schools of snapper, jacks, and elegant batfish glide by. Gray reef sharks and stingrays are often observed patrolling the mouth. During full moons in April, May, June, and July, thousands of snappers gather to spawn, and groupers are known to school, presenting spectacular aggregation events. However, divers should exercise caution during these months as nesting Titan Triggerfish can be aggressive; maintaining distance from their nests is advised. Due to strong and often unpredictable currents, Ulong Channel is best suited for advanced to expert divers. The optimal time for diving is during an incoming tide when currents are at their strongest and visibility, which can reach up to 29 meters, is clearest. Dives are typically conducted via boat, often involving reef hooks to observe action at the channel mouth before continuing the drift.