Dive Site: Chandelier Cave

About Chandelier Cave

Chandelier Cave stands apart from Palau’s typical dive sites, offering a distinct and fascinating experience. Located close to dive operators' docks, this cave system is easily accessible and not reliant on sunlight for enjoyment, making it a popular choice for a third dive of the day or when surface conditions prevent diving at outer reefs. The cave consists of five connected chambers, primarily underwater, with the final chamber leading to an air-filled space above the surface. Divers can observe ancient stalactites and stalagmites, some adorned with delicate crystal growths resembling sugar frosting, showcasing geological formations rather than abundant coral. While the cave itself is largely coral-free, the entrance area on the shallow, sheltered harbor floor provides opportunities to spot unique marine life like the elusive Mandarin fish, soldierfish, cardinalfish, shrimp, and crab. The visibility within the cave system can reach up to 30 meters, contributing to its appeal. Given its shallow nature and sheltered location, Chandelier Cave is an excellent option for divers looking for a unique geological dive experience, especially in variable weather conditions. It provides a different perspective on Palau's underwater world, emphasizing exploration and geological wonders.

Dive site facts: Chandelier Cave

Depth

4-15 m

Typical dive

4-15 m

Current

None / mild

Visibility

Up to 30 m

Water temperature

27-30°C (80-86°F)

Entry

Boat / easy swim-through

Level

Beginner

Dive type

Cave / cavern, macro

Night dive

Possible

Region / port

Koror, Palau

Coordinates

7.8693° N, 147.1216° E

Conditions & Currents

Chandelier Cave is situated in a sheltered bay, typically experiencing mild to no current, making it an excellent option when strong currents affect other Palau dive sites. Its protected location also means less impact from surface chop and swell. Visibility within the cave system can be excellent, reaching up to 30 meters. Divers enter the first chamber through a 3-meter opening located about 4 meters below the surface. This calm environment allows for leisurely exploration of the chambers and opportunities for macro photography without the challenges of strong water movement.

Marine life & sighting chances

Mandarin fish

occasional

Soldierfish

common

Cardinalfish

common

Shrimp

common

Crab

common

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Your dive at Chandelier Cave typically begins with a short boat ride from Koror to the Rock Island where the cave is located. Entry is usually a giant stride into the shallow water near the entrance, a 3-meter diameter opening just 4 meters below the surface. You will then swim through the first four connected chambers, which are entirely underwater, observing the unique geological formations. The maximum depth reached within these chambers is around 15 meters. During the dive, you'll progress deeper into the cave system, always following your guide. The highlight for many is reaching the fifth chamber, which is above water and contains ancient stalactites and stalagmites. Here, divers can surface, remove their gear, and explore the dry chambers. The dive then reverses, exiting the cave and making a safety stop in the clear, calm water near the entrance, allowing for an unhurried decompression.

Underwater photography

Chandelier Cave presents unique photographic opportunities, particularly for wide-angle shots of the cavern interiors and geological formations. For capturing the scale of the chambers and the light shafts (if present), a wide-angle lens is ideal. Given the limited natural light, especially in deeper chambers, bringing at least two powerful light sources per diver is crucial for both illumination and safety. Focus on highlighting the distinct stalactites and stalagmites, often using your dive lights to create interesting shadows and textures. When photographing, maintain excellent buoyancy control to avoid disturbing the fragile sediment on the cave floor. For macro subjects like mandarin fish or shrimp near the entrance, a macro lens with a focus light will be more effective.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Jake Seaplane
• Ulong Channel

  Ulong Channel, situated approximately 15 miles west of Koror and adjacent to Ulong Island, is a renowned channel dive in Palau celebrated…

• Blue Corner

  Blue Corner, located off the southwest reefs of Palau's Ngemelis Island, stands as one of the world's premier dive destinations, frequently…

• Peleliu Wall

  Peleliu Wall and Cut is a highly regarded dive site located on the southern reef of Peleliu Island, approximately 55 kilometers (34 miles)…

• German Channel

  German Channel, located in Micronesia's Palau archipelago near Ngemelis Island, is a renowned dive site created in the early 1900s by…

Getting there & logistics

Palau diving typically involves flying into Koror airport (ROR), with direct flights available from hubs like Taiwan, Seoul, and Manila. From the airport, it's about a 30-minute drive to Koror, where most land-based dive shops and liveaboard departure points are located. Chandelier Cave is conveniently less than a 5-minute boat ride from many SCUBA companies' docks. Divers must obtain a Koror State diving permit, which may require an additional fee, although liveaboards often include this in their package. Liveaboards typically offer 7- to 10-day itineraries, covering a range of sites including caves, wrecks, and reefs. Day trips from Koror are also common, making Chandelier Cave an easy addition to any dive schedule, often as a third dive of the day.

Safety & environment

Diving in Chandelier Cave requires adherence to standard cave diving safety protocols, including the absolute necessity of diving with an experienced guide and carrying a minimum of two independent light sources per diver. While the cave system is relatively open, divers must maintain excellent buoyancy control to prevent disturbing the fragile formations and sediment, which could significantly reduce visibility. The nearest recompression chamber is located in Koror, Palau. Evacuation for severe diving accidents typically involves initial stabilization at a local medical facility, followed by air ambulance to a more advanced medical center, often in Guam or Manila. Comprehensive dive insurance covering medical emergencies and evacuation is therefore strongly recommended. Gloves are illegal to wear while diving in Palau to protect the delicate marine environment.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Chandelier Cave FAQ

Liveaboards diving Chandelier Cave

These liveaboards may visit Chandelier Cave 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

$354/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