Dive Site: Emily Beach

About Emily Beach

Emily Beach is a premier dive site located in Palau, a remote island nation celebrated for its exceptional underwater biodiversity and historical World War II wrecks. This destination is renowned for its thrilling drift dives, abundant shark populations, and vibrant coral formations, making it a must-visit for serious divers. Palau's unique location at the convergence of powerful ocean currents contributes to an incredibly rich ecosystem, supporting over 1,500 fish species and 500 coral species. The topography around Emily Beach often features dramatic drop-offs, expansive coral gardens, and intriguing tunnels, creating a dynamic environment for exploration. Depths can vary, allowing for diverse dive profiles that cater to different experience levels, though many of Palau's signature dives involve significant depths and currents. The consistent warm water temperatures year-round enhance the comfort of extended dives in these pristine waters. Marine life encounters are a major draw, with regular sightings of grey reef sharks, majestic manta rays, and large schools of barracuda and snapper. Seasonal advantages can bring even more spectacular aggregations, such as grouper and bumphead parrotfish spawning events around the full moon in spring. The healthy state of Palau's reefs is a testament to its proactive conservation efforts, including the establishment of the world's first shark sanctuary. Diving at Emily Beach, like many Palauan sites, often involves exhilarating drift dives, where you flow with the current past stunning underwater landscapes. This style of diving requires good buoyancy control and an understanding of current dynamics, but it rewards divers with effortless movement through spectacular scenery and up-close views of pelagic action.

Dive site facts: Emily Beach

Depth

5–40+ m

Current

Moderate to strong

Visibility

20–40 m

Water temperature

27–30°C

Entry

Liveaboard / day boat

Level

Advanced, current experience recommended

Dive type

Wall, drift, pelagic encounters

Night dive

Possible

Region / port

Palau, Micronesia

Coordinates

7.4, 151.75

Conditions & Currents

Diving at Emily Beach typically involves moderate to strong currents, characteristic of many Palauan dive sites. These currents are often integral to the thrill of the dive, providing exciting drifts and attracting significant pelagic action. Divers should be prepared for varying current strengths, which can change with tides, necessitating good buoyancy control and experience in drift diving techniques. Entry and exit procedures may be tailored to current conditions, sometimes involving negative entries or specific boat pickups down-current. Visibility generally ranges from 20 to 40 meters but can be reduced to 15-20 meters during the wet season, particularly near inner lagoons due to runoff. There are no significant thermoclines as water temperatures remain consistently warm.

Marine life & sighting chances

Grey Reef Shark

common

Manta Ray

common

Napoleon Wrasse

occasional

Green Sea Turtle

common

Schools of Barracuda

common

Schools of Snapper

common

Bumphead Parrotfish

March, April · occasional

Grouper

March, April · occasional

Silvertip Shark

rare

Hammerhead Shark

rare

Eagle Ray

occasional

Nudibranch

occasional

Dive profile & how the dive runs

A typical dive at Emily Beach begins with a live drop from the dive boat, allowing divers to immediately descend into the current. The initial phase often involves drifting along a vibrant wall or coral slope, observing abundant reef life and potential pelagic encounters in the blue. Divers will maintain a depth appropriate for their certification and gas consumption, typically within the 12-25 meter range for extended bottom time, though deeper sections are accessible. Depending on the current, the dive leader may guide the group to sheltered areas or points of interest such as overhangs or cleaning stations. The turn point is determined by air consumption and no-decompression limits, after which divers begin a gradual ascent while still drifting. The safety stop is usually conducted mid-water, allowing the current to carry the group towards the surface for a planned pickup by the dive boat, which tracks the divers with a surface marker buoy.

Underwater photography

Emily Beach offers superb opportunities for wide-angle photography, especially during the dry season when visibility is at its peak and natural light penetrates deep. A wide-angle lens is essential for capturing the vastness of the coral walls, large schools of fish, and passing pelagics like sharks and manta rays. Consider using a reef hook to stabilize yourself in strong currents for steady shots of schooling fish or cruising sharks. For macro enthusiasts, while the site is primarily known for its wide-angle appeal, closer inspection of the coral gardens and crevices can reveal smaller critters; a dedicated macro lens with a focus light will be beneficial. Always prioritize excellent buoyancy control to avoid disturbing the delicate coral ecosystems and ensure you capture clear, sharp images.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• 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…

• German Channel

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

• Ulong Channel

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

• 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)…

• Chandelier Cave

  Chandelier Cave stands apart from Palau’s typical dive sites, offering a distinct and fascinating experience.

• Iro Maru

Getting there & logistics

Access to Emily Beach is primarily through liveaboard trips or daily dive boats operating from Koror, Palau. The nearest international airport is Roman Tmetuchl International Airport (ROR) in Koror. Liveaboards typically offer 7 to 10-day itineraries, covering a range of Palau's renowned dive sites, including Emily Beach, Blue Corner, and the German Channel. Land-based dive centers also arrange daily excursions. All divers are required to obtain a Koror State diving permit, with additional permits sometimes needed for specific sites like Peleliu or Chandelier Cave, though these are often included in liveaboard packages. It is advisable to book trips at least six months in advance, especially for peak season travel.

Safety & environment

Diving at Emily Beach, like most of Palau's world-class sites, involves significant currents, necessitating prior experience with drift diving and excellent buoyancy control. Divers should always carry a surface marker buoy (SMB) and know how to deploy it. The nearest recompression chamber is located in Koror, providing essential medical support. It is highly recommended that all divers have comprehensive dive insurance that covers emergency medical evacuation, as Palau is a remote destination and medical facilities are limited. Always follow the dive brief and guidelines from your experienced local dive guide, particularly concerning reef hook usage and maintaining group cohesion in strong currents, to ensure a safe and enjoyable dive.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Emily Beach FAQ

Liveaboards diving Emily Beach

These liveaboards may visit Emily Beach 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