

Best for beginner divers, 3-8m, boat entry, mild current.
Malakal Harbor Reef in the Rock Islands of Palau is a shallow site ranging from 3 to 8 metres deep. This sheltered location features a mix of natural reef and artificial structures, making it suitable for beginners. Divers should expect mild currents and visibility between 5 and 10 metres. Boat traffic is a primary hazard, so maintain awareness when surfacing. The site is also popular for night dives, particularly for observing mandarinfish at dusk. Exercise caution around sharp coral and rocks, and be mindful of potential entanglement risks near the wreck. Species recorded around this area include Napoleon wrasse, mandarinfish, regal angelfish, harlequin sweetlips, giant moray, clown triggerfish, banded pipefish, day octopus, wrasses, threadfin butterflyfish, sixbanded angelfish, saddled butterflyfish, rock cod, and moorish idol.
7.32482, 134.43475
Come back after dark for the mandarinfish, they become active around dusk and are much more visible at night than during the day. Watch where you place your hands and fins throughout the dive, sharp coral and rocks are present across the site.
The site is located in Malakal Harbour, Koror. Access is via boat.
Recorded nearby, within 20km
Depth
3-8m
Visibility
5-10m
Skill Level
Beginner
Entry
Boat
Boat required
Water Temp
28-30°C
Current
Mild
Typical Dive
45 min
Species recorded around this area include Napoleon wrasse, mandarinfish, regal angelfish, harlequin sweetlips, giant moray, clown triggerfish, banded pipefish, day octopus, wrasses, threadfin butterflyfish, sixbanded angelfish, saddled butterflyfish, rock cod, and moorish idol.
Yes, the site is well suited to beginners due to its shallow depth of 3 to 8 metres and mild currents.
The site depth ranges between 3 and 8 metres.
This is a boat dive; a boat is required to reach the site located 100 metres from shore.
While the site is primarily used for diving, its shallow depth of 3 to 8 metres makes it accessible for snorkelling.
Primary hazards include boat traffic, potential entanglement near the wreck, and sharp coral. Divers should maintain awareness of their surroundings and stay close to their guide.
Diving at Malakal Harbor Reef in Koror requires the following certifications: Open Water. Always dive within your training limits.
A rashguard or 2mm shorty is recommended for diving at Malakal Harbor Reef in Koror. Water temperatures range from 28°C to 30°C.
Malakal Harbor Reef in Koror typically has mild currents that most divers can handle comfortably.
Visibility at Malakal Harbor Reef in Koror typically ranges from 5 metres to 10 metres. Conditions vary with weather, tides, and seasons.