Renowned for its biodiversity, large pelagic species, and immaculate reefs, Palau is home to more than 1,300 species of fish and over 700 types of coral. One of the best ways to view all this incredible life is to visit the Pacific Ocean’s largest collection of intact World War II ship and airplane wrecks. Let’s take a quick, whirlwind tour through a few of these amazing old ghosts.
Amatsu Maru
After WWII, the Amatsu Maru, which was a shiny new oil tanker when sunk by allied forces, was salvaged. Still she offers an excellent dive, and at forty meters, she is covered in elegant black coral trees, some of which are more than 8 feet tall, which is why she sometimes known as the Black Coral Wreck. 502 feet long, the ship has a split superstructure. The deck is accessible at 75 feet.
Bichu Maru
A magnificent wreck, 363 feet long, the Bichu Maru lies in forty meters of water. The holds are empty and gaping holes allow for easy penetration. At the ship’s bow, you’ll find her massive anchor, still neatly stowed, and covered with magnificent whip coral. Look for juvenile harlequin sweetlips and a variety of other brilliant tropicals, including angelfish and butterflyfish. Be sure to visit the galley for a look at the stove and the massive rice pot!
Teshio Maru
Sunk on March 30, 1944, by a torpedo from a fighter plane stationed aboard the USS Bunker Hill, the Teshio Maru lies at 24 meters, and is home to lots of oysters. Covered in lovely black coral and sponges, the ship lies on her starboard side. On her port side, between the two forward holds, the hole from the torpedo allows for easy penetration, or you can swim around and beneath the bow, where both anchors are still in their stowed position. The wreck is 330 feet long, and is teeming with fish, and as visibility is exceptional at more than thirty meters much of the time, she offers excellent wide-angle photo opps.
Ryuko Maru
One of the shallower Maru wreck sites, and an easy dive even for novices, Ryuko Maru is still in very good condition, even after decades underwater. The ship’s bow is accessible at 18 meters, while her stern rests in 36 meters of water with its deck at 26 meters. Swarming with tropical fish and coated in lovely coral growth, the 321 foot long Japanese Navy Cargo Steamer was also sunk during the Allied forces Desecrate One raid of March 30, 1944.
Iro Maru
Lying upright and intact with her keel at forty meters, the 470 foot long Shiretoko Class Combined Fleet Oiler was struck by allied forces three times between March 22 and March 31, 1944, when she finally succumbed. The Iro Maru is by far Palau’s most popular wreck dive, as she is massive and easily accessed.
The ship’s forward mast is at ten meters, with her bow at twenty, and her stern at twenty-five meters. Sponges, staghorn coral, sea whips, black coral, oysters, and even giant clams have overtaken the ship’s masts and kingpost, while batfish, a few varieties of butterflyfish, and other tropicals are everywhere. The massive guns at the bow and stern make for some impressive photos, while the ship’s stack, which was blown off during the final explosion, lies near the wreck.
The Jake Seaplane
A spectacular and mostly intact plane wreck, the Jake was used by Japanese forces for bombing raids and some planes like this one were used as Kamikaze aircraft. At 11 meters long, and with a range of more than 1100 nautical miles, these planes were equipped with pontoons, one of which still supports the left wing. The plane’s engine cowling and propeller are bent, which suggests that the engine was running when she hit the water, and her tail, which lies just a short distance from the rest of the aircraft, is covered in brilliant sponges and coral.
Lying in just 15 meters of water on a shallow patch reef, this once proud airship is an amazing sight, and is home to cuttlefish and octopus, small fish, and well-hidden invertebrates.
The Zeke Fighter
Allied forces called the Japanese Zero fighters “Zekes”, and there are lots of them beneath the waters of Palau, all in varying condition. This particular wreck is in excellent shape, with the cockpit and instrumentation still intact. The starboard wing lies on the ocean floor just a short distance from the plane’s body, but otherwise, she is still in one piece. Maximum depth here is just 17 meters, making this one site that is easy for all divers to enjoy.
The Helmet Wreck
Sometimes referred to as the Depth Charge Wreck, as there is unexploded ordinance everywhere here, the Helmet is a 191 foot long cargo ship named for the stacks of Japanese army helmets that are located inside the forward port side hold. You’ll also find gas masks near the stern, aircraft engines in another forward hold, sake containers, bottles, china, brass lanterns, and other artifacts that speak of the lives of the sailors that worked and played on her decks.
Lying with her stern at fifteen meters and her bow at thirty-five meters, the Helmet wreck is easily accessed, and is simply spectacular.
The USS Perry
The final resting place of the USS Perry was only discovered in 2000. If you want to explore this ship, you will need to be certified for deep diving, as she rests in nearly 80 meters of water, and is subject to strong currents. She is lying on her port side, broken nearly in half, but with the two sections still connected at the keel.
Incredibly, 150 of the 159 sailors who were on board on the day in September, 1944 when she was lost survived. It was one of these men who assisted researchers with locating this amazingly phenomenal wreck.
Buoy #6 Wreck
Her name long since forgotten, the Buoy Number Six wreck is 100 feet long, and was a refitted fishing boat that was used by the Japanese to chase submarines during World War II. Sitting upright in 27 meters of water with her decks accessible at 20 and 23 meters, the ship is subject to a strong current, and is sitting in the Malakal Channel, where boats frequently pass overhead. Look for large pelagic fish and enjoy the sight of the soft coral extending to feed on the nutrients brought in by the current.
To make the most of your adventure to Palau, be sure to go with one of the many reputable local dive operators, or stay on a well-known liveaboard for a truly unforgettable experience. With so many historic wrecks to choose from, you are certain to have the vacation of a lifetime.