Feb 23 2019

Feb 22. 2019

It was still windy and shaky in some places.
It might be good idea to have seasickness tablet, if you need.
We had 3 boats today.
I went to Blue Hole, New Drop-off and Blue Corner.

 

We enjoyed the topography of the Blue Hole.
I showed the divers the Flashing file shell, Lionfish and some Crimson sea breams.
Most my divers were interested about topography rather than fish here…
Some Bigeye barracudas were coming into the hole when we went out.
They were big and swam a bit deeper area.
They seemed to like favorites in the hole.

 

New drop had slow current and we enjoyed relax dive.
Turtles, flock of Peach fairy basslet were seen.
Also huge number of parrotfish covered shallow reef.
I was wondering if it is a spawning season of them.
They were actively moving around in a shallow area.
In the hooking area, some sharks, flock of barracudas and scad were swimming around.
The water became cleaner and steadier.

 

Last dive today, we went to the Blue Corner.
Good incoming tide.
And it became stronger and more strong at hooking area.
It was too strong and even Bigeye trevally couldn’t swam against the current!
But Dogtooth tuna and Narrow-barred Spanish mackerel could.
They are truly Migratory fish!
A friendly Humphead wrasse was coming to us.
She served and play with us even in the strong current.
It was very good drift dive with good strong current!

 

 

 

Feb 21. 2019

Today was the start from sunny, but on the way it became to the rain.
Today wind was blowing and raining, it was chilly in Palau.
A boat court was must item today.
We had 3 boats.
I went to Grassland, Sias Corner and Ulong Cliff/Channel.

 

Grassland had a lot of Scads and Barracudas.
Flock of Whitetongue jack, Scad, Bluefin trevally and Yellowspotted trevally were seen.
We saw a African pompano.
There were a lot of barracuda today.
It seems that it was increasing more and more.
But do not forget to check the dive computer for the depth and the time because it’s a bit deep.
There were also a lot of garden eels.
I showed the divers the black garden eels.
I was happy to show them, because only few people know the existence of the black type.

 

The second dive was at the Sias Corner.
It was slow current and soon the tide became stop.
The tide stopped then changed to the another direction.
We dived just the right timing.
Flow changed after having enjoyed watching an anemone fish, Big lip damsel and Purple queen.
Then the current became good for using current hook.
The sharks were getting more and more, the water became more clear.
We had safety stop with lots of sharks.
Good amount of sharks as dive in Palau!

 

 

The last dive today was Ulong Cliff and Channel.
I went to the channel as I watched the fish with cliff and enjoyed it since I enjoyed it.
We saw school of Bigeye barracuda and Bigeye trevally.
I thought it became less number of Whitetongue jack and scads here.
Have they been eaten?
Recently the scads were often seen a scene that were eaten.
I am excited by precious scenes but from their side, it is life and death event.
I am looking forward to see what we can see tomorrow.

 

 

 

Feb 20  2019

 

Today it was raining from the rain.
We went to the dive site with rain.
It was solid rain in the morning.
But from lunch time it was sunny.
It was a pleasant sunny day afternoon.
Air temperature 29 ℃ ~ 30 ℃, water temperature 28 ℃.
It was comfortable.
And everywhere underwater was gone blue.
The visibility was over 30 meters.
The underwater seemed to be a view of draw paintings.
Today we had 3 boats.
I went to Blue Corner, Blue Hole and Ngemeris Wall.

 

Blue corner had weak current.
I enjoyed dive relaxingly and elegantly with good visibility.
There were also many fish include flock of barracuda.
We also saw friendly Humphead wrasse and flock of Bigeye trevally.
As long as I could see, I only had fish, the flow was drifted loose and I felt comfortable diving

 

Blue Hole had also good visibility.
And we had there to ourselves.
I showed Flashing file shell which getting bigger and bigger.
It’s beautiful when I light the light.

 

The last dive was Ngemeris wall to sea turtles.
About 20 turtles were found.
There were many Hawksbills and green sea turtles.

 

 

 

 

Feb 18  2019

Today’s Palau was cloudy & rains.
The weather changed frequently as it rained or it was sunny.
The wind was a bit strong, but sunny since the afternoon.
The air temperature was 30 ° C, the water temperature was also 28 ° C.
We had 4 boats today.
I went to Ngarumeaus Island beach and German Channel.

 

The first dive was at Ngarumeaus Island beach to check new skills for new group.
You’ll find some Blacktip reef sharks here.
Also we saw Green Sea Turtle today!
Flock of scad made tornado shape were seen.
Other group saw 40cm size of Giant cuttlefish.
Although I usually use this beach for trial diving,
It’s fun even if you dived as a fan dive!

 

The second dive, I went to German Channel.
Plankton seemed to be increasing,
Big flock of Bartail fusilier and Double-lined fusilier were seen.
Also Bigeye trevally and Bigeye barracuda were good numbers.
Today’s big special was a Gray Reef Shark.
She is common in Palau ocean, but she makes diver excited if they are newcomer.
We couldn’t see Manta-Ray, but divers were very happy to see many fish.

 

 

Feb 17  2019

 

It was sunny today, but it started to cloud up suddenly about departure, then sudden rain.
It was a lot of rain all way to the dive site.
It was quite impressive start today.
And it became sunny weather after 1st dive.
It was sunny for lunch and I was able to see a pleasant Palau!
Today’s temperature was 29 ℃ ~ 30 ℃, water temperature was 26 ℃ ~ 28 ℃.
Some cold water came by location.
Cold water excites me whether I can see my favorite fish, but I also felt cold.
It was a fight against the cold.
We had 2 boats.
I went to Grassland, Sias Corner and Cyuyo-maru (wreck dive)

 

The visibility of Grassland had fallen a bit.
Fish were also a bit deep, but they are flocking.
School of Bigeye barracuda, scads and Blue trevally were seen.
A lot of Whitetongue jack flocked in shallow area.
There were so many Garden EEl.
The topography of the coral and the sand was beautiful and this is a “healing glass land” ☆

 

The second dive was at Sias Corner.
Strong outgoing tide.
Flock of Double-lined fusilier and Pyramid butterflyfish were brilliant!
It was cute because it is boggy on the wall where the tide hits.
Along with the walls, Purple queen and Peach fairy basslet were also vivid and beautiful.
There were lots of sharks at the hooking area.
We saw five tuna today!
They aimed to get flock of Yellowspotted trevally.
Herd of Double-lined fusilier run away from them and this was spectacular scene.

 

Last dive today, I went to wreck dive came with requested divers.
The visibility was poor, because the site located in reef area.
Is was about 10 meters.
Flock of Redbelly yellowtail fusilier were seen at Ship’s mast area.
I pointed out to divers about single lined anemonefish, dusky anemonefish and mimic shrimp.
I had also seen things such as cannons and chains unique to the wrecking ship! !
We saw some Bigfin reef squid, oval squids swam when we had safety stop.

 

 

 

Feb 16  2019

It was fine weather today!
A pleasing sunny day.
Wind was not strong, but a little swell came in, it felt a bit shaky.
It might be better to have a sickness tablet, if you easy to get seasick.
The temperature was 30 ℃, the water temperature was 27 ℃ to 28 ℃.
I felt water was a bit cold.
We had 2 boats.
I went to Blue Hole, Blue Corner and German Channel.

 

The 1st dive Blue Hole was not as good as yesterday, but it was still beautiful blue.
While enjoying the terrain, we also enjoyed to watch some small fish!
Squarespot snthias, Randall’s fairy basslet, inverted swim Harlequin grouper and Lionfish were seen.
My divers were surprised to watch Flashing file shell that was flashing.

 

The 2nd dive Blue Corner was strong incoming tide.
I chose weaker current place and got entry.
We were drifted with the current and enjoyed to watch the fish.
I found a turtle then some batfish were coming up.
Divers taken photo with them.
Then we saw big school of barracuda!
We were the only group at there.
They were flocked.
Next we saw a huge group of Bigeye trevally.
It looked like “a wall”.
Also a friendly Humphead wrasse was coming up, slow swim Dogtooth tuna were seen.
300 of Moorish Idol were seen at the top of the corner area.
So many sharks swam like a river were seen at off shore area.
The Blue Corner was still the best condition and it was continued.

 

Today’s last was to German Channel.
The visibility there also dropped from 10 to 15 meters.
Manta did not appear today.
Where have they gone?
Manta-Rays are not there for a while.
But we could see many fish.
Bigeye barracuda, Bigeye trevally, Jawfish, eels, etc..
But everyone want to see Manta-Rays…
I hope that they will come back soon.

 

 

 

Feb 15. 2019

Today was different from yesterday and it changed cloudy or rain all day.
It was lucky that the water temperature was still warm 27 degrees and cold water did not come up.
It was a chilly day.
Today we had 3 boats.
My boat was chartered boat and went to North-West area.

 

1: West Passage
2: Nameless site
3: Ngaremlengui corner

 

We saw 2 Manta-Rays at West Passage.
Recently the possibility of seeing Manta-Ray in German Channel is falling,
Perhaps it cause they are moving to the north.
The flock of Milkfish acting courtship were seen.
It was very rare.

 

The second dive, we saw a large herd of Sea chub and school of Bigeye barracuda.
Also a lot of Bartail fusilier & Rainbow runner were seen.
This is the “dive in North-West area”, quite unspoiled place.

 

There were lots of fish and we saw very special at Ngaremlengui Corner.
The Great hammerhead shark!
Her size was about 4.5m and came up with us.
Everyone saw her perfectly.

 

We saw Scalloped hammerhead shark & Great hammerhead at Sias Corner yesterday.
And we saw hammerhead again today!
What we are so lucky!

 

 

 

 

 

Feb 14. 2019

 

It was a fine day today.
Good weather was continuing.
It was still windy, but it was OK with such a nice weather!
The visibility was good for everywhere today.
True blue water everywhere.
The temperature was 29 to 30 ° C. The water temperature was about 28 ℃.
We had 3 boats.
I had 4 dives, went to German Channel, Blue Hole, Blue Corner and Chandelier Cave.

 

The German Channel had a very nice visibility.
It was about 40 meters.
It was as beautiful as ever I’ve seen here.
It was just blue.
I could see anywhere.
This was unusual there.
Fish was easy to find!
But Manta-Ray was not appeared today…
I saw many trevally, barracuda and Double-lined fusilier in tremendous good visibility.
That was fantastic!

 

The second dive was at the Blue Hole.
The visibility was also very nice there.
It was also exactly a blue hole that was more than 30 meters!
And no other group there.
We had Blue Hole to ourselves.
Blue light was plugged in and it was so mysterious!
This is what I want you to see at there.
It was awesome!
100 of Moorish Idol were seen.

 

I went to the Blue Corner as today’s 3rd dive.
It was good incoming tide.
It was also a good visibility there.
Barracuda, Bigeye barracuda, Bigeye trevally and Black and white snapper were seen.
Also we enjoyed to watch regular member fish there, Humphead wrasse and turtles.
We saw tremendous amount of Moorish Idol at top of the reef corner area.
I counted and it was more than 400!
It was so beautiful.
On the offshore side a lot of sharks went round and round!

 

Last to the chandelier cave.
I enjoyed the underwater limestone cave a lot today.
There was no fish there, but the topography is very mysterious and beautiful!
It was just the first time for my diver to see, so everyone was impressed.

 

 

 

Feb 13  2019

It was a fine day in Palau.
But there was still some winds blows.
I felt the wave was better than yesterday.
The visibility was declining, it was around 10 to 18 meters every sites.
Even though, the amount of the fish was still a lot!
The water temperature was bit low.
The water temperature was between 27 ° C and 23 ° C.
The air temperature was around 29 ° C.
As the weather was nice, I was warmed by shining the sun ☆
We had 3 boats today.

 

My first dive today was Grassland.
Garden ell came out lots on the bottom, when I was thinking to introduce Garden eel.
And Black Manta!
She was swimming the station for a few rounds.
Our tension had risen!
I introduced Garden ells once again to settle down.
The Black Manta was still there until we left there.
It was awesome moment!
Also I show some African pompano to my divers but they were still more interested about Manta-Ray.

 

The second dive was at Sias Corner.
It was slow outgoing tide.
Even little bit low visibility, we saw some big Dogtooth tuna, flock of Bigeye barracuda and Whitetongue jack.
Because the Dogtooth tuna were swimming slowly, it was more good chance to taking photo of them.
They were quite big size!
I saw 3 big one, one medium and one small one.
Some Grey Reef Sharks, Hawksbill and flock of Whitetongue jack were seen.
We exited after we enjoyed to watch White Chip Sharks and school of Bigeye trevally.

 

Other team saw Hummer Head Shark today!
Also another team saw more than 200 Moorish Idol.
Every boats were quite lucky today! !

 

 

 

Feb 12  2019

 

Today was good weather too! !
The wind was still Blowing, but it was nice day in Palau.
I felt a bit chilly on the boat.
Air temperature was from 28 ℃ to 30 ℃, and water temperature was 27 ℃ to 28 ℃
I hope the wind will calm down soon.
The diving condition was OK, but it was little shaky on the way to the sites.
We went to German Channel, Blue Corner and New Drop-off.

 

It was good visibility but we couldn’t see any Manta-Ray at German Channel.
The visibility was 20-25m.
Many Double-lined fusilier were seen.
It seemed there were lots of plankton and fusiliers were preying to eat them.
There were lots of fish but no Manta-Ray today.

 

The second dive was Blue Corner.
It was also blue!
There were many popular fish such as Trevally, Barracuda, Turtle and Humphead wrasse.
Especially a great number of barracudas today! !
☆ It was powerful full mark ☆

 

 

Humphead wrasse came near me as well.
There were several Humphead wrasse, and each of them were coming,
They are the idol at the Blue Corner.

 

 

Always the flock of Bigeye trevally were nice target for spectacular pictures.

 

 

 

The third dive, we went to New Drop-off.
We had the New Drop-off to ourselves.
Although the current was like change direction, but visibility was good here.
Flock of Bigeye barracuda and Whitetongue jack, some turtles, batfish were seen.
I saw about 100 to 150 of Moorish Idol, they were chased by 20 to 30 sharks, and run to deep area.
We enjoyed to watch flock of Moorish Idol and sharks go and back in front of us.

 

 

 

Feb 11. 2019

The weather was good today.
Although it was fine weather in the last few days, the wind was strong.
The boat court is essential.
The air temperature was 31 ° C, the water temperature was also 28 ° C.
We had one boat today.
I went to Ulong Cliff, Aquarium and Sias Corner.

 

At the Ulong Cliff, as soon as we entered the water,
flock of Bigeye barracuda were seen.
Also I saw children of Bluefin trevally were swimming in a small group.
The Humphead wrasse was very friendly and she came up with us very closely.
At the first, we went towards the channel but there was no current and we went to beyond the entrance of the channel.
Today the children of Gray Reef were also making tornado!
The number was about 50 to 60!

 

Next dive to the aquarium of our original dive site.
I had been coming there many times, but there were more fish than usual today!
Because the current was weak, you could many in the picture without any stress.

 

Last dive today was the Sias Corner.
Entry from the reef top side.
Flock of Double-lined fusilier were swimming like a river and it was so beautiful!
Big school of Redbelly yellowtail fusilier were also a nice group.
We passed by a Stuffy Dogtooth tuna.
Today was also lots of sharks at hooking area.
School of Barracuda was seen at the top of coral reef.
We exited after watching flock of Purple queen.

 

 

Feb 8  2019

No complain about weather today!
Both water temperature and the visibility were perfect for diving today.
The air temperature was 32 ° C, the water temperature was also 28 ° C.
We had one boat.
I went to German Channel, Blue Hole and Blue Corner.

 

At the German Channel, the tornado of Bigeye trevally on the sandy bottom were seen.
Flock of Dusky-finned bulleye and school of Bigeye barracuda were also seen.
There were many fish here today.
Ring-eye Jowfish and other pretty macros were also nice!
I saw baby anemone-fish with Blue face tilefish on the sandy bottom.
I don’t know she protect anymore-fish or not, anyway it was except combination 🙂

 

Blue Hole had true blue water today!
The vest visibility.
The sun was bright enough, the coral rock wall and the fish were shining brightly,
What a fantastic scene.
When I look back the entrance hole, it was spectacular and I’m getting goose bumps on my arms.
It was “true blue hole”.
If you haven’t come, you should come and dive the Blue Hole.

 

 

Last to the Blue Corner.
We got entry after the tide became bit weak.
Here was also the blue water as the name!
The visibility was very good.
I saw so many fish on the coral reef.
Huge school of Bigeye trevally, Bigeye barracuda and Blue trevally were seen.
It was a magnificent scene !
We went on the reef rock when the tide stopped.
Here many Gray Reef Sharks turned round and round!
We end up the dive with big flock of Bigeye trevally.
I saw a tremendous fish today!
Yes! this is Palau.

 

 

 

Feb 7  2019

Finally the original Palau weather returned.
The sun shines brightly on the sea surface.
Today’s temperature was 32 ℃, water temperature was 28 ℃.
We had one boat today.
We went to Grassland, Sias Corner and Aquarium.

 

When we were watching Garden eels at Grassland,
A Eagle Ray was coming and after she passed we saw a Bluespotted stingray.
Then after, flock of Whitetongue jack and Bigeye barracuda were seen.
And some Narrow-barred Spanish mackerel were chasing them.
It was too many things happen in one time to see.
Again! we saw a Eagle Ray when we were safety stops.
In Palau the spotted eagles are worshiped as one of the gods.
I was lucky because I saw her twice in one dive!

 

We went to Sias Corner where full of sharks.
So many colorful fish were seen on the coral reef.
I saw Peach fairy basslet, Purple queen and Princess anthias.
We were enjoyed to see Flame Angelfish.
The hooking point was filled with many sharks.
There were many children sharks than usual and also many adult size sharks swam around them.

 

 

Last to the Aquarium our original dive site.
Amount of fish was amazing here!
Just stop and waiting, you’ll see many kind of fish here.
If you have not dive yet, please try to come this site!

 

 

 

Feb 6. 2019

It was cloudy or cloudy with sunny weather today, sometimes sunny or rain ,,,
We had one boat.
I went to Blue Hole, Blue Corner and German Channel.
The air temperature was 28 ° C, the water temperature was also 28 ° C.

 

It was good choice to dive at Blue hole as 1st dive today.
Because the sun came back from the clouds!
When we were entering, the huge size of a Great Barracuda was seen.
Her body was about 2 m, and the body was very thick.
She might be the Lord of the Blue Hole!
She just hovering and nothing move, it looked like a fake model or artificial product.
It was very mysterious scene in the hole, thanks to the sun!
The visibility was excellent in the hole.

 

Next to the Blue Corner.
After entry for a while, we saw big Great Barracuda again!
She was also not move.
I felt some kind of fear, because she did not moving even we came very close.
Many Grey Reef Sharks and some Dogtooth tuna were seen at hooking station area.
And of course we dived along with friendly Humphead wrasse.
About 50 of butterflyfish were seen at top of the corner area.
Even one butterflyfish is beautiful, but the flock of them are more beautiful!

 

The last dive today was at German Channel.
As usual many Bigeye trevally and scads were seen.
Also Dogtooth tuna and Narrow-barred Spanish mackerel seemed to be busy to predate.
I saw 4 big fat barracudas.
It was twice bigger than I can see at Blue Corner.
I think this is because there is more food here, or just they are lazy 🙂
For anything reasons they are fat!

 

 

 

 

Feb 4  2019

Today was another sunny day and diving in cloudy weather.
Temperature was 31 ℃, water temperature varies depending on location, 28 ℃, 25 ℃, 19 ℃ ….
It is my first experience in Palau that it was below 20 degrees Celsius!
One customer checked his dive computer and the minimum water temperature was 18 ° C
Very cold! !
I saw some great thermocline underwater!
I think the fish also feel cold.
The sharks prefer cold water, I was wondering they are sensitive to heat.
We had 2 boats today.
I went to German Channel, Blue Hole and Blue Corner.

 

We saw one Manta-Ray in German Channel.
It was 28 ℃ near surface but was 18 ° C on the bottom!
Very very cold!!
The Manta-Ray swam back in forth.
Manta seemed to be cold.
There were lots of Bigeye trevally and sharks in shallow warm water area.
Very chilly dive but was very adventurous!

 

 

The Blue Hole was 2nd dive.
While we enjoyed the terrain and also enjoyed colorful beautiful fish.
Because of the nice weather, we took many good photos.

 

Last dive today was Blue Corner.
It was good moderate current.
Because there was big swell, it was bit difficulty to swim.
The visibility was super!
It was more than 30m.
Water temperature was warm 28℃ there.
Many sharks, flock of scads and barracuda, Humphead wrasse were seen.
It truly is only “Blue Corner”!

 

 

 

Feb 3  2019

 

Today is the start from early morning.
The sun was not yet rise and it was chilly morning with some rain.
During the boat run, we saw the rainbow.
There may be nice things happen today!
When we arrived, it was sunny!
The temperature was 31 ° C, the water temperature was 27 ° C.
We went to Grassland, Sias Corner and Ulong Cliff today.

 

We went to Grassland in early morning to see Green humphead parrotfish’s spawning.
The time was perfect!
There lay eggs were everywhere!
Several them rised together like underwater fireworks!
The visibility was becoming decrease because of their released eggs.
The spawning scenes was the perfect seen this morning!

 

The second dive was at Sias Corner.
It was upcoming tide.
Some Yellowspotted trevally and Dogtooth tuna attacked flock of scads.
There were many Grey Reef Sharks around hooking area.
I tried to count them, it was more than 50 sharks from the small to big size.
We had Sias Corner to ourselves this time.
It was lucky dive to see many sharks also big Dogtooth tuna too.

 

 

The last dive today to Ulong Cliff.
It was relax dive while watching flock of scad, barracuda and Double-lined fusilier.
The Clayton team saw Black Manta! !
Very Lucky!

 

 

 

Feb 2  2019

 

It was sunny today.
It was a nice start with goo weather.
Depend on the place but the wind blows a bit and we were shaken a little.
But it was OK for diving.
The cold water was still coming in.
And the visibility was getting decrease.
The temperature was 30 ° C, the water temperature was 25 ° C to 28 ° C.
We had 2 boats today.
I went to Ngemeris Wall, Blue Corner and German Channel.

 

I saw many turtles swam in very relax mood.
Most of them were Green Sea Turtles.
Some of them were not moving and easy take photo.
The visibility decreased and water temperature dropped 1 degree than yesterday.
The Yellowmargin triggerfish were increased their number.
Their egg laying season started and they tend to attack others to protect their nest.
If you have a attack, you can escape by swam towards outer reef, because their nest is on the bottom.
Other fish were also very agressive.
Big flock of Blacktail snapper were seen.
This was very rare, because they are not always here.

 

 

The second dive was at Blue Corner.
It was a moderate upcoming tide.
And became stronger.
There were lots of fish, but there was also lower visibility and water temperature.
We saw Barracuda, Bigeye trevally, Bigeye barracuda, Humphead wrasse, turtles and Whitetongue jack.
Also 3 African pompano were seen.
After all the Blue Corner was great, even though it was slightly low visibility & temperature.

 

 

The last to the German Channel.
Manta-Ray was ….only one was seen after exit to the boat…
I saw the one from the boat.
There were so many plankton there, Double-lined fusilier and Black and white snapper flocked and were eating the plankton.
Even small fish are perfect if they are dense!
They made a “fish ball” shape.
Today’s German Channel was no Manta-Ray and water was around 25 ℃…

 

 

 

Feb 1 2019

 

I noticed it already another month, it has already been one month since the beginning of the year
I was born in Japan Hokkaido I feel uncomfortable in February without snow scenery.
I can not feel winter in Palau. 🙂
The time has passed very quick!
The temperature was 29 ℃, the water temperature was 28 ℃ ~ 26 ℃.
It felt a little cold, the weather was cloudy, rain, cloudy weather was not quite surely weather.
Because the wind had changed direction since yesterday the boat did not shake lots.
We had one boat today.
I went to Ngemeris wall, German Channel and Blue Corner.

 

It was “Turtle Paradise” in Ngemeris Wall.
There were so many green sea turtles!
Some of them were moving very slow or nothing move.
Also I found big painted spiny lobster.
The wall was cream color by flock of Blacktail snapper.
It is the season to watch them.
We had Ngemeris Wall almost to ourselves.

 

2nd dive to German Channel.
There were so many fish!
Many Manta-Rays also!
A friendly baby Manta-Ray was swam round & round.
They came up to us very close.
Off course there were some adult Manta-Rays.
The visibility was not perfect.
Extra big size of Narrow-barred Spanish mackerel was also seen.

 

Last dive today was at Blue Corner.
The visibility was getting decrease.
The water temperature was also decreased, some cold water had entered.
Many Mackerel scad were there and they were chased by Yellowspotted trevally.
We saw 5 extra sized Dogtooth tuna.
They came up to us very close.
I saw their teeth, it was very sharp!
Although the water was cold, it was nice dive with lots of fish!

 

 

 

Jan 30 2019

 

Palau was covered with clouds in the morning, but when the boat leaves sunny weather!
The winds was no problem because it was north-east wind.
Temperature was 31 ℃, water temperature was 28 ℃.
We had 2 boats, both went to Ngemeris area.
I went to Bleu Corner, Blue Hole and German Channel today.

The Blue Corner was just true blue corner!
The visibility was amazing.
The current was slow upcoming tide.
When entering the water, we saw 5 big Green humphead parrotfish were coming to us!
Their spawning egg season is coming soon.
We have schedule to watching this in Feb to Apr.
It is very spectacular.
So please book and join our special event tour.
Many fishes on the shelf appeared more and more! !
Bigeye trevally, Bigeye barracuda and Black and white snapper were seen.
They were not aggressive move and I can watch in detail.
Also small and big turtles total 5 were seen.
We enjoyed to watch flock of Bluebanded snapper and friendly Humphead wrasse.
Finally we saw large school of Barracuda.
It was relax dive with slow current and we were quite satisfied by seeing lots of fish.

 

Blue Hole had also good visibility.
As soon as we entered, we saw large flock of Double-lined fusilier.
Their movement was very active and the blue line flow was fantastic!
A lot of turtles were also there too!
They were eating something among the coral rock and not moving.
It was easy take photo.

 

 

The last dive to German Channel.
The visibility was different from previous sites.
It was not perfect visibility, but there were lots of fish!
Bigeye trevally, Bigeye barracuda were off course, also large flock of humpback unicornfish were seen.
We saw about 12 of Barracuda, each of them were huge size!
Amazing dive!

 

 

 

Jan 29 2019

There was some squall but was a nice weather in Palau.
We had 2 boats today.
My boat went to Grassland and Aquarium.

 

Today’s first dive was at Grassland.
As soon as we got water, big school of scad were like muddy streams.
Awesome number! !
Some of Yellowspotted trevally were chased & attacked them.
I found some baby garden eel.
They are color black.
I think they change color when matured.
After watch flock of Bigeye barracuda, we encountered one Manta-Ray!
She was swam around the station.
We enjoyed to watch her dance 🙂

 

2nd dive today was at Aquarium our original dive site.
It was nice slow dive.
The visibility was not perfect there…but, suddenly we saw 4 Eagle rays!
Also big flock of Double-lined fusilier were seen.

 

 

 

 

Jan 28 2019

It was nice weather today.
We’ve got some rain but it was OK because it was after dive and we already got wet 🙂
The wind was not strong and there is a swell.
It was a little difficult to swim, because swell underwater.
Today’s temperature was 31 ℃, water temperature was 28 ℃.
We had one boat and went to German Channel, Blue Corner and German Drop-off.

 

At the German Channel, how many mantas did I see?
May be it was 5.
They came back to and from the cleaning station and we were very happy because they came very close to us!
Recently I’m curious about Jaw Fish and I found them at there.
Usually she had egg in her mouth, but I couldn’t seen that.
May be the egg had hatching already 🙂
It is very cute to see the Jaw fish with her eggs in her mouth.
I think we can see that scene when the time comes again.
Also many of Bigeye barracuda, Bigeye trevally and Whitetongue jack were seen.

 

It was little bit hard to dive because there was small swell.
The current was incoming tide then changed to outgoing.
There were a lot of fish.
We saw Humphead wrasse, Bigeye trevally, Bigeye barracuda and sharks!
Also big size of Dogtooth tuna was seen.
She take small size Dogtooth tuna with her.
Yellowspotted trevally and Giant trevally were there.
Mackerel scad were getting increase number.
They were chased by Yellowspotted trevally and Giant trevally.
Even water temp was bit low, it was good dive!

 

Because there was a swell at outer reef area, we went to German Drop for today’s last dive.
We were watching Luminous cardinalfish and Dusky Anemone fish.
It was relax, slow dive.
I enjoyed to watch Map puffer and Redmouth grouper that was cleaning by shrimp.
Also I found a Ring eye jaw fish.
She is very cute!

 

 

 

 

Jan 26 2019

 

Today’s Palau was sunny!
It was a nice day, no rain.
Temperature was 31 ℃, water temperature was 28 ℃.
It was just comfortable diving day.
The visibility was good all dive sites, 25 meters visibility at outer reef area.
It was clear blue water.
This is just what Palau underwater is!
We had 2 boats.
My boat went to Blue Corner, New Drop-off and W Reef today.

 

The Blue Corner was blue!
It was slow outgoing tide.
The direction of current was unclear but we saw regular flock of Scad and Barracuda.
Also we saw Giant trevally, Humphead wrasse and Turtles as regular member of there.

 

New drop off was somewhat unclear current direction.
But there was also blue!
The visibility was also good there.
We almost had there to ourselves.
We enjoyed to watch many of Bigeye barracuda, Dogtooth tuna, Whitetongue jack, etc..

 

Last dive was in the W reef.
There were also a lot of Bigeye barracuda there.
I saw some Milkfish and Yellowspotted trevally at off reef.
Also big school of Double-lined fusilier made spectacular scene.

 

 

 

Jan 25 2019

 

It was nice weather again today.
The wind was weak and the sea was calm.
The visibility was also good.
It was the day of good diving!
The temperature was 32 ℃, the water temperature was 27 ℃ to 29 ℃.
We had 3 boats today.
I went to German Channel, Blue Hole and Blue Corner.

 

We saw 5 Manta-Rays at German Channel.
They were at the cleaning station to have cleaning their body.
Our tension was rise after we saw them.
Because of good visibility today, we saw Manta-Rays and flock of barracuda & scad in one time.
Luxurious dive!

 

We had Blue Hole to ourselves.
And was true blue!
Today’s Hole was the perfect Blue Hole!
We totally enjoyed not only Hole itself but also to watch Crimson sea bream, Groopers and Diagonal-banded sweetlips.

 

The last was a blue corner.
It was good amount of outgoing tide but the visibility was bit low and water was also low 27 degrees.
Although bit low visibility, we saw Turtles, Humphead wrasse, some scads and Green humphead parrotfish.
Also many of barracuda were seen.
I saw the sharks swam around at deeper area.

 

Between the dives, we encountered dolphins.
They followed us and jumped sometimes!
One jumped then turned in the air.

 

 

 

Jan 24 2019

Today’s Palau was a cloudy weather,
There was almost no wind and it became a good day for diving.
Temperature was 30 ℃, water temperature was 28 ℃.
We had 3 boats today.
My boat went to German Channel, Blue Hole and Blue Corner.

 

 

German Channel had excellent visibility!
Clean water from the open ocean was coming in.
As soon as we entered school of Bigeye trevally were seen.
I saw a small Dogtooth tuna & Yellowspotted trevallys were preying.
Also around 50 batfish were seen a little away.
It was so beautiful scene.
A Manta-Ray came from the channel and just passed us.

 

 

The 2nd to Blue Hole.
In the hole, the water was very clear and felt more mysterious than usual.
The light from the top hole plugged in beautifully because no cloud at the sky.
When we went out the hole, we saw a very big barracuda.
I saw her many times there.

 

 

We went to Blue Corner for today’s last dive.
When we got entry, we sow flock of Blue trevally.
Then we saw big school of Orangespine unicornfish run away from the sharks.
It was around 150 of them.
I wish the number will increase more.
The cold water got into the hooking area.
Wow..it was 23 degrees!
This was too cold to stay there and low visibility by thermocline.
We went up to shallow area and enjoyed to watch regular member of Blue Corner,
They were school of Bigeye trevally, Bigeye barracuda and a Humphead wrasse.

 

 

 

Jan 23 2019

It was fine weather today!
The wind was also calm.
Today was not too hot nor not cold, it was comfort weather.
The water temperature was also not cold.
Temperature was 31 ℃, water temperature was 28.5 ℃.
The visibility was good, the sea condition on the west side was also perfect.
It was exactly “the ocean of the dry season in Palau”.
We had 2 boat today.
One boat went to Paleliu & chandelier cave.
My boat went to Aquarium, Sias Tunnel and Sias Corner.

At Ulong area, the visibility was good and water was also nice temperature.

 

 

It’s been a long time since Sias Tunnel.
I couldn’t find Helfrichs dartfish but found some Elegant firefish and Randoll’s Shrimp goby.
Also we enjoyed to watch Diagonal-banded sweetlips and Burgess butterfly fish.

 

At Sias Corner, there were many sharks.
Compared with last time, the number was decrease but it was still enough number of Grey Reef sharks.
We had good outgoing current and felt little chilly water from the deep area.
So many Grey Reef Sharks, the size from small to big were seen.

 

 

The last dive today was Chandelier Cave for request diver only.
We enjoyed the cave and enjoyed to watch small fish at shallow area in front of the cave.

 

 

 

Jan 22 2019

 

Palau today was a sunny day.
The wind was east and weaken.
The sea condition was calm.
The water temperature was 32 ° C and the air temperature was 28 ° C.
The water temperature was the highest in recent days.
We had 2 boats

 

 

Although out coming tide at German Channel, the visibility was pretty good.
Today, it was comfortable warm water temperature.
We saw 3 Manta-Rays.
All of them had cleaning at the cleaning station.
We were surprised because so many Whitetongue jacks there.

 

 

The 2nd dive was at new drop off.
It was almost no current.
We shifted with very relax mood and enjoy to watch small cute fish on the reef.
2nd half of dive, we saw many Redbelly yellowtail fusilier and school of Bigeye barracuda.
Also many turtles were seen.

 

 

It was good outgoing tide at Blue Corner.
We used hook and enjoyed to watch sharks at the hooking station.
Big flock of Bigeye barracuda was coming towards us.
The visibility was good and we can see more than 100 Moorish Idol at the top of the corner area.
Giant trevallys, Whitetip sharks and Humphead wrasse were under preying.
We up & surfaced after watching flock of Bigeye trevally and school of Barracuda.

 

 

 

Jan 20 2019

It was clear sky sunny day in Palau.
Because the wind became the easterly wind, the western point was no problem.
Air Temperature was 32 ℃
The Water temperature was 26 ℃ to 27 ℃ (It was pretty cold).
Wind was southeast to east.
We had two boats.
One went to the Shark City in early morning.
They went to dive to see spawning of Red snappers.
My boat went to Blue Corner, Blue Corner and German Channel.

 

 

It was good outgoing tide at Blue Corner.
There were lots of Grey Reef Sharks at the hooking station.
It looks just “the shark river”!
The water temperature there was 25!
Very cold!
We also saw 4 very big Dogtooth tuna.
There were about 300 hundreds of Moorish Idol flocked at top of the corner.

 

 

2nd dive was again, Blue Corner.
The current was bit weaker than 1st dive.
Thus we can watch flock of Moorish Idol, Tuna and Sharks very easy.
Both dives were very exciting dive.

 

 

3rd dive was at GermanChannel.
We had seen a Manta-Ray for several times.
Maybe there were 3 Manta-Rays today.
We saw them when she just passed through rather than stay cleaning station.
Tide became upcoming after we saw her.
Big flock of Double-lined fusilier was so spectacular!
And we saw 10 big Blackfin Barracudas and school of Whitetongue jack and Bigeye barracuda.

 

 

Early morning had a big hit
They saw the perfect spawning of Red snappers,
Also 4 bull sharks confirmed.

 

 

 

Jan 19 2019

Today’s Palau had a nice sunrise from morning …
Warm sunshine will also be given down.
It was a pleasant sunny day all day long.
We had one boat today.
I went to Grassland, Sias Corner and Ulong Channel.
The water temperature was 28 ° C, the air temperature was around 27 ° C.

 

 

Today ‘s Grassland,
It was okay with good visibility!
There was no other group there, only us.
We enjoyed to watch Randoll’s Shrimp goby on the sandy bottom.
Because of sunshine & good visibility, we could take good picture at ease.
There was no Manta-Ray coming, but there were lots of fish.
Many of Bigeye barracuda, Whitetongue jack and some scads were seen.
Also I saw Big barracuda swam around us.
Other team saw flock of Moorish Idol in shallow water area.

 

 

Second dive to Sias Corner.
It was very slow outgoing tide and we enjoyed slow & relax dive.
Flock of Peach fairy basslet and Purple queen were very beautiful!
Thanks for sunshine!
We could come close to Green humphead parrotfish and turtles.
Big flock of Pyramid butterflyfish were seen before arrive the hooking station.
Also school of Redbelly yellowtail fusilier was fantastic!
We saw 4 big Dogtooth tuna, 5 Yellowspotted trevally and Silver Tip Shark after hooking station area.
Wow!

 

 

The third dive was at Ulong Channel.
Immediate we entry, we saw big school of scad.
And we saw big school of Bigeye trevally.
They flocked from the bottom of the reef to the surface, it looked like “fish tower”.
Then they changed their shape Spherically like a ball.
Too many of them!
When we went to the entrance of the channel, we saw big ball of Red snapper.

 

 

 

Jan 18 2019

It was overcast in Palau.
Rain and cloudiness and wind continued.
It will become usual hot weather Palau if the wind passes quickly again (but didn’t).
The water was not so cold, it become cold after dive, so please take something against the cold.
The water temperature was 28 ° C, the air temperature was around 26 ° C.
I want to see clear sky.
We had 2 boats went to Ngemeris area.
I dived at Ngemeris wall, Blue Corner and German Channel today.

 

At Ngemeris Wall, I saw a good size of Zebra Shark.
She is pretty rare in Palau.
Her eyes are small against her size and looks very cute.
Additionally many turtles were seen.

 

It was upcoming tide at Blue Corner.
Many Bigeye trevallys and Grey Reef Sharks and a Humphead wrasse were seen.
Then group of Dogtooth tuna were coming.
8 Dogtooth tuna were seen.
It was easy to watch them because they swam very slow.
And..
One big size Dogtooth tuna appeared!
Always something special was happen in Blue Corner.

 

At German Channel, we saw one Manta Ray was passing in front of us.
We came to there afternoon, it was outgoing tide.
The tide is not always flow as expected, but it is also fun with it that it does not go as planned 🙂
Sometimes all we saw Manta-Ray, sometimes not, sometimes only some diver saw.
We not always saw Manta-Ray.
Therefore, when you see Manta-Ray you get a big impression.

 

I am looking forward to seeing what I can see.
The weather will be better tomorrow.
See you tomorrow!

 

 

 

Jan 17 2019

It was cloudy & rainy sometimes sunny, change a lot in a day.
Cloudy when dive, rain while on the move.
And at the end of all dives it was sunny.
The temperature is 29 ° C, the water temperature is 28 ° C.
The wind was still strong and feel chilly on the boat.
Boat court is essential.
Please do not forget to bring it.
We had 2 boats today.
My boat went to Grassland and Ulong Channel.

 

Another boat went to Sias Corner.
It was good visibility and saw tremendous of sharks!
There were so many sharks as divers were hidden by sharks and could not be seen divers.
They went to Ngemeris area after Sias Corner.

 

 

My team went to Ulong Channel.
It was slow dive with good visibility.
I was looking for baby sharks and found them!
The number of them were decrease but they flocked and were so cute!
It was easy understand their size because some adult sharks were among them and can compare size.

 

 

Another team on my boat saw swimming huge flocked sharks like a river.
“The river of Grey Reef sharks”.
It was so spectacular!
Of course we were able to see hundreds of Moorish Idol.
It increased more than yesterday and this was also fantastic !
Big flocking Moorish Idol is worth seeing.

 

 

Silver chips also appeared a Grey Reef sharks! !

It was easily distinguishable, because of her silver fin tips.

 

 

 

 

Jan 15 2019

It was still windy but sunny day today.
We had 2 boats, both went to Ngemeris.
Temperature was 30 ℃, water temperature was 27 ℃.
I went to German Channel and Blue Corner.

 

 

We enjoyed to watch Manta-Ray at cleaning site.
To Manta coming up to our eyes.
We were busy taking pictures!
Furthermore, our favorite the black Manta-Ray appeared.
Black Manta-Ray is so popular and she can not get enough time to have cleaning all the time.
We were super lucky because this time we watch her long time.
After that it was a happy diving wrapped around the flock of Bigeye trevally and Bigeye barracuda.

 

 

The second dive to the blue corner
When we started dive, Black and white snapper and Bigeye trevally flocked like a wall!
It is a season to watch huge flock of Moorish Idol.
Every dive group heading to them striving to be first.

 

 

Although a Moorish Idol is a common habitat, once they flocked a lot, it become very powerful.

 

 

 

 

Jan 14 2019

Today was a sunny but the wind was a bit stronger through the day.
Temperature was 29 ℃, water temperature was 28 ℃ to 27 ℃
It was bright because it was sunny, but windy.
It was a little rough surface in some places.
It would be good idea to secure your light belongings to avoid flown out.
We had 3 boats.
One started in early morning to Peleliu, 2nd one went to Ngemeris, my boat went to Ulong area.

 

The Peleliu team was hit!
They saw flock of Giant trevally, Bull shark and Silky shark.
And..
A Blue Marlin!
It was breathtaking dive in Peleliu.

 

 

The Ngemeris team got dance of hundreds of Moorish Idol.
The water temp was not too cold.

 

 

Our Ulong team also saw 150 to 200 Moorish Idol.
No other boat was not coming, we had Ulong to ourselves.
Also many sharks were seen, most of them swam in deep area.
Maybe because the water temperature got warmer, they went to deep place.
Number of Moorish Idol became increased and will be more increase.

 

 

 

Jan 12 2019

Today was the start from sunny weather.
Temperature was 30 ℃, water temperature was from 26 ℃ to 29 ℃
The wind was getting weaker, so it was warm!
When the weather is nice, my feeling become fine as well.
We had 3 boats and all boats went to Ulong area.
I went to Sias Tunnel, Grassland and Sias Corner.

 

 

Every boat saw a rare fish today!
Saw Manta-Ray at Grassland, others saw Thresher Shark and Silvertip shar

 

 

At Sias Tunnel, Scads were many than usual and they swam around in the tunnel.
And the topography was beautiful.
The tunnel was blue and it was fantastic.
I showed many Sea slug than usual.

 

 

At Grassland, there were few dive group.
We enjoyed to watch well ells.
Also some batfish were seen when we had safety stop.

 

 

Last to Sias Corner.
It was outgoing tide and moderate current.
Many Grey Reef sharks were seen.
And..
We saw one Silvertip shark!
She was cool!

 

 

 

Jan 11 2019

Today was the start from cloudy sky.
The temperature was 28 ℃, the water temperature was 26 ℃ to 28 ℃.
I saw an interval of clear weather at lunchtime.
The wind was still strong, but it was nice tropical atmosphere.
The west part of diving area had no problem, because wind blow from east.
We had 3 boats, all went to Ngemeris area.
My team went to German Channel, Blue Corner and New Drop-off today.

 

 

There were lots of fish at German Channel.
We saw many flock of Bigeye barracuda, Bigeye trevally and Whitetongue jack.
It seems that Dusky-finned bulleye was gradually increasing the number!
The batfish were also flocking by the shallow one, it was beautiful.
Manta was moving on the upper layer or in the middle layer of the water.
Some of my divers saw them and some were not.

 

 

It was outgoing tide and started from the north at Blue Corner.
We enjoyed slow dive and saw regular member fish like Barracuda, Bigeye trevally, Turtle, Sharks, Humphead wrasse and so on.
Other group saw flock of Giant trevally and big Bull shark.
Bull shark is quite bold and it is very impressive.
Blue Corner is still most popular dive site in Palau because of kinds and amount of fish.

 

 

Last to the New Drop Off.
Tide was outgoing and was getting strong.
So many sharks at the hooking point.
Flock of sharks swam like river!

 

 

All of dive sites today was not good visibility.

 

 

Jan 10 2019

Today I went to the Ulong area in pretty strong wind.
The weather was not good and it was cloudy diving throughout, but …
It was a big excitement diving content to blow it away.
Temperature was 28℃, water temperature was 27 ℃
We had one boat and went to Ulong Cliff, Sias Corner and Aquarium.

 

 

The first dive went to Ulong Cliff.
Due to the wind, the surface of the water was white turbid.
It became acceptable visibility when we down to certain depth.
The quantity of fish had been a bit decrease than usual.
But a hundred of Gray Reef Shark’s child swam around were seen.
Also I saw around 30 of Batfish.

 

 

The second dive to Sias Corner.
Dive along the reef walls we saw flocking of tremendous amounts of Pyramid butterflyfish and Bartail fusilier.
On the reef shelf, a large amount of Peach fairy basslet were so beautiful.
We’d got good current and reached to hooking station, there were many sharks!
So many Grey Reef Sharks were just in front of me!
And I found one big Silver tip shark among of them.
I’m always see her in a deep place and I look down her,
Today I was satisfied with good visibility.
Even so, it is a huge and beautiful shark! !
If you go to the Sias Corner, you must look for her!

 

 

The third dive to the Aquarium of our original dive point.
Aquarium is known as there is a tremendous amount of Yellowfin goatfish and Two-spot snapper.
We saw many of them today!
Double-lined fusilier was also flocked.
It looked like flow of a big river!
School of Bigeye barracuda were also flocked with them.
Also I saw about herd of 50 beautiful Batfish.
All guests were impressed by the thickness of fish!
It is exactly an aquarium! !

 

 

 

Jan 9 2019

I felt water was cold today.
Although air temperature was 30 ℃, the water temperature lowest was 26 ℃.
Today we had 3 boats.

 

 

One boat went to Peleliu and other 2 went to Ngemeris area.
My team went dive at German Channel, Virgin Hole and Blue Corner.

 

 

We saw good number of Manta-Rays at German Channel.
The visibility was getting better.
4 Manta-Rays were not actually being cleaned but I found them swam around cleaning station.
Also many kind of fish there, Jacks, Barracudas, sharks and batfish were flocked.

 

 

We had the Virgin Hole to ourselves.
The shallow area was 29 degrees, but it was cold 26 degrees on the bottom.
The visibility was so nice!
While trembling in the cold we were watching some Randoll’s Shrimp goby 🙂
They are so cute, and we saw the shrimp tried to keep their hole clean.

 

 

It was pretty strong outgoing tide at Blue Corner.
There were many sharks at hooking point.
I found one big fat Grey Reef Shark.
It seemed she is pregnant.
Also here, many of Yellowspotted trevally, Bigeye trevally, Bigeye barracudas,
Tuna, Turtle, so many fish were seen.

 

 

Another Ngemaris boat saw extra big size of Giant trevally.
Peleliu team saw Bull Shark in flock of Giant trevally.

 

 

 

Jan 8 2019

We had 3 boats, 1 boat went to Ngemeris area and 2 went to Ulong area.
I went to Grassland, Sias Tunnel and Sias Corner.
The temperature was 29 ℃, water temperature was 27-28 ℃.

 

Ngemeris team had good chance to see 5-6 Manta-Rays to themselves.

 

It was a bit low visibility at Grassland.
But we had Grassland to ourselves.
No Manta-Ray was seen this time.
I showed many kind of clownfish to divers.
Also we enjoyed to watch swimming herd of Pyramid butterflyfish and school of Whitetongue jack.

 

I came to Sias Tunnel after a long absence.
I found pretty boxfish and Lion fish.
And saw many Bigeye trevally at deeper bottom.
Helfrichs’ dartfish, Elegant firefish and Gorgonian goby were seen on sandy bottom.
Also I saw Candy Dwarf Gobi was seen at exit of tunnel.
Many Gobby were seen at Sias Tunnel.
Before leaving the tunnel, flock of Redbelly yellowtail fusilier and Bartail fusilier reflect sunshine.
It was so beautiful!
We enjoyed a unique Sias Tunnel’s terrain.

 

After entry, the tide had changed at Sias Corner.
We swam a bit against current and we saw fish became more and more.
We saw many of Bigeye barracuda, Black and white snapper on above barracudas and herd of Dusky-finned bulleye on left side.
Some of Grey Reef Sharks, Yellowspotted trevally, Bluefin trevally and Dogtooth tuna were chasing them.
The beautiful African pompano came very close! !
That long fin, shiny body, eyed eyes are very cute
And today many Turtles were seen pretty well.
Total was 3, and all they were Hawksbill.
Turtles were crazy about dining and divers were able to take pictures of them as many as they want.
Again it looks like a Godzilla face compared to green sea turtle, it is cool.
When I arrived in the hooking area, I also had many fish!
I could not see special sharks, but Redbelly yellowtail fusilier, Bartail fusilier were crowded and it was becoming a wonderful “shine” area.
The last was also we were rolled up by Bigeye barracuda and surfaced.
It was diving with many fish shoots from beginning to end.

 

The Clayton team saw Silver Chip Shark.

 

 

 

Jan 7 2019

We had 3 boats, all boats went to Ngemeris area.
I went to German Channel, New Drop-off and Blue Corner today.

 

It was outgoing tide and the current became stronger at German Channel.
The visibility became low due to down current from the channel.
But we enjoyed to watch 3 Manta-Rays that passed over us.
It was good because they came back again and again.
Also flock of Bigeye barracuda were seen.
Because of strong down current, we shifted to drop-off side and watching some crown fish and gobby then surfaced.

 

It was outgoing tide and very little current at New Drop-off.
We started from south side.
Some Yellowspotted trevallys were attacking to big flock of Double-lined fusilier was seen.
Lots of fish were seen at New Drop-off today.
The current had changed direction when we arrived the hooking area.
Many fish were flowing with current and we could see many of them.
Also we enjoyed to watch many Shark’s child.

 

Last dive today was Blue Corner.
It was outgoing tide, we started from the north.
We saw big school of Bigeye trevally, they were dense and made good shape.
With reflect sun shine, they were very beautiful.
Here was also many Double-lined fusilier were chased

by Yellowspotted trevallys and Giant trevallys.
Herd of Yellow and blueback fusilie were very beautiful specially today.
I heard the sound of “do-om!”, this is the sound of Yellowspotted trevally attack fusilier.
I like this moment unbearably.
May be a lot of predators were coming to the shallow because the water temperature was low.
Also Humphead wrasse was very friendly.

 

 

 

Jan 5 2019

 

Today was the start from cloudy
It was a cold day when the rain came when the boat run.
But it turned to sunny, blue sky in the afternoon.
The sun was back and became warm.
Palau came back as “tropical weather”!
We had 2 boats and both went to Ngemeris area.
My boat went to Shark City, Blue Corner and German Channel.

 

Shark City had a little swell but visibility was good.
There were many barracuda, Bigeye barracuda and Giant barracuda.
Flock of Threadfin butterflyfish were gathered, and it was beautiful.
Almost 100 of them flocked.
Several different butterflyfish were mixed, but they didn’t know that different.
I saw a Grey Reef Shark swam around us.
And..at the end of dive, we saw one Silver Tip Shark!
She was not so big, but we were very happy to see her.

 

2nd dive was Blue Corner.
It was upcoming tide.
We enjoyed to watch regular members like Bigeye trevally, Barracuda and Humphead wrasse.
Again also here, the butterfly mixes were beautiful.
I also saw Threadfin butterflyfish and Saddleback butterflyfish.
Also some of Moorish Idol were seen.
The butterfly was awesome and it was amazingly beautiful.
Group of Yellowspotted trevally and Giant trevally chased and attacked Jacks.
It was spectacular scene.

 

Last dive today was at German Channel.
OK! We saw 8 Manta-Rays!
They were swam around to prey eating Plankton.
Huge amount of Double-lined fusilier were seen.
It seemed like “fish wall”.
I guess new moon coming soon and that is why they flocked so many.
I’m glad that it was good!

 

 

 

Jan 4 2019

It was heavy rain in the morning and became overcast.
Today was perfect weather for the people who do not want suntan.
Water temperature: 28 ℃
Temperature: 25 ℃ ~ 28 ℃
Today had 3 boats.

 

One boat started early in the morning to see spawning scene at Grassland.
They got entered with perfect timing!
Spawning started immediately, they got water.
They enjoyed to watch mass of Green humphead parrotfish’s spectacular spawning scene.

 

 

2nd boat went to Ngemeris area.
They saw 8 Manta-Rays at German Channel!
The season of Manta-Ray’s prediction is coming now!

 

 

My boat also went to Ngemeris.
We had dive at German Channel and Blue Corner.

 

At German Channel, we were the only group at there.
And.. we saw 3 Manta-Rays at the cleaning station.
They swam around and over us.
Also today’s German Channel was good visibility!
It was rare and clear.
We enjoyed to watch Manta-Rays for more than 15 minutes.
After watch them, we shifted to other and saw school of Dusky-finned bulleye,

flock of Luminous cardinalfish and Big-eyed soldierfish, quick swam many Double-lined fusiliers, sharks and a Hawksbill.
We saw a Manta-Ray again before to surface.

 

 

It was upcoming tide at Blue Corner.
I found 20 of Harlequin sweetlips under the ridge of coral wall.
They were so cute and fashionable.
We got gentle but nice current to the corner.
I saw 4 big Dogtooth tuna, some Grey Reef Sharks came towards us!
At the hook point, there were many Grey Reef Sharks, Whit tip sharks and flock of Black and white snapper.
Recently the flocks of butterfly fish is my favorite.
Many of Pacific double-saddle butterflyfish and Pyramid butterflyfish were seen on the reef wall.
Alway they heal me, thank you!
After watching them, we shifted to near the channel entrance.
Suddenly Humphead wrasse appeared when we saw the huge group of ell on the sand bottom.
Big school of Barracuda, Bigeye barracuda and Bigeye trevally were seen and went into them!
We had this spectacular scene to ourselves!
At last we saw and say good-by to a Green Sea Turtle.

 

 

 

Jan 3 2019

 

We had 3 boats today.
My boat started early and went to Grassland, Sias Corner and St. Cardinal (request diver only).

 

At Grassland, Green humphead parrotfish were already gathered.
Briefing and entering,
Spawning started immediately!
We enjoyed to watch their spectacular spawning scene.

 

 

2nd dive was at Sias Corner.
It was good visibility with good outgoing tide.
Recently we saw many fish at Sias Corner.
When I hooked, the spectacular scene was there!
Big Dogtooth tuna, Yellowspotted trevally chased herd of scad & Double-lined fusilier.
A flock of more than 30sharks!
We saw their attack scene.
We had Sias Corner to ourselves.
While we enjoyed to watch them, the Hummer Head Shark appeared!
The size of her was twice bigger than Grey Reef Shark.
She was swimming elegantly and went away.

 

 

3rd dive was only for requested diver only and went to St. Cardinal.
We enjoyed taking Photograph of small fish like Mottled blennys.

 

 

It was a fantastic day, we saw huge parrotfish’s spawning, big Hummer Head shark and cute blennys.

 

 

 

Jan 2 2019

 

It was sunny today!
It was a start from a nice weather.
The wind was still blowing, but the weather feels good!
It was warm.
I saw some rain cloud in some places, but I could avoid it.
Temperature was 31 ℃, water temperature was 29 ℃
It was comfortable.
Cold water came from the bottom, but it was only for a short period of time.
We had 3 boats and all boats went to Ngemeris area.
My boat went to Blue Corner/Ngemeris wall, German Channel and Blue Corner.

 

 

Blue Corner had good outgoing tide.
We enjoyed to watch a Humphead wrasse, herd of Bigeye trevally and school of Barracuda.
Other team of my boat went to Ngemeris wall.
They enjoyed to watch some turtles and did slow dive with mild current.

 

 

It was perfect encounter with Manta-Ray at German Channel.
I saw a small Manta-Ray who seemed to have been a soon ago.
She was been at cleaning station.
What a really pretty cute she is!
She was quite small and seemed friendly.
We saw other big adult Manta-Ray as well.
Also 3 more Manta-Rays were seen, they were swimming predation.
School of Double-lined fusilier and Black and white snapper were eating the plankton.
And a Giant trevally was swimming to look for her prey.
Many scads were attacked by some Yellowspotted trevallys at the near bottom.
It was quite a fantastic scene!

 

 

Last dive today was at Blue Corner.
The current was same as 1st dive, it was outgoing tide.
Many hunters were booming!
They were Yellowspotted trevallys, Giant trevallys and Sharks.
Flock of Orangespine unicornfish were still seen at the tip of corner.
Also we saw flock of Bignose unicornfish on the way to top of the corner.
All because of new moon is coming soon.

 

Today, Other Team (Tominaga’s group) saw 8 Blue Marlins!!!
Jackpot early in this year!
Always we don’t know what will come out.
The diving in Palau is alway spectacular.

 

 

Dec 31 2018

 

Today is the last diving in 2018.
The weather was sunny!
Wind was the northeast with the best weather!
Although it shakes a little on the way, and the dive sites remains some swell, but I was able to use a buoy without problems.
Temperature is 32 ℃, water temperature is 29 ℃ Comfortable diving.
The visibility was generally good.
It was a pleasant day.
We had 3 boats all went to Ngemeris area.
My boat went to Blue Hole to Corner, German Channel and Blue Hole today.

 

The Buoy was still broken at Blue Hole.
We slowly and carefully started dive near Buoy site without using the buoy.
It was murky at only shallow area due to a swell, but it was nice other area.
I showed to my divers fish of classic in the hole, Harlequin grouper, Diagonal-banded sweetlips, some lionfish and Flashing file shell.
Other group was coming after us and getting crowded, I took my group to the Corner.
It was nice gentle current, was really good!
We saw many fish and enjoy drift with good visibility.

 

 

We had whole German Channel to ourselves.
Of course the Manta-Rays were there.
They are swam around the cleaning station.
Some times they came up with us very close!
We saw total 2 Manta-Rays today.
Also we saw spectacular scene with a oversized Dogtooth tuna chased and attacked herd of scad.
It was a German full of fish! !

 

 

The last round ends with a Blue Corner again!
It was strong outgoing tide.
We were drifting with the current and I stopped looking for a weak flow then shows,
Bigeye trevally, Bigeye barracuda and Humphead wrasse.
Drifted and surfaced with watching Barracuda.

 

 

Dec 30 2018

 

The temperature was 31 air and 28 degree water.
We had 3 boats and all boats went to Ulong area.
I went to Ulong Cliff to Channel, Grassland and Sias Corner.

 

There were a lot of fish at the cliff.
It was good incoming tide.
Dogtooth tuna, Grey Reef Sharks and Humphead wrasse were seen.
I saw a mass of scad were chased & attacked by Bluefin trevally & Sharks.
Also school of Black and white snapper, batfish, Red snapper, Bartail fusilier, Redbelly yellowtail fusilier and Double-lined fusilier were seen at middle depth.
It Just this was “a fish heaven”
After 10 minutes we went into the entrance of the channel.
20 to 30 baby sharks were there.
It was a bit far away.
We enjoyed good drift dive and off course we enjoyed to watch Cabbage coral as well.

 

 

2nd dive was at Grassland.
Unfortunately we couldn’t see any Manta-Rays.
But we saw some Yellowspotted trevallys were chasing a big tornado of scad.
It was a very spectacular scene.
We saw many Garden Eels.
It was not only Spotted garden eel but also Spaghetti garden eel.
Spaghetti Garden eel is very unique.
She is very longer than others.
It is like a “Udon (Japanese pasta)”.
I saw big a moray (eel) at near Luminous cardinalfish’s nest.
She was also there last time, may be she likes to stay there.
We had a safety stops with watching school of Barracuda.

 

 

We went to Sias Corner for today’s last dive.
It was good outgoing tide.
Many of Peach fairy basslet, other basslets and Pyramid butterflyfish were seen on the reef and along with reef wall.
Then suddenly four bog Dogtooth tuna were coming towards us!
They were passing us and gone to the deep area.
What a amazing scene!
At the hooking area, there some swell still there, but we saw many sharks.
Also a flock of Black and white snapper passed by.
I saw a Hawksbil was eating a grass.
After we shifted to 2nd hooking station.
There were many kinds of predators there.
We saw many sharks, Yellowspotted trevallys and Dogtooth tuna.
We were the only one at the 2nd station.
It was like we stay all to ourselves.

 

 

Dec 29 2018

The weather today was fine!
It was very fine weather.
The wind was changing to East.
The swell became weaker and will disappear soon.
I went to Ngemeris area today.
There were still some swell, but we can use a buoy depend on the location.
The temperature was 32 ° C and the water was variation in temperature.
Some cold water came up from deep area and lowest was 25 ℃.
It was quite chilly.
We had 2 boats.

 

The 1st dive today was at Blue Corner.
It was outcoming tide.
The visibility was good enough, true blue!
There were lots of fish!
Tuna, Mackerel, sharks and big boys were all in the hooking area.
A big Humphead wrasse was coming closely and we were very happy.
Also a group of barracuda and a Bigeye barracuda were seen.
We still be able to see flock of Orangespine unicornfish.
They were chased by sharks and swam back and forth very quickly.
I saw a Spinetail devil ray in the offshore!

 

 

2nd dive was at German Channel.
We saw a big Manta-ray.
She came nearly as close to being beaten us by her fins.
Four Manta-Rays were seen by other team they came at a different timing.
There were many kinds of trevally here.
Bigeye trevally, Whitetongue jack, Big-eye scad, Yellowspotted trevally, Bluefin trevally, Giant trevally were seen.

 

 

The last dive to New Drop-off.
The visibility was slightly down.
When we started there was some against current, but it soon after changed to follow current.
Many fish were flocked by swell at a drop-off.
Many of Double-lined fusilier, sharks, Black and white snappers and Red snappers were seen.
I saw herd of Bluebanded snapper tried to swim against the strong current.
About 100 of Orangespine unicornfish were swimming very quick were seen.

 

 

 

Dec 28 2018

Today was the start from good weather ☆
The wind had been weakened and it seems that the sea situation can be better.
The sky was sunny!
The wind became weak.
Our boat went to the west side area.
The temperature was 30 ℃, the water temperature was 29 ℃.
Enough warm today.
But still there was cold water near the bottom some places.
The water seems divided into 2 layers, cold & warm.
Also visibility was still not good because of some swell still there.
We had 3 boats.
My boat and other went to Ulong area, the other went to Ngemeris.
I went to Ulong Cliff, Grassland and Sias Corner.

 

At Ulong Cliff, Predator event had been holding by some Dogtooth tuna.
They were chasing at full speed.
Some Bluefin trevallys and Yellowspotted trevallys were joined.
Also sharks were joined.
It was so spectacular because it was so close.
There were a lot of Double-lined fusilier.
It was like a squall.
Also flocking batfish were seen.

 

 

There were huge amount of Barracuda and Trevallys at Grassland.
School of Barracuda togethered with Trevallys.
There were several size of Barracuda mixed and seemed more numbers.
Although the visibility was good, water was cold 26 degrees.
The shallow area was warm, but it was less visibility.

 

 

Today’s last dive was at Sias Coner.
It was good visibility.
And there were more fish, also more sharks.
I saw a spectacular scene at the top of the corner.
Many sharks chased & attacked to mass of filefish.
May be filefish is season for spawining and less moved.
Also I saw a Hawksbill concentrating on meals.
We had a safety stops with watching school of Barracuda.

 

 

Dec 28 2018

 

Today was raining from the cloudy sky.
But as soon as I started raining soon and it had been sunny all the time!
Recently the wind and rain continues due to the effect of low pressure.
Temperature is 29 ° C, water temperature is 29 ° C.
After get into the water, it was comfortable.
on the way back, it was raining a little bit.
But just a short period.
We had 2 boats today.

 

My boat went to Ngerchong Outside, Stadium and W Reef.
Huge herd of Double-lined fusilier were seen at Ngerchong Outside.
Due to southern strong wind, the surface was rough not only South-West, but also East side.

 

I conducted introductory dive course at Ngermeaus Island.
My divers were healed by watching Black Tip Sharks, Remora and Anemone fish.
Just like fun dive, we also saw baby squid,
We saw a Hawksbill and many fish.
We enjoyed introductory dive with relax mood.

 

 

Dec 26 2018

 

Today was the start from a nice feeling blue sky!
But the wind was still blowing
The wind was from the southwest.
The west side was pretty rough.
If you are the person who is easy to get sea sick, you should have medicine.
Temperature about 30 ℃, water temperature from 29 ℃ to 25 ℃ depend on place.
There was a place where cold water come.
The visibility was decreased due to the effect of a swell.
We had 2 boat both went to Ngemeris area.

 

 

It was good number of Manta-Rays at German Channel.
We were able to see Manta-Rays at the cleaning station.
And they were swam slowly and came nearby.
It was not bad visibility, we saw not only many fish but also many divers 🙂
I was very busy because many kinds of fish came in one time, .
We saw Tuna, Barracuda and some Jacks.

 

 

I introduced to my divers about some kind of cute fish at Big Drop-off.
Some angelfish, basslet and Hawkfish anthias were quite elegant.
Squarespot snthias can also be seen at only 15 meters depth.
It is interesting that she has a nickname “Salonpas” (pain relief patches).
By the way, I saw a Sea slug and her nickname is “Nico Nico sea slug”.
Nico Nico means “smile” in Japanese.
What a happy name!
A big green turtle was also seen.
It was very colorful dive.

 

 

Last dive to German Drop-off.
A Manta-Ray was seen again!
The shallow depth was 29 degrees, but it was 25 degrees some places, very chilly!
It was good visibility, but need fight against cold water 🙂

 

 

 

Dec 25 2018

Merry Christmas!

 

 

Today it rained from the morning, but it was cloudy when the boat departed, after which a sunny day gradually came out.
The temperature was 30 air and 29 degree water, wind was from East.
We had 2 boats, my boat went to Ulong area, the other went to Ngemeris area.

 

We went to Ulong Channel for the 1st dive.
There was no other boat, we started from inside the Channel.
There was gentle current in the channel.
Flock of Dusky-finned bulleye and some White tip sharks were seen.
When I came close to near the famous cabbage coral, the current gradually became stronger.
I felt “this is drift dive! “.
It feels like flying.

 

2nd dive was at Ulong Cliff.
About 30 batfish had been gathered.
I was able to watch the Dogtooth tuna at close range.
We have seen lots of fish like herd of Bartail fusilier, Redbelly yellowtail fusilier and school of Bigeye barracuda.

 

3rd dive was Irou (Wreck dive).
This ship is quite a big wreck!
The length is 150m.
There some places we can get enter, it feels adventurous!
The colony of Dusky Anemones fish was also Christmas mood.
It was crowded with.

 

 

 

Dec 24 2018

Merry Xmas!
All staff are wearing and dive with a Santa hat in the Christmas days 🙂

Palau was cloudy in the morning, sometimes rain.
I missed the sun and it was a little chilly.
The temperature was 24-29 air and 26-28 degree water.
We had 2 boats and both had gone to Ngemeris.

 

 

We started dive with incoming tide at New Drop-off.
There was very weak current at the first time then it was stopped.
We dive along the coral wall because there was some swell, and looked for sharks.
Many of Pyramid butterflyfish and Redbelly yellowtail fusilier were seen.
Also Purple queen and Yellow stripe Antius were there.
I saw flock of Gold-lined sea-beam & Bluebanded snapper.
They are of course also in the Blue Corner, but flock and the flocking groups are different as the location changes.
Today it looked more hardened.
Also I saw some small fish like fry of Yellowtail coris, Ring-eyed hawkfish and some crown fish.
Some Bignose unicornfish had been cleaning their body on a coral.
When we reached the hooking area, here was also a fish heaven.
Pyramid butterflyfish, Redbelly yellowtail fusilier, Yellow and blueback fusilie
It was flattery as it was unusual. It was already crushy.
The moment when the herd swims all at once to change direction was fantastic!

 

 

At the German Channel, we saw 4 Manta-Rays.
After that we also saw 3 Manta-Rays from our side & above.
They were back and forth by us.

 

 

After Lunch we went to Blue Corner.
It was gentle outgoing tide.
First we saw Grey Reef Sharks and White tip sharks.
In Palau you can see sharks like it is natural.
And today a Humphead wrasse played with us a lot.
We encountered a great horde of Orangespine unicornfish!
About 200 – 300 them had come and go on the reef edge.

 

 

Dec 22 2018

Palau had clouds in the morning, but it did not rain,
It was a pleasant day that we pick up in the second half and have sunny days.
We had 3 boats.
The temperature was 31 air and 29 degree water.
Our boat went to Ngemeris area.

 

 

At German Channel, on the way to the cleaning station, I found one Manta-ray came towards us.
As soon as I arrive at the station there were 2 Manta-Rays.
After that, another two Manta-Rays had come to clean.
It was so close that it was too close!
There were also 4 Manta-Rays passing through.
Today was top-notch German Channel!
In addition, I saw a big mass of Dusky-finned bulleye, school of Bigeye trevally, Grey Reef Sharks and Whit tip sharks in very near.
Also a huge flock of Bigeye trevally were seen just before end of this dive.

 

 

2nd dive was at Blue Hole.
A sunshine before entry was the sign of welcome!
I introduced of fish before entering.
Harlequin sweetlips was still there.
Personally I like that dot pattern is unique and stylish.
Afterwards a pair of Fire goby and cute Big-eyed soldierfish with big eyes,
and male is popular such as Squarespot snthias etc.
Wall diving has infinite possibilities!
A Lionfish was seen at the entrance of the hole.
Huge number of Atoll butterflyfish and there were also a turmeric Flashing file shell
shining brightly.
The hole was almost to ourselves.
When I looked up the four holes, it feels good.
It was like in a heaven (I’ve never been there 🙂 )
Also I saw some Rock shrimps and Randall’s fairy basslets before surfaced.

 

 

Last dive today was at Blue Corner.
We started with gentle outgoing tide.
There was small swell but it was just little and it was OK.
As soon as we entry, we saw big Barracudas.
As you got closer to the hooking area, sharks showed up more and more.
Even though I know that usually they are safe, but it was too close and I was scared.
In addition to this, Hawksbill and some Black and white snappers were seen.
Off course friendly Humphead wrasse was there and she played with us.
Flock of Bigeye barracuda surround us.
They pushed down herd of Bluebanded snapper & Gold-lined sea-beam on the reef.
As if missing goodbye, the Hawksbill & Humphead wrasse came to the end with us.
Well, I do not want to exit!

 

 

Dec 21 2018

It was fine weather today!
It was a refreshing day.
There was still a little wind, so some places were a bit shaky.
But today was sunny, and it was warm.
The temperature was 30 air and 29 degree water.
It was comfortable diving day.
We had 3 boats today.
One boat was for special dive, they went to Shark City, Peleliu and German Channel.
2nd boat went to Ulong area, 3rd boat went to Ngemeris area.

 

Special dive boat start early.
They saw the spawning eggs of Red snappers perfectly at Shark City.
Also many Grey Reef Sharks and Blacktip Sharks were seen.

 

 

2nd dive was at Peleliu.
There were lots of Giant trevally, they surrounded us.

 

3rd dive was at German Channel.
They waited until the chance had come and saw tremendous number of Manta-Rays.

 

My group went to Grassland and we also saw a Manta-Ray.
It was good visibility, we were able to enjoy watching her.

 

2nd dive was at Sias Corner.
I saw 5-6 Dogtooth Tunas were chasing flock of Scad & Double-lined fusilier.
Bluefin trevallys, Yellowspotted trevally and Sharks were also attack them.
There were lots of fish in the corner.
I was excited because it was full of fish all along.
Flock of Double-lined fusilier & Pyramid butterflyfish were so beautiful.
We had all Sias Corner to ourselves.

 

3rd dive was at Ulong Channel.
It was gentle incoming tide.
A good number of Red snapper were gathered at both near the waterway entrance and in the channel.
We had relax dive and enjoyed drift dive until reach the beautiful sandy bottom area.

 

 

Dec 20 2018

It was sunny in the morning, but by the time I got the first dive, clouds had spread.
Sometimes it was raining but it was almost cloudy day.
But in the water, it was amazing today!

 

I went to New Drop-off but it was too strong current and I changed to Blue Corner for 1st dive.
With outgoing tide,
Giant trevallys and Bluefin trevallys were somehow excited.
A huge Bigeye barracuda was also turned to black.

 

Before getting into the hooking area, it was somewhat strange current,
When we went on the reef, a flock of Bigeye trevally was seen.
As a gentle tide came in, we moved with them.
Today’s flock of Bigeye trevally was changing their shape in different many times.
It was a beautiful herd.
As usual Humphead wrasse was very friendly.
There were quite a many groups of Pacific double-saddle butterflyfish near the corner.
Moorish Idol were only a little … · · · They were spreading.
Even small amount of them, Giant trevallys, Whitetip sharks and Humphead wrasse were predating Moorish Idol or butterfly fish that ran under a rock.
It was fierce! !
And finally it was finished with a flock of Barracuda.
The current changed, but it was not strong.
We were able to see all regular members in the corner.

 

2nd dive was at New Drop-off.
It was good incoming tide.
Sharks were good number when hooked.
Many Black and white snappers were also flocking.
As the flow was about to change, we moved and watched some Hawksbill and Green sea turtle.
Where the flow has changed the fish were moving with that.
Personally I like this time.
We were riding back with the current and enjoyed to watch flock of Bluebanded snapper and Gold-lined sea-beam.

 

The third dive was a big hit with predation Manta Rays.
How many of them were there in total?
There were 20 or more.
They were predating very aggressive at both underwater and near surface.

 

 

 

Dec 19 2018

I saw lots of cloud but it was no rain today.
The temperature was 31 air and 29 degree water.
We had 2 boats went to Ngemeris.

My boat went to Blue Corner and German Channel.

 

It was mild incoming tide at Blue Corner.
Soon after we start dive, flock of Black and white snapper & Bigeye trevally were seen.
Napoleon was swimming with us for more than 3 minutes and we could observe her carefully and thoroughly.
At the hook point there are 15 Gray Reef Sharks.
Many of them were coming towards us very close, it was very stunning!
A lot of Bigeye Barracuda were seen on the sandy bottom.
Other Big Barracudas & some African pompanos passed over us.
Herd of Bluebanded snapper and Pyramid butterflyfish coloring on the reef.
The super density of fish shades is truly “this is Blue Corner”.

 

Recently Manta is appearing frequently at German Channel, but today was also a great success.
Four Manta-Rays suddenly appeared in a row.
I saw the manta’s double dating.
After we enjoyed Manta’s date and moving a bit, a Black manta headed towards us from the channel.
As she passed through, she went to cleaning point.
When black manta turns, I could see her belly.
She was still small but was a beautiful Black Manta-Ray.

 

Dec 17 2018

It was cloudy, fair weather in Palau.
We had 2 boats, my boat went to Ngemeris area, other went to Ulong area.

 

Today as well, at German Channel, many Manta-rays were dancing for prey.
I saw 6 Manta-rays at sight, total around 10 Manta-rays.
My divers were busy to take photo of them.
When predation was over and courting started.
The male desperately chases the female
Four Manta-rays were courting while swimming in a straight line.
Other Male Manta-ray was approaching Female one while she had cleaning body at cleaning station.
She escaped and running away!
It was fun and powerful scene.

 

2nd dive was at Blue Corner.
It was outgoing tide.
We drifted with a Humphead wrasse.
She swam along with us, and it was so close.
At the hooking area, some sharks & Giant trevallys attacking to the flock of fish were seen.
Also big school of Barracuda was passed over us.
The divers were very satisfied.

 

On the way back to the base, we had pretty strong squall, but everyone did not complain about that, because today’s dives were all fantastic!

 

 

Dec 16 2018

Started with increasingly fine weather today.
The temperature was 31 air and 28 degree water.
We had 3 boats, all boats went to Ngemeris area.

 

My boat went to Blue Hole, Blue Corner.
It was gentle current at Blue Corner.
Because of gentle current, we had easy going slow dive.
We saw flock of Barracuda, Bigeye trevally and Yellowspotted trevally.

 

We had the Hole to ourselves.
Light just came in and the silhouette photos were taken perfect.
We were comfortable and everyone was watching over for a while.
Some Lionfish & Fire gobys were seen in the Hole.

 

We dived Blue Corner again after lunch.
It was outgoing tide.
The current became strong in the latter half.
As soon as we entered, many Grey Reef Sharks & Giant trevallys were seen.
There were lots of sharks at the top of corner area.
This was impressive for me.
In a strong current, Narrow-barred Spanish mackerels swam relaxingly.
Flock of Bluebanded snapper, Gold-lined sea-beam and Big-eyed soldierfish were seen on the reef.
This flocking zone here was amazing for taking photo.
A Hawksbill appeared from the side when we watched the flock.
Finally we saw school of Bigeye Barracuda.

 

Today’s corner was a wonderful flow, a wonderful terrain, and a wonderful flock.

 

 

 

Dec 14 2018

Today’s Palau had less clouds,
Sunny skies of the day all day!

I never took a squall.

Well, it is a dry season!

31 degree air and 29 degree water temp.

We went to German Channel, Blue Corner and New Drop-off.

 

Manta was good number at German channel recently.
Once we arrived at the main station, Manta-rays already swam round there.
They looked comfortable.
Theyslowly swam over the herd of Garden ell.
What a wonderful Manta!
So I was able to take pictures as much as I wanted to take.

There were many mantas, but there were also many divers 🙂

After, we went to  another station and it was a big Manta there!

There was no other group and we enjoy to watch Manta-rays.
A Manta that passed over guest directly with speed.
I saw total of 4 or 5 Manta-Rays.

Also flock of Double-lined fusilier, Dusky-finned bulleye, Luminous cardinalfish, Bigeye trevally and Barracuda were seen.

It was stunning dive.

 

It was incoming tide at Blue Corner.

Big group of Sea chub were seen when we started.

We enjoyed to watch them for a whale.

On the way to the top of corner, I saw some Barracudas, herd of Black and white snapper and school of Bigeye barracuda.

I was a little excited because a Grey Reef Shark came very close.

A Dogtooth tuna swam very slow, some Giant trevallys passed very quick.

The current became weaker or stronger.

Also we enjoyed to watch school of Gold-lined sea-beam & Bluebanded snapper.

 

New Drop-off was also incoming tide.

There were tremendous number of Redbelly yellowtail fusilier.

Contrast between blue and yellow was moving.

A Green Sea Turtle and some Batfish were seen on the reef.

Also I show Pink Anemonefish & Yellow boxfish to my divers.

There were crowd of divers at the top of corner. 🙂

The current became strong and I saw herd of Redtoothed triggerfish tried to swam against the current.

In such circumstances, flock of Pyramid butterflyfish was elegantly swimming.

School of Bluebanded snapper & Peach fairy basslet were also seen.

 

 

 

Dec 12 2018

Started with fine weather.

There were some clouds, but no shower or rain came.

31 degree air and 29 degree water temp.

We had 2 boats, my boat went to Ulong, other to Ngemeris.

 

There was slow current in Ulong Cliff.

Herd of Scad were chased by Bluefin trevallys as usual.

I feel that the number has decreased a little.

I was wonder are they being eaten?

Sharks were also chasing them.

Also flock of baby sharks around them.

The struggle for survival is very keen.

School of batfish was seen at shallow area.

There were lots of Double-lined fusilier.

While a huge group of glucamas flowed, while eating plankton, they were swimming all over this place.

 

I went to Sias Corner for 2nd dive.

Although the current had changed after start, the hooking area had lots of fish! !

Of course there were many Double-lined fusiliers.

Also there were many adult Gray Reef Sharks here.

And today’s Dogtooth tuna was coming very close, she swam very slow.

Even here small flock of Scads were gathered, they were chased by Yellowspotted trevallys and Bluefin trevallys.

Lastly some Mackerels were also join.

This was epic dive.

 

Last dive today was at Aquarium.

The number of Double-lined fusilier was incredible!

It was extremely messy!

This was Double-lined fusilier diving.

We were totally surrounded by them.

Yellowspotted trevallys were also going to aim at here as well.

Also many barracudas were seen at shallow area.

I seemed to be in the aquarium as the name says.

 

 

 

Dec 11 2018

It was a sunny day for a whole day for diving.

Air was 32, water was 29 degrees.

Warm and very comfortable day.

 

We had 2 boats, my boat went to Ulong Cliff, Sias Corner and Grassland.

Still many Bluefin trevallys chased mass of Scad at Ulong Cliff.

Off course some sharks were around there.

I went to Ngerumeaus Island for 2 intro divers.

Although Ngerumeaus is in-reef area, we saw several size of  Grey Reef Sharks.

They swam the boader of sand area & coral area.

Usually they run away quickly, but today they came all the way up to near.

Also several size of Suckfish or Remora were seen after.

Perhaps the sharks also thinks that the Suckfish had become indecisive and gave against divers 🙂

It certainly was about the size of an obstructive level.

Bigger one was standard size of Rainbow runner.

A school of Scad was chased by Bluefin trevallys.

The Scads made solid round and changed their shape.

I didn’t tired to watch this.

 

 

 

Dec 10 2018

Best weather in Palau today.

We had 2 boats.

32/29 degrees air/temp, bit strong North-East wind.

 

1st dive German Channel was a big hit!

Manta-Rays were dancing and they were total nearly 20.
The number was not counted, but it is full of anyhow.

There were lots of plankton, huge number of Double-lined fusilier that ate them was amazing big scale.

 

Near the surface of the water had become a serious thing.
Black and white snappers were prey on the side beside.
Although it was fun even if I saw only here,
Because Manta was spinning ahead of it.
What a luxury!

 

And Black Manta apeared!
Predating side by side.

2nd dive was at Blue Corner.

It was incoming tide.

Breeding sharks were very close! !

Male was following the female so hard.

Humphead wrasses also chased the female and being spawning mode.

Flock of Barracuda were seen at the top of corner.

It was good dive!

 

3rd dive was Blue Coner again.

Tide became weak and the visibility was pretty good.

I saw Tornado of Bigeye trevallys.

The sunlight was beautiful

 

 

 

Dec 8 2018

I work up with the sound of  heavy rain.
It was a tremendous amount of rain.

But it was cloudy when we departed and became clear sky.

At the end it became a nice weather, it seems typical tropical island weather.

We had 2 boats went to Ngemeris area.

 

I went to Virgin Blue Hole for 1st dive.

The surface layer was slightly muddy, but the inside was beautiful clear.

I enjoyed the topography while watching Sea slugs and Randoll’s Shrimp gobys.

When going to the shallow slowly, I found Crocodile flathead, it was easy to take pictures because she was not moving.

 

2nd dive, I went to New Drop-off.

The current was slow outgoing.

Good visibility and lots of fish.

I saw many sharks.

Today flock of Bluebanded snapper were quite gathered and was very beautiful.

 

3rd dive was at Blue Coner.

It was nice outgoing tide.

There were also many sharks here.

I think that their bite mark has increased.

It is a time of copulation mating.

I found again a bended nose grey reef sharks.

I slowly drifted at the end and surfaced.

 

 

Dec 7 2018

Today was also a good start from the weather!
However, it was not very nice wind.

The wind direction was not bad, but it was bit strong.

Rains falls and stop many times.

Sometimes it started suddenly and suddenly stop.

That was such a day.

The Raindrops was big and it was raining like a shower.

I want to take a picture someday behind surface from underwater when rain pours down.

 

We had 2 boats went to Ulong area today.

My boat went to Aquarium (original site), Sias Coner and Ulong Channel.

 

Sharks everywhere, it looked like “Shark season” today.

Some Narrow-barred Spanish mackerels and Dogtooth tuna were seen at Aquarium.

 

2nd dive was at Sias Coner, the current had changed from outgoing to incoming during dive.

We swam shorter distance,  because we started dive from near the corner.

We enjoyed slow dive with watching herd of Barracuda, Black and white snapper and Red snapper.

When the current was stopped and changed, fish were not many, but it became more and more after, there were so many sharks at the top of the corner.

School of Scad were chased by Bluefin trevallys.

Suddenly flock of Yellowspotted trevally came toward us.

It was good visibility, true blue water at Sias Coner.

 

Last die today was at Ulong Channel.

We enjoyed to watch Sharks, Scads and Barracudas, then drifted into the channel.

It was good current and beautiful visibility.

We enjoyed to watch big clam shell & mass of Double-lined fusilier.

 

 

 

Dec 6 2018

Palau today was also nice weather! !

No rain was comming.

I felt good.

We had 2 boats went to Ngemeris area.

 

1st dive my boat was at Blue Hole.

Blue Hole was less visibility than usual.

Squarespot snthias was showing beautiful marriage color.

In the hole, we have enjoyed to watch Flashing file shells and Harlequin groupers.

 

During dive at the Blue Corner, the current had changed from incoming to outgoing.

Although the current changed, we were surrunded by Humphead wrasse, Bigeye trevallys and Bigeye barracudas, so many fish!

At the top of corner, Grey Reef Sharks were gathering and swimming like a river.

 

At the German channel, I waited for a good tide and started.

We found 5 Manta-Rays at their cleaning station.

And in the offshore, we saw Manta-Rays which swam in a line & prey.

It was worth waiting a bit for a tide.

The visibility at German Channel is getting poor, you need keep attention to avoid you do not lost your group.

 

 

 

Dec 5 2018

Today was a nice & hot weather in Palau.

The temp. was 32/29, air/water.

Very comfortable!

Although I saw some places that seemed to be raining along the way, it was just local showers.

We enjoyed the tour without rain.

We had 2 boats, my boat started from early morning, other was as scheduled.

 

My boat went to Grassland to watch laying eggs of Green humphead parrotfish.

They were spawning eggs!

When egg laying begins, They lay and lay eggs while swimming to the water surface.

It looked like a fireworks of fish in underwater.

You must join this tour and look yourself.

Due to lay eggs, the visibility became poor, but this is one of best interest dive in Palau.

 

There was good out going tide at Sias Coner.

Many sharks were seen at hooking point (top of the corner).

I saw a flock of 20 to 30 Grey Reef Sharks.

It was diving where a powerful sight was seen.

We were surrunded by many Barracudas when we had safety stops.

Today we also encountered many dolphins on the move.

 

 

Dec 3 2018

The temp. was 32/29-26 air/water.

A cold water was in the deep bottom.

The shark was messed up.

We went to Ulong Channel, Sias Tunnel and Sias Corner today.

 

Fish was bursting at Ulong Cliff.

It was messed up.

Sharks, Trevallys, Barracudas, Tunas and Double-lined fusiliers were around us.

Customers were busy taking a pictures.

 

2nd dive was at Sias Tunnel.

It was a dive for enjoy underwater terrain.

I think it has been lessened gobbys here than before.

I introduced Harlequin grouper, Burgess butterfly fish and small Moray eel.

Of course we enjoyed the terrain well.

The view from the tunnel to the outside was awesome.

Because of here is a bit deep, don’t forget to check your depth, time limit and tank pressure more frequently than usual.

 

Last dive today was Sias Corner.

It was good current.

Mass of Pyramid butterfly fish & Redbelly yellowtail fusilier were very beautiful.

I saw many Gray Reef Sharks at hooking area.

Also I saw about 20 Yellowspotted trevallys were formed.

They were swimming strong aiming at prey.

 

 

Dec 2 2018

Hello, report from sunny weather Palau!

We had 2 boats went to Ngemeris area today.

Crystal clear water (and Manta-rays as well) came back, it was good visibility.

My boat went to New Drop-off, Blue Corner and German Channel.

Both New Drop-off and Blue Corner were almost 30m visibility.

Water Temp. was 29 degrees, lots of fish!

 

At New Drop-off, Bignose unicornfish was flocking, they were pursued by a group of sharks and Yellowspotted trevallys.

Because of  current was weak, we enjoyed to watch herd of Bluebanded snapper & Bigeye barracuda.

Also I saw a Turtle was having a relaxing meal.

 

2nd dive was Blue Corner with bit strong out going tide.

Sharks were back and forth in front of us when we reached the hooking station.

I saw some Narrow-barred Spanish mackerels was aiming at mass of Double-lined fusilier.

And Humphead wrasse was our behind.

So excited.

We also lots of Black-fin Barracudas at the last.

 

Although water temp. was bit cold 26-27 degrees and visibility was not best,

We saw 6 Manta-Rays at German Channel!

They were in a row, like a train.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dec 1 2018

Today was also a good start from the weather.

On the way, I got some rain, but after, it was sunny through the day.

The temperature was 31/29-27 degrees air/water.

There was cold water area some places.

We went to Ulong area today.

 

We started dive at Ulong Channel with mild current.

We enjoyed to watch some sharks, Scads, Barracudas and  Mackerels it in the first half of dive.

Then we went into the channel after half.

We drifted and enjoyed coral on both sides.

 

2nd dive was at Sias Corner.

The visibility was blue and beautiful.

We had slow dive with watching Hawksbills & some Purple queens.

Several Yellowspotted trevallys were coming up to us vigorously.

 

3rd dive was at Grassland.

I felt cold water at deeper area.

I found group of Bigeye barracuda and some Trevallys in there.

They seemed to be OK at cold water, but I was not…

 

Nov 30 2018

Today was the start with good weather.

The temperature was 31/29-27 degrees air/water.

We had one boat went to Ngemeris area.

 

It was slow out tide at German Channel.

Pacific drummers and Red snappers were seen at the middle depth.

They were not dense but good number.

I tried to find the Manta-ray at Manta-ray cleaning point.

She was not when we arrived, but it came and passed by after a while.

After we were watching Bigeye trevallys, Bigeye barracuda and Bigeye barracudas, she came back again!

 

There was cold water area some places at Blue Hole.

There was no other group in the hole.

I introducied beautiful fish such as Harlequingrouper, Squarespot snthias and flashing file shell.

When we get out from the Hole, huge amount of Bartail fusiliers were seen

It was awesome and was beautiful.

Some Yellowspotted trevallys were chasing some of them and it was so powerful at the end.

 

We went to Blue Corner for today’s last dive.

It was good current and getting stronger as we go.

We enjoyed to watch some Grey Reef Sharks & White Tip Sharks at the place where was not so strong current.

Redtoothed triggerfish seemed tried swim harder than usual.

Napoleon, as usual.

She came to us even though the current flowed fast.

 

Today, all dive sites were a little less visibility.

I hope the visibility will recover soon.

 

 

 

Nov 28 2018

It was fine weather today.

Because the easterly wind was blowing strongly, the wind shook a little during tour.

The temprature was 32/28 degrees, air/water.

It was North-East wind.

We had 2 boats.

 

Herds of Scad was fiercely chased by Bluefin trevally at Ulong Cliff.

My group enjoyed to watch flock of Bigeye barracuda & Black and white snapper.

There were quite a lot of Bartail fusiliers coming up.

They desperately ate plankton.

Other group had seen group of  100 Children’s Grey Reef Sharks.

 

2nd dive was at Sias Corner with stronger current.

There were many sharks at hook point.

Also more sharks attacked Scads at the corner of the reef.

Ambiance that water was getting cold and something will be going out was preeminent, but it was time up there.

When we went up to surface, we saw many Blackfin Barracudas crowd together.

 

We went to Grassland for 3rd dive.

Today too, it was a flock of Bigeye barracuda.

Also we enjoyed to watch Spaghetti garden eels.

I watched many fish living in corals leisurely.

 

 

 

Nov 27 2018

The weather was sunny! ! Wind was calm.

Good condition continues in Palau.

However underwater there was cold water by place.

Temprature was 32/29-26 degrees air & water.

Wind was weak East.

We had 2 boats went to Ngemeris.

 

1st dive was at German Channel and we saw 3 Manta Rays.

Everyone saw them, everyone was excited.

They were spinning around in front of us.

We also enjoyed to watch sharks and mackerels as well.

 

2nd dive was Blue Hole.

There was no other group just ours.

Because the light was a time zone to insert from directly above, we enjoyed it very much.

 

3rd dive today was Blue Corner.

The direction of flow was not clear.

But still the corner was amazing!

First of all, big group of Blackfin Barracuda was seen.

And herds of Bigeye trevally and Bigeye barracuda was amazing!

Then Huge Dogtooth tuna Attacked there.

The scene where fish made sounds like “Dooooom” and runs away was quite powerful full mark.

Also many of Gold-lined sea-beams & Bluebanded snappers were seen.

The visibility was not perfect, but it was large amount of fish at the Corner.

 

 

 

Nov 26 2018

Both weather & sea condition was good.

There was just little bit swell at North-West area.

The tempreture was 32/29 (Air/Water) degrees.

Weak Eastery wind was browing.

There were 2 boats today.

My boat went to south-west, the other boat went to Ngemeris area for early morning dive.

 

Our 1st dive was at the Aquarium, our original dive site.

The lower layer was cold, just 26 degrees, and fish were lots.

I saw many Bartail fusiliers were attacked by Dogtooth tuna.

Mass of Yellowspotted trevallys chased few scads.

Also good number of Yellowfin goatfish were seen.

 

2nd dive was Sies Tail.

It was bit hard to diving because of the influence of swell, but herds of Bigeye trevally and Bigeye barracuda were seen.

I saw los of Peach fairy basslets were dancing on the reef.

One Hawksbill swam with us.

Also many of Yellowspotted trevallys were seen at deep area.

 

3rd dive was at W-Reef.

It was good follow current.

Bartail fusilier was crowded at the entrance of the waterway.

Also Grey Reef Sharks, Narrow-barred Spanish mackerels and Dogtooth tuna were seen.

We drifted in the waterway and enjoyed to watching many beautiful sea fans.

 

Early morning boat guests saw ten Mant-Rays preying at German channel.

Thank you for the nice picture!

 

Nov 24 2018

The weather was good today.

It was a pleasant sunny day.

Air was 31, water was 29 degrees.

Yesterday there was water that feels cooler than before but today was not.

The visibility was also good, it was true blue water!

We had 3 boats.

One boat went to Ulong area, other 2 went to Ngemeris area.

 

Our 1st dive was at Blue Coner.

It was nice follow current.

Many sharks and a Humphead wrasse were seen at hooking point.

Also school of Bigeye trevally pairing with others were seen.

I found a big African pompano.

The big eyes are more characteristic than the other mackerels.

We had safety stops with watching school of Baracuda.

 

2nd dive was at New Drop-off.

It was very weak current but was good visibility.

I found a mass of Pyramid butterflyfish, they were even more beautiful.

Because they had a little movement, they were more beautiful than usual, as they got clumped and became portrait.

There were also a lot of Bigeye barracudas.

I saw Dogtooth tuna also swamily relaxed today.

 

Last dive today was at German Channel.

When we reached the cleaning station, we saw 2 Manta-rays.

Huge school of Bigeye trevally made big tornado shape.

Also many Bartail fusiliers were seen.

Although the visibility was not perfect, we were able to see the Manta-rays.

 

 

Nov 23 2018

Today was a fine day in Palau.

I feel good.

Air Temp was 31, Water was 29 degrees.

It was comfort itself.

Only a little cold water came somewhere but there was no problem at all.

It was the best dive day.

We had one boat went to Ngemeris area, other boat went to Peleliu.

 

There was no current at Blue Corner.

They enjoyed slow dive.

The visibility was little bit low than usual.

 

Their 2nd dive was New Drop Off.

Also not the best visibility.

 

3rd dive was at German Channel.

They saw 2 Manta-Rays.

 

Ok, our boat went to Peleliu.

1st dive was at Paleliu Express.

Huge school of Giant trevally was seen.

The visibility was super clear!

When we started a safety stop, we saw a Bull shark.

Other grey reef sharks surroundings her looked small like child.

It’s a huge shark.

I could recognize immediately!

The waist was very thick and she was a solid shark.

It is easy to recognize because the waistline is different from Grey Reef shark.

 

We tried same track for 2nd dive to see her again, but could’nt.

Only big group of batfish was seen.

They were too deep to go near by.

 

Last dive was at Peleliu Cut.

We saw big group of Giant trevally and school of Red snapper.

Also huge amount of Barracuda were seen.

 

 

Nov 21 2018

The wind ceased and the sea became very calm.

Although there was still a little swell,  was no problem to dive.

We had two boats, early dive boat and normal boat.

I went to earlty dive to Shark City & Peleliu area.

 

1st dive was at Shark City.

Today’s early morning dive aim for spawning of Red snappers.

Before we entry, I saw them already started to spawning and some Blacktip sharks attacked them.

Entry, spawning started for a while.

When we saw them,  lay eggs nearby were intense.

Many of Black and white snapper were eating eggs desperately laying eggs.

 

2nd dive, we went to Pleleliu Express.

When we started from Express, we saw huge group of Black and white snapper.

After arrived the corner, the current was still go on and we continue to drift to the Pelelie Cut.

So big group of Red snapper, Bigeye trevally, Giant trevally were seen!

 

3rd dive was at Pleleliu Cut.

We saw big group of Barracuda, Rainbow runner, Batfish, Grey Reef Shark were seen.

 

The number of fish at Peleliu is overwhelmingly different from others dive sites.

Thank you such a great photos, Mr. Watanabe!

 

 

Nov 20 2018

South wind was so stronger than the forecast.
The weather was good to the best.

Today I went to dive in the east side.

We had two boats today.

 

1st dive was at Crescent Wall.

The herd of Yellow and blueback fusilie was very beautiful,
Other Double-lined fusilier was also a big deal.

Today many Black jacks got up and flocked up.
This was very rare.

A herd of Black fin barracudas and Bigeye barracudas were seen.
There were more flocks here than the Blue Corner.

 

2nd dive was at Ngerchong Outside.

There was slow good current.

Easy dive!

I enjoyed to watch a shark and a group of Barracudas.

 

3rd dive was at German Channel.

I expected to see Manta-ray but no Manta-ray was coming.

When we were at cleaning station, there was no other group.

After a while, divers incrased one by one.

I wonder where she was somewhere, but to the large number of divers
I wonder if Manta also ran away.

 

 

 

Nov 19 2018

Although the weather has recovered,
The swell was quite large and the open ocean was rough.

We had two boats today.

Large swell were everywhere in Ulong area.

For that reason visibility was not good anywhere.

The visibility was around 10m.

 

There were many diving boats at Grassland.

I show the Atoll butterflyfish to my customers.

Atoll butterflyfish is common at Grassland, but not other places.

 

2nd dive, we went to Sies Corner.

Here I looked for the Yellow crown butterflyfish I saw the other day.

Then..

I found her!

Moreover, she seems to be a child between Burgess butterflyfish & Yellow crown butterflyfish.

We saw something very rare.

Yellow crown butterflyfish has both two yellow lines to the face,
Burgess butterfly does not enter yellow and both lines are black.

And this child seems to be Hybrid!

 

3rd dive was at Ulong Cliff.

We saw some Bluefin trevallys were chasing group of scad.

Also school of batfish, school of Bigeye barracuda were seen.

But it was not the usual visibility there.

 

 

Nov 18 2018

Today is Palau in the harsh weather.

Baby Cyclone was born near Palau and had been passing by.

Air temp. was 25 degree / Water temp. was 30 degree.

We had 3 dives at inner reef area.

 

1st dive was at St. Cardinal.

The surface of the water was rough and there was bit strong current, but quiet underwater.

The water was warm and we enjoyed slowdiving.

As the name suggests, a lot of Cardinal fish crawled in the branch coral.

 

2nd dive, we went to “Hafa adai” wreck dive.

It was crowded with lots of dive boats here.

Some Lion fish & Bat fish were seen at the wreck.

Also we enjoyed to watch some kind of Sea slugs.

 

On 3rd dive, we went to Crystal Blue to look for fry of Sailfin snapper.

Unfortunately they were not found there but we were able to see other frys & some shrimps.

 

Tomorrow will be much better weather than today 🙂

 

 

 

 

Nov 17 2018

Unfortunately it was a rainy start today.

The heavy rain in the middle of last night was extreme.

It was still windy and the north wind was getting stronger.

We had one boat went to Ngemeris area.

And we had 3 dives today.

“Blue Hole”

“German Channel”

“Blue Corner”

 

Blue Hole still had not perfect visibility, but we were able to enjoy it, because there were no other divers.

We enjoyed to watch Several kind of Purple queen, Orange fin anemonefish.

I found fry of Hawkfish anthias, she was so cute.

 

2nd dive to German Channel.

The visibility was also not very good, but fish was massive.

When we were slowly moving and looking at Joefish and anemone fish, we saw one Manta-ray was coming!

One big Manta-ray passed us very near.

After that, two smaller manta-rays came in a row.

The two were swimming round and round while becoming bumping each other.

It was awesome!

 

The last diving today was to Blue Corner.

Moderate current on the right wall Double-lined fusilier and Black and white snapper, and so many things.

It was in a state of being fished by fish.

We were shifting to hooking area while watching big school of Bigeye trevally.

The current gradually became stronger, and at the end it was very strong.

Sharks came close by, Giant trevallys, Yellowspotted trevallys, Mackerels and Rainbow runners were seen.

While we had safety stop, we saw one big Humphead wrasse swimming slowly in strong current.

 

 

 

Nov 16 2018

It was good weather.

It was bit strong Norhern wind, but no problem to dive at western sites.

Some sites were rough a bit.

The visibility was on the verge of continuing to fall as yesterday.

The place where the water temperature was decreasing was cold.

Air was 31, water was 26 ti 29 degree,

 

1st dive was Ulong Channel.

I saw many scads were chased by Bluefin trevally.

Following that, Humphead wrasse, Red snapper and Gray reef were also joining.

It was also amazing today, Bigeye barracudas were so close to us.

Also 2 batfish and school of them at a distance.

 

2nd dive was Sies Coner.

It was cold, may be 26 degrees…

So big group of Double-lined fusilier were seen.

I saw many Grey Reef Sharks at hooking area.

They were big to let children size.

Here, Dogtooth tuna and Yellowspotted trevally were chasing Scads.

They were chasing Scads at great speed.

 

Last dive today was at “Aquarium” which is our original dive site.

The amount of Double-lined fusilier was not odd.

Just aquarium status.

Double-lined fusilier were predisposed to plankton as a big lump.

There were several Yellowspotted trevallys were seen.

 

 

Nov 14 2018

It was sunny, but had a lot of clouds.
Even the wind was blowing a bit, the surface was calm.

We went to Ulong area today.

 

1st dive was at Ulong Cliff.

A group of Bigeye trevally were flocking on a reef.

Dusky-finned bulleyes were also flocking nicely among table corals.

When we were drifting on the reef, we discovered the lobster that exposed whole body.

It looked very tasty but everyone put up with it, and took photo.

I found more than 80 of baby Gray Reef Sharks swam round and round at the offshore side.

 

Next dive was at Sies Corner.

Below the reef edge, I can always see some of Green humphead parrotfish.

While watching group of Bartail fusilier and Redbelly yellowtail fusilier,
we also had chanse to take photo for Frame Angel Fish.

 

The last dive today went to Grassland.

Althrough there was no Manta-ray, but Whitetongue jacks & Whitetongue jack were good number.

Also school of Barracuda was good size!

 

Although the water temperature was still warm enough 29 degrees in the last few days, but I felt a little cold today.
Please be careful if you are sensitive to cold!

 

 

 

Nov 13 2018

Today was a sunny day with a different feeling from yesterday.

Just weak Easterly wind, there was almost no wave.

One boat went to Ngemeris area.

 

We went to German Channel for 1st dive to see the Manta-ray.

The visibility was the best of the past few days.

When checking the Manta cleaning station while checking the usual Wolf cardinalfish,
There was other diver group, but Manta did not come.

Manta came toward us as we passed through the station and looked at Giant trevallys attacking school of Whitetongue jack & scads.

We returned to the station with Manta-ray and enjoyed watching her.

 

2nd dive was Blue Corner.

We started from the south bouy.

While feeling quite a good current, we enjoyed to watch big school of Bigeye barracuda, Bigeye trevally and Black and white snapper.

We enjoyed watching many kinds of fish at the hooking point.

I am jealous every time of the gray reef sharks that swim in the against current without moving her tail fin.

We met Humphead wrasse before exit.

 

3rd dive was New Drop-off.

I was healed by watching swimming group of Redbelly yellowtail fusilier & Pyramid butterflyfish.

A flock of Rainbow runner pushed past the eyes, Narrow-barred Spanish mackerels passed casually through.

I saw more turtles than usual.

Even just remembering, it was 9 turtles.

They showed me various forms such as goes up for breathing, go down after, eats sea grass, sleeping, drifting and looking for bedding.

 

Nov 12 2018

It was fine in the morning, but the clouds grew more and more and it went down pouring before noon.

But it got a bit lighter afternoon again.

We had one boat went to Ulong area.

 

We went to “Aquarium” which is our original dive site for 1st dive.

Huge amont of Orbicular batfish were seen.

In addition, the number of  Yellowfin goatfish  & Two-spot snappers were amazing.

We hooked in at top of the site and enjoyed to watch Sharks and school of Double-lined fusilier.

 

2nd dive was at Ulong Cliff.

It was a intense squall when we started.

I think that the amount of Scad had increased.

Some Batfish followed us, they were pretty cute.

 

3rd dive was at Sies Corner.

It was gentle follow current.

Many sharks were seen at top of the corner.

I tried to find Silver tip shark and made it!

She was not so big, was around 2m.

She was cool, and all of us watched her.

 

 

Nov 10 2018

It was cloudy from the morning, the wind was blowing little from the north-east which was good for diving in the south-west area.

One boat went to Ngemeris.

 

1st dive was at Big Drop-off.

Slow dive started from the entry buoy.

The visibility was not perfect, but the Soft coral was exposed to the sunlight and  it was lit up beautifully.

Golden damselfish’s babys,Princess anthias and Randoll’s Shrimp gobys were seen.

Also I saw many of Black-spot snappers were shining in sunlight on top of the reef.

 

2nd dive was at Blue Corner.

This is a everyone’s favourite dive site of Palau, so many boats were already here.

The visivility was around 20m.

After seeing the usual fish, we saw big school of Barracuda and Bigeye trevally.

Just before exit, I saw one big Barracuda which has very sharp teeth & jaw.

It was quite big.

 

3rd dive was at German Channel.

It was too poor visibility to find Manta-ray.

But there was!

We saw total 3 Manta-rays.

We were surrounded by school of Bigeye trevally when we had safety stop.

 

 

Nov 9 2018

It was fine weather today as it was yesterday.

The wind blow from the north, it is OK for diving at south-west side.

We have one boat went to Ulong area today.

 

1st dive was Grassland.

The visibility was different by location.

We saw Spotted garden eel, Randoll’s Shrimp goby and some anemonefish.

Many of Bigeye barracudas made big voltex.

Even a not best visibility, Mackerels & Green humphead parrotfish were seen.

Also I found one Crocodile flathead sleeping on the sand bottom.

 

2nd dive was Sies Corner.

It was super visibility, we enjoyed true blue water.

I saw Napoleon was laying eggs.

Also big reef shark swam around.

 

3rd dive was Ulong Criff to Channel.

Less visibility than Sies but saw lots of fish.

Group of scads were chased by Yellowspotted trevally & Bluefin trevally.

I saw one Hawksbill, she was eating something with my head on.

We enjoyed good drift dive in the channel.

 

 

Nov 8 2018

It was very fine perfect weather today.

32/29 degrees, air & water.

We had one boat went to Ngemeris.

 

1st dive was at Blue Corner.

It was quite a good visibility.

We saw lots of Sailfin snappers on the reef.

 

Also tons of Bigeye trevallys were seen.

 

School of Double-lined fusilier were attacked by Bluefin trevallys & Red snappers.

They passed by at a tremendous speed as if they were squall or lightning.

 

 

2nd dive was at New Drop-off.

Hundreds of Pyramid butterflyfish were seen on the reef wall.

The kind and quantity of fish is not half-way today.

3 kinds of Sweetlips, Sharks from small to big, huge Dogtooth tuna.

We saw group of Bigeye barracudas at top of the corner.

 

Group of Bluebanded snappers behind the reef endured against the current.

 

 

 

Nov 7 2018

It was bit strong North-East wind.

Dry season is coming soon!

32/29 degrees, air/water.

We had one boat and went to North-West diving sites today.

The North-West sites are not frequently we go.

We dived at West Passage, Plenty Fish (new original site) and Ngeremlengui corner (original site).

 

Larger and more beautiful corals

 

There was a Bluegirdled angelfish which is not popular in Palau.

 

Also 2 nurse sharks were found. (Oh..they are ostrich policy)

 

We found big school of Orbicular batfish, but they were bit deeper.

 

And of course usual Bigeye barracuda.

 

 

 

Nov 5 2018

It was almost no cloud from the morning.

No wind blow, it was the best condition in wet season.

We had one boat going to Ngemeris today.

 

1st dive was Ngemeris wall.

Many Green sea turtles & Hawksbills, also school of Blacktail snapper were seen.

 

The Helfrichs dartfish was still there.

 

Today’s 2nd dive was Blue Coner.

There was just small current.

Relux & chill dive.

After we saw school of Bigeye trevally & Bigeye barracuda, we enjoyed to watch small fish like the Mottled blenny.

 

Also big school of Orangespine unicornfish were seen at the top of corner.

A Humphead wrasse chased them.

 

3rd dive today was German Channel.

We saw 3 Manta-rays.

More Manta-rays may be in deep area.

Huge block of Bartail fusilier was still amazing.

They were attacked by Giant trevallys & Dogtooth tunas.

 

 

 

Nov 4 2018

We had 2 boats today.

My boat went to Ulong area, the other went to Ngemeris area.

It was no wind, the surface was totally smooth like glass.

 

The picture below is look up from the bottom.

It looks like Earth ball.

You can not take such a pictures like this, if the condition is not perfect calm.

 

We went to Grassland for 1st dive.

It was gentle current.

I found one whitechip shark was in cleaning on the bottom.

 

We saw about 100 Green humphead parrotfishs.

If you come our early morning dive, you can see 1000 of them laying their egg.

 

 

2nd dive was Sies Coner.

There was no current.

Baby Gray reef sharks & school of Big-eye scad were seen at deeper area.

 

 

3rd dive was Ulong Channel.

At first we saw a group of Bigeye trevallys &  school of Big-eye scad at the cliff.

Then we went into the channel.

I looked for Emperor angelfish which was found last time (very rare), but didn’t make it.

Some African pompano and Eagle rays were seen.

 

 

Nov 3 2018

It is time to change the season,

There was no wind and the condition of the sea was the best.

We went to Ngemeris area.

 

1st dive was Blue Corner.

My team went down to 32 meter to look for Elegant firefish & Helfrichs dartfish.

Also Randoll’s Shrimp gobys & Spotted shrimp gobys were seen.

 

 

2nd dive was New Drop-off.

There was no other group.

It was nice timing because the current just change direction during dive.

Because the fish can flock at this timing.

Also we saw more than 20 Gray Reef Sharks.

 

 

3rd dive was German Channel.

Here too, a big hit!

We saw 5 Manta-rays were dancing wild for predation.

 

 

Nov 2 2018

The typhoon until a few days ago disappeared completely, and loose east wind.

I went to Ulong area.

The surface was calm enough that the baby was playing with the floating rings.

 

1st dive was Grassland.

It was better visibility than yesterday.

No other boat had been there.

I couldn’t see Manta-ray, but there were lots of Whitetongue jacks.

 

It was a gentle diving, but saw lots of fish.

 

 

2nd dive was German Cliff & Channel.

Suddenly Clayton (Palawan senior guide) got a pose.

I came to him to see what was happen, I discovered beautiful Emperor angelfish whichi is very rare in Palau.

 

Last dive today, we went to Sies corner.

It was good drift dive.

We enjoyed to watch huge school of Pyramid butterflyfish on the wall.

Also I saw big Dogtooth tuna.