A Comprehensive Guide to Palau Diving: Por Los Pelos Dive Sites, Prices, and More

Introduction

Palau, an archipelago in the Pacific Ocean, is renowned as one of the world's premier scuba diving destinations. With its pristine waters, abundant marine life, and breathtaking coral formations, Palau attracts divers from around the globe. One of the most popular dive sites in Palau is Por Los Pelos, known for its strong currents and exhilarating encounters with large pelagic species.

This comprehensive guide will provide all the essential information you need to plan your Palau diving adventure, including:

• Por Los Pelos Dive Sites
• Por Los Pelos Prices
• Dive Operators
• Dive Conditions
• Safety Considerations
• What to Expect

Por Los Pelos Dive Sites

Por Los Pelos is a group of three dive sites located in the Palau International Marine Sanctuary:

1. Big Drop-Off: A sheer wall plunging to over 1,000 feet, frequented by sharks, rays, and large fish.
2. Blue Corner: A pinnacle rising from the abyss, creating a corner where currents attract pelagic species.
3. New Drop-Off: A slightly less dramatic drop-off, suitable for divers of all levels.

Por Los Pelos Prices

The cost of diving at Por Los Pelos varies depending on the dive operator and the length of your trip. However, you can expect to pay around $150-$250 per dive. This includes the boat trip, tank rental, and guide services.

Dive Operators

There are several reputable dive operators in Palau that offer trips to Por Los Pelos. Some popular options include:

• Palau Dive Adventures
• Sam's Tours
• Blue Bay Dive Center
• Fish 'n Fins Dive Center

Dive Conditions

Por Los Pelos is known for its strong currents, which can vary from moderate to extreme. This makes it essential to dive with an experienced guide who is familiar with the dive site and can ensure your safety.

The water temperature at Por Los Pelos is typically around 25-30 degrees Celsius (77-86 degrees Fahrenheit). Visibility can vary depending on conditions, but it is often excellent, with visibility exceeding 100 feet.

Safety Considerations

Diving at Por Los Pelos is generally safe, but there are some potential risks to be aware of:

• Strong currents: The currents can be powerful, so it is important to stay close to your guide and follow their instructions.
• Decompression sickness: The strong currents can make it difficult to control your depth, which can lead to decompression sickness.
• Marine life: While marine life is generally harmless, it is important to be respectful and avoid touching or harassing any animals.

What to Expect

Diving at Por Los Pelos is an unforgettable experience. You can expect to encounter a wide variety of marine life, including:

• Sharks: Blacktip, whitetip, gray reef, and tiger sharks are commonly sighted.
• Rays: Mantas, eagle rays, and stingrays are abundant.
• Fish: Schulen of tuna, jacks, barracudas, and snappers fill the water.
• Coral: Por Los Pelos is home to a variety of hard and soft corals, creating a vibrant and colorful underwater landscape.

Stories and Learnings

Story 1:

Jennifer, an experienced diver, was diving at Por Los Pelos when she encountered a large group of sharks. She was initially startled, but quickly realized that the sharks were not aggressive. She stayed calm and followed her guide's instructions, and the sharks safely passed by.

Lesson: Even experienced divers can be surprised by the abundance of marine life at Por Los Pelos. It is important to stay calm and follow your guide's instructions to ensure a safe and enjoyable dive.

Story 2:

Michael, a novice diver, was diving at New Drop-Off when he got caught in a strong current. He panicked and tried to swim against it, but he quickly became exhausted. Fortunately, his guide was nearby and swam to his assistance. The guide helped Michael to calm down and safely return to the boat.

Lesson: It is essential to choose a dive operator that is familiar with the dive sites and can provide adequate supervision. Strong currents can be dangerous, so it is important to listen to your guide and stay within your limits.

Story 3:

Sarah, a marine biologist, was diving at Big Drop-Off when she observed a group of manta rays performing a mating dance. She was amazed by the grace and beauty of these magnificent creatures.

Lesson: Por Los Pelos is not just a place to encounter sharks and rays. It is also an opportunity to witness the wonders of the underwater world and learn about the fascinating creatures that inhabit it.

Why It Matters and the Benefits

Diving at Por Los Pelos is an extraordinary experience that offers many benefits:

• Unique marine life: Por Los Pelos is home to a wide variety of marine life, including species that are rarely seen elsewhere.
• Unforgettable memories: Encounters with sharks, rays, and other marine animals create lasting memories that will stay with you for a lifetime.
• Scientific importance: Por Los Pelos is part of the Palau International Marine Sanctuary, which is a critical habitat for marine life and a valuable resource for scientific research.
• Economic benefits: The tourism industry in Palau benefits greatly from the revenue generated by diving activities at Por Los Pelos and other dive sites.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What is the best time of year to dive at Por Los Pelos?

A: The best time of year to dive at Por Los Pelos is during the dry season, from November to April, when the weather and visibility are at their best.

Q2: What is the minimum age to dive at Por Los Pelos?

A: The minimum age to dive at Por Los Pelos is typically 12 or 13 years old, depending on the dive operator.

Q3: What equipment do I need to bring?

A: You will need to bring your own dive mask, snorkel, fins, and wetsuit. If you do not have your own gear, you can rent it from your dive operator.

Q4: What are the risks of diving at Por Los Pelos?

A: The risks of diving at Por Los Pelos include strong currents, decompression sickness, and marine life hazards. It is important to dive with an experienced guide and follow their instructions to minimize these risks.

Q5: What can I do if I am not a certified diver?

A: If you are not a certified diver, you can still experience the underwater beauty of Por Los Pelos by snorkeling or taking a guided scuba diving tour.

Q6: How do I book a dive trip to Por Los Pelos?

A: You can book a dive trip to Por Los Pelos through a reputable dive operator in Palau.

Call to Action

If you are an experienced diver looking for an unforgettable adventure, or if you are interested in witnessing the wonders of the underwater world, planning a dive trip to Por Los Pelos Palau should be at the top of your list. With its pristine waters, abundant marine life, and breathtaking coral formations, Por Los Pelos offers a truly extraordinary diving experience that will create memories that will last a lifetime.

Tables

Table 1: Por Los Pelos Dive Sites

Table 2: Por Los Pelos Dive Prices

Table 3: Por Los Pelos Dive Safety Tips