Petemes
Member
Just got back from Palau. Spent three weeks doing a combo of Diver level CCR training and Instructor level training and just a few fun dives in between. This trip highlited yet again how diverse the diving here really is.
Palau has so much to offer. I went for the first time two years ago to check out the Wrecks within the harbour for possible future Destinations. After three days, I cut the wreck diving short as the quality of the wrecks, although historically really amazing, just didnt cut the mustard for a wreck destination (in my opinion). We then just focused on what Palau was famous for - Their, crystal clear waters, Big animals and prolific fish action. This place really kicks butt.
This is a composite shot of Chandelier cave looking from the third chamber into the second chamber looking out, quite literally a 1 minute boat ride from Sams Dive Tours, where we were based out of. Paul Collins and Richie Barnden from Unique Dive Expeditions who run out of Sams are on the top of their game. More about these boys later.
A closer shot of the air bubble in the second chamber. Its all blurry because it was a 20 second exposure. These really are spectacular caves. Great photographically.
I was quite interested in doing more cave stuff to get more picks and we spent quite a bit of time at a dive site close to Blue Corner called "Temple of Doom" Sounds great!! Its a massive cave which Paul has in actual fact found a new species of blind worm. Fascinating stuff. This cave opens out to a massive room and in this room are turtle remains.
While we were out on the water on the outer reef, Richard burst into action directing the boat driver to a spot where there were lots of bird action. I have never seen anyone so passionate as this guy. Shouting orders to get mask and fins on (Ramo was the only one who brought a snorkel!!)We flopped right into the middle of this massive baitball. It was absolutely pumping! We spotted over 7 different species of shark, Oceanic Blacktips, Silvertips, Silkies, Bulls, you name it. The water was full of scales which glistened in the sun. Below is a sequence of shots I took of shark feeding on the baitballs. the Video is even better showing the intensity. But Im not a video guy!!
This was just one moment amongst a few hours of swimming with these bait balls. A memorable time which I will treasure for ever.
Then theres the fish aggregation stuff that Paul and Richie are famous for. I got a wiff of some of it. But just wasnt there at the right time. Here is a little clip of the moorish idol gathering!
Then the weather just got better and better. I have been wanting to dive USS Perry for years and the conditions were never right. Looking at the forecast winds died right down, seas became glassy, oily calm. It was on!!
It took us just under 2 hours to get to the dive site just off Angaur, Palau.
USS Perry was a Clemson - class destroyer laid down in 15 Sept 1920, commissioned 7 Aug 1922 and sunk after hitting a mine just off the island of Anguar, Palau in 13 Sept 1944. Perry earned 6 battle stars during WWII and also survived the Pearl harbour attack shooting down a plane. This was our group of technical divers.
Left to right Matt (ladykiller), Paul Collins, Rich Barnden, Andrew Ramo (front), me and Steve Linfield.
Conditions couldnt have been better. It took us a little under an hour to find the wreck, shot it, and secure it. Expecting large currents - which just never came! We all jumped in and had an awesome time on the wreck. A bit of water movement on the bottom but nothing too severe. Here are some shots of USS Perry.
Looking towards the stern one of the 4" guns pointing towards the surface.
Stern section starboard prop clear of the bottom.
Collapsed bow section with another 4"er. You can really see the results of the massive currents that rip through that wreck.
And also there are these big friendly giants. This was from the 2015 trip but they are there every day!
I will certainly be planning future trips there. The guys are FULL CCR and tech supported. Booster, gas, you name it. Come out with us or give the guys a call. It will blow your mind.
Pete
Palau has so much to offer. I went for the first time two years ago to check out the Wrecks within the harbour for possible future Destinations. After three days, I cut the wreck diving short as the quality of the wrecks, although historically really amazing, just didnt cut the mustard for a wreck destination (in my opinion). We then just focused on what Palau was famous for - Their, crystal clear waters, Big animals and prolific fish action. This place really kicks butt.
This is a composite shot of Chandelier cave looking from the third chamber into the second chamber looking out, quite literally a 1 minute boat ride from Sams Dive Tours, where we were based out of. Paul Collins and Richie Barnden from Unique Dive Expeditions who run out of Sams are on the top of their game. More about these boys later.
A closer shot of the air bubble in the second chamber. Its all blurry because it was a 20 second exposure. These really are spectacular caves. Great photographically.
I was quite interested in doing more cave stuff to get more picks and we spent quite a bit of time at a dive site close to Blue Corner called "Temple of Doom" Sounds great!! Its a massive cave which Paul has in actual fact found a new species of blind worm. Fascinating stuff. This cave opens out to a massive room and in this room are turtle remains.
While we were out on the water on the outer reef, Richard burst into action directing the boat driver to a spot where there were lots of bird action. I have never seen anyone so passionate as this guy. Shouting orders to get mask and fins on (Ramo was the only one who brought a snorkel!!)We flopped right into the middle of this massive baitball. It was absolutely pumping! We spotted over 7 different species of shark, Oceanic Blacktips, Silvertips, Silkies, Bulls, you name it. The water was full of scales which glistened in the sun. Below is a sequence of shots I took of shark feeding on the baitballs. the Video is even better showing the intensity. But Im not a video guy!!
This was just one moment amongst a few hours of swimming with these bait balls. A memorable time which I will treasure for ever.
Then theres the fish aggregation stuff that Paul and Richie are famous for. I got a wiff of some of it. But just wasnt there at the right time. Here is a little clip of the moorish idol gathering!
Then the weather just got better and better. I have been wanting to dive USS Perry for years and the conditions were never right. Looking at the forecast winds died right down, seas became glassy, oily calm. It was on!!
It took us just under 2 hours to get to the dive site just off Angaur, Palau.
USS Perry was a Clemson - class destroyer laid down in 15 Sept 1920, commissioned 7 Aug 1922 and sunk after hitting a mine just off the island of Anguar, Palau in 13 Sept 1944. Perry earned 6 battle stars during WWII and also survived the Pearl harbour attack shooting down a plane. This was our group of technical divers.
Left to right Matt (ladykiller), Paul Collins, Rich Barnden, Andrew Ramo (front), me and Steve Linfield.
Conditions couldnt have been better. It took us a little under an hour to find the wreck, shot it, and secure it. Expecting large currents - which just never came! We all jumped in and had an awesome time on the wreck. A bit of water movement on the bottom but nothing too severe. Here are some shots of USS Perry.
Looking towards the stern one of the 4" guns pointing towards the surface.
Stern section starboard prop clear of the bottom.
Collapsed bow section with another 4"er. You can really see the results of the massive currents that rip through that wreck.
And also there are these big friendly giants. This was from the 2015 trip but they are there every day!
I will certainly be planning future trips there. The guys are FULL CCR and tech supported. Booster, gas, you name it. Come out with us or give the guys a call. It will blow your mind.
Pete
