The underwater scene in Palau is so dynamic that I’ve split my photos into two posts. Today I’ll share images of fish, coral, clams, eels, and turtles. Tomorrow… SHARKS.

I’m diving with Fish ‘N Fins, one of two main dive companies (and lots of smaller ones) in Palau. They are a little more budget-friendly than their competitor Sam’s Tours and they have great reviews on TripAdvisor, so I happily book with Fish ‘N Fins. Special shout-out to Julia in the office for being so helpful as I plan my dives.

Our 45-minute boat ride to the first scuba site is a highlight of the day. The intense colors are unlike anything I’ve seen before.

Our first dive is at the Big Drop Off and, if I’m being perfectly honest, it’s a terribly boring dive. It’s nothing I haven’t seen before.

But even a boring dive in Palau is way better than your average dive elsewhere, and I enjoy snapping a few photos.

I spot a few sharks way down below us.

Our talented dive master Scuba Steve entertains us by making rings of bubbles:

We spend our surface interval (the time above ground between dives) snorkeling in shallow waters. I’m actually more impressed with this snorkeling than I was with the first dive! From fish to clams to coral, there are so many colors.

Next we head to the German Drop Off… and it’s less impressive than the snorkeling. In my Dive Log Book, I write “Everything is dead! So much dead coral!”

That said, there are a handful of things that catch my eye. Like this giant clam, unlike any I have ever seen. It snaps down fast as I get closer.

Here’s an eel… I find these guys scarier than sharks. Unless they’re laying over rice on a plate of sushi. Am I right?

I have no idea what kind of fish this is but he’s a colorful guy. Check out that intricate blue pattern around his mouth:

After another surface interval on land, we head to our final dive of the day: the German Channel. That dive is AWESOME and we return the following day as well. I’ll share those photos with you tomorrow because they deserve a post of their own.

Onward to a few more colorful snorkel and dive excursions in Palau…

Our group goes back to Big Drop Off the next day and, since I was unimpressed with it my first day, I decide to snorkel instead. Awesome decision as we encounter very cool marine life right near the surface.

This is a crocodile fish. I never would have spotted it if it weren’t for a fellow snorkeler who points it out. Check out those eyes and mouth:

One final shot of a giant clam spotted on one of our dives:

Tomorrow I’ll detail the best dives in Palau: German Channel, Blue Corner, and New Drop Off.

Special thanks to the dive company Fish ‘N Fins for providing me with a 20% discount on my dive activities. As always, opinions are my own.