Why is Palau known as a major scuba-diving destination?

Palau is recognized as a premier global destination for scuba diving primarily due to its extraordinary marine biodiversity. The country hosts a greater variety and profusion of marine life than any other area of comparable size in the world, including a vast array of corals, fish, and other sea creatures such as jellyfish, squid, and sea anemones.1

This richness is supported by the archipelago’s unique geography, which features an expansive lagoon enclosed by a massive barrier reef system. Additionally, the presence of over 300 "rock islands"—uplifted coralline limestone structures—creates a complex and diverse underwater environment that attracts divers from around the globe.12