New Drop-Off

A wall on the western side of Ngemelis Island that drops from a gorgonian-crowned plateau into the deep, often called a “mini Blue Corner” for its current action and reef-hook diving

Overview

New Drop-Off is a wall dive west of Ngemelis Island and German Channel, approximately 27 miles (43 km) southwest of Koror — a 40–50 minute speedboat ride. The site features a plateau at around 3 feet (1 meter) near the wall edge before the reef drops to extreme depth. Two reef walls converge at a corner, creating a configuration that concentrates current and marine life in a manner that operators frequently describe as a “mini Blue Corner.” Large gorgonian fans jut from the wall where the two faces meet. Soft corals in deep violet and hot pink cover the wall, along with an abundance of sponges. Visibility on good days can reach 40 meters.

Site Information

• Location: West of Ngemelis Island and German Channel, Palau, Micronesia
• Entry Type: Boat dive
• Site Type: Wall dive
• Difficulty Level: Advanced
• Maximum Depth: 30 meters
• Typical Visibility: 20–40 meters (65–130 feet)
• Current: Moderate to strong at the corner; variable
• Best Time: Year-round; calmer conditions typically November to May

Marine Life

Grey reef sharks patrol the west wall and the corner area. Schools of blue-stripe snappers, black snapper, and yellowtail fusiliers sweep along the wall. Napoleon wrasse are regular visitors. Green and hawksbill turtles are documented at this site. Spotted eagle rays pass by. Moray eels and leafy scorpionfish inhabit the reef structure. Emperor angelfish are seen at the corner. Large gorgonian fans on the wall create habitats for smaller reef species. Pyramid butterflyfish and square anthias forage near the wall face.

Dive Profile

The wall plateau at 1 meter serves as the starting point. Divers descend over the wall edge, working between 10–30 meters where coral and pelagic life is concentrated. At the corner where the two reef walls meet, reef hooks can be used on dead coral to hover in the current, similar to Blue Corner. After the hook phase, drift along the wall. Monitor depth carefully — the wall drops well beyond recreational limits. Ascend to the reef top for a safety stop.

Entry and Exit

Boat dive from Koror (40–50 minutes) or from liveaboards. Entry by giant stride with descent to the reef top. Depending on current, the dive may be a drift along the wall with SMB pickup, or return-to-boat if conditions are calm. Deploy an SMB from 5 meters for drift exits.

Tips and Recommendations

• Spend time at the corner where the two walls meet — this is where the current concentrates fish and sharks
• Bring a reef hook — the corner can produce Blue Corner-level current
• Morning dives tend to have better visibility and more active shark patrols
• Pair this dive with Blue Corner or Big Drop-Off for a full Ngemelis Island day
• Bring a wide-angle lens — the wall scale and gorgonian garden demand it

Safety Considerations

The two-wall corner creates converging currents that can be strong and unpredictable. Down-currents are a hazard along the wall face. Monitor your depth gauge continuously. Stay close to your guide and group. SMB and signaling devices are essential. Advanced certification and wall-diving experience are strongly recommended for this remote site.

Photography

The gorgonian fans at the corner are best shot with wide-angle, positioning the camera slightly off the wall to show the fans in context against the blue. Pelagic encounters — eagle rays, sharks — are best captured with fast shutter speeds in available light. The violet and pink soft corals provide vivid colour when lit by strobes.

Sources: Palau Dive Adventures – New Drop Off, Fish N Fins Palau – New Drop Off, Dive The World – Palau. Last updated 2026-06-25.