Chandelier Cave

Who' s afraid of the dark?

Caves are usually dark. In the case of the Chandelier Cave in Palau, it is very dark.

If you have fancy a night dive at 12 noon then this is a perfect spot.

It was during our last two days in Palau that I got a chance to dive this cave. I

had heard so much about that I couldn't resist the temptation when the

opportunities arouse.

I have to admit I was not really prepared for such a dive, even as all the pros told

me that this was going to be an easy one. Easy? Maybe, but I take a pictures and

I don't dive unless I take the camera with me.

99% of the time I take pictures above and not under the water as I lack the

necessary "fire power". After I was told that this cave had some spectacular

stalactites and stalagmites to offer, a rare thing with cave exposed to the open

ocean, I thought to myself "never mind", Ill just say negative film, push it a couple

of stops and I should get something…."

Well I did, nothing to great, but proof at least that I dived one of Palau's great

dive spots. On my next trip I plan to light up the whole cave! Subscribe to the

Philippine Diver and you might come across some cave pics with stunning girls

dancing with crystal clear water around stalactites…. Well, I can dream cant I?

Back to reality, the dive into the Chandelier Cave to be exiting even for

photographically challenge divers, locate a short snorkel from Sam's Dive Tours in

Kocor. You reached the first cavern after dropping down to about 40 feet/13

meters. Once your eyes have adjusted to the dark and your flashlight warders

around, you begin to appreciate the beauty of this cave.

Reflecting stalagmites in crystal clear water, you get the feeling of being in outer

space. Once inside, you can break the surface and the breathe without your rig.

Because this cave is 40 feet/ 13 meters of water, all the stalagmites are in superb

shape and condition, safely tucked away from vandals who loved to lived their ugly

name behind. Bad luck guy's, not in this cave.

Continuing from the first cavern, you enter in a second and a third, all stunning in

their own right. This is a short dive, but one not to be missed in Palau itinerary.

Its easy access makes it a perfect dive for your last day, or if the weather is bad.

So, if you not afraid of the dark, you've got a good flashlight and have your diving

certificate this is one place in Palau you should not miss. Jurassic Park, eat your

heart out! How to find it? No need to send an e-mail to the Philippine Diver, just

go to Sam's Dive Tours because it's right in front of the store.