Palawan has a depth range of 27–37 metres (89–121 feet). Check the dive site page for current conditions and any depth-specific guidance before planning your dive.

Can beginners dive Palawan?

Palawan is rated as advanced difficulty, which may not suit new divers. A Advanced Open Water with deep-diving experience; nitrox certification strongly recommended certification or equivalent is suggested. Consider your experience level, conditions, and local guidance before planning.

When is the best time to dive Palawan?

The best time to dive Palawan is typically Fall and winter for the best visibility windows. Conditions vary, so check the latest reports and forecasts on the dive site page before your trip.

What will I see at Palawan?

Divers at Palawan in United States commonly report sightings of Giant plumose anemone (Metridium farcimen), Strawberry anemone (Corynactis californica), Gorgonians, Rockfish, and Lingcod. Marine life varies by season and conditions—check the site page for recent diver observations and photos.

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AdvancedBoat entry

Palawan

California, United States

AOW suggested27–37 m depthBoat entry3mm wetsuit typical

Boat dive — see Entry & access.

Palawan at a glance

Palawan is a advanced boat dive site in California, United States with depths of 27–37 m (89–121 ft). Typically most favorable May–Aug · from 3 years of archive data. Divers commonly see Giant plumose anemone (Metridium farcimen), Strawberry anemone (Corynactis californica), and Gorgonians. Recent reports put the water around 24°C (74°F). Check the latest conditions and entry details before you go.

Marine model · graded 4h ago

0.8 mwaves — under a meter expected

Tap a factor for its source and model point · Forecast 24°C · seasonal avg 21°C

Site hazards: Depth at/near recreational limits (square profile at 100-120 ft - strict NDL management), bottom currents, often low visibility, fishing line and nets, cold water

Read the full hazards ↓

Dive windows this week

Best: Sun

Sun7:00–20:00

Mon7:00–20:00

Tue7:00–20:00

Wed7:00–20:00

Thu7:00–20:00

Fri7:00–20:00

Sat—

Favorable windowModerate window— no window

First light 5:33 · Sunrise 6:01 · Sunset 19:58

Source: Open-Meteo marine · model point 5.1 km from site · graded 4h ago

Forecast only — always assess conditions on site.

Forecast · NOAA tide model

Tide & slack timing

Recent diver reports

Dated firsthand observations from divers — not current conditions.

No diver reports for this site yet. — one dated observation helps every diver after you.

What Divers Say

Known for: Giant plumose anemone (Metridium farcimen), Strawberry anemone (Corynactis californica), Gorgonians

Best time: Fall and winter for the best visibility windows

Based on community reviews and site data. Conditions vary — always verify before diving.

Best months, historically

What conditions have historically been typical at this site, month by month — not a forecast.

Jan80%15°C1.2 m
Feb73%14°C1.3 m
Mar78%14°C1.2 m
Apr91%15°C1.0 m
May100%17°C0.9 m
Jun100%19°C0.8 m
Jul100%21°C0.8 m
Aug100%22°C0.8 m
Sep99%21°C0.8 m
Oct98%19°C0.9 m
Nov96%17°C0.9 m
Dec89%16°C1.0 m

May, June, July, and August havetypically had the largest share of favorable days here. Conditions vary year to year — this is historical context, not a forecast.

Based on 3 years of archive data. Bar height shows the share of days each month whose conditions have historically scored favorably.

Marine life seen at this site

Species noted at this site — not a promise of what you’ll encounter.

Species seen here

Giant plumose anemone (Metridium farcimen)Commonly seen
Strawberry anemone (Corynactis californica)Commonly seen
GorgoniansCommonly seen
RockfishCommonly seen
LingcodOccasionally seen
California spiny lobsterOccasionally seen

Fills & rentals nearby

Facts from OpenStreetMap, corrected by the community — listed by distance only. Details change; confirm with the shop.

Eco Dive Center20.4 km
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In2Deep22.8 km
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Shop facts come from OpenStreetMap and community corrections, shown nearest first. PickADive lists facts and contacts only — no listing is sponsored or ranked.

Site details

The USS Palawan (ARG-10) was a 441-foot Liberty-hull internal combustion engine repair ship that served at the end of World War II. Substantially dismantled - superstructure and engines removed - she was scuttled in 1977 about two miles off Redondo Beach as part of California's artificial reef program and sits upright in roughly 120 feet of water, a 10-minute boat ride from King Harbor. The hull is now a vibrant reef draped in anemones and gorgonians; depth, currents and variable visibility make it a solid advanced dive.

boatreefwreck

Depth at/near recreational limits (square profile at 100-120 ft - strict NDL management), bottom currents, often low visibility, fishing line and nets, cold water

Reviews

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