Diver-focused boutique resort on Malakal Island, ideally located right next to the dive boats. Simple but comfortable rooms, hearty breakfasts, and expert dive staff make this a favorite among diving enthusiasts on a mid-range budget.
Fish N Fins Resort is a diver-focused property on Malakal Island with a well-established reputation built over several decades of serving serious diving visitors to Palau. The resort sits alongside a working boat dock, and the in-house dive operation shares the same waterfront, which means the logistical friction between waking up and entering the water is minimal — particularly valued on days when Blue Corner tidal windows open early.
Accommodation is compact and unpretentious — the resort positions itself as mid-range rather than luxury, and rooms reflect that honestly. Units are air-conditioned with private bathrooms, basic furnishings, and adequate storage for dive gear. There are no grand views and no pool, but the trade-off is a location and operational setup that most dedicated divers in Palau rate higher than aesthetics. Gear storage and equipment rinsing facilities are well-organised and conveniently placed.
The on-site restaurant serves a hearty breakfast that has become something of an institution among returning guests — portions are large and the menu includes both Western and local options. The kitchen also serves lunch and dinner, covering the core meal requirements without requiring guests to travel into Koror for food. The dining area overlooks the marina and functions as an informal social space where divers review the day's footage and plan the next morning.
Fish N Fins runs its own dedicated dive boats covering the full roster of Palau's marquee sites: Blue Corner, the German Channel, Ulong Channel, the Japanese wrecks, and Jellyfish Lake. Staff include experienced Palauan divemasters with strong site knowledge. Kayak rentals are available for non-diving days, and the resort offers airport shuttle service. The combination of in-house diving, a solid restaurant, and direct waterfront access makes this one of the most practical mid-range options in Palau for dive-trip itineraries.
Amenities
- dive shop
- dive packages
- restaurant
- free WiFi
- gear storage
- boat dock
- free parking
- airport shuttle
- kayak rentals
Location
Malakal Island, Koror, Palau 96940
7.3230, 134.4610 View on map
Highlights
- In-house dive operation with direct boat dock access — among the shortest walks from bed to dive boat in Palau
- Own fleet covering Blue Corner, the German Channel, Ulong Channel, wrecks, and Jellyfish Lake
- Hearty restaurant known for large breakfasts; on-site lunch and dinner means no daily taxi into Koror
- Well-organised gear storage and rinse facilities designed for multi-day dive guests
- Mid-range pricing relative to the quality of dive access and included amenities
Tips for visiting
- Confirm tidal timing for Blue Corner with dive staff the evening before — the window can open as early as 6 am and the best current lasts only an hour or so.
- Pack a lightweight dry bag for protecting cameras and personal items on the open boats; conditions can be choppy between Malakal and the outer sites.
- The breakfast gets busy between 7 and 8 am before morning dive departures — arriving by 6:45 avoids the queue and gives time to eat calmly before briefings.
- Gear rinse tanks fill up quickly after afternoon dives; rinse equipment promptly to avoid corrosion, particularly for regulators and BCDs.
- Kayak rentals from the dock provide a pleasant way to explore the Malakal shoreline on a rest day without joining a tour.
When to visit
November through April for optimal dive conditions; the German Channel manta aggregation typically peaks from January through March.
Accessibility
The waterfront dock and gear areas involve steps and uneven surfaces. The resort is not specifically adapted for guests with significant mobility limitations — contact the property to discuss specific requirements.