Plunge into the depths of Palau’s most legendary wreck, the Iro Maru, a Japanese WWII fleet oiler that now stands upright like an underwater monument at around 25–40 m deep.
In this short but vivid video, witness how marine life has reclaimed the wreck: coral‑covered kingposts, dramatic guns, and bustling schools of clownfish transform it into a living reef.
Experience history meeting nature, and let this dive preview inspire your own Palau adventure.
Learn More
Want the full story behind Palau’s ghost fleet? Discover the history, dive tips, and must-see wrecks in our Complete WWII Wrecks Guide .
If you’re planning your trip, check our guide on how to get to Palau for flights and entry logistics.
For more WWII history underwater, explore Palau’s wreck dives, from the massive Amatsu Maru to the artifact-rich Helmet Wreck.
And if you want to experience history on land, don’t miss our guide to Peleliu Island.
👉 Ready to dive the Iro Maru yourself? Check out our Palau dive packages
The wreck sits upright with the deck around 25 m (80 ft) and the seabed at 40 m (130 ft).
Expect coral-covered guns, towering kingposts, tomato clownfish, lionfish, nudibranchs, and schools of reef fish.
It’s best suited for Advanced Open Water or wreck-certified divers because of its depth and occasional low visibility.
Diving is possible year-round, with December to March offering the calmest seas and clearest visibility.
