Palau Snorkeling Compared to Indonesian Islands

We have snorlkeled at Bunaken, Komodo, Togean Islands and a few other islands in that region. We have also snorkeled in Fiji (not that impressive unless we were on the wrong island), Koh Tao off Thailand( fairly impressive-not great), Redang Islands in Malaysia (quite good), Belize and Honduras (roatan(both well above the rest of the Caribbean but not equal to say a Bunaken or the Redangs.
With that backdrop in mind how would you rate and compare the snorkeling around palau.
This includes of course the Rock Islands but we also are considering chartering boats with a captain to go to a few places we hear are excellent just beyond the reef. this is because often the dive boats are in depths that even though you can swim to somewhat shallower water 20 ft. is still a bit too deep for great snorkeling though it is fine for free diving.
Please help for we do not wish to travel 24 hours plus and be dissapoited.
Thanks.

Palau, in my opinion, is great for snorkeling... I haven't been to the other places you mentioned, but I did a ton of snorkeling/diving in the two years that I lived there.
On a typical snorkel trip you can see: sea turtles, sharks, mantas (if you are really lucky), and all types of beautiful fish en mass. The dives spots are hit and miss for snorkeling - I seem to recall German channel being a good one since its not so deep. I had my best experience ever in the water snorkeling at Turtle Cove (or Turtle point - I can't remember which it was called.. it was right near Carp Island though).
It is expensive to get there both in terms of time and money, but a lovely place to visit. If you do charter a boat (you can get a snorkel tour through Sam's, Neco etc for about $130/day) ask the driver to take you places off the tourist track - the typical route includes jellyfish lake (a must to see!), cemetery reef (awesome snorkeling, but too many other tourists), the giant clams (not that impressive), and the soft coral arch (pretty colored corals)
Hope that helps

I realize that I'm not answering your question, but I have a question for you. I am considering a trip to Indo with stops in Togean islands, Bunaken and Banda area. There are reports of dynamiting coral and cyanide fishing in the Togeans, but you seem to give the area a good review. How would you compare the snorkeling in Togean islands to the other areas you visited in Indonesia?

My personal favorite place to snorkel is the Solomon Islands. Tetamanu village (south pass) on Fakarava Atoll is a close second. I haven't been to Palau so I can't help you there.

Cheers,

Mike Anderson

There was several spots in the Togean Islands where we saw the remains from dynamiting that was done until from what I understand 4-5 years ago and those areas are very slowly bouncing back. But we did also find some very good spots. You will not have that problem in Bunaken, Komodo or in the Banda Islands. The Gillis also has also been badly damaged just FYI.

Ashley,

Thanks for the info! That helps me with the planning.

-Mike