Shark Week Palau

View on map
Nature & SeasonMalakal/Koror
DatesDates TBA · Usually MarchCheck locally before booking
Duration1 dayListed event span
Crowd-Public scale varies
Best forSeasonal rites, water traditionsShark Week Palau is timed to a real
LanguageLocal language; English access variesCurrency: USD
CategoryNature & SeasonFestival type
The story

Shark Week Palau in Malakal/Koror

Shark Week Palau is an annual diving and conservation event run by the Micronesian Shark Foundation out of Fish 'n Fins in Malakal, Koror. Founded in 2003, the 2026 edition ran February 24-March 3, coinciding with the seasonal mating aggregation of grey reef sharks that gathers hundreds of sharks in Palau's waters between February and April.

Between February and April each year, without any human scheduling involved, hundreds of grey reef sharks converge on specific dive sites around Palau for their annual mating aggregation, a natural event that has nothing to do with tourism calendars but that one dive operator turned into an annual gathering of its own.
Your trip starts here
What is special

The part that makes it specific.

01

The place changes

Shark Week Palau is timed to a real biological event: every year from February to April, hundreds of grey reef sharks converge in Palau's waters for their mating aggregation, giving divers direct access to that phenomenon at some of the country's best-known dive sites

02

The mystery stays covered

Since its 2003 founding by the Micronesian Shark Foundation, the event has built in a research dimension, field experts such as Dr

03

The city starts moving

Mark Meekan of AIMS and a Stanford team led by Barbara Block have joined past editions to run seminars alongside daily dives

04

The water draws everyone in

The program follows a set rhythm: an opening ceremony with t-shirts, daily dives, evening seminars, and a closing gala dinner featuring the year's video

05

The old stones answer

Some editions have aligned with the Moorish Idol spawning, adding a second wildlife spectacle

Traditions & symbols

The language of the festival.

What moves first

Living ritual

The event grew out of the Micronesian Shark Foundation's conservation mission

Water and renewal

Living ritual

founded in 2003 specifically to give divers structured access to Palau's grey reef shark aggregation while building conservation awareness through paired scientific seminars

The sacred route

Living ritual

Its recurring format

The local code

Living ritual

opening ceremony

Tradition 5

Living ritual

daily themed dives

Tradition 6

Living ritual

evening expert talks

Tradition 7

Living ritual

and a closing gala with a commemorative video

Tradition 8

Living ritual

has become a fixed tradition that repeat attendees return for year after year

Before you go

Essential information

When to go

Dates TBA · Usually March

Getting around

Expect wet routes, blocked streets, and slower movement around river, beach, or water zones.

What to wear

Standard scuba diving gear (wetsuit, mask, fins) suited to warm tropical water, plus casual resort wear for the opening ceremony and evening seminars. The closing gala dinner typically calls...

Safety

Keep photography restrained at Shark Week Palau; give people room and treat community moments as more than scenery.

Where to stay

Choose lodging by the part of Malakal/Koror you will actually use, not only by the cheapest room.

Tickets/cost

Public water rituals are often open, but boat, viewing, or activity access may be paid.

Language/currency

USD

Family friendly

unknown

Interactive map7.32 N, 134.47 EOpen in Google Maps

Malakal/Koror, Koror State, Palau

Nearest airportROR — Roman Tmetuchl
TransportExpect wet routes, blocked streets, and slower movement around river, beach, or water zones.
Stay areaChoose lodging by the part of Malakal/Koror you will actually use, not only by the cheapest room.

Your Trip Starts Here

External travel services to turn the plan into a trip — each opens in a new tab.

How to get thereRoutes, times and prices to Malakal/Koror via local transport.Search routesFind a place to stayStays near Malakal/Koror, close enough for the event-day route.Browse staysFind flightsCompare fares into the nearest practical airport for March.Compare faresFestival gearStandard scuba diving gear (wetsuit, mask, fins) suited to warm tropical water, plus casual resort wear for the opening ceremony and evening seminars. The closing gala dinner typically calls for smart-casual attire, though divers coming straight from a boat trip dress more informally.Shop the kitCheck visa requirementsSee whether you need a visa for Palau and apply online.Check entry rulesTravel insuranceCover for trip hiccups, gear and health on the road.Get covered

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FAQ

Quick answers.

When is Shark Week Palau?

Shark Week Palau is listed for Past edition: 3 March 2026. Always re-check the official or local source close to travel.

Where does Shark Week Palau take place?

The festival is listed in Malakal/Koror, Palau. The map coordinate is a planning reference, not a guarantee of a ticket gate or exact venue.

How long should I plan for?

One day is the listed festival span. Add time for arrival, local transport, queues, and any route changes during the event.

Is a source linked?

Official source linked. Eventisimus separates source confidence from travel suggestions, so check final details before booking.

Where exactly is it?

Malakal/Koror, Koror State, Palau

Is it family friendly?

unknown

Sources and editorial review

About this guide

This guide is independently written by Eventisimus using publicly available information, official event and organiser sources where available, local tourism references, and additional editorial research. Eventisimus is not the official organiser of this festival and is not affiliated with it unless explicitly stated.

Festival dates, schedules, ticket conditions, access rules, and local arrangements can change. We aim to present useful and accurate information, but travelers should confirm important details with the official event source before booking transport, accommodation, or tickets.

Found something inaccurate or outdated? Email hello@eventisimus.com with the festival page link and the correction.

Official URLfishnfins.com
Organizer accessAre you the organizer? Claim this listing →
SourceSource link available
Listed datesDates TBA · Usually March
Source statusOfficial source linked
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