Blue Corner, Chandelier Caves, Peleliu Express, German Channel — they’re the stuff of legend, some of the most storied dive sites in all the world’s oceans (and if they’re not on your bucket list, they should be). They also are found in a single emerald gem, the crown of the western Pacific: the islands of Palau.

Can’t believe the images you’ve seen, many in the pages of this magazine? Don’t take our word — listen to Mike Mesgleski, half of the hilarious “Mike & Mike Show,” as their devoted students and fans call the comedic masterminds and teachers of the Jim Church School of Underwater Photography, offered only on select yachts of the Aggressor Fleet, including Palau Aggressor II (the school returns to PAII in March 2018).

“Palau has it all,” Mesgleski says. “Exquisite macro critters, walls of colorful soft corals, manta feeding stations, sharks galore, grottoes and caves,” plus the somber underwater time capsules that are its extensive WWII wrecks.

As with other island nations served by the Aggressor Fleet, there’s simply no better way — and none with nearly as much diving — to appreciate the beauty of Palau above and below than an Aggressor yacht (the fleet has actually had two yachts in the region for nearly 25 years). Aggressor Fleet maintains high service and safety standards, a promise you can count on worldwide. And on Aggressor Fleet boats, you basically never dry off — you’ll be underwater as often as you want to be. Diving from PAII’s skiff, with its unique hydraulic “cradle” lift to the mother ship, makes for easy back and forth to the dive sites. The yacht’s covered top deck is a great place to take in the topside beauty of the famed Rock Islands or relax a bit after another fantastic meal (be careful, the hammock will put you right to sleep). The 106-foot yacht’s broad beam — 30 feet — makes PAII a comfortable, stable ride, and the comfy, overstuffed sofas in the large salon do the same.

So when should you go? Take a tip from the pros — while Palau is a year-round destinations, manta mating season, from December through March, can produce a show of 20 to 30 mantas at places like German Channel, part of Palau Aggressor II’s route.

For more information, visit aggressor.com or call 800-348-2628 to book your trip.