The Magnificent Rock Islands, Peleliu, and Jellyfish Lake
Palau Snorkeling and Sea Kayaking
Overview
Enter Palau’s aquamarine world of old-growth coral gardens, saltwater waterfalls, and outer-reef “drop-offs” teeming with tropical fish. On this unique WT adventure, our Trip Leaders are natural teachers and Palau’s phenomenally scenic Rock Islands provide a stunning backdrop. We’ll paddle across the cream-colored waters of the Milky Way Lagoon, kayak beneath mangrove canopies draped with hanging orchids, learn about Palau’s rich culture, and even snorkel over the wreck of a Zero fighter plane. Our private beach camps offer special access to this natural history paradise, along with barbecues and crimson sunsets.
Arrive: Koror, Palau
Depart: Koror, Palau
Highlights
- Exclusive private beach camps, complete with walk-in tents, solar showers, bathroom facilities, and an alfresco dining area
- Snorkel, kayak, hike, and boat in the Rock Islands, a UNESCO World Heritage Site of spectacular limestone islands and healthy coral reefs
- Experience Palau's marine biodiversity, with hundreds of coral species and 1,500 species of reef fish
- Learn about traditional Micronesian culture, explore Peleliu Island and its World War II relics, swim with stingless jellyfish (weather depending)
- Meet the islanders of Palau in their homes and bais (village meeting houses)
Itinerary
On volcanic Babeldaob Island, we hike to a magnificent waterfall and learn about ancient Palauan culture as we visit a traditional men’s meeting house. Heading to the celebrated Rock Islands, with their extraordinary marine lakes, we explore Nikko Bay, paddling over ancient coral forests. Risong Bay is filled with isolated turquoise bays, and we’ll snorkel in the Blue Devil Gardens, where schools of blue devil damselfish shimmer between the corals.
Snorkeling over a World War II Zero airplane in shallow waters is a thrill, and we’ll explore multicolored Einstein’s Garden (named for its proliferation of giant lobophyllia brain corals). Kayaking through mangroves brings us into mile-long Long Lake, a nursery for baby eagle rays and turtles.
Giant Clam Beach, home to Palau's largest bivalves, has stacks of 500-pound clams simply piled on top of one another in this marine preserve. We continue to Jellyfish Lake, a place truly beyond description. Although we can't always guarantee sightings because of the fluctuating water temperatures, it's quite the surreal experience to be safely surrounded by blooms of jellyfish. At the Big Drop-Off (Palau’s legendary Ngemelis Wall), we find a kaleidoscopic world of tube sponges, Moorish idols, pyramid butterflyfish, sergeant majors, and yellowtail fusiliers. After visiting famous World War II battle sites on historic Peleliu Island, we return to Koror and depart on Day 10, or extend to search for Palau’s “Big Five” marine species.
Accommodations
Scroll through our signature accommodations for this trip below. Although it is highly unlikely, we may make substitutions when necessary.
What the Trip is Like
This trip is rated Level 3, Moderate, according to our trip grading system. You need to be comfortable kayaking for up to 2 hours at a time and up to 5 hours in a day, and snorkeling in a variety of conditions, including drift snorkels with strong currents. While kayaking and snorkeling is usually at your own pace, it is sometimes necessary to be able to keep up with the group.
Average Day
- 4-5 hours kayaking
- 1-3 hours snorkeling
- Occasional short hikes
Palau has a warm, humid tropical climate with some of the most uniform year-round temperatures in the world. The average humidity is a balmy 78 percent. Water temperatures range between 82 and 86°F. Rainfall can occur throughout the year, but is heaviest in June and July.
In Koror, we will stay in comfortable bungalows located up on a hill, with views of the jungle and the Rock Islands. While in the Rock Islands, we will stay at three different campsites, all of which are located on the beach. While not luxurious, they are comfortable and well located to begin each day's activities. There are walk-in tents with a cot and an inflatable mattress pad, a composting toilet facility, a solar shower strung from the palm trees, and a dining tent.
Breakfast and dinner are served at the campsites, and include a variety of Palauan and Western meals. Breakfasts usually include fresh fruit and eggs. Lunch is picnic-style and typically includes sandwiches. Dinner is usually a barbecue with fresh-caught fish or chicken and vegetables. There are a variety of vegetarian options.
Transportation on our Babeldoab tour is in an air conditioned van. Our kayaks are sit-on-top Mission XStream 400 Kayaks with carbon fiber paddles and high back seats. While kayaking and camping, there is a 33 foot Yamaha support boat with covered seating that we use to access the farther sites, and can also be used to opt out of kayaking or snorkeling.
Most of our kayaking and sailing is in calm, protected waters. We have a few short crossings (both in the boat and on kayak) over the open ocean, and the sea can be rough if it is windy or stormy.
In general, we choose routes that are largely protected from high winds and strong currents, and we run the trips at the times of year when the weather is most reliable. We also adapt our daily schedule to local conditions.
As one of the primary activities on this trip is snorkeling, we strongly recommend bringing your own snorkeling equipment to ensure a proper fit. You can rent equipment (mask, snorkel, fins, and wetsuit) in Palau if you prefer, though we cannot guarantee that your size will be available. The shallow water in the Rock Islands is generally warm, but a 2-3mm shorty wetsuit is recommended if you get cold easily, or at least a lycra skin for sun protection.
Client Testimonials
"The most beautiful tropical paradise trip I have ever done. It's absolutely stunning and being out in the natural beauty of the environment with only our group, often alone, was amazing. Fantastic—beyond lovely!"
Alison J.
Santa Barbara, CA
"The Palau trip is my idea of the ideal vacation. That is why I have taken it three times!"
Bob G.
Elizabethtown, PA
"An incredible journey. The reefs were amazing—the best I’ve encountered yet, and an elegant camping experience. Well done!!"
Carole L.
Port Townsend, WA
"The trip was fantastic and I was treated like royalty by everyone involved. I am not used to such luxury camping and having everything done for me!"
Cathy H.
Lumsden, Saskatchewan
"This was definitely a ‘bucket list’ trip and it did not disappoint. The snorkeling, kayaking, and scenery were absolutely magnificent. The ability to experience different environments—marine lakes, patch reefs, secluded bays, and the outer reef—without a crush of other tourists at popular spots like Jellyfish Lake, made this a truly memorable trip. The land excursions to WWII sites, ancient villages, and a Yapese stone money added an important human dimension to the trip."
David S.
Arlington, VA
"This trip ranks as one of my top three nature experiences in my lifetime."
Dawn M.
Playa Del Rey, CA
"The camping locations were far beyond expectations, and sunrises and sunsets beyond imagination. The balance between kayaking, snorkeling, hiking, and WW II history was perfect."
Dean W.
Sorrento, BC
"Kayaking, snorkeling, hiking, and camping with the guidance of wonderful people from Palau was handled very well. I am amazed and thankful of the thought and preparation that accommodated our needs."
Deborah S.
Jonesborough, TN
"This was the trip of a lifetime—over the top wonderful! Every day the trip became more interesting and amazing. I still wake up dreaming I am in my kayak! I have never had so much fun in my entire life."
Diane H.
Brandon, SD
"An amazing trip in an amazing area."
Erik C.
Pacifica, CA
"We enjoyed the trip so much in March 2010, that we decided to do it again in March 2011. This is the first time we’ve repeated a trip!"
Gene H.
Indianapolis, IN
"Palau was nothing less than a snorkeler's paradise! Our leader guided us each day to places where he knew Mother Nature would reveal a new canvas of coral and crystal-clear water and paint it with a kaleidoscope of tropical marine life. What a treat for the eyes!"
George F.
Pleasanton, CA
"One of the best trips we have ever taken. We got so much more out of our trip to Palau than someone just coming on their own."
Jane H.
Boulder, CO
"Great itinerary—well planned, and the food at camp was beyond expectations. My family and I had a terrific time."
Jim J.
Ojai, CA
"A beautiful place and wonderful people."
Karen L.
Blue Mountains, Australia
"We have travelled for over 40 years and this would rate amongst our most memorable, enjoyable experiences."
Katriona H.
Blackheath NSW, Australia
"Wilderness Travel is tops when it comes to adventure travel. Food, lodging, and attention to detail are always exceptional!"
Lori K.
Boulder, CO
"Is there a rating above 'Excellent?' This trip far exceeded our expectations. It was so well planned and thought out."
Lynn B.
Portland, OR
"This was one of the best trips I've ever been on. Palau was amazing from a nature and historical perspective. It was the perfect way to get a taste of paradise while learning about the culture and remembering history. The feeling of being, for the most part, the only ones snorkeling, kayaking, and camping in 'paradise' was unparalleled. I loved this trip and came back feeling so calm and relaxed. Of course, this is in part due to the wonderful folks supporting our trip and our fellow travelers."
Maritza C.
Arlington, VA
"Wonderful—one of our very best trips with WT."
Ralph S. and Karen P.
Playa del Rey, CA
"Ron's knowledge of the natural wonders of Palau, its people, and its history coupled with his spirit of fun and enthusiastic delivery made the trip a delight and an intense learning experience at the same time."
Robert C.
Concord, MA
"This trip exceeded my expectations in all regards."
Robert R.
Park City, UT
"Everything about this trip was fantastic! The resort was beautiful, the camps beyond expectations, the staff so knowledgeable and helpful. And Palau, WOW! I hadn't expected such an abundance of beauty. The coral and the fish were a sight to behold."
Sally L.
Oakland, CA
"The beaches were like paradise. Our trip Leader's knowledge of tides, currents, reefs, wildlife, and local culture was amazing and made the trip exceptional in every way. The crew's attention to detail in camp setup and amenities was amazing. We were all so inspired by Palau and so grateful to experience this trip with Wilderness."
Sandra T.
Simi Valley, CA
"This was my second time to Palau, and it was just as fabulous!"
Sherry D.
Dillon, CO
"Palau is a fantastic and diverse destination, with the kayaking, snorkeling, and WW2 history, and Ron and the team just brought it all to life for us."
Sue B.
Te Anau, New Zealand
"Thanks for another fabulous Wilderness adventure!"
Tom H.
Shoreline, WA
"This is my second WT trip to Palau. All my trips with WT have been great, but I have to rate Palau #1."
Victoria O.
Boulder, CO
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Book your trip today
Our Area Specialists know every detail about our tours. They will be happy to answer any questions and help you choose the journey that’s right for you. Contact us to learn more or book your trip today!
Itinerary
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Trip Levels
With more than 200 different adventures to choose from, we want to help you find the trip that’s right for you. Our Trip Level system ranks each trip in two ways: a number rating from 1 to 6 according to the activity, and general travel rigors. 1 is the easiest and 6+ the most difficult—see descriptions below for explanations of each number. A plus (+) sign means the trip is a bit more strenuous than other trips of that level. The detailed explanation of each trip—below the bar with the number rating—is perhaps more important, specifying activities, altitudes, hiking, and travel conditions. The Detailed Itinerary, available by download or mail, gives further information. Our Area Managers can also answer questions and guide you to the trip that best suits your interests.
Level 1 – Easiest
Non-camping journeys, optional walks, little elevation gain or loss.
Level 2 – Easy to Moderate
Hotel nights and/or safari-style camping, hikes of two to four hours on some days. Other physical activities are sometimes included, such as optional sea kayaking.
Level 3 – Moderate
Half- to full-day hikes (3-6 hours) over rolling countryside on most days, occasional steep trails. Many of our hotel-based walking tours are in this category, as are our snorkeling adventures.
- Tuscany & the Cinque Terre
- Argentina: Hikes and Estancias of Patagonia
- Palau Snorkeling & Sea Kayaking
- Some trips with minimal hiking but rugged travel conditions or long drives, such as Tribal Ghana, Togo & Benin, are Trip Level 3.
Level 4 – Moderate to Strenuous
Full-day hikes (4-6 hours), mountainous terrain, significant elevation gains and losses (hiking up or down as much as 3,000 feet) on many days. Altitudes no greater than about 10,000 feet.
Level 5 – Strenuous
Full-day hikes (4-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Trips with hiking at average altitudes of 10,000 to 12,000 feet are in this category.
Level 6 – Very Strenuous
Full-day hikes (5-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Most hikes take place at altitudes above 10,000 feet, with some days ascending as high as 18,000 feet.