Overview
Enter an aquamarine world of rare old-growth coral gardens, saltwater waterfalls, and outer-reef “drop-offs” teeming with brilliant tropical fish. Snorkel over the wreck of a Zero fighter plane from World War II, paddle across the cream-colored waters of the Milky Way Lagoon, kayak beneath mangrove canopies draped with hanging orchids, and learn about Palau’s rich cultural traditions. On this unique WT adventure, our Trip Leaders are natural teachers, and Palau’s phenomenally scenic Rock Islands provide a stunning backdrop. Our private camps are tucked away on isolated beaches and are for our exclusive use, offering us special access to this natural history paradise, along with delightful barbecues and crimson sunrises and sunsets.
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
Itinerary at a Glance
Days 1-4
Koror / Babeldaob Island / Rock Islands / Nikko Bay / Risong Bay
On volcanic Babeldaob Island, we hike to a magnificent waterfall for a refreshing dip and learn about ancient Palauan culture on a visit to a bai, a traditional men’s meeting house. Heading to the celebrated Rock Islands, we explore their extraordinary network of marine lakes, mangrove channels, and marine tunnels. In Nikko Bay, sheltered by the castle-like limestone walls of the Rock Islands, our paddling route brings us over thousand-year-old coral forests. Risong Bay is filled with isolated turquoise bays, each with its own unique habitat, and we’ll snorkel in the Blue Devil Gardens, where schools of blue devil damselfish shimmer between the corals.
Days 5-6
Einstein’s Garden / Long Lake
Snorkeling over a WWII Zero fighter plane submerged 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, and the skies overhead are often full of tropical birds.
Days 7-10
Jellyfish Lake / Big Drop-Off / Peleliu
Snorkeling amid millions of stingless jellyfish at Jellyfish Lake is a surreal experience, and at the Big Drop-Off (Palau’s legendary Ngemelis Wall), a kaleidoscopic world of tube sponges, Moorish idols, pyramid butterflyfish, sergeant majors, and yellowtail fusiliers awaits. After visiting haunting battle sites on Peleliu, the scene of fierce fighting during World War II, return to Koror and depart on Day 10, or extend to look for Palau’s “Big Five” marine species.
Palau Snorkeling and Sea Kayaking
Highlights
Highlights
Details
Snorkeling, easy to moderate sea kayaking (3-5 hours a day), easy hikes, exploration by boat
