Palau Sea Kayaking & Snorkeling

Special Early Signup Discount of $300 on all 2010 Departures
When You Sign Up By September 30, 2009—See Details Below!

Palau is the underwater Serengeti of our planet and its superabundance and diversity of reef fish and coral life is without parallel on earth. We experience the wonders of Palau in the phenomenally scenic Rock Islands, one of the natural masterpieces of the Pacific, where hundreds of luxuriant limestone outcrops jut straight up from aquamarine seas. We snorkel and kayak in unique marine lakes, over surreal giant clams, into coral gardens, and above vertical walls that descend to depths of over a thousand feet on the outer reef. All the while, we enjoy lovely beach camps and a fascinating natural history education as we explore these heavenly waters. We take just eight participants, so early sign-up is advised!

Days 1-2
Koror, Palau

We meet in Koror, and the next day explore volcanic Babeldoab, the second largest island in all of Micronesia, with its spectacular jungle-draped hills and evocative World War II sites. Back in Koror, we visit the national aquarium for a preview of what’s to come. Overnights are in a hotel set on a private white-sand beach.

Days 3-4
Nikko Bay / Raisong Bay

Our first day of paddling in the Rock Islands is incredibly diverse: reef fish nurseries, coral gardens, World War II bunkers, limestone caves, arches, and tunnels. The theme for the day is geology, and these wondrous islands present a dramatic example of how an uplifted ancient reef eroded away into 300 islands, lakes, lagoons, undercuts, and archways. The next day we focus on inner lagoon nursery habitats, with highlights including caves, drift snorkeling, an ancient Palauan village, the Blue Devil Gardens, and most amazingly, a saltwater waterfall spilling into a turquoise oasis. Our snorkeling focus here is on juvenile fish, and on our paddle excursions, we should see baby sharks and rays in tranquil little nursery bays. Each night, we enjoy a private camp set on a perfect beach. Our camps feature walk-in tents, a toilet tent, a solar shower, and a dining tent with table and chairs.

Days 5-6
Margie’s Beach

Moving to our next camp, we snorkel over the wreck of a Zero airplane from World War II, paddle across the opaque waters of a narrow channel known as the Milky Way, and pass through a tunnel to a secluded Secret Lake. Snorkel sites include Einstein’s Garden and the Tunnels of Doom. Themes of this day might be stunning beauty, sea birds, and local flora, including the leafless orchid. The next day, we make a full-day excursion to Long Lake, a place unique even by Palau standards. A rushing current carries our kayaks through the crystal-clear waters of a mangrove forest, and the sounds of birds ring out all around us. This winding passage leads us into a mile-long lake that serves as a hidden oasis for nesting birds and baby fish. Many of the ancient plants here (cycads, for example) are not seen anywhere else in Palau, or anywhere else in the world for that matter. When we return to our camp, we have a talk on today’s theme, coral—what it is, how it grows, why it is important, and what its threats are.

Days 7-8
Ngerchong Island / Ngemelis Island

Heading to the outer reef, we camp at a beach with direct access to vertical walls plummeting straight down into a 1,000-foot abyss—unrivaled for snorkeling. The Ngemelis Wall teems with big marine life including rays, turtles, and massive schools of fish. Highlights include Giant Clam Beach, with its stacks of 500-pound clams living on top of one another, and Jellyfish Lake where millions of non-stinging jellyfish bounce off our bodies as we snorkel among them. Throughout our journey, our support boat is always there for those who want shorter snorkeling options.

Days 9-11
Carp Island / Peleliu / Koror

After a morning of snorkeling, we bid farewell to the magical Rock Islands and paddle right up to the beach in front of our bungalow lodging for the night. On Day 10, we head to scenic Peleliu, with a fascinating day of exploring its World War II battle sites and enjoying some final snorkeling sessions before we head back to Koror for our farewell dinner. Depart Koror in the early morning of Day 11.