Palau Sea Kayaking and Snorkeling

Palau’s superabundance and diversity of reef fish and coral life is without parallel on earth—it’s even been called the “underwater Serengeti” of our planet. We experience its incredible wonders in the phenomenally scenic Rock Islands, one of the natural masterpieces of the Pacific, where hundreds of luxuriant limestone outcrops rise dramatically from aquamarine seas. Snorkeling and kayaking in hidden marine lakes, into colorful coral gardens, and above vertical walls that descend to depths of more than a thousand feet on the outer reef, we enjoy the comfort of lovely beach camps and a wonderful education in natural history as we discover this heavenly realm. Fascinating hikes, dramatic waterfalls, ancient villages, giant clams, a lake full of stingless jellyfish—it’s all here!

Itinerary at a Glance

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Days 1-2
Koror, Palau

After meeting in Koror, we explore volcanic Babeldoab, the second largest island in all of Micronesia, with its jungle-draped hills and cascading waterfalls. Back in Koror, a visit to the national aquarium gives us a preview of the wonders to come.

Days 3-4
Rock Islands / Nikko Bay / Raisong Bay

The surreal Rock Islands are an uplifted ancient reef that eroded away into an elaborate archipelago of 300 islands, lakes, lagoons, undercuts, and archways. Our first day of paddling is incredibly diverse, with reef fish nurseries, coral gardens, limestone caves, and tunnels. The next day we focus on inner lagoon nursery habitats; highlights include drift snorkeling, an ancient Palauan village, the Blue Devil Gardens, and most amazingly, a saltwater waterfall spilling into a turquoise oasis. On our paddling excursions, we should see baby sharks and rays in tranquil little nursery bays.

Days 5-6
Margie’s Beach

Our outings include snorkeling over the wreck of a Zero airplane from World War II, kayaking across the opaque waters of a narrow channel known as the Milky Way, and passing through a tunnel to secluded Secret Lake. The next day, we explore Long Lake, where a rushing current carries our kayaks through a winding passage leading into a mile-long lake that’s a hidden oasis for nesting birds and tiny fish. Many of the ancient plants here, including cycads, are not seen anywhere else in Palau. Later, we head to the coral gardens at Honeymoon Beach, with a tiny sand spit and swaying coconut palms sandwiched between two limestone islands.

Days 7-8
Ngerchong Island / Ngemelis

Island Heading to the outer reef, we discover the Ngemelis Wall, plummeting vertically into a 1,000-foot abyss and teeming with big marine life including rays, turtles, and massive schools of fish. Highlights include Giant Clam Beach, with 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.

Days 9-11
Carp Island / Peleliu / Koror

After a morning of snorkeling, we bid farewell to the magical Rock Islands, then head to scenic Peleliu, scene of fierce fighting during World War II. We explore its battle sites and enjoy some final snorkeling sessions before returning to Koror. Depart on Day 11.

For a more complete description, Download Full Trip Brochure

What the Trip is Like

This trip is rated 3, Moderate, according to our trip grading system. It is relaxed enough to allow ample time for photography, snorkeling, extra paddling, and beachcombing. The Trip Leader gives a daily background briefing on the natural history of each area we explore, including its geology, birding, reef fish, coral reef ecology, or archaeology. Throughout our time on the Rock Islands, we are supported by a motor-launch boat. Our days are spent kayaking through gorgeous, crystal-clear turquoise waters, snorkeling, hiking to sites of interest, birdwatching, swimming, and relaxing on untouched beaches. On most days, we paddle for four to five hours, although usually not more than an hour at a time, interspersed with snorkeling and other activities. The paddling distances are short.

The trip is designed to offer an enjoyable vacation—you need not have done any previous kayaking. In general, we choose routes that are largely protected from high winds and strong currents, and we adapt our daily schedule to local conditions. We have welcomed both beginner and experienced paddlers on this trip, and they have found sea kayaking to be a fantastic way to experience the wonders of Palau. Our support boat goes ahead to each new campsite with our gear so that our new camp is set up and awaiting us on arrival. Campsites are chosen for their beauty and/or access to fantastic snorkeling. Our days of physical activity will fuel good appetites, and our two camp cooks provide delicious repasts.

Explanation of Trip Levels