The Rock Islands of Palau are perfect for kaykaking

Palau is a natural paradise both on land and at sea. We hike on volcanic Babeldoab Island, paddle the inner lagoons of Nikko Bay, then head out to the phenomenal Rock Islands for world-class snorkeling and sea kayaking.

Photo by Ron Leidich

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Palau Sea Kayaking and Snorkeling

Experience the Natural History Paradise of the Rock Islands

*Early Signup Discount for Summer/Fall 2010 Departures

Special Early Signup Discount of $350 per person to the first 6 signups on all Summer/Fall 2010 departures when you sign up by April 15, 2010! *New sign-ups only.

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 jut straight up from aquamarine seas. Snorkeling and kayaking in hidden marine lakes, into colorful coral gardens, and above vertical walls that descend to depths of over a thousand feet, we enjoy the comfort of lovely beach camps as we discover this heavenly realm. Fascinating hikes, giant clams, a lake full of stingless jellyfish—it’s all here!

Highlights

  • Snorkel the magical Rock Islands, with their hidden lakes, coral gardens, marine tunnels, fields of giant clams, thousand-foot-deep walls
  • Sea kayak among jungle-draped islands, sleep under the stars in private camps on beautiful wilderness beaches
  • Hike on volcanic Babeldoab Island, explore Peleliu Island, Jellyfish Lake

Details

  • 11-day trip begins and ends in Koror
  • 4 nights in beach resorts, 6 nights full-service camping
  • All meals included
  • Snorkeling, easy to moderate sea kayaking on sit-on-top kayaks, 3-5 hours a day

Tour Costs

$4795 (6-9 members)
$5195 (4-5 members)

Single supplement: $695

Prices are for 2010 dates

Departures & Leaders

Apr 28-May 8, 2010  TJ Beches
Jul 12-22, 2010  Ron Leidich
Oct 28-Nov 7, 2010  Shaft Katosang
Nov 10-20, 2010  Ron Leidich
Jan 5-15, 2011  Ron Leidich
Feb 20-Mar 2, 2011  Ron Leidich
Mar 7-17, 2011  TJ Beches

Suggested Reading

Reading list, click here.

Itinerary at a Glance
Palau Sea Kayaking and Snorkeling route-map

Days 1-2
Koror, Palau

We meet in Koror, then explore volcanic Babeldoab, the second largest island in all of Micronesia, with its spectacular jungle-draped hills and cascading waterfalls.

Days 3-4
Nikko Bay / Raisong Bay

The wondrous 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: reef fish nurseries, coral gardens, limestone caves, arches, and tunnels. The next day we focus on inner lagoon nursery habitats, with highlights including 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.

Days 5-6
Margie’s Beach

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 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 serves as a hidden oasis for nesting birds and tiny fish.

Days 7-8
Ngerchong Island / Ngemelis Island

The Ngemelis Wall, plummeting vertically into a 1,000-foot abyss, 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.

Days 9-11
Carp Island / Peleliu / Koror

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

This is the Itinerary-at-a-Glance. For the complete trip description, Download Full Trip Brochure

Palau Pacific Resort

Days 1 to 2 (2 nights), Koror, Palau

Located just outside the city of Koror, our resort lies on a spectacular private white-sand beach overlooking the blue Pacific. Guest rooms are ...
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Palau Camps

Days 3 to 8 (6 nights), The Rock Islands, Palau

On the phenomenally beautiful Rock Islands, we enjoy our own wonderful campsites chosen for their beauty and access to fantastic snorkeling. Our ...
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Carp Island Resort

Day 9 (1 night), Carp Island, Palau

A simple ecolodge on its own private island, Carp Island Resort boasts an extraordinary location just 10 minutes from world-famous sites like the ...
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Note: Listed above are our signature accommodations for this trip. Although it is highly unlikely, we may make substitutions when necessary.