February 7, 2016

Exploring Palau: Above and Below the Water's Surface

Immersed in Beauty

Aerial view of a tropical island in Palau surrounded by blue ocean waters and various shades of turquoise in a lagoon, featuring lush greenery and sandy beaches below.

On our flight back to Koror, after we’d kayaked and snorkeled down the length of the Palau’s Rock Islands to Peleliu, I caught this aerial image of Ngemelis Island. We’d snorkeled most of the reef seen in the photo the day before and the winds were just calm enough to allow us to paddle between the islands for our lunch break. Everyone had the option to relax on the speed boat, but all jumped at the opportunity to paddle in Palau one last time. Speed boats are not allowed in this area so we had the sand flats, channels, reefs, and beaches all to ourselves. Here is WT adventurer Dennis Herbel enjoying what is hidden in the photograph above, the underwater spectrum of Ngemelis Wall.

A scuba diver swims below the surface near a vibrant coral reef in Palau, surrounded by various colorful corals and marine life in clear blue waters.

-Photos and text by WT Trip Leader Ron Leidich, Palau Sea Kayaking & Snorkeling