Discover a Pacific Wonderland
Palau Private Journey
Overview
Enter an aquamarine world of rare old-growth coral gardens, saltwater waterfalls, and outer-reef “drop-offs” teeming with brilliant tropical fish. On this unique Private Journey, you'll kayak across Nikko Bay, with its sheer limestone walls, snorkel in the Blue Devil Gardens, where sparkling blue devil damsel fish dance between the corals, and explore the vibrant outer reefs of Ngercheu Island, a veritable “underwater Serengeti.” Your private guide unlocks the secrets of this world as you explore each day, and Palau's phenomenally scenic Rock Islands provide a stunning backdrop. Comfortable accommodations are in beach resorts that offer you delightful access to this natural history paradise.
Arrive: Koror, Palau
Depart: Koror, Palau
Highlights
- Snorkel, kayak, and explore the Rock Islands, a UNESCO World Heritage Site of pristine coral reefs and dazzling limestone islands
- Experience Palau’s famed marine biodiversity, with hundreds of coral species and 1,500 species of reef fish
- Learn about traditional Micronesian culture, visit the evocative World War II battle sites of Peleliu, swim with stingless jellyfish (weather depending)
Itinerary
After arriving in Koror, head to Babeldaob Island for a hike to Ngchesar Waterfalls and a visit to the national museum to learn a bit about Palau's culture and history.
The phenomenally beautiful Rock Islands are glittering emeralds scattered across a sapphire sea. Kayak at Nikko Bay, with its sheer limestone walls, drift-snorkel the pristine Blue Devil Gardens, visit a salt-water waterfall spilling into a turquoise oasis, hike in Ulong Island's canopy-covered forest to an ancient village site. At Wilson's Channel and the Ulong Arch, discover colorful damselfish, monogamous butterflyfish, and photogenic angelfish.
Visit Giant Clam Beach, with its stacks of 500-pound clams, and if the conditions are right, snorkel at mesmerizing Jellyfish Lake, where blooms of non-stinging jellyfish bounce off your body. Head for the vibrant outer reef of Ngercheu Island, where vertical drop offs descend into the blue-water abyss, and snorkel world-famous Turtle Cove, a vertical reef wall. At the legendary outer reefs of Ngemelis, enter an underwater Serengeti, a habitat for over 1,200 species of fish.
After a fascinating day of exploring the Peleliu Island's historic battle sites, fly to Koror and depart on Day 10.
Accommodations
Scroll through our signature accommodations for this trip below. Although it is highly unlikely, we may make substitutions when necessary.
What the Trip is Like
This trip is rated Level 3, Moderate, according to our trip grading system. If you would like to complete all activities in the itinerary, you will need to be comfortable kayaking for up to two hours at a time and up to five hours in a day, and snorkeling in a variety of conditions, including drift snorkels with strong currents. Any activity can be skipped and will always be at your own pace.
Average Day
- 4-5 hours kayaking (Days 3-5)
- 1-3 hours snorkeling
- Occasional short hikes
Palau has a warm, humid tropical climate with some of the most uniform year-round temperatures in the world. The average humidity is a balmy 78 percent. Water temperatures range between 82 and 86°F. Rainfall can occur throughout the year, but is heaviest in June and July.
You will stay in beach-side bungalows at two different resorts. While not luxurious, the resorts are comfortable and well located to begin each day’s activities.
Breakfasts are at the resorts and feature a variety of Palauan and Western specialties. Lunch will be picnic style during your day’s activities and will be a bento box of Palauan food, a Mediterranean spread, or an Italian salad spread. Dinners are on your own (except for the Welcome and Farewell dinners). There are a variety of restaurants in Koror and a few options in Peleliu.
Transportation on the Babeldoab tour is in an air-conditioned van. The kayaks are sit-on-top Mission XStream 400 Kayaks with carbon fiber paddles and high back seats. While kayaking, there is a 33-foot Yamaha support boat with covered seating that we use to access the farther sites, and can also be used to opt out of kayaking or snorkeling.
Client Testimonials
"I’ve been on lots of Wilderness Travel trips, but this was my best vacation ever!"
Keieth R.
New Orleans, LA
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Book your trip today
Our Area Specialists know every detail about our tours. They will be happy to answer any questions and help you choose the journey that’s right for you. Contact us to learn more or book your trip today!
Itinerary
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Trip Levels
With more than 200 different adventures to choose from, we want to help you find the trip that’s right for you. Our Trip Level system ranks each trip in two ways: a number rating from 1 to 6 according to the activity, and general travel rigors. 1 is the easiest and 6+ the most difficult.