5 Days • 4 Nights
Palau Short Escape: Koror & the Rock Islands
Tour Includes
About the Trip
Trip Highlights
- The Rock Islands Southern Lagoon is the jewel of Palau and one of the most beautiful and extraordinary seascapes on earth, and even a short escape lets you experience its magic. A UNESCO World Heritage Site of hundreds of jungle-clad, mushroom-shaped limestone islands scattered across a dazzling turquoise lagoon, it is a surreal, labyrinthine paradise of hidden coves, secret lagoons, deserted white-sand beaches, coral gardens and sea caves. Cruising among the emerald islets, snorkelling their reefs, and relaxing on their deserted beaches is the essence of a Palau escape, and the beauty is simply mesmerising, an endless maze of green islands and blue water.
- Jellyfish Lake is one of the most surreal and magical natural wonders on the planet, and a highlight of even a short Palau escape. Hidden in the heart of a Rock Island, this marine lake is home to millions of harmless golden jellyfish that have evolved to lose their sting, and which migrate across the lake each day following the sun. Snorkelling among them, you glide through a living galaxy of gently pulsing golden bells, thousands of them drifting all around you in the shafts of sunlight, brushing softly and harmlessly against your skin, an utterly unique.
- Palau's pristine coral reefs and abundant marine life, among the healthiest on earth, offer superb, accessible snorkelling even on a short escape. Palau lies at the heart of the Coral Triangle, the global centre of marine biodiversity, and its reefs, kept pristine by the nation's world-leading conservation, teem with an astonishing abundance of life, turtles, reef sharks, giant clams, Napoleon wrasse, and clouds of tropical fish over vibrant coral, in warm, crystal-clear water. Snorkelling in the Rock Islands lagoons is gentle and superb, and encounters with marine life, especially turtles and giant clams, are frequent and thrilling.
- The hidden lagoons, deserted beaches and secret coves of the Rock Islands offer magical experiences even on a short escape, revealing the labyrinth of islands and its serene beauty. Among the hundreds of Rock Islands lie countless deserted white-sand beaches, secret lagoons and hidden coves, where you can swim, snorkel and relax surrounded by turquoise water and emerald islands. You can visit the famous Milky Way, a hidden lagoon where silky white limestone mud turns the water a milky, dreamlike turquoise, float in the surreal water and enjoy the mud, said to be good for the skin.
- Palau's compact size and easy access make it an ideal short escape or stopover, delivering extraordinary natural wonders without long journeys. Palau is small, and the Rock Islands, Jellyfish Lake and the finest reefs are all easily reached by boat from laid-back Koror, so even a short escape based in one comfortable hub delivers the full range of Palau's signature wonders. This makes it perfect for a short break, a stopover on a trans-Pacific or Asian journey (Palau is well connected to Asia and Guam), or the start of a longer diving or island adventure.
- Palau's world-leading conservation ethos gives even a short escape a profound sense of purpose and place, revealing a nation deeply committed to protecting its extraordinary natural heritage. Palau is a global pioneer of environmental protection, with vast marine sanctuaries, the world's first shark sanctuary, a ban on reef-toxic sunscreens, and the famous 'Palau Pledge', an environmental promise that every visitor signs in their passport on arrival, vowing to tread lightly and protect the islands. This deep conservation ethos is woven through the whole experience, and it is thanks to this commitment that Palau's reefs, lagoons and marine life remain so pristine and abundant.
Day by Day
A detailed day-by-day plan for this 5-day journey.
Welcome to Palau. Your flight touches down at Koror, the laid-back hub of this extraordinary island nation, where you are welcomed and transferred to your hotel. On arrival, you sign the famous 'Palau Pledge', an environmental promise stamped in your passport, a fitting introduction to a nation devoted to protecting its pristine natural heritage. Spend the rest of the day easing into island time, relaxing, exploring Koror's restaurants, or simply recovering from your journey. This evening, a relaxed welcome dinner of fresh reef fish introduces you to Palauan cuisine and hospitality. As you settle in, the anticipation of the wonders ahead, the labyrinthine Rock Islands, the surreal Jellyfish Lake, and the pristine reefs, mingles with the gentle atmosphere of Koror. Even in a short escape, Palau will deliver some of the most extraordinary natural experiences on the planet, and you rest ahead of venturing out into the dazzling turquoise lagoon tomorrow.
Today you experience two of Palau's signature wonders. A boat carries you out into the UNESCO-listed Rock Islands Southern Lagoon, a surreal labyrinth of jungle-clad, mushroom-shaped limestone islands scattered across dazzling turquoise water. You cruise among the emerald islets, snorkel over vibrant coral gardens teeming with fish and turtles, and land on a deserted white-sand beach. The highlight is Jellyfish Lake, where you snorkel among millions of harmless golden jellyfish pulsing through sunlit water, an utterly surreal, dreamlike and unforgettable experience, as thousands of jellyfish drift all around you in the shafts of light, brushing softly and harmlessly against your skin. The beauty of the Rock Islands and the magic of swimming among the jellyfish make this an extraordinary day, a highlight of any Palau escape. As the boat returns across the turquoise lagoon, you take in the beauty of the emerald islands, and a relaxed dinner in Koror rounds off an unforgettable day.
Another day exploring the wonders of the Rock Islands lagoon. You visit the famous Milky Way, a hidden lagoon where a layer of silky white limestone mud turns the water a milky, dreamlike turquoise; you can dive down for the mud, said to be wonderful for the skin, and float in the surreal water, a fun and relaxing Palau tradition. You snorkel more of the lagoon's superb reefs and coral gardens, perhaps the giant clams of Clam City, where huge, iridescent clams nestle in the shallows, and the fish-filled reefs teeming with turtles. Between snorkelling, you relax on deserted white-sand beaches, such as Long Beach, a stunning sandbar that appears at low tide, and cruise the labyrinth of emerald islands. The abundance and beauty of the marine life, and the surreal beauty of the lagoon, are breathtaking. As the boat returns across the turquoise water, you take in the endless maze of green islands and blue water, and a relaxed dinner in Koror rounds off another wonderful day.
A final full day to savour the wonders of Palau. You might return to a favourite spot to snorkel the pristine reefs, swim once more among the jellyfish, kayak into the hidden lagoons and sea caves of the Rock Islands, or relax on a deserted beach with the turquoise water all around. Alternatively, you might snorkel the beautiful Chandelier Cave, hung with glittering stalactites, or take an optional scenic flight over the Rock Islands, whose beauty from the air, an emerald maze on the turquoise lagoon, is breathtaking. Palau's blend of extraordinary marine wonders, pristine nature and hidden beauty means there is always something magical to discover. As your escape draws to a close, a farewell dinner celebrates the wonders you have experienced, from the labyrinthine Rock Islands and the surreal Jellyfish Lake to the pristine reefs and hidden lagoons, and you reflect on the profound beauty and pristine health of one of the last great marine paradises on earth, experienced in just a few extraordinary days.
After a final morning in Koror, perhaps a last look at the turquoise lagoon, you are transferred to the airport for your onward international departure. You leave having experienced the extraordinary natural wonders of Palau, the labyrinthine UNESCO Rock Islands, the surreal magic of Jellyfish Lake, the pristine reefs teeming with turtles and coral, and the hidden lagoons and deserted beaches of this marine paradise. Though brief, your escape has delivered some of the most extraordinary natural experiences on the planet, and the images stay vivid long after you land, the emerald maze of islands on the turquoise lagoon, the millions of golden jellyfish pulsing in the sunlight, the abundant, thriving reefs. Palau, a world leader in protecting its precious environment, offers a rare and inspiring glimpse of the ocean as it should be, and you depart having signed the Palau Pledge, already dreaming of a longer return to explore more of one of the last great marine wildernesses on earth.
Where You Will Travel
What's inside the package?
Inclusions
- 4 nights accommodation
- Daily breakfast, a welcome dinner and Rock Islands boat-trip picnic lunches
- Airport and boat transfers
- Rock Islands boat tours and activities as per itinerary with local guides
- Rock Islands and Jellyfish Lake permits as specified
- Entrance and reef fees as per itinerary
- Rock Islands and Jellyfish Lake boat tours with snorkelling and all permits
Exclusions
- International airfare
- Visa or tourist card fees where applicable
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Scuba diving and dive equipment hire (can be arranged)
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary or inclusions
- Drinks unless specifically stated
- Optional excursions and experiences
- Personal expenses and gratuities
- Anything not specifically mentioned under Package Inclusions
Know when to go.
- Visa & entry: Most nationalities, including UK, US, EU, Canadian, Australian and New Zealand passport holders, receive a free visa on arrival of up to 30 days; a passport valid for at least six months and onward travel are required. On arrival you sign the 'Palau Pledge', an environmental promise stamped in your passport. We confirm details for your nationality
- Currency: Palau uses the US Dollar; cards are accepted in the main hotels, dive shops and restaurants in Koror, but carry cash for smaller vendors and tips. A Rock Islands permit and, where visited, a Jellyfish Lake permit are required (included where specified), and a departure/environmental fee applies, usually included in air tickets
- Best time to visit: Palau is warm and tropical year-round; the drier months (roughly November to May, especially February to April) offer the sunniest weather and calmest seas, while June to October is wetter, though diving is excellent all year. The water is warm throughout, ideal for diving and snorkelling
- Conservation & reef-safe sunscreen: Palau is a world leader in marine conservation, and reef-toxic sunscreens are banned by law; you must use reef-safe, mineral sunscreen, which we advise on. Never touch or stand on coral or marine life, follow your guide's rules, and help protect this pristine environment
- Diving & snorkelling: Palau is one of the world's premier diving destinations, with strong currents at famous sites like Blue Corner; some dives suit experienced divers, and reef hooks are used in current. Snorkelling is superb and gentle in the Rock Islands lagoons and Jellyfish Lake; we tailor activities to your ability
- Getting around: Palau is compact, and most touring is by boat from Koror to the Rock Islands and dive sites; the main island of Babeldaob is explored by road. All boat and land transfers specified are arranged and included, and days on the water are the heart of a Palau trip
- Health & jellyfish: No vaccinations are required, tap water is generally safe in Koror, and travel insurance (with diving cover if needed) is essential. The golden jellyfish of Jellyfish Lake are harmless, with a sting too mild to feel; we advise on all safety and etiquette
- Power & culture: Power is 120V with US-style type A and B plugs, so US travellers need no adapter. English and Palauan are widely spoken, and respectful behaviour is expected when visiting villages and cultural sites
Frequently Asked Questions
Is five days enough for Palau?
It is a focused taste rather than a full exploration, but because Palau is compact and its wonders, the Rock Islands, Jellyfish Lake and pristine reefs, are easily reached from Koror, even a short escape delivers the essence of Palau. It is ideal as a standalone break, a stopover, or the start of a longer diving or island adventure.
Can this be extended?
Easily — we can add more days for diving at world-famous sites like Blue Corner, more Rock Islands exploration and kayaking, a liveaboard, or a visit to the main island of Babeldaob. Palau is also a natural stopover on Asian and Pacific routes; just tell us how much time you have and your interests.
What meals are included?
Daily breakfast is included, along with any meals named in the itinerary such as a welcome dinner or a Rock Islands boat-trip picnic lunch. Palau's cuisine, from fresh reef fish and mangrove crab to Asian and Pacific flavours, is a delight, so most other meals are left free in Koror, where there is a good choice of restaurants, and we are happy to recommend the best.
Are the Rock Islands and Jellyfish Lake permits included?
Yes — the Rock Islands permit and, where Jellyfish Lake is visited, its permit are included where specified in your itinerary, along with all boat and airport transfers. These permits fund the conservation of Palau's pristine marine environment. A departure/environmental fee also applies, usually included in air tickets; we advise fully.
Do I need a visa for Palau?
Most nationalities receive a free visa on arrival of up to 30 days, provided you have a passport valid for at least six months and onward travel. On arrival you sign the 'Palau Pledge', an environmental promise. We confirm the exact requirement for your nationality when you book, so there are no surprises on arrival.
When is the best time to visit Palau?
Palau is warm and tropical year-round, and diving is excellent in every season. The drier months (roughly November to May, especially February to April) offer the sunniest weather and calmest seas, while June to October is wetter. The water is warm throughout, ideal for diving and snorkelling; we advise on the best timing for your plans.
Is Palau only for divers?
While Palau is one of the world's greatest diving destinations, it also rewards snorkellers, kayakers and nature lovers, with the UNESCO Rock Islands, Jellyfish Lake, pristine reefs, hidden lagoons and rich culture. Snorkelling in the Rock Islands and Jellyfish Lake is superb and gentle, and we tailor the trip to divers and non-divers alike.
Can the itinerary be customised?
Absolutely. We can adjust the balance of diving, snorkelling, kayaking and culture, add a liveaboard, extend your stay, focus on the Rock Islands and Jellyfish Lake or the reefs of Blue Corner, and tailor everything to your interests and ability. Every itinerary is a starting point.
More Adventure Journeys
Adventure
Customizable
Highlights of Zimbabwe: Victoria Falls & Hwange
Highlights of Zimbabwe: Victoria Falls & Hwange
Zimbabwe
Adventure
Customizable
Victoria Falls Adventure: The Smoke that Thunders
Victoria Falls Adventure: The Smoke that Thunders
Zimbabwe
Adventure
Customizable
Hwange & Mana Pools: A Great Zimbabwe Safari
Hwange & Mana Pools: A Great Zimbabwe Safari
Zimbabwe