Things to Do in Palau

About Palau

Where ancient limestone islands rise from impossibly blue waters and traditional culture flows as freely as the Pacific currents, Palau exists as one of Earth's most pristine marine sanctuaries. This Micronesian archipelago has achieved what few places can claim: protecting over 80% of its waters while maintaining an authentic connection between its people and the ocean that defines them. Here, conservation isn't a trend—it's a 4,000-year-old way of life that has preserved an underwater world so extraordinary, it rewrites expectations of what natural beauty can be.

Travel Tips

• Cash is King: While some hotels and tour operators accept credit cards, most restaurants, shops, and local businesses in Palau operate on a cash-only basis, so bring sufficient US dollars (the official currency) as ATMs are limited and often run out of cash.

• Rock Island Permit Required: Purchase a mandatory $50 Pristine Paradise Environmental Fee and $100 Rock Island Use Permit upon arrival—these are valid for 10 days and required to access Palau's famous diving sites, beaches, and Jellyfish Lake.

• Respect the Bul: Palau takes marine conservation seriously with traditional "bul" (temporary bans on fishing/harvesting certain areas), so always book tours with licensed operators who know current restrictions, and never touch or stand on coral reefs as violations can result in heavy fines.

• Plan Domestic Transport Early: Rental cars are the most practical way to explore Babeldaob island and book up quickly, especially during peak season (December-March), so reserve your vehicle before arrival as taxi services are expensive and public transportation is extremely limited.

When to Visit

When to Visit Palau

The optimal time to visit Palau is during the dry season from November through April, when temperatures hover around 27-29°C (81-84°F) with lower humidity and minimal rainfall, making it ideal for the world-class diving and snorkeling at Jellyfish Lake and the Rock Islands. February through April represents the sweet spot, offering crystal-clear visibility underwater (often exceeding 30 meters), calmer seas, and fewer crowds than the December-January holiday rush, though accommodation prices remain premium at $200-400+ per night. The wet season from May through October brings heavy afternoon downpours, higher humidity approaching 85%, and rougher seas that can cancel boat tours, but savvy budget travelers can find hotel discounts of 20-30% and still enjoy morning diving before storms roll in—just avoid July through September when typhoon risks peak and some operators suspend activities entirely. Palau's independence celebrations on October 1st showcase vibrant cultural performances and traditional stick dancing, though this coincides with lingering wet season conditions. Divers specifically targeting manta ray aggregations should plan for December through March at German Channel, while those hoping to witness the unique spawning aggregations of snapper and grouper should target the full moons of May through July, accepting the trade-off of wetter conditions for this extraordinary natural spectacle.