Things to Do in Palau

About Palau

Palau sits in the Western Pacific, where coral reefs meet limestone islands covered in dense jungle. The Micronesian nation offers Jellyfish Lake, home to millions of harmless golden jellyfish that pulse through the water in coordinated movements. The diving here is excellent—dramatic drop-offs sink into deep blue water, manta rays cruise past regularly, and sharks patrol the reefs without bothering anyone. Life moves slowly here. Traditional Palauan culture coexists with modern conservation efforts, and the pace follows tides rather than clocks. The Rock Islands glow at sunrise and sunset, though honestly, most Pacific islands do. What sets Palau apart is its protection status and the sheer density of marine life per square mile of reef. Divers come here for a reason. The underwater landscape rivals anywhere on Earth, and the government has banned commercial fishing across much of its waters. You'll see more in one dive than you would in ten dives elsewhere.

Travel Tips

Transportation: Rent a car at Koror (most reliable option) as public transport is limited. Book diving boats through certified operators like Sam's Tours or Fish 'n Fins. Inter-island boats require advance booking and weather contingency planning.

Money: US dollars are the official currency. Bring cash as ATMs are scarce outside Koror. Credit cards accepted at major hotels and dive shops, but many local restaurants and tour operators are cash-only.

Cultural Respect: Always ask permission before photographing locals. Remove shoes when entering traditional bai (meeting houses). Respect the traditional Palauan custom of not pointing directly at people or sacred sites with your finger.

Food Safety: Try local specialties like taro, cassava, and fresh seafood at Kramer's Cafe or Elilai Restaurant. Avoid raw fish from street vendors. Stick to bottled water outside established restaurants to prevent stomach issues.

When to Visit

Palau enjoys a tropical climate year-round with temperatures consistently ranging from 75-88°F (24-31°C). The dry season (December-April) offers the best diving visibility with minimal rainfall (2-4 inches monthly) and calmer seas, making it peak season with prices 30-40% higher. March-May provides excellent conditions for manta ray encounters at German Channel. The wet season (May-November) brings higher humidity and increased rainfall (8-15 inches monthly), but offers 20-30% lower accommodation rates and fewer crowds. Typhoon season (June-November) poses minimal direct threat but can affect flight schedules. October experiences the highest rainfall (12-15 inches). The Belau Fair, Palau's largest cultural festival, occurs in early October, showing traditional dancing and local crafts despite being wet season. For budget travelers, visit June-September for significant savings and acceptable diving conditions. Serious divers should target February-April for pristine visibility exceeding 150 feet. Families prefer the drier, more predictable weather of January-March, while adventure seekers can capitalize on wet season's dramatic skies and reduced tourist density.