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Jellyfish Lake, Belau - Things to Do in Jellyfish Lake

Jellyfish Lake

Jellyfish Lake, Belau - Complete Travel Guide

Jellyfish Lake (Ongeim'l Tketau) in Palau is one of the world's most extraordinary natural phenomena and a crown jewel of marine biodiversity. This marine lake, located on Eil Malk island in Palau's Rock Islands, is home to millions of golden jellyfish that have evolved without stingers due to their isolation from predators. The lake was formed approximately 15,000 years ago when rising sea levels flooded a limestone crater, creating a unique ecosystem where jellyfish migrate daily across the lake following the sun's path. Swimming among these harmless jellyfish offers visitors an otherworldly experience that feels like floating through a living galaxy. The lake is part of Palau's UNESCO World Heritage Rock Islands Southern Lagoon, surrounded by pristine tropical forest and accessible only by boat and a moderate jungle hike. This fragile ecosystem requires careful protection, and visitor numbers are strictly regulated to preserve this natural wonder for future generations.

Top Jellyfish Lake

Swimming with Golden Jellyfish

Experience the magical sensation of swimming alongside millions of harmless golden jellyfish in their natural habitat. The jellyfish follow the sun's movement throughout the day, creating an ethereal underwater ballet as they pulse gently through the warm, brackish water. This once-in-a-lifetime encounter allows you to observe these unique creatures up close while snorkeling in crystal-clear waters.

Booking Tip: Tours cost $150-250 per person including permits, boat transport, and guide. Book 2-3 days in advance during peak season (December-April). Choose operators with small group sizes (maximum 8-10 people) and environmental certifications. Best experience is mid-morning when jellyfish are most active.

Rock Islands Exploration

Discover the impressive limestone karst formations surrounding Jellyfish Lake, featuring mushroom-shaped islands covered in pristine jungle. These UNESCO World Heritage islands offer incredible photo opportunities and showcase Palau's unique geological history. Many tours combine multiple sites including hidden lagoons, pristine beaches, and other marine lakes.

Booking Tip: Full-day Rock Islands tours range from $200-350 per person. Look for operators offering combination packages that include multiple sites. Best photography conditions are in the morning with softer lighting. Ensure your operator has proper permits for all sites visited.

Jungle Hiking to the Lake

Trek through dense tropical forest on a well-maintained boardwalk trail leading from the boat dock to Jellyfish Lake. The 15-minute hike offers opportunities to spot endemic birds, tropical plants, and learn about the island's ecosystem from knowledgeable guides. The anticipation builds as you approach one of nature's most remarkable destinations.

Booking Tip: Hiking is included in all Jellyfish Lake tours. Wear sturdy water shoes with good grip as the boardwalk can be slippery. Bring insect repellent and stay hydrated. The trail is suitable for most fitness levels but involves stairs and uneven surfaces.

Marine Biology Education

Learn about the fascinating evolutionary process that led to these jellyfish losing their stingers and the delicate ecosystem balance that sustains them. Expert guides explain the lake's unique characteristics, daily jellyfish migration patterns, and ongoing conservation efforts. This educational component adds depth to the visual spectacle.

Booking Tip: Choose tours with certified marine biologists or guides with extensive local knowledge. Educational tours cost slightly more ($20-40 premium) but provide invaluable context. Some operators offer underwater cameras for documenting the experience ($30-50 rental).

Photography and Videography

Capture impressive underwater footage and photographs of the jellyfish ballet against the backdrop of filtered sunlight penetrating the lake's depths. The unique lighting conditions and jellyfish movements create incredible opportunities for both amateur and professional photographers. Many visitors consider this their most photographed travel experience.

Booking Tip: Waterproof camera rentals available for $40-80 per day. Professional underwater photography guides cost $100-150 extra but dramatically improve results. Best lighting occurs between 10 AM and 2 PM. Practice with your equipment before entering the water.

Getting There

Jellyfish Lake is accessible only by boat from Koror, Palau's main tourist hub. Visitors must first fly into Palau International Airport (ROR) via connections through Philippines, Japan, South Korea, or Taipei. From Koror, join organized boat tours that include the required permits and transportation to Eil Malk island. The boat journey takes 45-60 minutes through Palau's impressive Rock Islands, followed by a 15-minute jungle hike to reach the lake. Independent access is not permitted, and all visits must be through licensed tour operators.

Getting Around

All transportation to Jellyfish Lake is provided through organized tours departing from Koror's main docks. Tour boats are typically modern speedboats or traditional Palauan vessels equipped with safety equipment and shade. The jungle trail to the lake features a well-maintained wooden boardwalk with handrails and rest stops. Within Koror, visitors can use taxis, rental cars, or hotel shuttles to reach tour departure points. Most hotels and dive shops are within walking distance of the main harbor area.

Where to Stay

Koror Town Center
Juba Harbor Area
Airai Airport Vicinity
Babeldaob Island Resorts
Peleliu Island Lodges
Rock Islands Eco-Camps

Food & Dining

Koror offers a diverse dining scene reflecting Palauan, Japanese, Filipino, and American influences. Fresh seafood dominates local menus, with specialties including coconut crab, giant clams, and various reef fish prepared in traditional Palauan style. Popular restaurants include Elilai Restaurant for local cuisine, Carp Restaurant for Japanese dishes, and Bem Ermii Burger for casual American fare. Many tour operators provide packed lunches for full-day excursions, typically featuring local fruits, sandwiches, and plenty of water. Resort restaurants offer international cuisine with an emphasis on fresh, locally-sourced ingredients.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Palau

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

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L'ANCIENNE ÉCOLE

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il Mulino

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La Cucina Italiana Raleigh

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Casa D'Angelo Ristorante

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Cafe Vico – Authentic Italian Restaurant & Catering in Fort Lauderdale

4.6 /5
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Looking for specific cuisines?

Local Cuisine Italian Japanese Fine Dining

When to Visit

The best time to visit Jellyfish Lake is during Palau's dry season from December to April, when weather conditions are most stable and visibility is optimal. Water temperatures remain warm year-round (80-84°F), but the dry season offers calmer seas and better boat access. The lake was temporarily closed from 2016-2019 due to environmental concerns but has since reopened with enhanced conservation measures. Visit mid-morning (10 AM - 12 PM) for the most active jellyfish behavior and best lighting conditions. Avoid the rainy season (May-November) when heavy rainfall can affect water clarity and tour operations may be cancelled due to rough seas.

Insider Tips

Apply for your Palau visitor permit online before arrival and budget $100 for the mandatory environmental fee that supports conservation efforts
Bring reef-safe sunscreen only - regular sunscreen is banned to protect the jellyfish and marine ecosystem
Book your Jellyfish Lake tour for your first or second day in Palau in case weather conditions force cancellations later in your trip

Activities in Jellyfish Lake