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Long Beach, Belau - Things to Do in Long Beach

Long Beach

Long Beach, Belau - Complete Travel Guide

Long Beach in Belau (Palau) is a pristine tropical great destination located on Koror Island, offering one of the most spectacular stretches of white sand beach in Micronesia. This secluded destination combines crystal-clear turquoise waters with powdery coral sand, creating an idyllic setting for relaxation and water activities. The beach is surrounded by lush tropical vegetation and offers impressive views of the Rock Islands, making it a photographer's dream and a perfect escape from crowded tourist destinations. As part of Palau's renowned marine ecosystem, Long Beach provides access to some of the world's most pristine coral reefs and diverse marine life. The area serves as a gateway to world-class diving and snorkeling experiences, while also offering peaceful moments for those seeking tranquility. The beach's relatively remote location means visitors can enjoy an authentic Pacific island experience with minimal commercial development, making it an ideal destination for eco-conscious travelers and those seeking unspoiled natural beauty.

Top Long Beach

Snorkeling and Diving Adventures

Explore Palau's legendary underwater world with some of the most biodiverse coral reefs on the planet. The waters around Long Beach offer excellent visibility and encounters with tropical fish, rays, and occasionally reef sharks in a safe, shallow environment perfect for all skill levels.

Booking Tip: Book through certified PADI operators for $80-120 per day including equipment. Best visibility is during morning hours, and operators should provide marine life guides and safety briefings.

Rock Islands Exploration

Take boat tours to the famous mushroom-shaped Rock Islands, a UNESCO World Heritage site featuring hidden lagoons, marine lakes, and pristine beaches. These limestone formations create a maze of channels perfect for kayaking and discovering secluded coves.

Booking Tip: Full-day tours cost $150-200 per person including lunch and snorkeling gear. Choose operators with small group sizes (8-12 people) for better access to remote areas and personalized experience.

Jellyfish Lake Swimming

Experience the unique phenomenon of swimming with millions of harmless golden jellyfish in this marine lake. This once-in-a-lifetime experience allows visitors to snorkel among these gentle creatures that have lost their sting due to isolation.

Booking Tip: Entry permits cost $50 plus tour fees of $100-150. Book 2-3 days in advance as daily visitor numbers are limited to protect the ecosystem. Tours typically run morning and early afternoon.

Kayaking Through Mangroves

Paddle through pristine mangrove channels and hidden waterways surrounding Long Beach area. These peaceful excursions offer opportunities to spot tropical birds, juvenile fish, and experience Palau's diverse ecosystems up close.

Booking Tip: Half-day rentals cost $40-60, guided tours $80-100. Choose stable sit-on-top kayaks for beginners, and bring waterproof bags for cameras and valuables.

Sunset Beach Relaxation

Enjoy spectacular Pacific sunsets from Long Beach's pristine shoreline, with unobstructed views across the ocean. The beach offers perfect conditions for evening strolls, photography, and romantic moments as the sky transforms into brilliant colors.

Booking Tip: Beach access is free, but consider booking sunset dinner cruises for $75-100 per person. Best sunset viewing is from November to March, arriving 30 minutes before sunset for optimal lighting.

Getting There

Long Beach is accessible via Palau International Airport (ROR) on Babeldaob Island, which receives flights from major Asian hubs including Philippines, Taipei, South Korea, and Guam. From the airport, it's a 45-minute drive across the Koror-Babeldaob Bridge to reach Koror Island where Long Beach is located. Most hotels and tour operators provide airport transfers for $25-40 per person, or you can rent a car for greater flexibility exploring the islands.

Getting Around

Transportation around Koror Island and to Long Beach primarily relies on rental cars, hotel shuttles, or tour operator transfers. Rental cars cost $60-80 per day and provide the most flexibility for beach access and island exploration. Many hotels offer complimentary shuttle services to popular beaches and dive sites. For longer excursions to Rock Islands and outer reefs, boat transportation is necessary and typically included in tour packages. Walking is feasible within resort areas, but distances between attractions require motorized transport.

Where to Stay

Koror Town Center
Juba Island
Arakabesan Island
Long Beach Resort Area
Airai Waterfront
Ngardmau Beachfront

Food & Dining

Palau's dining scene blends Micronesian, Asian, and international cuisines, with fresh seafood being the highlight of most menus. Local specialties include coconut crab, taro root dishes, and freshly caught fish prepared with tropical fruits. Koror Town offers the widest variety of restaurants, from casual beachside grills serving $15-25 meals to upscale resort dining with international cuisine ranging $30-50 per person. Many accommodations near Long Beach provide meal packages, and several beachfront restaurants offer romantic sunset dining with views of the Rock Islands.

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

4.7 /5
(2423 reviews) 3

Il Ghiottone

4.5 /5
(1957 reviews) 2

il Mulino

4.5 /5
(1946 reviews) 2
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La Cucina Italiana Raleigh

4.8 /5
(1760 reviews) 2
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Casa D'Angelo Ristorante

4.6 /5
(1675 reviews) 3
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Cafe Vico – Authentic Italian Restaurant & Catering in Fort Lauderdale

4.6 /5
(1479 reviews) 3
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Looking for specific cuisines?

Local Cuisine Italian Japanese Fine Dining

When to Visit

The optimal time to visit Long Beach, Palau is during the dry season from November to April, when rainfall is minimal and ocean conditions are calmest for diving and snorkeling. Temperatures remain consistently warm year-round (80-86°F), but the dry season offers the best underwater visibility and most reliable weather for boat excursions. May through October brings higher humidity and occasional tropical storms, though this period sees fewer tourists and lower accommodation rates. For the ultimate experience, plan visits between December and March when northeast trade winds provide comfortable conditions and marine life is most active.

Insider Tips

Bring reef-safe sunscreen as regular sunscreen is prohibited to protect Palau's coral reefs - violators face significant fines
Purchase the Palau Pledge stamp ($50) upon arrival, which includes environmental fees and supports marine conservation efforts
Pack a waterproof camera and extra memory cards as underwater photography opportunities are exceptional but equipment rentals are limited and expensive

Activities in Long Beach