Long Beach, Belau - Things to Do in Long Beach

Things to Do in Long Beach

Long Beach, Belau - Complete Travel Guide

Long Beach in Belau (Palau) is a pristine stretch of powdery white sand located on Eil Malk Island in the famous Rock Islands Southern Lagoon, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This secluded paradise is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Micronesia, offering crystal-clear turquoise waters and dramatic limestone karst formations that create a breathtaking backdrop for relaxation and exploration. Accessible only by boat, Long Beach provides an exclusive and untouched tropical experience where visitors can snorkel in pristine coral gardens, kayak through hidden lagoons, and witness some of the most spectacular marine biodiversity in the Pacific. The beach serves as a perfect base for exploring the surrounding Rock Islands, with their unique mushroom-shaped formations and hidden coves that make Palau one of the world's premier diving and snorkeling destinations.

Top Things to Do in Long Beach

Snorkeling in Crystal Bay

Explore the vibrant coral gardens and diverse marine life in the protected waters surrounding Long Beach. The shallow reefs are perfect for beginners while offering enough variety to captivate experienced snorkelers with colorful fish, sea turtles, and pristine coral formations.

Booking Tip: Book through reputable dive operators in Koror for $80-120 per day including equipment and boat transport. Best visibility is during morning hours, and operators should provide high-quality masks and fins.

Rock Islands Kayaking Adventure

Paddle through the mystical Rock Islands' hidden lagoons and limestone caves, discovering secluded beaches and ancient marine lakes. This eco-friendly way to explore allows you to access areas too shallow for boats while enjoying the serene beauty of this UNESCO site.

Booking Tip: Full-day kayak tours cost $150-200 including guide, equipment, and lunch. Choose operators with sturdy sea kayaks and experienced local guides who know tide schedules and weather patterns.

Jellyfish Lake Swimming Experience

Swim among millions of harmless golden jellyfish in this unique marine lake, one of only a few places on Earth where this phenomenon occurs. The jellyfish have lost their sting over thousands of years of evolution in this isolated environment.

Booking Tip: Entry requires a $100 Rock Islands permit plus $50 Jellyfish Lake fee. Book with certified operators who provide proper briefings about swimming techniques and conservation rules. Best experienced mid-morning.

Sunset Beach Picnicking

Enjoy a private beach picnic on Long Beach while watching spectacular sunsets over the Rock Islands. The beach's western orientation provides perfect sunset viewing with the dramatic silhouettes of limestone formations creating an unforgettable backdrop.

Booking Tip: Many tour operators offer sunset packages for $120-180 including transport, beach setup, and dinner. Book operators who provide comfortable seating and protection from evening breezes.

Marine Wildlife Photography

Capture stunning images of Palau's incredible marine biodiversity including reef sharks, manta rays, and hundreds of tropical fish species. The clear waters and abundant wildlife make Long Beach area ideal for both underwater and surface photography.

Booking Tip: Photography-focused tours cost $200-300 including underwater camera rental and expert guidance. Look for operators offering waterproof camera equipment and guides familiar with best photo spots and timing.

Getting There

Long Beach is accessible only by boat from Koror, Palau's main tourism hub. Most visitors fly into Palau International Airport (ROR) in Koror via connecting flights from Manila, Tokyo, Seoul, or Guam. From Koror, organized boat tours or private charters are the only way to reach Long Beach, with journey times ranging from 45 minutes to 1.5 hours depending on sea conditions and route taken through the Rock Islands.

Getting Around

Transportation around Long Beach and the Rock Islands is exclusively by boat, kayak, or swimming. Most visitors join organized day trips that include boat transport, snorkeling equipment, and guided activities. Private boat charters are available for more flexibility but require advance booking and higher costs. Within the beach area itself, everything is accessible on foot along the pristine shoreline.

Where to Stay

Koror Town Hotels
Palau Pacific Resort Area
West Plaza Downtown Koror
Malakal Island Resorts
Airai Airport Area
Traditional Village Homestays

Food & Dining

Dining options are limited to packed lunches and refreshments brought by tour operators, as Long Beach has no permanent facilities or restaurants. Most day trips include lunch featuring local specialties like grilled fish, tropical fruits, and traditional Palauan dishes. Visitors should arrange meals through their tour operators or bring their own food and plenty of water. Some luxury charters offer gourmet picnic experiences with fresh seafood and international cuisine prepared by onboard chefs.

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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When to Visit

The best time to visit Long Beach is during Palau's dry season from December to April, when seas are calmer, visibility is excellent, and rainfall is minimal. Water temperatures remain warm year-round (80-84°F), but the dry season offers the most reliable weather for boat trips and water activities. The wet season (May to November) brings higher humidity, frequent afternoon showers, and occasionally rough seas that may cancel boat trips, though marine life is often more active during this period.

Insider Tips

Book Rock Islands permits in advance online or through your hotel to avoid delays and ensure access to protected areas
Bring reef-safe sunscreen only, as regular sunscreen is banned to protect the coral ecosystem
Pack a dry bag for valuables and bring extra water, as there are no facilities or shade structures on the beach

Explore Activities in Long Beach