Long Island Park

Long Island Park, Belau - Complete Travel Guide

Long Island Park in Palau (Belau) is a pristine marine sanctuary located in the southern lagoon of this Pacific island nation. This protected area encompasses crystal-clear waters, busy coral reefs, and diverse marine ecosystems that make it one of Palau's most spectacular diving and snorkeling destinations. The park is renowned for its exceptional visibility, often exceeding 100 feet, and its role as a nursery for various marine species including sharks, rays, and tropical fish. As part of Palau's commitment to marine conservation, Long Island Park represents the country's dedication to preserving its underwater treasures while offering visitors unparalleled access to some of the world's most biodiverse coral reef systems. The area serves as both a research site for marine biologists and a premier destination for underwater enthusiasts seeking to experience the raw beauty of the Pacific's marine wilderness.

Top Long Island Park

Scuba Diving in Pristine Coral Reefs

Explore the underwater wonderland of Long Island Park's coral gardens, featuring healthy hard and soft corals teeming with tropical fish species. The diving here offers encounters with reef sharks, Napoleon wrasse, and schools of barracuda in crystal-clear waters. Multiple dive sites cater to different skill levels, from gentle reef dives to more challenging drift dives.

Booking Tip: Book through certified PADI dive operators in Koror, with full-day trips costing $120-180 including equipment. Best visibility occurs during dry season (December-April). Look for operators with small group sizes and marine biology guides.

Snorkeling Adventures

Experience the busy underwater world without diving certification through guided snorkeling tours around Long Island Park's shallow reefs. The calm, protected waters offer excellent conditions for observing colorful reef fish, sea turtles, and pristine coral formations. Surface swimming provides access to some of the Easttimor spectacular marine life that divers encounter.

Booking Tip: Half-day snorkeling tours range from $60-90 per person including gear and lunch. Morning tours typically offer better conditions and wildlife activity. Choose operators that provide reef-safe sunscreen and follow marine protection guidelines.

Marine Wildlife Photography

Capture impressive underwater and surface images of Palau's diverse marine ecosystem, including macro photography of nudibranchs and wide-angle shots of reef scenes. The exceptional water clarity and abundant marine life make this an ideal location for both amateur and professional underwater photographers. Many operators offer specialized photography-focused tours with longer bottom times.

Booking Tip: Photography-specific tours cost $150-250 and include underwater camera rental ($30-50 extra). Book during new moon phases for best natural lighting. Look for guides experienced in photography who can assist with camera settings and marine life behavior.

Kayaking Through Marine Sanctuary

Paddle through the calm waters surrounding Long Island Park, offering a peaceful way to explore the marine sanctuary from the surface. Kayaking provides opportunities to spot dolphins, sea turtles surfacing for air, and various seabirds while enjoying panoramic views of Palau's dramatic limestone islands. Clear-bottom kayaks allow for viewing of shallow coral formations.

Booking Tip: Guided kayak tours cost $45-75 for half-day trips including equipment and safety briefing. Early morning departures offer calmer conditions and better wildlife spotting. Ensure operators provide sun protection and safety equipment meeting international standards.

Marine Conservation Education Tours

Participate in educational programs focused on Palau's marine conservation efforts and the unique ecosystem of Long Island Park. These tours combine snorkeling or diving with presentations about coral reef ecology, conservation challenges, and Palau's pioneering marine protection initiatives. Learn about traditional Palauan marine management practices alongside modern conservation science.

Booking Tip: Educational tours range from $80-120 and often support local conservation projects. Book through marine research stations or certified eco-tour operators. Best for visitors interested in marine science and sustainable tourism practices.

Getting There

Reach Long Island Park by flying into Palau International Airport (ROR) on Babeldaob Island, with connections through major Asian hubs like Philippines, South Korea, or Taipei. From the airport, take a 45-minute drive to Koror, the main tourist center and departure point for Long Island Park tours. Most visitors arrange transportation through their hotels or tour operators, as boat access to the park requires departing from Koror's marinas and dive centers.

Getting Around

Transportation to Long Island Park is exclusively by boat from Koror, with most visitors joining organized tours that include transportation, guides, and equipment. The journey takes 30-45 minutes by speedboat through Palau's beautiful lagoon system. Private boat charters are available for experienced boaters, but require local knowledge of reef navigation and park regulations. Within Koror, taxis and rental cars provide access to departure points.

Where to Stay

Koror downtown

Malakal Harbor area

Airai Airport vicinity

Babeldaob Island resorts

Meyungs waterfront

Ngerulmud area

Food & Dining

Palau's dining scene in Koror offers a unique blend of Micronesian, Asian, and Western cuisines, with fresh seafood being a highlight. Local specialties include coconut crab, fresh tuna sashimi, and traditional taro-based dishes, often served at family-run restaurants and hotel dining rooms. Many dive operators and tour companies provide packed lunches for day trips to Long Island Park, featuring local fruits, grilled fish, and international options to accommodate various dietary preferences.

When to Visit

The optimal time to visit Long Island Park is during Palau's dry season from December through April, when rainfall is minimal, seas are calmest, and underwater visibility reaches its peak of 100+ feet. Water temperatures remain consistently warm (80-84°F) year-round, making diving and snorkeling comfortable in any season. While the wet season (May-November) brings more rainfall and occasional rough seas, it also offers fewer crowds and lower accommodation rates, with marine life activity remaining excellent throughout the year.

Insider Tips

Bring reef-safe sunscreen as regular sunscreen is banned to protect coral reefs - many operators sell approved alternatives

Book accommodations and tours well in advance as Palau has limited tourism infrastructure and popular operators fill up quickly

Consider staying extra days beyond your diving certification requirements as Palau's marine parks offer some of the world's best diving experiences that deserve extended exploration