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Rock Islands, Belau - Things to Do in Rock Islands

Rock Islands

Rock Islands, Belau - Complete Travel Guide

The Rock Islands of Palau, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, represent one of the most pristine marine environments on Earth. This collection of over 400 mushroom-shaped limestone islands rises dramatically from turquoise lagoons in the western Pacific, creating a surreal landscape that has remained largely untouched by human development. The islands are home to unique ecosystems, including marine lakes filled with millions of harmless jellyfish and coral reefs that harbor an extraordinary diversity of marine life. Beyond their natural beauty, the Rock Islands hold deep cultural significance for the Palauan people, who have sustainably managed these waters for generations. The area encompasses approximately 100,000 hectares of lagoons and reefs, making it a world-class destination for diving, snorkeling, and eco-tourism. Visitors can explore hidden lagoons, swim with jellyfish, discover WWII wrecks, and witness some of the healthiest coral reefs in the Pacific, all while experiencing traditional Palauan culture and conservation practices.

Top Rock Islands

Jellyfish Lake Snorkeling

Experience the magical encounter of swimming among millions of harmless golden jellyfish in this unique marine lake. The jellyfish have evolved without stingers due to the lake's isolation, creating a once-in-a-lifetime snorkeling experience. The lake's stratified waters support this delicate ecosystem that exists nowhere else on Earth.

Booking Tip: Tours cost $150-250 per person including permits and equipment. Book through licensed operators only as permits are required and limited daily. Best visited in morning when jellyfish are most active near the surface.

Blue Corner Diving

Dive at one of the world's most famous dive sites, known for its incredible shark encounters and busy coral walls. The site features a coral promontory where strong currents attract large schools of fish, reef sharks, and occasional manta rays. Advanced divers can experience the thrill of hooking into the reef to watch the underwater spectacle unfold.

Booking Tip: Diving packages range from $100-180 per dive including equipment. Requires advanced certification due to strong currents. Book multi-day packages for better rates and choose operators with small group sizes for safety.

Kayaking Through Rock Island Lagoons

Paddle through crystal-clear lagoons surrounded by towering limestone formations, discovering hidden beaches and secluded coves. Navigate narrow channels between islands while observing unique flora and fauna, including saltwater crocodiles and tropical birds. This peaceful activity offers intimate access to areas unreachable by larger boats.

Booking Tip: Half-day tours cost $80-120, full-day $150-200 including lunch and equipment. Choose tours with experienced guides familiar with tides and weather conditions. Morning departures offer calmer waters and better wildlife viewing.

WWII Wreck Diving and Snorkeling

Explore numerous Japanese and American aircraft and ships from World War II that now serve as artificial reefs teeming with marine life. Sites range from shallow snorkeling spots to deep technical dives, each telling stories of the Pacific Theater while showcasing how nature reclaims human artifacts. The wrecks have become integral parts of the reef ecosystem.

Booking Tip: Wreck tours cost $120-200 depending on sites visited and depth. Some wrecks suitable for snorkelers, others require advanced diving certification. Choose operators with historical knowledge and proper safety equipment for wreck penetration.

Milky Way Lagoon and Giant Clam Garden

Visit the famous Milky Way lagoon where limestone sediment creates milky blue-green waters believed to have therapeutic properties for skin. Combine this with snorkeling at the Giant Clam Garden to see massive Tridacna clams, some over 100 years old, in their natural habitat among pristine coral gardens.

Booking Tip: Day trips cost $100-150 including multiple stops and lunch. Best combined with other Rock Island activities for full-day experiences. Choose tours that include educational components about clam conservation efforts.

Getting There

Palau International Airport (ROR) is the main gateway, located on Babeldaob Island about 45 minutes from Koror by car. Major airlines including United, China Airlines, and Asiana provide connections through Guam, Philippines, Japan, and South Korea. Most Rock Islands tours depart from Koror's marinas, requiring a 30-60 minute boat ride depending on the destination. Visitors need a valid passport and may require visas depending on nationality, though many countries receive visa-free entry for tourism stays up to 30 days.

Getting Around

Access to the Rock Islands is exclusively by boat, with most visitors joining organized tours departing from Koror's various dive shops and tour operators. Private boat charters are available but expensive ($800-1500 per day) and require experienced captains familiar with the area's complex navigation. Water taxis and scheduled boat services don't exist for the Rock Islands, making tour participation or private charters the only options. Within Koror, rental cars, taxis, and hotel shuttles provide transportation to marinas and departure points.

Where to Stay

Koror City Center
Juba Island
Airai (near airport)
Palau Pacific Resort area
Downtown Koror waterfront
Ngermid Bay area

Food & Dining

Palau's dining scene blends Micronesian traditions with Japanese, Filipino, and American influences, reflecting its cultural history. Fresh seafood dominates menus, featuring locally caught fish, giant clams, and tropical fruits. Koror offers the best restaurant selection, from upscale resort dining to local eateries serving traditional dishes like tinola (fish soup) and red rice. Many tour operators include lunch in Rock Islands excursions, typically featuring local specialties and fresh fish prepared on remote beaches. Tipping is not customary in local establishments, though it's appreciated at resort restaurants catering to international visitors.

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 dry season from December to April offers the best conditions for Rock Islands exploration, with calmer seas, excellent visibility for diving and snorkeling, and minimal rainfall. Water temperatures remain consistently warm (80-84°F) year-round, making any time suitable for water activities. The wet season (May-November) brings afternoon thunderstorms and rougher seas, though morning activities are often still possible and crowds are smaller. Typhoon season (June-December) occasionally affects travel plans, though direct hits are rare. Book accommodations well in advance for dry season visits, as Palau's limited tourism infrastructure fills quickly during peak periods.

Insider Tips

Purchase the mandatory Rock Islands permit ($50 for 10 days) upon arrival at the airport or through tour operators - it's required for all lagoon activities and supports conservation efforts
Bring reef-safe sunscreen only, as regular sunscreen is banned to protect the coral reefs - zinc oxide or titanium dioxide based products are available locally but expensive
Pack a waterproof camera or housing as the underwater scenery is spectacular, but avoid touching or standing on corals as they're extremely fragile and protected by strict environmental laws

Activities in Rock Islands