Day-by-Day Itinerary
Arrive in Palau, settle into your accommodation, and begin adjusting to the relaxed island pace with an introductory stroll through Koror.
Morning
International arrival at Roman Tmetuchl International Airport
Arrive at Palau's main airport, complete immigration formalities, and transfer to your hotel in Koror. Take time to freshen up and acclimate to the tropical climate. Pick up a local SIM card at the airport for connectivity during your stay.
2-3 hours
$0 (airport transfer often included with hotels)
Pre-book airport transfer with your hotel for convenience
Lunch
Drop Off Bar & Grill
American/Palauan fusion
Mid-range
Afternoon
Take a leisurely walk through Koror's main streets, visiting the Belau
National Museum to understand Palau's history and culture. See traditional bai meeting houses and learn about ancient money (udoud). Stop at WCTC Shopping Center for any essentials.
3-4 hours
$10 (museum entry)
Evening
Welcome dinner with sunset views
Carp Restaurant for fresh local seafood with harbor views
Where to Stay Tonight
Koror (Palau Royal Resort or similar mid-range hotel)
Koror is the logistical hub with easy access to tour operators, restaurants, and services for your entire stay
Visit the museum's gift shop first for context before exploring exhibits - it has excellent English explanations of Palauan culture
Day 1 Budget: $180
Begin your Rock Islands exploration with a guided kayaking tour through the impressive limestone formations and hidden lagoons.
Morning
Guided kayak tour departure
Meet your guide at Koror's marina for a full-day kayaking adventure. Paddle through the iconic Rock Islands, learning about the unique geology and ecosystems. Stop at secluded beaches and snorkel in crystal-clear coves accessible only by small craft.
4-5 hours
$120 (including lunch)
Book with Sam's Tours or Fish 'n Fins at least 2 days in advance
Lunch
Picnic lunch on a secluded beach
Sandwiches, fruit, and local snacks
Budget
Afternoon
Continued kayaking & snorkeling
Continue exploring hidden marine lakes and snorkel spots. Visit areas like Milky Way lagoon with its white limestone mud, perfect for a natural spa treatment. Learn about conservation efforts protecting this UNESCO World Heritage site.
3-4 hours
Included in morning tour
Evening
Relaxed dinner after active day
Kramer's Cafe for German-Palauan fusion and cold beers
Where to Stay Tonight
Koror (Same hotel as previous night)
Maintaining base in Koror minimizes packing and maximizes tour flexibility
Bring a waterproof dry bag for your camera - the kayak seats can get wet during entry/exit
Day 2 Budget: $220
Experience the magical Jellyfish Lake and excellent snorkeling at famous sites like Clam City and Giant Clam Garden.
Morning
Boat trip to Jellyfish Lake
Board a speedboat for the journey to Eil Malk Island. Hike to the famous Jellyfish Lake, where millions of golden and moon jellyfish have evolved without stingers. Snorkel among these gentle creatures in an experience found almost nowhere else on Earth.
3-4 hours
$140 (full-day tour)
Mandatory to book through licensed operators - check if your tour includes Rock Islands permit fee
Lunch
Beach BBQ lunch
Grilled fish, chicken, and local sides
Budget
Afternoon
Clam City & German Channel snorkeling
Snorkel at Clam City to see giant clams up to 4 feet across, then visit German Channel, a man-made channel that attracts manta rays. With luck, you might see these graceful giants being cleaned at the cleaning station.
3-4 hours
Included in morning tour
Evening
Evening at leisure
Try local fruit bats in coconut milk at Bem Ermii if adventurous, or stick to their famous burgers
Where to Stay Tonight
Koror (Same hotel)
Consistent base for daily excursions
Apply reef-safe sunscreen BEFORE getting on the boat - regular sunscreen is banned in many marine areas
Day 3 Budget: $240
Explore Palau's largest island, visiting traditional villages and hiking to the tallest waterfall in
Micronesia.
Morning
Drive north to Ngardmau State
Rent a car or join a tour to cross the Japan-Palau Friendship Bridge to Babeldaob. Visit the state capitol building with its unique architectural design, then continue to Ngardmau to see the abandoned Japanese phosphate railway.
2-3 hours
$60 (car rental) or $80 (tour)
Rent from Avis or Budget in Koror - you'll need an International Driving Permit
Lunch
Local lunch in Ngardmau village
Traditional Palauan home cooking
Budget
Afternoon
Ngardmau Waterfall hike
Hike through lush jungle following an old mining railway to Ngardmau Waterfall, Palau's tallest at 100 feet. Swim in the cool pool at the base, surrounded by tropical vegetation. The moderately challenging trail takes about 45 minutes each way.
3-4 hours
$10 (entrance fee)
Wear sturdy water shoes - the trail can be muddy and involves river crossings
Evening
Return to Koror for dinner
Taj for excellent Indian cuisine - a popular local choice
Where to Stay Tonight
Koror (Same hotel)
Returning to Koror base after day trip
Bring small USD bills for village entrance fees and purchases - change is often limited
Day 4 Budget: $190
Experience excellent diving at Palau's most famous sites, including the legendary
Blue Corner.
Morning
Two-tank morning dive
Dive at
Blue Corner, Palau's signature dive site known for strong currents that bring pelagic action. See sharks, eagle rays, and large schools of fish while hooking into the reef to watch the show. Second dive at nearby sites like New Drop Off or German Channel.
4-5 hours
$160 (including equipment)
Book with Neco Marine or Sam's Tours - advanced certification recommended for
Blue Corner
Lunch
Boat lunch between dives
Simple sandwiches and fruit
Budget
Afternoon
Afternoon dive or snorkeling
Either do a third dive at a different site or enjoy snorkeling while others dive. Options include Turtle Cove or a wreck site suitable for snorkelers. Relax on the boat deck enjoying views of the Rock Islands.
2-3 hours
$80 (additional dive) or $0 (snorkeling)
Evening
Dive stories over dinner
Rock Island Cafe for pizza and sharing dive photos
Where to Stay Tonight
Koror (Same hotel)
Dive operators are based in Koror
Bring a reef hook if you have one - some operations have limited supplies for rent
Day 5 Budget: $280
Visit the poignant WWII battle sites on Peleliu, one of the Pacific's most significant and costly battles.
Morning
Boat to Peleliu & museum visit
Take the morning ferry or speedboat to Peleliu (1-1.5 hours). Visit the excellent Peleliu WWII Museum run by local historians, then see the Battle of Peleliu memorial with its sobering statistics of the 1944 conflict.
3-4 hours
$50 (transport) + $10 (museum)
Ferry schedule changes frequently - confirm day before departure
Lunch
Peleliu Island Resort restaurant
Simple local dishes
Budget
Afternoon
Battlefield tour
Rent a car with driver/guide or join a tour to visit key sites: Bloody Nose Ridge, the Thousand Man Cave, Japanese command post, and abandoned tanks and artillery. The quiet island today starkly contrasts with its violent past.
3-4 hours
$40-60 (tour/rental)
Local guides at the dock offer tours - negotiate price beforehand
Evening
Return to Koror & relaxed dinner
Takeout from Surangel's Market deli for a quiet evening
Where to Stay Tonight
Koror (Same hotel)
Returning from Peleliu day trip
Bring plenty of water and wear closed shoes - the coral rock terrain is sharp and hot
Day 6 Budget: $170
A flexible day to revisit favorite spots, try new activities, or simply relax and absorb island life.
Morning
Optional activities or relaxation
Choose from: Visit Etpison Museum, go fishing with locals, take a cooking class, visit the Palau Aquarium, or enjoy a spa treatment at your hotel. Alternatively, sleep in and have a leisurely breakfast.
3-4 hours
$0-100 (depending on activity)
Palau Aquarium is small but excellent - go early to avoid groups
Lunch
Mingles So Thai
Authentic Thai food
Mid-range
Afternoon
Malakal Harbor exploration
Walk around Malakal Harbor, watching fishing boats and yachts. Visit the small shops and maybe arrange a private boat for tomorrow if desired. Or take a short boat to nearby Ngerkebesang Island for beach time.
2-3 hours
$0-50
Evening
Sunset cruise or dinner show
Palau Pacific Resort's sunset cruise or cultural show with buffet dinner
Where to Stay Tonight
Koror (Same hotel)
Mid-point of trip - good for laundry and resupply
Visit WCTC's basement for the best selection of local handicrafts at fixed prices
Day 7 Budget: $150
Start a multi-day kayak camping expedition, spending the night on a deserted island under the stars.
Morning
Kayak camping departure
Meet your guide for a 2-day/1-night kayak camping trip. Pack minimal gear (tents and cooking equipment provided). Paddle to your first campsite on a secluded island, learning basic kayak camping skills and Leave No Trace principles.
3-4 hours paddling
$300 (2-day tour including all meals)
Book with Paddling Palau for experienced guides - limited spots available
Lunch
Beach picnic lunch
Fresh wraps and salads
Budget
Afternoon
Island exploration & snorkeling
Set up camp on your designated island, then explore the surrounding reefs and beaches. Snorkel in pristine waters, possibly seeing blacktip reef sharks in the shallows. Help gather firewood for the evening campfire.
3-4 hours
Included in tour
Evening
Beach campfire dinner
Grilled fish cooked over open fire, sharing stories under incredible stars
Where to Stay Tonight
Remote Rock Island (Camping on beach)
Authentic wilderness experience in the UNESCO World Heritage site
Bring a lightweight sarong - it works as towel, blanket, sun protection, and privacy screen
Day 8 Budget: $320
Continue exploring remote islands by kayak before returning to Koror in the afternoon.
Morning
Morning paddle & snorkeling
Wake to the sound of waves and birds. After breakfast, break camp following strict environmental protocols. Paddle to new snorkeling spots, possibly including a marine lake or hidden cave. Visit sites only accessible by kayak.
3-4 hours
Included in tour
Lunch
Final beach picnic
Leftovers creatively prepared
Budget
Afternoon
Return paddle to Koror
Paddle back to the marina, taking final photos of the impressive limestone islands. Return equipment and say goodbye to your guide. The pace is leisurely, with stops for swimming and photos.
2-3 hours
Included in tour
Evening
Post-camping celebration dinner
The D-Wreck for steak and seafood with great harbor views
Where to Stay Tonight
Koror (Same hotel)
Returning from camping trip - appreciate hot showers and comfortable beds
Tip your guide in cash at the end - $20-40 per person is appropriate for excellent service
Day 9 Budget: $180
Explore Palau's mysterious ancient stone monoliths and traditional villages in the island's north.
Morning
Drive to Badrulchau stone monoliths
Rent a car for a full day exploring northern Babeldaob. Drive to Ngarchelong state to see the Badrulchau stone monoliths - 37 massive basalt stones arranged in rows, dating back to 161 AD. Their purpose remains mysterious.
2-3 hours driving + exploration
$60 (car rental) + $10 (entrance)
4WD recommended for some northern roads after rain
Lunch
Local house restaurant in Ngaraard
Home-style Palauan food
Budget
Afternoon
Traditional bai houses & Ngardok Lake
Visit traditional men's meeting houses (bai) with their intricate storyboard carvings. Then hike to Ngardok Lake, Palau's largest natural freshwater lake, home to endangered crocodiles. The boardwalk trail offers birdwatching opportunities.
3-4 hours
$5-10 (donation at villages)
Always ask permission before taking photos in villages
Evening
Return drive & dinner
Fuji Restaurant for Japanese food popular with locals
Where to Stay Tonight
Koror (Same hotel)
Northern Babeldaob has limited accommodation options
Fuel up in Koror before heading north - gas stations are sparse in northern Babeldaob
Day 10 Budget: $160
Dedicated day searching for manta rays followed by a unique night snorkeling experience.
Morning
Manta ray snorkeling trip
Join a specialized manta ray tour to German Channel, where these graceful giants come to be cleaned. Operators know the best times and conditions. If mantas aren't at German Channel, visit other known cleaning stations.
3-4 hours
$120
Book with Splash for their manta specialty - they track sightings daily
Lunch
Boat lunch
Simple prepared meals
Budget
Afternoon
Afternoon snorkeling at new sites
Visit different snorkeling spots like Ulong Channel or Siaes Tunnel. The afternoon light creates beautiful effects in the water. Look for nudibranchs, pipefish, and other small critters in the coral.
2-3 hours
Included in tour
Evening
Night snorkeling experience
Book a guided night snorkel to see bioluminescence and nocturnal marine life
Where to Stay Tonight
Koror (Same hotel)
All operators based in Koror
Wear a dark wetsuit for manta viewing - they're less likely to be startled by contrast
Day 11 Budget: $220
Visit remote Angaur Island, known for its lighthouse, phosphate mining history, and monkey population.
Morning
Ferry to Angaur Island
Take the early ferry to Angaur (2-2.5 hours), Palau's southernmost inhabited island. Watch for dolphins and seabirds during the crossing. Upon arrival, rent a bicycle or hire a local driver to explore this small, quiet island.
3-4 hours including travel
$60 (ferry) + $20 (bicycle rental)
Ferry runs 2-3 times weekly - confirm schedule in advance
Lunch
Angaur Guesthouse meal
Whatever's fresh that day
Budget
Afternoon
Island exploration
Visit the Japanese lighthouse, abandoned phosphate mining facilities, and WWII relics. Look for Angaur's unique population of monkeys descended from escaped pets. Swim at secluded beaches on the island's east coast.
3-4 hours
$0-10 (donations)
Bring cash - no ATMs on Angaur
Evening
Return ferry & dinner
Late dinner at Dragon Tai on return to Koror
Where to Stay Tonight
Koror (Same hotel)
Angaur has very limited accommodation, best as day trip
If you miss the return ferry, Angaur Guesthouse has basic rooms for about $50/night
Day 12 Budget: $150
Return to your favorite underwater sites or try new ones, followed by a farewell dinner celebrating your Palau adventure.
Morning
Morning dive or snorkel
Choose your favorite site from the trip for a return visit, or try something new like Chandelier Cave (a dive-through cave with air pockets) or the Iro Maru wreck. Photograph species you missed earlier.
3-4 hours
$80-160 (depending on diving vs snorkeling)
Many operators offer last-day discounts if you've dived with them before
Lunch
Last boat lunch
Final fresh fish barbecue
Budget
Afternoon
Last water time & packing
Enjoy final swims or simply relax on deck. Return to Koror early afternoon to pack, buy last-minute souvenirs, and prepare for departure tomorrow.
2-3 hours
$0
Evening
Farewell dinner with traditional show
Palau Pacific Resort's cultural night with buffet and dance performance
Where to Stay Tonight
Koror (Same hotel)
Convenient for next day's airport departure
Ask your dive shop for a digital logbook if you've been diving - many provide this service
Day 13 Budget: $230
Final morning in Palau, perhaps making a conservation contribution, before departing with memorable memories.
Morning
Last breakfast & conservation contribution
Enjoy a final Palauan breakfast. Consider visiting the Palau International Coral Reef Center to make a donation or 'adopt' a coral. Sign the Palau Pledge in your passport if you haven't already - a promise to protect the environment.
2-3 hours
$0-50 (donation optional)
Hotel checkout is usually 11am or noon
Lunch
Airport lunch or quick bite in Koror
Whatever's convenient
Budget
Afternoon
Transfer to airport & departure
Take hotel shuttle or taxi to Roman Tmetuchl International Airport (30 minutes). Check in 3 hours before international flights. Pay the $100 Palau departure tax (often included in airline ticket). Browse the small but interesting airport museum.
3-4 hours
$0-20 (transfer)
Confirm departure tax inclusion with your airline before travel
Evening
In transit
Flight departure
Where to Stay Tonight
In transit (N/A)
Departure day
Keep $20-40 in small bills for unexpected tips or purchases at airport
Day 14 Budget: $70