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The Ultimate Week in Palau

Pristine Reefs, Jellyfish Lakes & Island Paradise

Trip Overview

This week-long adventure through Palau immerses you in one of the world's most spectacular marine environments. You'll explore the legendary Rock Islands, snorkel through coral gardens teeming with life, kayak among limestone formations, and experience the unique phenomenon of swimming with millions of golden jellyfish. The itinerary balances active water activities with cultural experiences and relaxation, allowing time to appreciate Palau's pristine natural beauty and Micronesian heritage. Expect early morning boat departures, incredible underwater encounters, and evenings watching tropical sunsets. This is a destination for nature lovers and diving enthusiasts seeking an unspoiled Pacific paradise.

Pace
Moderate
Daily Budget
$200-350 per day
Best Seasons
November to April (dry season, best visibility)
Ideal For
Divers and snorkelers, Nature enthusiasts, Adventure travelers, Honeymooners, Marine life photographers

Day-by-Day Itinerary

1

Arrival & Koror Orientation

Koror
Settle into Palau's main hub, recover from your journey, and get oriented to island life while preparing for the week's aquatic adventures ahead.
Morning
Arrival and hotel check-in
Arrive at Roman Tmetuchl International Airport and transfer to your accommodation in Koror, Palau's commercial center. Take time to settle in, adjust to the tropical climate, and organize your dive certifications and equipment needs. Visit a local dive shop to book your week's activities and confirm your Rock Islands permit requirements.
3-4 hours $30-50 (airport transfer)
Arrange airport pickup through your accommodation in advance for convenience
Lunch
A local eatery serving Palauan dishes near downtown Koror
Palauan/Micronesian Budget
Afternoon
Koror exploration and permit acquisition
Walk through downtown Koror to get your bearings and purchase your mandatory Rock Islands permit and fishing/diving license at the Koror State Office. Browse local shops for reef-safe sunscreen and any forgotten snorkel gear. Visit the WCTC Shopping Center for supplies, and stroll along the waterfront to watch local fishermen and spot fruit bats in nearby trees.
2-3 hours $100 (Rock Islands permit), $20 (fishing license)
Evening
Welcome dinner and sunset viewing
Dine at a waterfront restaurant featuring fresh seafood and local preparations like coconut crab or tuna sashimi, followed by a walk along the harbor to watch the sunset

Where to Stay Tonight

Koror (Mid-range hotel or guesthouse in central Koror)

Central location provides easy access to dive shops, restaurants, and tour operators for the week ahead

Purchase your Rock Islands permit on day one as it's required for most tours and valid for 10 days. Keep it with you at all times during boat trips.
Day 1 Budget: $220-280
2

Rock Islands & Jellyfish Lake Wonder

Rock Islands Southern Lagoon
Experience Palau's most iconic attraction with a full-day boat tour through the stunning Rock Islands, culminating in the magical swim among golden jellyfish.
Morning
Rock Islands boat tour departure
Depart early by boat through the spectacular Rock Islands, a UNESCO World Heritage site featuring over 200 mushroom-shaped limestone islands covered in lush vegetation. Navigate through turquoise lagoons, stopping at pristine snorkeling sites with vibrant coral gardens. Your guide will take you to multiple spots where you'll encounter sea turtles, reef sharks, and countless tropical fish species in crystal-clear waters.
3-4 hours $150-200 (full-day tour)
Book your Rock Islands tour at least 2-3 days in advance during peak season as boats fill quickly
Lunch
Picnic lunch on a secluded beach provided by your tour operator
Packed lunch with local and international options Mid-range
Afternoon
Jellyfish Lake experience
Hike briefly through the jungle to reach Jellyfish Lake, one of Palau's most extraordinary natural phenomena. Snorkel among millions of golden jellyfish that have lost their sting over millennia of isolation. Watch these ethereal creatures pulse gently through the tannin-stained waters as they migrate across the lake following the sun. The experience is surreal and unlike anything else on Earth.
2 hours $100 (Jellyfish Lake permit, included in most tours)
Visit in the late morning to early afternoon when jellyfish are most concentrated
Evening
Relaxed dinner and rest
Enjoy a casual dinner at a restaurant specializing in grilled fish and local vegetables, then rest early to recover from sun exposure and prepare for more adventures

Where to Stay Tonight

Koror (Same accommodation as Day 1)

Staying in Koror minimizes packing and provides a consistent base for daily boat departures

Bring a wetsuit or rash guard for Jellyfish Lake even though the water is warm—it protects from the weak stings and provides sun protection during the boat ride.
Day 2 Budget: $280-350
3

World-Class Diving at German Channel

German Channel & Blue Corner
Dive two of Palau's legendary sites, encountering manta rays, sharks, and some of the richest marine biodiversity in the Pacific Ocean.
Morning
German Channel manta ray dive
German Channel is a world-renowned dive site where manta rays come to cleaning stations to have parasites removed by smaller fish. Descend to the sandy bottom and watch these graceful giants glide overhead with wingspans up to 15 feet. The channel, carved by Germans during colonial times, creates currents that attract pelagic species. You'll also encounter reef sharks, Napoleon wrasse, and massive schools of fish in the nutrient-rich waters.
3-4 hours including boat time $160-200 (two-tank dive)
Book with a reputable dive operator that limits group sizes for better manta encounters
Lunch
Lunch served on the dive boat between dives
Simple sandwiches and fruit Budget
Afternoon
Blue Corner or Ulong Channel dive
Complete your second dive at one of Palau's premier sites. Blue Corner offers thrilling drift diving along a reef wall where you'll hook into the current and watch gray reef sharks, barracuda, tuna, and eagle rays cruise past in the blue water. The sheer abundance and variety of marine life is staggering, with colorful soft corals covering the reef face and massive schools of fish creating living walls.
2-3 hours Included in morning dive package
Evening
Celebratory dive debrief dinner
Share stories from the day's dives over dinner at a restaurant popular with the diving community, featuring hearty portions and cold drinks

Where to Stay Tonight

Koror (Same accommodation)

Convenient for early morning dive departures and evening relaxation

If you're not a certified diver, many operators offer snorkeling at German Channel where you can still see mantas from the surface—the water is incredibly clear.
Day 3 Budget: $220-280
4

Kayaking & Hidden Lagoons

Rock Islands
Trade scuba tanks for kayaks and explore the Rock Islands from a different perspective, paddling through hidden lagoons and secluded beaches.
Morning
Rock Islands kayaking expedition
Paddle through the maze-like channels between the Rock Islands in a sea kayak, accessing areas too shallow for motorboats. Glide through mirror-calm waters reflecting the limestone cliffs, duck under natural rock arches, and discover hidden beaches accessible only by kayak. Stop to snorkel in private coves where you'll have pristine reefs entirely to yourself, surrounded by the dramatic scenery of the Rock Islands.
4-5 hours $120-160 (guided kayak tour)
Choose a tour that includes multiple snorkel stops and beach landings for variety
Lunch
Beach picnic on a remote island prepared by your guide
Fresh tropical fruits and sandwiches Mid-range
Afternoon
Milky Way lagoon and beach relaxation
Visit the famous Milky Way, a shallow lagoon with white limestone mud on the bottom that locals have used for centuries as a natural skin treatment. Cover yourself in the silky mud, let it dry in the sun, then rinse off in the warm lagoon waters. Spend the remainder of the afternoon relaxing on a pristine beach, swimming, or exploring tidal pools along the shoreline.
2-3 hours Included in kayak tour or $50 separate visit
Evening
Sunset and traditional dinner
Watch the sunset from your hotel or a waterfront spot, then enjoy dinner featuring traditional Palauan preparations like taro, cassava, and local fish cooked in coconut milk

Where to Stay Tonight

Koror (Same accommodation)

Maintaining your base in Koror for consistency and convenience

The Milky Way mud is genuinely good for your skin and makes for fun photos, but avoid getting it in your eyes or the lagoon's delicate ecosystem.
Day 4 Budget: $200-260
5

Peleliu History & Diving

Peleliu Island
Journey to Peleliu for a sobering look at WWII history combined with exceptional diving at walls and channels rich with marine life.
Morning
Peleliu Island historical tour
Take a speedboat to Peleliu Island, site of one of the Pacific War's bloodiest battles in 1944. Tour the island with a knowledgeable guide who will show you rusting tanks, artillery pieces, and Japanese defensive positions still scattered throughout the jungle. Visit the Peace Memorial and learn about the 10,000 lives lost during the 2-month battle. The preserved war relics provide a powerful reminder of the island's tragic past.
3-4 hours including boat transfer $100-150 (tour and boat)
Combine historical tours with diving for a full-day Peleliu experience
Lunch
Simple meal at a small local restaurant on Peleliu serving fresh fish and rice
Local Palauan Budget
Afternoon
Peleliu diving or snorkeling
Dive or snorkel at Peleliu's famous sites like Peleliu Express or Peleliu Cut, where strong currents create thrilling drift dives through channels filled with sharks, turtles, and massive schools of fish. The walls drop dramatically into the deep blue, covered in healthy hard corals and sea fans. Advanced divers particularly appreciate the challenging conditions and spectacular marine life encounters these sites offer.
2-3 hours $80-120 (diving) or $40-60 (snorkeling)
Evening
Return to Koror and quiet dinner
After the emotional and physical day, enjoy a relaxed dinner at a casual restaurant near your accommodation

Where to Stay Tonight

Koror (Same accommodation)

Return to your established base for the final nights

Peleliu diving is best for experienced divers due to strong currents. If you're a beginner, stick to the historical tour and snorkeling options.
Day 5 Budget: $240-310
6

Cultural Immersion & Babeldaob

Babeldaob Island
Explore Palau's largest island, discovering ancient stone monoliths, traditional villages, and the island's lush interior landscapes.
Morning
Babeldaob Island tour
Drive across the Japan-Palau Friendship Bridge to Babeldaob, Palau's largest and most traditional island. Visit the impressive Badrulchau stone monoliths, ancient basalt pillars whose origins remain mysterious. Stop at traditional Palauan villages to see traditional bai meeting houses with their distinctive painted gables. Drive through rolling hills covered in jungle and savanna, stopping at scenic overlooks with panoramic views of the island and surrounding ocean.
4-5 hours $80-120 (guided tour with rental car)
Hire a local guide who can provide cultural context and arrange village visits
Lunch
Traditional meal in a village setting or packed lunch at a scenic viewpoint
Traditional Palauan Budget
Afternoon
Ngardmau Waterfall hike
Hike through Palau's largest and most impressive jungle to reach Ngardmau Waterfall, the tallest waterfall in Micronesia. The trail winds through dense tropical forest filled with bird calls and exotic plants. Reach the falls and swim in the refreshing pool beneath the cascading water, surrounded by towering cliffs and lush vegetation—a completely different landscape from the marine environments you've been exploring.
2-3 hours $10-15 (entrance fee)
Evening
Farewell dinner celebration
Enjoy a special dinner at one of Koror's better restaurants, celebrating your week in paradise with fresh seafood and reflecting on your adventures

Where to Stay Tonight

Koror (Same accommodation)

Final night in your established base before departure

Bring mosquito repellent for the waterfall hike and wear shoes with good grip as the trail can be muddy and slippery.
Day 6 Budget: $180-240
7

Final Dives & Departure

Koror area
Squeeze in one last dive or snorkel session before preparing for departure, savoring your final hours in this Pacific paradise.
Morning
Final dive or snorkel session
Depending on your flight time, join a morning dive trip to nearby sites like Chandelier Cave, a unique underwater cavern system where you can surface in air-filled chambers decorated with limestone formations, or revisit a favorite site from earlier in the week. For snorkelers, explore the accessible reefs near Koror where you can still see abundant marine life in shallow waters. This final immersion serves as a perfect goodbye to Palau's underwater world.
3-4 hours $80-120 (single dive or snorkel trip)
Ensure you follow proper dive safety protocols with adequate surface interval before flying
Lunch
Final meal at a favorite spot you discovered during the week
Your choice Mid-range
Afternoon
Last-minute shopping and departure preparation
Browse local shops for souvenirs like storyboards carved by Palauan artisans, woven baskets, or locally made jewelry. Purchase some Palauan coffee or hot sauce to take home. Pack carefully, ensuring all dive equipment is dry and properly stored. Check in for your flight and prepare for departure, taking time to appreciate the memories you've created in this remarkable island nation.
2-3 hours $50-100 (souvenirs)
Evening
Airport transfer and departure
Transfer to the airport for your evening or night flight, carrying memories of pristine reefs, jellyfish lakes, and Palauan hospitality

Where to Stay Tonight

N/A (Departure day)

End of journey

Remember no diving within 18-24 hours before flying to avoid decompression issues. Plan your last dive accordingly based on your flight time.
Day 7 Budget: $180-250

Practical Information

Getting Around

Most visitors base themselves in Koror and take daily boat trips to dive sites and the Rock Islands. Rental cars are available for exploring Babeldaob Island. Taxis operate in Koror but are limited—many hotels provide airport transfers. Tour operators typically include boat transportation in their packages. The compact nature of Koror makes some areas walkable, though the tropical heat can be intense. Inter-island travel to Peleliu requires speedboat or small plane arrangements through tour operators.

Book Ahead

Book accommodations 2-3 months ahead during peak season (December-March). Reserve dive operators and Rock Islands tours at least one week in advance, though booking your first few days upon arrival works during low season. Purchase Rock Islands permits immediately upon arrival. Peleliu tours should be booked 3-5 days ahead.

Packing Essentials

Reef-safe sunscreen (required by law), underwater camera, dive certification cards, rash guard or wetsuit, quality mask and snorkel, waterproof bag, mosquito repellent, hiking shoes for waterfall, light rain jacket, sun hat, multiple swimsuits, casual evening wear, and any prescription medications

Total Budget

$1,520-1,970 for 7 days (excluding international flights and accommodation)

Customize Your Trip

Budget Version

Stay at guesthouses or budget hotels ($50-80/night instead of $150+), bring your own snorkel gear to save rental fees, join group tours rather than private charters, prepare some of your own meals from local markets, skip Peleliu day trip, and focus on snorkeling rather than scuba diving to eliminate equipment and certification costs. You can experience most of Palau's magic for $150-200 per day with careful planning.

Luxury Upgrade

Stay at premium resorts like those on private islands with overwater bungalows ($400-800/night), book private boat charters for personalized itineraries, arrange helicopter tours over the Rock Islands, enjoy spa treatments featuring local ingredients, dine at upscale restaurants with wine pairings, hire private dive guides for exclusive sites, and add a liveaboard diving experience. Luxury travelers can expect to spend $500-800+ per day for exceptional service and exclusivity.

Family-Friendly

Choose family-oriented resorts with pools and kid-friendly amenities, focus on snorkeling rather than diving for younger children, book larger boats with shaded areas and bathrooms, visit beaches with calm waters for safe swimming, reduce the number of full-day trips to avoid exhausting children, include the waterfall hike which kids typically enjoy, arrange cultural activities like traditional craft workshops, and ensure adequate rest time between activities. Many operators offer family packages with age-appropriate adventures.

Book Activities for Your Trip

Tours, tickets, and experiences in Palau

Continue Planning Your Trip

Things to Do

Top attractions and activities for Palau

Budget Guide

Trip costs and money tips for Palau

Getting Around

Transport options and tips for Palau

Where to Stay

Accommodation guide for Palau

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