Arrive in Palau, settle into your hotel, and get a gentle introduction to the islands with a cultural museum visit and a stroll through the capital.
Morning
Arrival at Roman Tmetuchl International Airport (ROR)
Upon arrival, clear customs and immigration. Pre-arranged hotel transfers are the most convenient. Check into your accommodation in Koror, the busy heart of Palau. Take time to freshen up and acclimate to the tropical climate.
2-3 hours
$30-40 (transfer)
Book your airport transfer in advance through your hotel or a local tour operator like Sam's Tours.
Lunch
Carp Restaurant
Local Palauan & Japanese
Mid-range
Afternoon
Etpison Museum & Koror Town
Visit the excellent Etpison Museum to gain deep insights into Palauan history, culture, and money. Afterwards, take a leisurely walk along the waterfront in downtown Koror, browse the small shops, and see the iconic KB Bridge.
3-4 hours
$10 (museum entry)
Evening
Dinner & Sunset Views
Enjoy a welcome dinner at The Rock Island Cafe, known for its fresh seafood and casual atmosphere, followed by a drink at the Drop Off Bar & Grill to watch the sunset.
Where to Stay Tonight
Koror (Palau Royal Resort or similar hotel)
Koror is the main hub with all amenities, tour operators, and restaurants, making it the perfect base for your entire stay.
Exchange some currency to USD (the official currency) at the airport or in town. While cards are accepted in many places, smaller shops and markets prefer cash.
Day 1 Budget: $150-200
A full-day tour to the UNESCO-listed Rock Islands, featuring the surreal experience of swimming with millions of stingless jellyfish and a natural
spa.
Morning
Boat Tour to Jellyfish Lake
Join a guided boat tour to the famous Jellyfish Lake (Ongeim'l Tketau). After a short hike, snorkel in the brackish lake surrounded by millions of golden Mastigias jellyfish, an experience found almost nowhere else on Earth.
3-4 hours
$120-150 (full-day tour)
Book a full-day Rock Islands tour with a reputable operator like Neco Marine or Fish 'n Fins at least a day in advance.
Lunch
Picnic lunch on a secluded beach
Provided by tour operator
Included in tour
Afternoon
Milky Way & Snorkeling Stops
Visit the Milky Way, a lagoon of white limestone mud perfect for a natural skin treatment. The tour will also include several impressive snorkeling stops at coral gardens like Clam City or Giant Clam Garden.
3-4 hours
Included in morning tour
Evening
Relaxed Dinner
Head to Bem Ermii, a beloved local burger and shake shack, for a casual and delicious post-adventure meal.
Where to Stay Tonight
Koror (Palau Royal Resort or similar hotel)
Returning to your Koror base after a long day on the water is convenient and comfortable.
Use reef-safe sunscreen only, and rinse off thoroughly before entering Jellyfish Lake to protect its delicate ecosystem. Bring a waterproof bag for your gear.
Day 2 Budget: $180-220
Paddle through the serene maze of the Rock Islands, discovering hidden lagoons, secluded beaches, and pristine snorkel spots at your own pace.
Morning
Guided Kayak Tour Departure
Start a guided overnight or full-day kayaking expedition. Paddle from Koror into the labyrinth of limestone islands. Explore narrow channels, hidden coves, and paddle over impressive coral formations in crystal-clear water.
4-5 hours
$150-200 (overnight tour)
Book a multi-day kayak tour well in advance with Paddling Palau. They provide all gear, meals, and camping equipment.
Lunch
Beachside lunch
Provided by tour guide
Included in tour
Afternoon
Snorkeling & Beach Exploration
Continue kayaking to a designated campsite. Along the way, stop for incredible snorkeling directly from your kayak. Set up camp on a pristine white-sand beach and enjoy the absolute solitude of the Rock Islands.
4-5 hours
Included in tour
Evening
Island Campfire Dinner
Your guide will prepare a fresh dinner. Enjoy a magical evening under the stars, listening to the sounds of the jungle and water.
Where to Stay Tonight
Rock Islands Campsite (Beach camping (tent provided))
Camping immerses you in the natural scenery of the Rock Islands, offering an experience far beyond a day trip.
Pack light, quick-dry clothing, a headlamp, and a good book. All major gear, food, and water are provided by the tour operator.
Day 3 Budget: $160-210 (tour cost spread over two days)
Complete your kayaking journey with a morning paddle, more snorkeling, and return to Koror for a well-deserved comfortable night.
Morning
Morning Kayak & Snorkel
After breakfast, break camp and start your final paddle. Explore more hidden lagoons and make a last snorkeling stop at a energetic reef channel before heading back towards Koror.
3-4 hours
Included in tour
Lunch
Lunch on the water or upon return
Provided by tour guide / Local cafe
Included / $15
Afternoon
Return to Koror & Free Time
Arrive back in Koror by mid-afternoon. Check back into your hotel. Enjoy some free time to relax by the pool, shower, and unwind after your adventure.
Flexible
$0
Evening
Celebration Dinner
Treat yourself to a fine dining experience at Elilai Restaurant, offering modern Palauan fusion cuisine with spectacular panoramic views.
Where to Stay Tonight
Koror (Palau Royal Resort or similar hotel)
After camping, a comfortable hotel bed and hot shower will be very welcome.
Visit WCTC Shopping Center to pick up unique local souvenirs like storyboards, handmade jewelry, or Palauan coffee.
Day 4 Budget: $100-150
Explore Palau's main island, Babeldaob, visiting poignant WWII sites and hiking to the tallest waterfall in
Micronesia.
Morning
Rental Car & Peleliu Battlefield Tour (Optional)
Rent a car for the day. For history ensoiasts, take an early flight or boat to Peleliu for a guided tour of the intense WWII battlefield sites, including Bloody Nose Ridge and the museum. Alternatively, stay on Babeldaob.
5-6 hours (for Peleliu option)
$200-250 (Peleliu tour incl. flight) or $80 (car rental)
Book Peleliu day trips with Sam's Tours. For car rental, try Avis or Budget at the airport or in Koror.
Lunch
Peleliu: Local homestay lunch / Babeldaob: Roadside stall
Local Palauan
Budget
Afternoon
Ngardmau Waterfall Hike
Drive to the trailhead for Ngardmau Falls. The scenic hike takes you through lush jungle, across an old monorail bridge, and ends at the powerful, 100-foot cascade. You can swim in the refreshing pool at its base.
2-3 hours (round-trip hike)
$10 (entrance fee)
Wear sturdy water shoes or hiking sandals for the rocky and sometimes wet trail.
Evening
Low-key Local Dinner
Try authentic Palauan dishes like fruit bat soup (if adventurous) or fresh grilled fish at Kramer's Cafe.
Where to Stay Tonight
Koror (Palau Royal Resort or similar hotel)
Koror remains the most practical base with the widest selection of dining and amenities.
If you skip Peleliu, visit the Palau
National Museum in Koror in the morning for more WWII and cultural context before your waterfall hike.
Day 5 Budget: $150-300 (varies with Peleliu choice)
A excellent diving day (or snorkeling alternative) at Palau's most famous dive sites, teeming with sharks, rays, and massive schools of fish.
Morning
Two-Tank Dive: Blue Corner
Start a dive boat to Blue Corner, Palau's signature dive site. Descend to see sharks (grey reef, white tip), Napoleon wrasse, and incredible currents funneling vast schools of fish. The iconic 'hook-in' spot lets you watch the action effortlessly.
4-5 hours (boat trip & diving)
$160-180 (two-tank dive)
Book diving with a top operator like Fish 'n Fins or Sam's Tours. You must be a certified diver. Snorkelers can join the boat for a fee and snorkel at nearby sites.
Lunch
On-board lunch
Provided by dive operator
Included
Afternoon
Dive/Snorkel at German Channel or Shark City
For the second dive, visit German Channel to see manta rays (seasonal) or Shark City for a guaranteed shark encounter. Snorkelers will be taken to impressive shallow reefs like Short Drop Off, bursting with colorful coral and fish.
2-3 hours
Included in morning tour
Evening
Dive Log Dinner
Share stories with fellow divers over pizza and beer at the popular King's Bar.
Where to Stay Tonight
Koror (Palau Royal Resort or similar hotel)
Close to the dive shops and marinas for an easy start and finish to your big dive day.
Even if you're not a diver, the snorkeling from the same boats is phenomenal. Communicate clearly with the operator to book a 'snorkeler' spot on a dive boat.
Day 6 Budget: $200-250
A final morning to relax, shop for souvenirs, and enjoy Palau's beauty before your afternoon departure.
Morning
Free Morning & Last-minute Souvenirs
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast. You could take a final swim, visit the Palau Aquarium, or stroll through the NECO Marine store for eco-friendly souvenirs and local crafts. Ensure you have your Palau Pledge stamp in your passport.
2-3 hours
$0-20 (souvenirs)
Check your flight time and arrange for a hotel pick-up for your airport transfer 3 hours before departure.
Lunch
Taj Indian Restaurant
Indian
Mid-range
Afternoon
Transfer to Airport & Departure
Take your pre-arranged transfer to Roman Tmetuchl International Airport. Check in, pay the $100 Palau Departure Tax and $20 Green Fee (often included in airline tickets, but verify), and begin your journey home.
2-3 hours
$30-40 (transfer) + Fees if not pre-paid
Confirm with your airline if the departure tax and green fee are included in your ticket.
Evening
Departure
Flight departs for home.
Where to Stay Tonight
N/A (N/A)
Departure day.
Double-check you have your original signed Palau Pledge entry form; you may need to show it at airport check-in. Spend any leftover USD cash at the airport shops.
Day 7 Budget: $80-150