Things to Do in Milky Way

Milky Way is one of Palau's most extraordinary natural phenomena, located in the pristine waters of the Rock Islands Southern Lagoon. This shallow lagoon gets its name from the milky white sediment that creates an almost ethereal, cloudy appearance in the turquoise waters. The unique coloration comes from limestone and coral particles that have been naturally ground down over thousands of years, creating a swimming experience unlike anywhere else in the world. The lagoon sits nestled among Palau's famous mushroom-shaped limestone islands, which have been carved by centuries of wave action and weathering. What makes Milky Way particularly special is the belief that the fine white mud has rejuvenating properties for your skin - many visitors enjoy covering themselves in the silky sediment as a natural spa treatment while floating in the warm, shallow waters.

Since Milky Way itself is an uninhabited natural area, dining happens back in Koror or as part of your boat tour experience. Most full-day tours include lunch, typically featuring fresh seafood, tropical fruits, and local specialties served on the boat or at a designated beach stop. Back in Koror, you'll find excellent restaurants serving fresh fish, coconut crab (when in season), and fusion cuisine that blends Palauan traditions with Japanese and Filipino influences. Many tour operators are happy to accommodate dietary restrictions if you let them know in advance. Some sunset cruise operators include dinner as part of the experience, often featuring grilled fish caught locally and tropical cocktails made with fresh fruit.

The ideal time for Milky Way is during Palau's dry season from November through April, when you'll have the most reliable sunny weather and calm seas. That said, the lagoon is beautiful year-round, and even during the wetter months (May through October), rain showers tend to be brief and warm. Water temperature remains consistently around 80-82°F throughout the year. For photography, the shoulder months of November and April often offer the best combination of good weather and fewer crowds. Keep in mind that Palau can be affected by typhoons between June and December, though direct hits are relatively rare. If you're planning to combine Milky Way with diving elsewhere in Palau, the dry season also offers the best underwater visibility.