Palau, a small island nation in the Pacific, might be challenging to spot on the map, but its unparalleled beauty above and below the sea makes it a paradise for snorkeling, diving, and fishing. Make sure to bookmark this guide for your next adventure.
For this trip, I booked a three-day snorkeling tour locally, costing $320, which includes lunch on each island and one seafood dinner daily. It offers excellent value for money.
1️⃣ Day 1: Arrival and Relaxation
- Arrive in Palau and check in at Palasia Hotel.
- Since it’s already 6 PM, take the evening to rest and prepare for the exciting days ahead.
2️⃣ Day 2: Fishing, Remote Island Lunch, Giant Clam City, and Coral Secret Garden
- Morning fishing: Experience handline fishing with an abundance of fish; you may catch your lunch.
- Giant Clam City: Witness large tridacna clams, a common sight in Palau.
- Coral Secret Garden: Snorkel in a hidden underwater paradise with beautiful coral formations.
3️⃣ Day 3: Blue Coral Reef, Milky Way Lake, Shark City, and Jellyfish Lake
- Blue Coral Reef: Explore the rare blue coral reefs, a unique sight in Palau.
- Milky Way Lake: Indulge in a natural mud spa; the lake’s bottom is rich in volcanic mud.
- Shark City: Swim alongside groups of sharks for an exhilarating and thrilling experience.
- Jellyfish Lake: Witness the world’s only non-stinging jellyfish; reopened after years of closure.
4️⃣ Day 4: Japanese WWII Shipwreck, Colorful Soft Coral, Long Beach, Lover’s Bridge, German Channel, and Big Drop-off
- Japanese WWII Shipwreck: Snorkel around sunken Japanese warships from World War II, now covered in coral.
- Colorful Soft Coral: Admire vibrant soft corals, and if lucky, spot clownfish.
- Lover’s Bridge: Capture photos at this naturally arched lover’s bridge, believed to bring good fortune.
- German Channel: A famous dive site with diverse marine life.
- Big Drop-off: One of the world’s top dive sites, home to angel fish, butterfly fish, and stunning coral formations.
5️⃣ Day 5: Small White House and Men’s Meeting House
- Men’s Meeting House: Exclusive to men, rumored to turn women into stone if they enter.
- Small White House: Visit the Palauan Presidential Palace, designed by Americans in a cool Baroque style, resembling the White House.
6️⃣ Day 6: Departure from Palau
Palau is visa-free; simply carry your passport with a return ticket. Entrance fees include $100 for immigration and $50 for an environmental fee for water activities.
For lodging, Palasia Hotel is recommended. It underwent renovations last year, providing excellent facilities and services.
Palau lacks public transportation in the city, making hiring a car, joining a tour, or renting one more convenient. Tour packages are suggested for a hassle-free experience.