Explore the Micronesian Country of Palau Island by Sea

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See the 81st Infantry Division Memorial

Check Out the Construction of Airai Bai

See Badrulchau Stone Monoliths

Visit the Belau National Museum

Dive the Blue Corner Wall

See the Artifacts at the Etpison Museum

Dive the German Channel

Relax on Honeymoon Beach

Cross the Japan-Palau Friendship Bridge

Take a Dip in Jelly Fish Lake

Snorkel Around Kayangel Island

Explore Koror Island

Checkout the Largest Freshwater Lake in Palau: Lake Ngardok

Stroll the Long Beach Sandbar

Visit Malakal Island

Swim in the Milky Way Lagoon

Visit the Monte Altura Fortress

See the Nan’yo Shinto Shrine

Go to Ngardmau Falls

Explore Ngerukewid

Kayak Nikko Bay

Visit the Palau Aquarium

Take in the History on Peleliu Island

Explore the Rock Islands

Windsurf at Salty Wind

See Stone Money

Visit Talmone Gun Battery

Go to The Capitol

Visit the Site of Survivor: Ulong Island

One regret I had about traveling to the Micronesian island of Palau was not being certified to scuba dive and therefore not having the opportunity to be surrounded by dozens of sharks in the famous Blue Corner.

For most people that would be a benefit, not a regret.

I actually was certified many years ago, but definitely would have needed a serious refresher course before feeling comfortable enough to dive in one of the world’s most renowned scuba diving locations. But, it turned out that there were three other ways of exploring the island of Palau by sea that proved to be visually fruitful too and not totally sans sharks. I mean a shark. There was only one.

Snorkeling
The next best thing to scuba diving in the waters surrounding Palau island is snorkeling and those of us without diving certification would be doing it for three days of this water-filled trip. Each morning we were guided by a different reputable company through the Rock Islands.

With Sam’s Tours we had one of my most memorable bucket list experiences by being enveloped in jellyfish while snorkeling in the World famous Jellyfish Lake. Luckily, these critters were stingless, because they may have initially scared me more than the sharks. They also took us to Clam City to witness the giant mollusks that can potentially grow more than four feet. Stuck on the bottom of the sea, they didn’t frighten me nearly as much as the jellyfish.

Neco Marine did take us to the Blue Corner where the lucky certified divers were surrounded by grey and white tip reef sharks, while I snorkeled trying to spot a stray shark from the top of the water. And I did see a lonely one from the ocean’s surface.

Instead of turning to rapidly swim in the opposite direction,  I chased it until it disappeared into the depths of blue.

Lastly, Fish n’ Fins took us to New Drop Off where my bucket list goal of ‘swimming with a school of fish’ was easily checked off about a dozen times over. There was even a sweet turtle floating about. Plus, the color of coral was vibrant, making it look as if we were inside of an aquarium instead of the warm Palau waters.

Kayaking
Snorkeling wasn’t the only way to explore the Palauan waters, kayaking was a viable option too. Sam’s Tours led us along the edges of the islets and in shallow enough water to see the Sea cucumbers on the sandy floor.

We were able to squeeze into spaces that the motor boats could not possibly fit into.

Boating
In between the snorkeling and kayaking we boated through the Rock Islands exploring all of its nooks, weaving in and out of the hundreds of islets. A different perceptive.

And even though the weather and views were mostly perfect, there was one day traveling by boat where we were caught in a storm.

…and we were all still smiling because it just added to the adventurous and memorable experience of Palau.

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Best Tips for Visiting Palau

Getting There: Roman Tmetuchl International Airport is the main airport in Palau however, it’s also important to let you know that there are seven major hubs for flights to Palau’s Roman Tmetuchl International Airport (ROR), and half of them have a direct flights from the United States and Canada. You can easily check for the best fare deals at Skyscanner, which also has the option to choose ‘cheapest month’ as the departure to find the lowest priced dates to fly to your destination. Upon landing at the Roman Tmetuchl International Airport, there are no taxis or means of public transportation. You must therefore have pre-arranged transportation from the airport to your hotel or guesthouse.

Where to Stay in Palau: It’s best to stay near the city center, public transportation or the area that you will be spending the most time in. Palau Central Hotel is a great choice in the Koror district. For something on the less expensive side, try Palau Hotel located in Koror. For a hotel with a little more extravagance, book a room at the The Pristine Villas and Bungalows at Palau Pacific Resort. Or search some great deals on hotels of your choice at Booking.com. If you’re looking for more of a home atmosphere (or are traveling with a group of people), head over to Airbnb that has houses, apartments and even just a room for rent in every price range. 

Getting Around:  Car rentals and limited bus service can mostly be located in the city of Koror. Taxis are available all over Koror and Malakal, and if you want to go around the islands you can go on ride public ferries, join a tour for a day trip or rent a charter boat.

Best Tours in Palau: You can find some of the top tours at Get Your Guide or Viator, and here are some of the top ones. tours:

Insurance: It’s always a good idea to travel fully insured so you are protected in case of trip cancellations or medical emergencies. You can check out pricing at Travelex Insurance. 

Universal Adapter: Your American plugged equipment will need an adapter. I use the Celtic Universal Adapter, which has brought me around the world with no problems.

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