🇵🇼Palau

A single small nation that shows how ocean conservation and world-class diving can work together.

Capital

Ngerulmud

Best time

November–April

Language

Palauan, English

Currency

US dollar

Palau was one of the first countries to ban reef-harming sunscreen and has protected 80% of its waters — the payoff is some of the clearest, most biodiverse diving on Earth, built around a scattering of mushroom-shaped limestone islands few travelers ever make it to.

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🪼 Jellyfish Lake

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🐠 Blue Corner wall dive

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🏝️ Rock Islands lagoon

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🛶 Milky Way mud spa

Trip essentials

Budget: Budget: €60–90/day · Mid-range: €120–220/day · Luxury: €350+/day — diving and permits are the main added cost here

Visa: Not required for most Western passport holders for short stays — always confirm current rules before booking.

Suggested days: 6 — 6 days covers the main dive sites and the lagoon at a relaxed pace. 4 days works for a shorter dive-focused trip; 8–9 suits dedicated divers wanting more sites.

Getting there: Roman Tmetuchl International Airport (ROR) near Koror is the only gateway, with limited direct connections

Getting around: Koror is walkable; everything else is reached by boat

Safety: Very safe; most activity is boat- and dive-based with experienced local operators

Tipping: 10% at restaurants and for dive guides is customary

Power plug: Type A/B, 120V

Tastes of Palau

Palauan-style reef fish

Fresh reef fish, often grilled or prepared with coconut milk and local spices.

Taro

A starchy root vegetable central to Palauan meals, served boiled or mashed.

Tapioca

A common side dish, usually boiled and served alongside fish or meat.

Fruit bat soup

A traditional delicacy served on special occasions — distinctive enough that most visitors at least hear about it even if they don't try it.

Top attractions

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Rock Islands Southern Lagoon

A UNESCO-listed scattering of over 400 mushroom-shaped limestone islands rising from turquoise water, best seen by boat and kayak over several days.

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Jellyfish Lake

A marine lake where millions of golden jellyfish, having evolved without predators, have lost their sting — swimming among them is one of the most unusual snorkeling experiences anywhere.

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Blue Corner

One of the world's most famous wall dives, where strong currents draw in sharks, napoleon wrasse, and schooling fish in numbers rarely seen elsewhere.

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Milky Way

A shallow lagoon of white limestone mud, traditionally used as a skin treatment — most boat tours stop here to float and cover up before rinsing off nearby.

Suggested itinerary

Days 1–2

Koror

Settle in, arrange dive permits, and visit the Belau National Museum.

Days 3–4

Diving Blue Corner & the Rock Islands

Wall diving and reef dives among Palau's famous sites.

Day 5

Jellyfish Lake & Milky Way

A snorkel-only day combining the jellyfish lake with the mud spa lagoon.

Day 6

Kayaking the lagoon

A slower day paddling between the limestone islands before departure.

FAQ

Do I need a visa for Palau?

Not for most Western passport holders for short stays — always confirm current rules before booking.

Do I need to be a certified diver to visit?

No — Jellyfish Lake and the Milky Way are snorkel-only, and many operators offer introductory dives for beginners.

Is there an environmental fee?

Yes, a Rock Islands permit is required for most boat tours and diving, and funds conservation directly.

How do I get there?

Flights are limited and often route through Guam, Manila, or Taiwan — booking ahead and expecting at least one connection is standard.