Kayaking the turquoise waters of Palau

Navigate through pristine islands and coral reefs in Palau | Maddison Toddman

Explore hidden lagoons and limestone passages by kayak | Toby Story

Close encounter with a Hawksbill Turtle in Palau

Camp for the night and enjoy Palau's stunning beaches | Josh Burkinshaw

A sheltered beach in Palau's tropical paradise | Maddison Toddman

Palau Kayaking Expedition

Paddle through Palau's UNESCO-listed Rock Islands, snorkel vibrant coral reefs, explore ancient village sites and WWII relics, and discover one of the Pacific's most extraordinary island destinations by kayak.

Palau

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1 review

9 Days from

$5090 USD

Trip Code: PPE

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Essential Information

Extra trip options & supplements

*Prices listed are per person

Single Supplement tent only

$240 USD

Solo seated kayak hire

$240 USD

Single Supplement hotel only

$360 USD

Single Supplement

$740 USD

Duration

9 Days

Activities

6 days kayak

Accommodation

3 nights hotel
5 nights beach camping

Meals

7 Dinners
7 Lunches
8 Breakfasts

Difficulty Grading

4 / 10

Introductory to Moderate

Carbon Footprint

44kg of CO₂-e PP per day

(309kg of CO₂-e PP entire trip)

Trip highlights

Explore Palau’s pristine marine wilderness by kayak, with exclusive access to the UNESCO-listed Rock Islands
Snorkel vibrant coral reefs and encounter turtles, rays, reef sharks and stingless jellyfish
Camp on secluded beaches far from the tourist trail, surrounded by natural beauty
Encounter diverse marine wildlife
Discover WWII relics and ancient village sites inaccessible to most travellers
Travel with expert local and Western guides committed to sustainable tourism
Navigate the unique mushroom-shaped islands of Palau

Overview

Experience Palau the way few travellers do, by paddling through the UNESCO-listed Rock Islands, where hidden lagoons, secluded beaches and spectacular coral reefs reveal themselves one stroke at a time. Set in the western Pacific, Palau is an archipelago of more than 300 jungle-cloaked limestone islands rising from crystal-clear lagoons and home to an extraordinary diversity of marine life. Each day reveals another side of this remarkable island nation, from snorkelling alongside turtles, rays, reef sharks and the famous stingless jellyfish to exploring WWII relics and ancient village sites hidden among the islands. Camp on secluded beaches beneath the stars and discover why sea kayaking is the ultimate way to experience Palau's extraordinary marine landscape. Guided by experienced local and Western guides, this fully supported expedition combines adventure, discovery and immersion in a destination unlike any other.

Itinerary

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Once you arrive into Palau International Airport, you’ll be met just outside in the collection zone by a representative and transferred to the group hotel, this is where your guide will meet you. Later in the day you'll gather with your guide and the group for a trip briefing. During this session, your guide will provide dry bags for storing your personal items during the kayak journey. Any non-essential luggage you won't need while kayaking, along with passports and other valuables, can be safely stored in Koror and retrieved upon your return. Tonight, following the briefing, you'll enjoy a dinner with your guide and meet your fellow paddlers. Overnight: Palau Central Hotel or similar Please note- Arrival transfer from Koror Airport included, must be applied in advance to be linked to your flight & arrival time

Meals: D

After breakfast at the hotel, we transfer to the kayak base for a full fit-out and packing session before launching our kayaks from Malakal Harbour. Within minutes, we’re surrounded by jungle-clad limestone islands rising from turquoise waters; the first glimpse of the stunning Rock Islands landscape we’ll be immersed in all week. We begin with an easy paddle through the calm waters of Pincer’s Lagoon, where we’ll stop to snorkel among colourful coral gardens and reef fish; a perfect introduction to Palau’s spectacular underwater world. After lunch, we continue exploring West Ngeruktabel’s lagoon, a maze of craggy limestone islands, rock arches, and hidden caves. This area is also home to several WWII relics, now transformed into thriving artificial reefs teeming with marine life. In the late afternoon, we rendezvous with our supply skiff and transfer to Ulong Island, one of the largest and most beautiful in the Rock Islands group, known for its palm-fringed beaches and crystal-clear bays. We set up camp by the water and enjoy a relaxed dinner beneath a blanket of tropical stars. Overnight: Tented Camp on Ulong Island

Meals: B,L,D

Today, we’ll immerse ourselves in the beauty of Ulong Island, combining kayaking, snorkeling, and hiking. Beyond its stunning tropical landscapes, Ulong is home to a UNESCO World Heritage village site that was mysteriously deserted over 500 years ago. We’ll paddle through tranquil lagoons, secluded coves, and along sandy shores, pausing for a picnic lunch beneath the shade of palm trees. While snorkelling, we’ll search for Palau’s four colorful species of anemone fish and admire the hundreds of brilliantly hued parrotfish. Overnight: Tented Camp on Ulong Island

Meals: B,L,D

We’ll pack up camp and set off by kayak towards Ngchus on southern Ngeruktabel Island. Our route takes us across the passage to Ngebedangel Island, where we’ll explore the rugged coastline to find an ideal spot for a scenic lunch break. Ngchus Beach, a hidden paradise nestled behind a rocky island and framed by sparkling turquoise waters, will be our destination. Expect about five hours of paddling today. After setting up camp for the night, we’ll enjoy a delightful dinner under a starlit sky. Overnight: Tented Camp on Ngermeaus Beach

Meals: B,L,D

Today’s paddle takes us to Mecherchar Island (Eil Malk), one of the most remarkable islands in the Rock Islands group. We begin the morning journeying across sheltered lagoons and narrow channels before reaching the island’s southern edge, where we’ll visit the fascinating Yapese stone money quarry, a centuries-old site used by traders from the island of Yap. Continuing our exploration, we paddle towards the nearby Clam City, a marine sanctuary famous for its giant clams, some over 100 years old and weighing more than 100 kg / 220 lbs. Snorkelling here reveals an incredible underwater scene of enormous, vibrantly coloured shells surrounded by coral and reef fish. After a picnic lunch and time to swim or relax on the beach, we make our way back north to Ngermeaus Island, our campsite for the evening. As the sun sets, enjoy another freshly prepared dinner under the stars, surrounded by the peaceful rhythm of the ocean and the sounds of island life. Overnight: Tented Camp on Ngermeaus Beach

Meals: B,L,D

After breaking camp this morning, we continue north along the eastern edge of Ngeruktabel Island, making our way toward one of Palau’s most extraordinary natural features: Long Lake. Stretching for roughly 1.6 kilometres, this sheltered body of water is Palau’s longest lake and is reached via a narrow, winding passage through mangroves and crystal-clear tidal channels. Once inside, we enjoy a peaceful paddle through this tranquil lagoon, which serves as an important nursery habitat for baby eagle rays, juvenile turtles, and a host of nesting bird species. Overhead, white-tailed tropicbirds and white-breasted wood swallows circle above the water, adding to the magic of this quiet, secluded environment. After time spent exploring the lake and soaking in the serenity of the surroundings, we continue our journey toward Ngeremidu Beach, a gorgeous stretch of white sand that will be our campsite for the next two nights. Enjoy a swim, relax on the beach or simply take in the scenery before settling in for another night under the Palauan stars. Overnight: Tented Camp on Ngeremidu Beach

Meals: B,L,D

Today our paddling focuses on the eastern coastline of Ngeruktabel Island, one of the most biodiverse sections of the Rock Islands. We snorkel over Einstein’s Coral Gardens, where vast, multi-coloured brain coral colonies thrive in shallow, protected waters. Nearby, we explore Darwin’s Wall, a dramatic coral-covered drop-off that attracts abundant marine life and is regarded as one of the area’s most spectacular snorkelling sites. Depending on conditions, we may also visit Megapod Beach, where powder-white sands meet dense tropical rainforest, or paddle to Secret Lake, accessible only at low tide via a natural archway and home to sponges, sea squirts and soft corals. Our final highlight of the day is a visit to the Milky Way Lagoon, famous for its chalky, mineral-rich waters and natural white clay mud, traditionally used for a do-it-yourself skin treatment. We return to camp at Ngeremidu Beach for our final night under the stars.

Meals: B,L,D

On our final day in the islands, we enjoy a true highlight of the expedition with an Outer Reef snorkelling extravaganza. Palau’s world-famous Ngemelis Wall, more commonly known as the Big Drop-Off. Rated by Jacques Cousteau as one of the finest wall dives on the planet, the reef plunges more than 300 m / 984 ft to the ocean floor, with its upper reaches decorated by spectacular sea fans, coral whips and sponges. Snorkelling here is outstanding, with crystal-clear water and visibility often reaching 30 m / 98 ft, offering the chance to see sharks, rays, turtles and vast schools of reef fish. After this unforgettable final marine experience, we farewell the Rock Islands and return to Koror by speedboat. We transfer to our hotel where hot showers, comfortable beds and modern facilities await, marking a relaxed end to our time on the water. Overnight: Palau Central Hotel or similar Please note: Dinner tonight is not included.

Meals: B,L

After breakfast arrangements, the trip concludes and our adventure of this amazing destination is sadly over. Transfers to the airport can be arranged via the Hotel, and we hope you have had an amazing experience in pristine Palau. Please note: Airport transfer is not included, but can be arranged with your hotel at own cost. We recommend you organize this with the hotel reception on arrival day 1, or on day 7 post kayak (additional local charge applies).

Meals: B

Ready to start your adventure?

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What's included?

Included

7 breakfasts, 5 lunches and 6 dinners
2 nights hotel, 6 nights supported beach camping
Arrival transfer from Koror Airport (must be requested in advance to be linked to flight arrival time)
All boat transfers in Palau
Kayak gear and equipment
Dry bags for your personal gear
Camping equipment including tents, mattresses, sheets and pillows
Experienced western and local guide
Group first aid kit
All meals indicated in the itinerary

Not included

International flights
Airport and departure taxes
Meals not indicated in the itinerary
Aerated and alcoholic drinks
Departure airport transfer from hotel to airport
Single Kayak fee
Snorkelling equipment
Travel insurance
Visas
Tips for local staff
Items of personal nature such as Wifi & laundry

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Extra trip info

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Palau may be famous for its world-class diving, but kayaking is one of the most immersive ways to experience the archipelago. From the seat of your kayak, you'll quietly explore the maze of the UNESCO-listed Rock Islands Southern Lagoon, paddle through hidden lagoons and beneath towering limestone islands, land on secluded beaches and discover places that few visitors ever reach. It's a perspective of Palau that even many divers never experience.

Your journey to Palau begins with a promise. Before entering the country, every visitor is required to sign the Palau Pledge, a unique passport pledge and entry requirement that encourages travellers to protect Palau's fragile environment and respect its culture. Co-written by the nation's schoolchildren, the pledge is a powerful reminder that every visitor has a role to play in preserving this extraordinary island nation for future generations.

Palau's culture is as fascinating as its landscapes. While the islands are renowned for their spectacular marine environment, they're also home to one of the world's few matrilineal societies, where women play a central role in community life. That's right! Family land is traditionally passed down through the female line, women manage clan finances, and female elders have an important voice in choosing village chiefs. During your expedition, you'll also explore ancient village sites and gain insights into Palau's rich history and traditions from your experienced guides.

From colourful coral reefs to sea turtles, rays, reef sharks and the famous stingless jellyfish, Palau offers some of the richest marine life in the Pacific. While kayaking and snorkelling, you'll have opportunities to encounter these incredible species in their natural habitat. Wildlife sightings vary with conditions and can't be guaranteed, but every day offers the chance to experience one of the world's most pristine marine environments.

Camping in the Rock Islands is an unforgettable part of the expedition. Staying in the heart of this extraordinary archipelago allows you to experience the islands from sunrise to sunset, adding a sense of immersion that's simply not possible on a day trip. It's a unique opportunity to disconnect from the everyday and wake each morning surrounded by the spectacular scenery that makes Palau one of the world's most remarkable kayaking destinations.

You don't need to be an expert kayaker, but you should be comfortable spending several hours paddling each day and have a reasonable level of fitness. This expedition is graded Introductory to Moderate and is led by experienced local and Western guides who provide support throughout the journey. Before departure, all participants are required to complete a kayaking experience form to help ensure the trip is suitable for their experience and ability.

Pack lightweight, quick-drying clothing, reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, water shoes and swimwear for regular snorkelling stops. We provide your kayak, paddling equipment, dry bags and all camping equipment, including tents, mattresses, sheets and pillows, so you only need to bring your personal clothing and essentials. For a complete packing list, refer to the Trip Notes provided before departure.