Navigate through pristine islands and coral reefs in Palau | Maddison Toddman
Navigate through pristine islands and coral reefs in Palau  | Maddison Toddman
A myriad of colour awaits in Palau
Marine life in abundance on Palau's coral reefs  | Josh Burkinshaw
A sheltered beach in Palau's tropical paradise  | Maddison Toddman
Access remote areas by kayak  | Toby Story
Camp for the night and enjoy Palau's stunning beaches  | Josh Burkinshaw

Palau Kayaking Expedition

Immerse Yourself in Palau’s Untouched Paradise: A Once-in-a-Lifetime Adventure Through Hidden Marine Lakes, Vibrant Coral Reefs, and Ancient Cultural Sites

9 Days from

$4710 USD

Trip Code: PPE
View dates to BookEssential Information

Extra trip options & supplements

*Prices listed are per person

Single Supplement
$260 USD
Solo seated kayak hire
$230 USD

Duration

  • 9 Days

Activities

  • 6 days kayak

Accommodation

  • 2 nights hotel
  • 6 nights beach camping

Meals

  • 7 Dinners
  • 6 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

Uncover the wild heart of Micronesia on this extraordinary sea kayaking adventure through Palau’s remote Rock Islands. Set in the western Pacific, Palau is a scattered archipelago of over 300 jungle-cloaked limestone islands fringed by white sand beaches and an immense, translucent lagoon teeming with marine life. On this fully supported expedition, we paddle deep into the UNESCO-listed Rock Islands Southern Lagoon – home to the world’s highest concentration of marine lakes. These hidden, saltwater pools lie tucked within mushroom-shaped islets, accessible only by kayak, offering a rare chance to explore ecosystems untouched by mass tourism. Each day brings a new chapter of adventure: snorkel among vivid coral gardens, watch for sea turtles, reef sharks and manta rays, and glide past WWII relics reclaimed by nature. Ashore, we hike forested trails to discover long-abandoned village sites and panoramic viewpoints. Nights are spent camping on pristine, secluded beaches with the sound of the waves as your soundtrack and stars overhead.

From paddling the maze-like Long Lake to drifting through Jellyfish Lake's ethereal golden swarms of sting-less Jelly's, this journey is more than just kayaking – it’s a full immersion into one of the planet’s last truly wild marine environments. With expert local and Western guides, a low-impact eco-focused travel ethos and full logistical support, this is active adventure done right.

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 luggage you won't need while kayaking, along with passports and 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 weighing more than 200 kilograms. 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 night. 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

Our final day in the Rock Islands is a spectacular one. This morning, we venture out to the Outer Reef for an unforgettable snorkelling experience at the world-renowned Ngemelis Wall, better known as the Big Drop-Off. Celebrated by Jacques Cousteau as the finest wall dive on the planet, this dramatic reef plunges more than 300 metres into the deep blue, with its upper ledges draped in vivid sea fans, coral whips, and intricate sponges. Snorkelling here offers some of the clearest visibility in Palau; often up to 30m / 98ft, and the marine life is extraordinary. Keep an eye out for reef sharks, graceful rays, turtles, and vast schools of tropical fish moving in shimmering patterns along the wall. Following this ocean highlight, we board a speedboat for the journey back to Koror, where the comforts of a hot shower and a soft bed await. This evening, we’ll enjoy a final group dinner together and a chance to celebrate our shared experiences & the tropical adventure we’ve just completed. Overnight: Palau Central Hotel or similar

Meals: B,L,D

Today is yours to explore Koror and the surrounding islands at your own pace, an opputunity to 'choose your own adventure'. There’s plenty to see and do, whether you’re interested in culture, nature, or simply soaking up the relaxed island atmosphere. You may like to visit one of Koror’s two excellent museums for deeper insight into Palau’s rich culture and history, or hire a car for a self-drive adventure across Babeldaob Island, connected to Koror by a scenic bridge and home to villages, waterfalls and archaeological sites. To make the most of your time in this unique marine reserve, we also have diving trips available for both beginners and certified PADI divers to explore deeper. For those keen to keep paddling, theres a kayak day trip option to Risong Bay, visiting a new island and great sites including Black Tip lake, Mandarin Fish Lake and Blue Devil Gardens. For a truly unforgettable perspective of the Rock Islands, consider booking a scenic flight, offering sweeping aerial views of Palau’s emerald islets and turquoise lagoons. Depending on the day, the lively night markets are also worth a wander, showcasing local crafts and island flavours. Lunch and dinner are at your own expense today, giving you the flexibility to sample the local eateries at your leisure. Overnight: Palau Central Hotel or similar Please note: Optional activities are at additional cost, and subject to availability and weather.

Meals: B

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

Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.

Ready to start your adventure?

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What’s included?

Included

  • 7 breakfasts, 5 lunches and 6 dinners
  • 3 nights hotel, 5 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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