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

$4290 USD

Trip Code: PPE
View dates to BookEssential Information

Extra trip options & supplements

*Prices listed are per person

Palau Kayaking Expeditions - Single Supplement
$210 USD

Duration

  • 9 Days

Activities

  • 6 days kayak

Accommodation

  • 2 nights hotel
  • 6 nights beach camping

Meals

  • 7 Dinners
  • 7 Lunches
  • 8 Breakfasts

Difficulty Grading  

4 / 10

Introductory to Moderate

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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You’ll be met at the airport and transferred to the group hotel where your guide will meet you afterwards you'll gather with your guide 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, enjoy a dinner with your guide and fellow paddlers. Overnight: Palau Central Hotel (or similar)

Meals: D

Meet your guide in the hotel lobby after breakfast, checked out and with your dry bags ready. The group will then transfer by speedboat to Ngeruktabel Island in the Rock Islands area. Today's adventure focuses on exploring the inner lagoon of West Ngeruktabel, where you’ll find incredible snorkelling spots teeming with both soft and hard corals and a variety of colorful reef fish. West Ngeruktabel is also home to several World War II relics, including sunken tanks, planes, and artillery, now vibrant with marine life and corals. Afterward, we'll paddle to Ulong Island, one of the largest in the Rock Islands, known for its white sandy beaches, palm trees, and turquoise bays. Overnight: 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: 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: Camp on Ngchus Beach

Meals: B,L,D

Today’s adventure takes us around the southern edge of Ngeruktabel Island and onto its eastern side, where we’ll explore Palau’s longest lake—aptly named Long Lake, stretching 1.6 kilometers. We’ll start by paddling through a winding maze of mangroves and crystal-clear waters, with a chance to spot orchids and ferns along the way. Long Lake is a haven for baby eagle rays, turtles, and nesting birds, creating a nature lover’s paradise. The sky above is dotted with sea birds like white-tailed tropicbirds and white-breasted wood swallows. After immersing ourselves in the lake’s beauty, we’ll paddle over to Ngeremidu Beach, where we’ll set up camp for a restful night under the stars. Overnight: Camp on Ngeremidu Beach

Meals: B,L,D

This morning, we’ll journey south along Patch Reefs, pausing to discover secluded beaches and snorkel in the vibrant waters. We might also visit Giant Clam Beach, a marine sanctuary where we can marvel at colossal clams, each weighing over 200 kilograms and stacked like a collection of abandoned vehicles. Our evening will be spent camping on the stunning Ngermeaus Island Park. Overnight: Camp on Ngeremeaus

Meals: B,L,D

Today, we’ll kayak south to Mecherchar Island, famous for its extraordinary Jellyfish Lake. This special saltwater lake is inhabited by up to 20 million golden jellyfish, which have become stingless due to their isolated environment and absence of predators. Enjoy a serene snorkelling experience among these harmless creatures. Later, we’ll make our way to our final campsite on Loulomekang Island, a stunning island paradise. Overnight: Camp on Loulomekang Island

Meals: B,L,D

On our final day, get ready for an Outer Reef Odyssey! We’ll explore the spectacular Ngemelis Wall, or The Big Drop-Off, which Jacques Cousteau declared the best wall dive in the world. This incredible drop descends more than 300 meters, with the upper sections adorned with stunning sea fans, coral whips, and sponges. Dive into crystal-clear waters with up to 30 meters of visibility and encounter an array of marine life, including sharks, rays, turtles, and countless reef fish. After this unforgettable experience, we’ll return to Koror by speedboat. Transfer to the hotel and enjoy a long shower and the conveniences of a modern bathroom! Tonight is free to explore Koror at your own leisure and enjoy sampling the local cuisine. Overnight: Palau Central Hotel (or similar)

Meals: B,L

Our adventure of this amazing destination is sadly over. After breakfast arrangements cease unless further ones have been made. NB: For those returning to Brisbane on the Qantas flight, the hotel can facilitate an airport transfer, please organise this with the reception staff the day before (an extra charge will apply).

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?

View dates to Book

What’s included?

Included

  • 8 breakfasts, 7 lunches and 7 dinners
  • 2 nights hotel, 6 nights fully supported beach camping
  • Koror Airport arrival transfer (dependent on flight time)
  • All boat transfers in Palau
  • Kayak equipment
  • Experienced western and local guide
  • Group first aid kit
  • Camping equipment including tents, mattresses, sheets and pillows
  • Dry bags for your personal gear

Not included

  • International flights
  • Meals not indicated in the itinerary
  • Aerated and alcoholic drinks
  • Tips
  • Airport and departure taxes
  • Travel insurance
  • Visas
  • Snorkelling equipment
  • Departure transfer in Koror from hotel to airport

Responsible travel

Extra trip info

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