Good to know
Good to Know
- The Rock Islands Conservation Fee ($100 USD) is mandatory for any visit to the Rock Islands Southern Lagoon and is valid for 10 days—visit multiple sites without repurchasing
- Reef-toxic sunscreen is strictly prohibited; bring or purchase reef-safe sunscreen before entering the water
- Peak diving and snorkeling season (November-April) books up 2-3 days ahead; book tours early or visit June-September for lower prices (20% discount) and fewer crowds, though rain odds increase
- The Ngardmau Waterfall Trail on Babeldaob Island is relatively easy and offers a genuine rainforest experience away from water-based activities
- Jellyfish Lake's stingless jellyfish numbers peak March-May; a 3 mm wetsuit top is recommended to prevent jellyfish stings on bare skin
- Most Rock Islands tours depart 8:00-9:00 AM from Koror with 30-45 minute boat rides to first diving or snorkeling site
- Palau's warm tropical climate (82-86°F / 28-30°C (86°F)) remains consistent year-round; water visibility often exceeds 30 meters, making it excellent for diving and snorkeling in all seasons
- Angaur Island, Palau's southernmost inhabited island, is rarely visited by mainstream tours—requires private charter ($200-350 split among group); home to wild macaque monkeys and pristine WWII sites
- Hire a known guide for swimming, scuba diving, or exploring smaller islands to ensure you are in a safe area
- Medical evacuation insurance is recommended; the only hyperbaric chamber for divers is in Koror, and remote dive sites are several hours away
Water Sports
Scuba Diving
- Season Peak
- November to April (drier weather, calmer seas, peak visibility)
- Season Secondary
- May to October (warmer water, increased plankton, manta rays and large pelagic species)
- Visibility Meters
- 30
- Estimated Cost Per Day
- $120
- Cost Note
- Full-day charters typically $120-150 per person including gear and lunch
- Description
- World-class diving with powerful currents, thriving reefs, steep walls, and coral plateaus; common wildlife includes reef sharks, barracuda, Napoleon wrasse, turtles, manta rays, and large schools of jacks
Water Temperature
- Celsius Max
- 30
- Celsius Min
- 28
- Fahrenheit Max
- 86
- Fahrenheit Min
- 82
Snorkeling
- Estimated Cost Per Day
- $150
- Cost Note
- Day tours typically $150-250 including permits, equipment, and lunch
- Description
- Exceptional snorkeling opportunities throughout Rock Islands with coral reefs, tropical fish, sea turtles, and manta rays
Popular Sites
- Jellyfish Lake
- Blue Devil Gardens
- Rose Garden
- Ulong Channel
Kayaking
- Rental Location
- Koror (Icebox Park and other operators)
- Rental Cost Full Day
- $60
- Rental Cost Half Day
- $25
- Description
- Sea kayaking through mangrove forests, sheltered bays, and between limestone islands; access to marine lakes and secluded beaches
Hiking And Trekking
Ngardmau Waterfall Trail
- Location
- Babeldaob Island
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Description
- Trail through lush rainforest leading to Palau's highest waterfall; excellent for bird-watching
Babeldaob Island Trails
- Location
- Babeldaob
- Difficulty
- Varies
- Description
- Multiple trails across Palau's largest island; features ancient stone monoliths, jungle, and cultural villages
Parks And Protected Areas
Rock Islands Southern Lagoon
- Type
- UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Entry Fee
- $100
- Notes
- Valid for 10 days; additional permits may apply for specific sites like Jellyfish Lake
- Description
- Chain of approximately 300 limestone islands with turquoise lagoons, crystal-clear waters, and pristine coral reefs
Jellyfish Lake
- Type
- Marine Lake
- Additional Fee
- $25
- Notes
- Additional permit required beyond Rock Islands Conservation Fee
- Description
- One of the few places in the world where jellyfish have evolved to be stingless
Organized Tours And Excursions
5-8 Hours
- Type
- Rock Islands Day Tour
- Includes
- Boat transportation, snorkeling, lunch, equipment rental, guide
- Departure
- 8:00-9:00 AM from Koror
- Cost Per Person
- $220
Additional Fees
- Rock Islands Permit
- $100
- Jellyfish Lake Permit
- $25
Kayaking & Culture Tour
- Cost Per Person
- $217
Scenic Flight Over Rock Islands
- Cost Per Person
- $200
- Notes
- Door-off photography option available
WWII Historical Tour (Peleliu)
- Cost
- $126
- Starting Price
- Yes
Cycling
- Status
- Limited infrastructure
- Notes
- No established cycling routes or rental shops documented in standard tourism sources; primary transportation in Palau is by boat and taxi
Winter Sports
- Status
- Not applicable
- Reason
- Tropical climate; no winter sports available
Practical Information
- Rain Season
- June to November
- Average Humidity
- 78%
- Permits Required
- Rock Islands Conservation Permit ($100 USD, valid 10 days); additional site permits may apply
- Best Time To Visit
- November to April (dry season, calmer water, better visibility)
- Hyperbaric Chamber
- Located at Belau National Hospital in Koror
- Reef Safe Sunscreen
- Mandatory; reef-toxic sunscreen is prohibited
- Transportation Within Rock Islands
- Boat or kayak only; no roads
Organized Sports Leagues
- Status
- Not documented
- Notes
- No organized sports leagues or recreational leagues documented for tourists in available sources
AI-generated estimateData refreshed July 2026
Sources cited for this category
These are the sources cited in this nature, parks & outdoor activities research for this city. Individual figures may not each trace to one of them.
- 1.palauppr.com
- 2.tripadvisor.com
- 3.tripadvisor.com
- 4.padi.com
- 5.wildernesstravel.com
- 6.boundlessjourneys.com
- 7.fishnfins.com
- 8.wildernesstravel.com
- 9.thingstodoinpalau.com
- 10.thingstodoinpalau.com
- 11.teachertraveltimes.com
- 12.tmcpalau.com
- 13.thingstodoinpalau.com
- 14.paddlingpalau.net
- 15.theworldtravelguy.com
- 16.viator.com
- 17.mylifesamovie.com
- 18.monito.com
- 19.travelex.com.au
- 20.travel.state.gov
- 21.woodlandhiker.com
More About Palau
Data last updated July 2026 · Verify anything important.