A popular tourist activity in Palau is taking a boat tour to explore the stunning Rock Islands, which have been recognized by UNESCO for their beauty. While some visitors opt for a scenic flight to see the islands, a boat tour is also a fantastic way to experience them.
Experience a thrilling speed boat excursion to the Rock Islands of Palau, where you can engage in various enjoyable activities such as swimming in a stunning turquoise lagoon known as the Milky Way, strolling along a gentle white sandbar named Long Beach, and exploring a lake teeming with harmless jellyfish while snorkeling.
In this guide, you will find all the information you need for a boat trip to the Palau Rock Islands, such as recommendations for tour companies, up-to-date prices, a map of the islands, and suggestions for activities to enjoy during a day trip from Koror.
1) Top Rock Islands Palau Tour
2) Location of the Rock Islands
3) Activities to Enjoy in the Rock Islands of Palau
4) Visual Representation of the Palau Rock Islands
5) Fees for Conservation in the Rock Islands
6) Regulations on Flying a Drone in the Palau Rock Islands
7) Essential Items to Bring for the Boat Tour
8) Additional Advice for Visiting the Palau Rock Islands
9) Ideal Time to Explore the Rock Islands
10) Interesting Trivia About the Rock Islands of Palau
11) Scenic Flight Options Over the Rock Islands in Palau
12) More Resources for Traveling in Palau
Explore the stunning Rock Islands of Palau on a highly rated boat tour with Viator. This tour covers all the must-see sights in the Rock Islands in just one day.
Join this tour for a day of exploration and fun, with lunch provided, snorkel gear available for use, and convenient hotel transportation from Koror included. Spend 5 to 8 hours visiting popular spots such as the Milky Way and Jellyfish Lake, where you can sightsee and swim to your heart's content.
Please remember that the schedule may vary each day due to factors like the tide and other conditions. If there is a specific location you are eager to visit, it is advisable to confirm with your tour company before heading out.
We have utilized Viator for numerous tours and activities in various destinations globally, and we have always had a positive experience with them. We highly recommend their services.
Reserve your spot now for a tour of the Rock Islands
There
The Rock Islands can be found approximately 10 kilometers southwest of the main island of Koror in Palau, making them easily accessible by boat.
By using a speedboat, you can reach attractions such as the Milky Way in under 30 minutes, and other attractions like Long Beach are just a little further away.
The Palau Rock Islands boast stunning scenery that is considered some of the best in the world.
Top Activities to Enjoy in the Rock Islands of Palau
Discover the must-see attractions and experiences that the Rock Islands of Palau have to offer.
While this list doesn't cover all activities available in the islands, it does highlight some of the main experiences you can expect on a one-day boat tour.
• Milky Way
The Milky Way is a beautiful lagoon located in the Rock Islands, known for its vibrant turquoise water.
This location is well-known for its mudbath experience, allowing visitors to apply white limestone mud to their face and body for potential skin benefits. The tours include the mudpack and are enjoyable for individuals of all ages.
We enjoyed spending around half an hour at the Milky Way, relaxing in the smooth, light-colored water. The lagoon was very pleasant.
Drifting in the vibrant blue waters of the fictional Milky Way lagoon
A photo taken by a drone showing the Milky Way galaxy from a high vantage point. Can you spot
• Jellyfish Lake
One of the most popular attractions in Palau is Jellyfish Lake, where visitors can swim among countless jellyfish that do not have stingers.
In this lake, there are two types of jellyfish: the golden jellyfish and the moon jellyfish. They pose no threat to humans as they are unable to sting.
Snorkeling with jellyfish near the lake's surface is a unique experience that can be enjoyed in Palau, a rare opportunity only available in a handful of locations worldwide.
Before you go to Jellyfish Lake, it's important to confirm with your tour company if the lake is currently open for visitors.
Regrettably, during my trip to Palau in 2023, I observed a decrease in the population of jellyfish due to the influence of El Niño and La Niña weather patterns. These weather patterns led to warmer temperatures in the lake, resulting in the decline of the golden jellyfish population.
Fortunately, it is anticipated that the population of jellyfish will recover and return to their usual numbers, hopefully sooner rather than later.
You have the opportunity to swim with jellyfish that do not sting in Jellyfish Lake in Palau.
• Long Beach
Long Beach is a sandbar in the Rock Islands Southern Lagoon that becomes visible only during low tide. It was a place that I really enjoyed in the Rock Islands, and I wished I could have spent the whole day there.
After getting off the boat in the shallow water, we strolled to the end of the sandbar and then returned, taking around 30 minutes to appreciate the view at Long Beach. The sandbar stretches nearly 1 kilometer long (equivalent to 1/2 mile) when fully visible.
I have visited many beautiful sandbars in different countries like Indonesia and the Philippines, but I must say that this particular sandbar is one of the most impressive I have seen. The water here is peaceful and stunning, while the sand is exceptionally white and bright.
Strolling along the sandbar at Long Beach.
Aerial photograph taken by a drone of the sandbar in Long
The German Channel is a man-made canal built by the Germans in World War II to provide a passage for ships through the reef. It is currently a popular spot for scuba diving due to its depth of up to 40 meters (130 feet).
I find it more fascinating to view the channel from a scenic plane rather than a boat tour, but many boat tours also include a brief stop at this spot.
The water has a stunning blue hue, and if you're fortunate, you may spot sharks or manta rays gliding through the waterway.
• Babelomekang Island
Once tourists have finished exploring the Rock Islands for a few hours, tour guides usually take them to a spot for a lunch break.
During our tour, instead of stopping at Carp Island Resort for lunch, we visited a beautiful paradise island named Babelomekang. The tour guide provided each of us with a Bento box containing a variety of food items such as rice, chicken, spring roll, orange, vegetables, and more.
The island was peaceful, with a beautiful white sand beach, shaded by trees, and had ample space for strolling. We spent approximately an hour on the island, enjoying our lunch and then unwinding on the beach.
The sandy shoreline on Babelomekang island
An ideal spot to take a break and grab a bite to
• Snorkeling Locations
Lastly, we dedicated 1 or 2 hours to snorkeling at various spots near the reef, with one particularly enjoyable spot known as the Cemetery.
Palau offers numerous fantastic snorkeling spots located throughout the Rock Islands, providing a diverse range of options for visitors to explore during their tour.
I didn't capture any photos while snorkeling because I didn't have my underwater camera with me, but I saw sea turtles, plenty of colorful fish, and healthy coral reefs.
Explore the map of the Palau Rock Islands to discover popular attractions and activities such as the Milky Way, Jellyfish Lake, and Long Beach. Click on the icons to learn more about each location.
Please remember that each tour has a unique schedule, so it may not be possible to visit all of these locations in just one day.
I
To visit the Rock Islands by boat in Palau, tourists must obtain a conservation permit. This permit is not included in the cost of your tour, but can usually be purchased from tour companies on the day of your visit.
Starting in 2025, the fees for permits are as outlined below:
You only have to purchase one permit, not both. Basically, if you intend to visit the Jellyfish Lake, you need to buy the pricier permit. If not, you can opt for the cheaper permit. Children under 6 years old do not require any permit.
Once you obtain a permit for the Rock Islands, it is valid for 10 days. This means that if you plan on returning to the Rock Islands within those 10 days, you do not need to purchase another permit. However, make sure to keep your permit safe and not lose it.
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The Rock Islands have been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the year
Is it allowed to fly a drone in the Rock Islands of Palau? Yes, it is possible to fly a drone in this area, but you must obtain a permit beforehand. To apply for a drone permit, you can complete the form available on the Palau Visitors Authority's official website.
Filling out the application is simple and doesn't cost anything. You just need to provide your name, nationality, and other personal information, as well as the date and reason for your drone flight. If you're flying for personal reasons, you can specify that it's for hobby photography.
Make sure to review the regulations for drones on that website. Drones are only permitted to fly at altitudes below 120 meters (400 feet) and must remain within the operator's line of sight. It is also important to avoid flying drones near aircraft or airports.
In my situation, they granted the permit within just 60 minutes, but they suggest submitting your application at least 3 days ahead of time to ensure there is ample time for processing it.
Once you receive approval, make sure to inform your Rock Island tour company about it and keep a physical copy of your permit to present to them. This will prevent any confusion on the day of your boat tour.
There are many great locations in the Rock Islands to fly a drone, but personally, I believe Long Beach was the most enjoyable. The view of the sandbar from the sky is truly stunning!
You are allowed to take some amazing photos of the Rock Islands with a drone permit.
Suggestions for what to bring on your Rock Islands day trip are provided here.
Strolling along a lengthy stretch of
Additional recommendations for exploring the Rock Islands in Palau.
The area of shallow water at Long Beach filled with
The Rock Islands in Palau can be visited at any time of year, as there is rain throughout the year. The months with the least amount of rain in Koror and the Rock Islands are from January to April, but there is still a significant amount of rainfall during those months.
I wouldn't stress about it too much, as rain usually comes in the evening or at night. There's no way to ensure perfect weather regardless of when you go.
In September, I traveled to Palau, a month known for its rain, but surprisingly the weather was ideal with no rain for days, allowing me to explore without any inconvenience.
Interesting information about the Rock Islands of Palau
Experience a tropical paradise in Palau!
A popular activity for tourists in Palau is taking a scenic flight over the Rock Islands, which offers stunning views of one of the most beautiful landscapes in the Pacific.
Pacific Mission Aviation provides flights where the doors are removed, allowing passengers to have a clear aerial view of Koror town. The flight also offers spectacular views of numerous beautiful islands, lakes, and lagoons in Palau.
While I had a great time exploring the Rock Islands by boat, nothing compared to the amazing views from the scenic flight. If you can, I highly recommend trying out both activities. The boat tour and scenic flight offer unique experiences that are equally fantastic.
Learn more: Take a scenic flight over the Rock Islands of Palau.
When you visit Palau, it is highly recommended to take a scenic flight over the Rock Islands.
Additional Palau Travel Resources
Thank you for reading! I trust you found this helpful guide on exploring the Palau Rock Islands through a boat tour enjoyable. This was a standout experience for me in the charming nation of Palau.
Make sure to take a look at my Palau Travel Guide before your trip!
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My name is David Leiter, and I have been traveling around the world for the past 9 years. My wife, Intan, and I spend most of our time in Bali, but we also visit various destinations worldwide. Join us on our adventures!
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