Palau Paddling Expedition

Grade

Moderate

Duration

9 days

Type

Camping

Season

January, February, November, December

Cost

FROM AU $6750.00 PP

Region

Micronesia

Kayak Palau: Pristine Waters, Hidden Wonders

Situated in the western Pacific Ocean, Palau is the easternmost archipelago in the Micronesian Islands. Consisting of over 300 limestone islands covered in lush forests and surrounded by an expansive lagoon, this paradise features tropical beaches, sapphire seas, exotic birdlife, and one of the world’s most spectacular marine habitats.

Our adventure includes camping on stunning beaches, lapped by turquoise lagoons and vibrant reefs perfect for snorkeling. On land, we hike into dense forests to discover ancient village sites and forgotten WWII relics. Our paddling route focuses on the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Rock Island Southern Lagoon of Koror, home to the planet’s highest concentration of marine lakes. Some lakes are only accessible through small openings in mushroom-shaped islands, ideal for kayak exploration.

While on and in the water, we watch for sea turtles, 1,500 species of fish, 700 species of coral, whales, manta rays, dolphins and dugongs, making Palau one of the world’s most unspoiled marine archipelagos.

Grade

Moderate

This trip is suitable for active paddlers with intermediate experience

Trip Grading

Dates

2026

4-12 Apr, 14-22 Nov, 28 Nov-6 Dec

2027

16-24 Jan, 30 Jan-7 Feb, 13-21 Feb

Cost

2026

From AU $6750 per person

2027

From AU $6950 per person

Costs are per person, in Australian dollars and based on twin share accommodation.

Includes

The trip includes two nights hotel accommodation at our group hotel in Koror on a twin share basis, six nights camping, including equipment such as tents, mattresses, sheets and pillows; all kayak gear; the services of one western guide and one local guide; dry bags for your personal gear, all meals while kayaking (and breakfasts at the hotel) and arrival transfer from airport to hotel.

Excludes

The trip does not include airfares, meals in Koror (except for breakfasts at the hotel), single room supplement, snorkel equipment, alcoholic beverages, travel insurance, tips for local staff or items of a personal nature such as WiFi and laundry.

Day 1

Arrive Koror, Palau. Transfer to hotel. Meet your kayak guide. Overnight hotel.

Day 2

After a kayak orientation, we paddle out of Malakal Harbour, where we are immediately surrounded by jungle-clad limestone islands and turquoise waters. Explore West Ngeruktabel’s lagoon, home to stunning craggy islands, rock arches, intriguing caves and the site of several WW II sunken relics.

Day 3

Today we explore Ulong Island by kayak, snorkelling and hiking. During the day’s explorations, we’ll find a scenic lunch spot under swaying palms and enjoy some relaxing beach-time. Ulong’s inner lagoon offers spectacular snorkelling with an abundance of corals, both soft and hard, along with many varieties of colourful reef fish.

Day 4

Explore beautiful Ngchus Beach, on the south coast of Ngeruktabel, hidden behind a rock island and surrounded by turquoise waters. Ngchus was a small Japanese base during WWII and a crashed Japanese fighter plane can be viewed in shallow water, making an excellent snorkel site.

Day 5

Today we enjoy a return paddle south to Mecherchar Island. The densely wooded island is up to 6 km long and 4.5 km wide. One of the many hidden bays on the island is home to a Yapese stone money quarry where perfectly preserved examples of the world’s largest money disks can be viewed.

Day 6

Our destination is Palau’s Long Lake, at around 1.6kms in length it is indeed Palau’s longest lake! Paddling a winding passage through mangroves and crystal clear water leads us to the lake. Serving as a nursery for baby eagle rays, turtles and nesting birds, the lake and surrounds are a nature lover’s nirvana.

Day 7

Today our paddling is centred along Ngeruktabel’s east coast with highlights including snorkelling over Einstein’s Coral Gardens, a collection of multi-coloured ancient brain coral colonies. Nearby is the amazing Darwin’s Wall, a dramatic coral-covered wall attracting abundant marine life and one of the most spectacular snorkelling sites in the area.

Day 8

On our last day in the islands, we experience an Outer Reef Extravaganza! The Big Drop-Oﬀ, the common name for Palau’s acclaimed Ngemelis Wall, was rated by Jacques Cousteau as the best walled dive in the world. Our awe-inspiring snorkel takes place in crystal-clear seas with up to 30 metres visibility amid sharks, rays, turtles and thousands of reef fish. Return to Koror by speedboat. Overnight hotel.