What to see in Palau: 10 must-sees
Discover what to see in Palau: 10 must-see destinations, from Meyung Beach to Koror. Predominantly beach and natural; each entry includes the best time to visit and the link to its official source.
Beach(4)
At Meyung, see how WWII relics still emerge from the pale sand of Peleliu while the coral reef marks the edge of the turquoise water. Explore the shore on foot, snorkel over seabeds where wreckage from the war can still be made out, and swim among fish circling the rocks. Here the history of the Pacific can be read underwater, with the beach almost always quiet and palm trees shading the path down from the village.
Swim among the corals of Long Beach in Koror, where crystal-clear water lets you see the bottom with ease. Walk the shoreline—this is the longest beach in Palau—and find stretches of fine white sand with hardly anyone around. Take a break in the sun, enjoy the sea views, and breathe calmly as the tide draws lines in the sand. Here snorkeling, solitude, and nature share the day at an unhurried pace.
Kayak across the calm waters of Nikko Bay, in Koror, and anchor beside its fine-sand beach. Snorkel over the corals near the shore, where crystal-clear water reveals colorful fish at shallow depths. Walk the shoreline at sunset and enjoy the lively atmosphere of this beach, one of the most popular in the area for those seeking sea, rest, and nature in one place.
Head down the coast of Babeldaob to this stretch of sand where the sea leaves corals along the shore. Walk among the stone monoliths erected 1,000 years ago, a testament to Palau's ancient communities. Put on your mask and swim over seabeds where coral grows just a few meters from the beach. When the tide goes out, stroll past the rock formations and watch the water change color with the hour. Bring water shoes: the entry into the sea has rocky stretches and you'll be glad you did.
Natural(3)
Follow the jungle trail up the hill to Jellyfish Lake, near Koror, and plunge into its greenish waters among thousands of stingless golden jellyfish. Swim slowly as the Mastigias jellyfish migrate with the sun and brush your skin without stinging. Isolated from the ocean thousands of years ago, this marine lake allowed these jellyfish to lose their venom along with their predators. Float in silence, admire the limestone walls covered in vegetation, and remember that only snorkeling is allowed here—no scuba diving.
Dive into Blue Corner, Palau's most famous dive site, off the coast of Koror. Here the current draws in gray reef sharks, rays, turtles, and schools of jacks over a coral wall that drops into deep water. Hook in with your reef hook on the plateau and watch the spectacle effortlessly as napoleon wrasses and barracudas pass just meters away. Visibility often exceeds 30 meters, so bring a camera and solid buoyancy control. Between dives, explore the coastal trails and take in the limestone geology that frames this corner of the Pacific.
Cross the waters of Koror to the Blue Holes, four vertical caverns opened in the reef that descend into interconnected underground chambers. Descend with your gear through the main opening and watch sunlight filter down from above, tinting the coral walls an intense blue. Swim among limestone formations, schools of tropical fish, and soft corals that cover the seabed. The site's gentle currents make it suitable for divers with intermediate experience. Book the trip with local operators in Koror and plan your entry at high tide.
City(1)
Sail around Koror, Palau's former capital, and discover its island-linking bridges, the Etpison Museum, and the Palau National Museum with its local history and crafts. Shop for wood carvings at the downtown markets, try fresh fish at small restaurants, and visit the Palau Aquarium. Boats leave the harbor for the Rock Islands, Jellyfish Lake, and dive sites such as Blue Corner and German Channel, with corals, sharks, and schools of tropical fish.
Natural Heritage(1)
Enter the Rock Islands lagoon, a natural treasure of Koror, and cruise by boat among its limestone islets crowned with dense vegetation. Snorkel over coral reefs near Jellyfish Lake, where millions of harmless jellyfish drift with the sun. Off every cove you'll find schools of tropical fish and waters in shades of turquoise. Daily excursions leave from Koror, combining boating, short trails, and sightings of Palau's endemic birds.
National Park(1)
Peer into Ngardok National Park, on Babeldaob, and follow its trails through dense jungle as you listen to the songs of Palau's endemic birds. Walk at an unhurried pace, binoculars in hand, and get a close look at the wildlife that finds safe refuge here. The park protects at-risk species and fragile habitats that depend on conservation, so every visit contributes to their care. Hiking, birdwatching, and the quiet of the rainforest define the day.
New destinations and itineraries, by email
Subscribe to receive newly published destinations and itineraries, plus seasonal travel ideas. One email, only when there is news.
Anything to correct or add about Palau?
If you have spotted incorrect or outdated information, or want to suggest additional details about destinations in Palau, leave us your comment. We review every one personally.