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Routes · Oceania

Auckland to Palau and the Rock Islands

Auckland → Koror

Rock Islands Palau aerial
"Rock-Islands-Palau-2-2016-aerial-view-Luka-Peternel.jpg" by Luka Peternel, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons· licence
Main St, Koror, Palau - panoramio (1) (Koror)
Photo: ito1117, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Lagoons, jellyfish & limestone islands Best season (general guide): Feb–Apr

Palau is a Pacific island nation known for its lagoons and marine life. This route spends six nights based in Koror. From Auckland you'll connect via Guam, Taipei or Manila to Palau. The Rock Islands Southern Lagoon is listed by UNESCO for its limestone islands and marine lakes. Boats weave among hundreds of green, mushroom-shaped islands.

How to pace it: Spend days one to six in Koror: day one, Koror; day two, Rock Islands boat day; day three, Jellyfish Lake; day four, diving or kayaking; day five, Milky Way lagoon; day six, rest day.

Jellyfish Lake, a marine lake, is famous for its stingless jellyfish; access depends on their numbers. Palau created one of the world's first shark sanctuaries. Koror is the main town. February to April is the driest period.

Good to know: A Rock Islands permit is required. Respect marine rules, and use reef-safe sunscreen.

Koror has most of the hotels, restaurants and dive shops, and all boat trips leave from its harbours. A Rock Islands permit is needed for most trips, and Jellyfish Lake requires a separate permit when open. Dive and snorkel operators supply gear and include the permits in their tours. Palau has strict environmental rules, including bans on some sunscreens, so buy approved products locally or before you go. The sun is strong on the water, so bring a hat and long-sleeved top. Kayaking is a quieter way to explore the islands. Rain showers are common, but they rarely last long. The US dollar is the currency. Bring cash for smaller places, as not all accept cards.

Diving and kayaking are the main activities. Palau's history includes battle sites from the Second World War, with wrecks and relics on land and in the sea. Guided tours explain the history, and some dive sites include sunken ships and aircraft. In Koror, a small museum covers Palau's culture and history, a good option for a rest day. Rest between dives, and keep the final day free of diving before you fly.

Suggested outline

  1. Auckland

    Start

  2. Koror

    By air · 6 nights suggested

    The base for the Rock Islands.

Day by day

  1. Day 1 · Koror — Arrive; Koror· Auckland → Koror (by air) — long-haul; may arrive the next calendar day
  2. Day 2 · Koror — Rock Islands boat day
  3. Day 3 · Koror — Jellyfish Lake
  4. Day 4 · Koror — Diving or kayaking
  5. Day 5 · Koror — Milky Way lagoon
  6. Day 6 · Koror — Rest day
  7. Day 7 · Koror — Travel home from Koror· Koror → Auckland (by air)

A suggested pace only; expedition days are set by the operator.

Flights, leg by leg

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Koror

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Plan the trip: Koror

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