Voyage into the emerald maze of the Rock Islands, where the ocean is a living wilderness. Your expedition flows from the silence of mangrove forests to the teeming drop-offs of an underwater Serengeti. Alongside researchers and elders, bridge the gap between ancient tradition and modern conservation, discovering the soul of this pristine archipelago.
Travel Style
National Geographic Signature
Service Level
Luxury
Physical Grading
3 - Average
What's Included
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your Expedition Leader and Group, Koror
Signature Moment: Coral Reef Research Foundation Visit, Koror. Arrival and departure transfer. Nikko Bay Snorkel at Rembrandt's cove. Moana Canoe experience. Free Time at the Resort. Risong Bay kayak. Relax at Blue Devil Beach. Mandarin Fish Lake snorkel. Ulong Island Snorkel. Palawan BBQ lunch. Support the native giant clam population. Long Lake kayak. Milky Way white mud bath. Einstein's Garden snorkel. Fantasy Island and "Reef Fish Apartment House” snorkel. WWII Japanese Zero fighter plane & Rainbow Reef snorkel. Big Drop off and Fairyland Gardens snorkel. Jellyfish lake hike and snorkel. Belau National Museum Visit. Engaging Discussions with the National Geographic Expedition Expert throughout. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.
What are the main highlights of this trip?
Plant young farmed clams on the reef to help restore the native population, Drift past sharks and turtles on a sheer wall known as the “Underwater Serengeti," Snorkel the haunting remains of a Japanese fighter plane resting on the shallow reef, Float among golden jellyfish in a silent and secluded marine lake, Hear Palau’s deep history directly from a revered elder at the National Museum.
How large will the group be?
Max 22, avg. 18.
What meals are included in this trip?
8 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 5 dinners
What are the modes of transportation on my trip?
Boat, Walking, Kayak, Private Vehicle.
Is there an extra cost for travelling solo?
Yes, for those travelling solo there is a single supplement.
Where will we stay during the trip?
Resort (8 nights)
Itinerary
Koror, Palau
Welcome to Palau. Your expedition begins as you touch down in Koror, greeted by the warm, humid embrace of the tropics. You will be met and transferred to your hotel to settle in–take a moment to breathe in the salt air and feel the immediate relief of the warm, tropical breeze. Use this time to rest and adjust to the slower island pace before the extraordinary marine and cultural treasures of the Rock Islands unfold tomorrow.
Nikko Bay
Gather with your National Geographic Expedition Leader and National Geographic Expedition Expert for a welcome presentation on Palau’s unique nature and culture before boarding a boat to Nikko Bay. Glide across turquoise waters to your first snorkel sites: the vibrant Rembrandt’s Cove and another epic location teeming with life. Immerse yourself in the silent world beneath the surface, marveling at the density of marine biodiversity. After lunch on board, connect with Palau’s seafaring heritage during a meeting with the crew of a traditional Moana canoe. Return to the hotel to refresh before a welcome cocktail reception and dinner featuring a mesmerizing performance by Palauan dancers.
Risong Bay
Begin with a visit to the Coral Reef Research Foundation to meet a researcher and learn about their vital work, including the search for medicinal compounds in marine invertebrates. Then, snorkel the crystal-clear waters of Blue Devil Gardens before boarding a boat to Risong Bay. Navigate the silence of the mangrove forest, listening for endemic birds and searching the shallows for baby sharks. After a grilled lunch on a secluded beach, snorkel the Mandarin Fish Lake. Scan the water for the dazzling, psychedelic colors of the mandarin fish before returning to the resort.
Ulong Island
Combine exploration with active conservation at Ulong Island. Snorkel below the Ulong Arch, a natural limestone bridge which underneath teems with colourful fish and soft corals. Here, you will assist in restoring native populations by placing young, farmed giant clams onto the reef — a hands-on contribution to the ecosystem. Step ashore onto the island and walk through an old-growth forest to the site of an ancient village, where your Leader will share the history of the Rock Island people who once thrived here. Enjoy a traditional Palauan barbecue lunch on the beach, followed by a talk on local conservation. The afternoon concludes with a drift snorkel through the dynamic currents and marine life of Wilson’s Channel.
Long Lake
Spend the morning kayaking under the dense, green canopy of Long Lake. Paddle quietly through this delicate ecosystem, observing nesting birds, ferns, and wild orchids reflected in the calm water. Continue to the Milky Way, a secluded milky-turquoise lagoon famous for its white limestone mud. Indulge in a natural spa treatment by covering yourself in the mineral-rich mud found on the sea floor. After washing off and enjoying a beach lunch, snorkel the multi-colored brain corals of Einstein’s Garden, a site known for its unique cerebral formations. Conclude the day with dinner at a restaurant elegantly built over the lagoon, watching the moon rise over the water.
Patch Reefs
Snorkel the massive coral colony known as the Reef Fish Apartment House, towering Turbinaria structures whose folds shelter dozens of fish species. After lunch on the beach, delve into the region's wartime history with a talk on the impact of WWII. Snorkel from the beach to inspect the haunting remains of a Japanese Zero fighter plane resting in the shallow seabed, now an artificial reef. Your final stop is Rainbow Reef, a kaleidoscope of soft corals and fish that showcases the full spectrum of Palau’s biodiversity. Tonight, enjoy an authentic dinner at a small, local café, experiencing the island's hospitality firsthand.
Ngemelis Island
Head to the outer reefs for a drift snorkel at the legendary Big Drop-Off. Using the currents to guide you, float effortlessly past a sheer underwater wall covered in giant sea fans and sponges, watching sea turtles and schools of pyramid butterflyfish in this "Underwater Serengeti." Lunch is served onboard while the crew actively scouts the horizon for pods of playful spinner dolphins. The afternoon concludes at the German Channel, a man-made cut in the reef that attracts filter feeders. Snorkel the channel in hopes of spotting majestic manta rays gliding through the open water. Enjoy the evening and dinner at your leisure to reflect on the day’s incredible marine encounters.
Jellyfish Lake
Hike a forest trail to reach the secluded Jellyfish Lake for a surreal, once-in-a-lifetime swim. Drift among countless golden jellyfish as they pulse gently in the sunlit, green water — an experience of pure tranquility. Afterward, view an enormous disk of ancient Yapese stone money and snorkel over massive 500-pound giant clams. Visit the Belau National Museum to gather in a traditionally carved meeting house, where a revered elder shares the deep history and creation stories of the Palauan people. Celebrate your marine odyssey with a farewell dinner at the resort, toasting the memories of the archipelago.
Koror
Your expedition to Palau concludes today. After breakfast, take a final look at the pristine waters before your individual transfer to the airport, provided at any time during the day.
Is travel insurance required for my trip?
Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your leader, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy we require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency evacuation and repatriation. A minimum coverage of USD200,000 is required. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. Some tours include adventure activities that require extra coverage (e.g. crampon use); please review your itinerary and make sure that you are covered for all included activities. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.
Terms, conditions and restrictions apply; pricing, availability, and other details subject to change and/ or apply to US or Canadian residents. Please confirm details and booking information with your travel advisor.
