About This Trip
- Experience 4-5 exceptional snorkeling sites each day, including Big Drop Off, Blue Corner, Ulong Channel, and German Channel guided by expert naturalists.
- Explore vibrant coral gardens teeming with reef fish, sea turtles, sharks, and manta rays in one of the few places where coral reefs remain remarkably healthy despite global climate pressures.
- Learn about Palau’s marine biodiversity, Micronesian history, and pioneering local conservation efforts.
- Enjoy a comfortable, land-based stay with seamless access to Palau’s most spectacular snorkeling environments—supported by 30+ years of Oceanic Society expertise in the region.
Why Palau? A Snorkeler’s Paradise
Harboring more species of marine life than any similarly-sized area on Earth, Palau is considered one of the best snorkeling sites on the planet. Renowned for its rich marine biodiversity, its waters are home to over 400 species of hard coral and 300 soft corals—the highest coral diversity in Micronesia.
Even as global reefs face increasing pressure from climate change, many of Palau’s reefs remain surprisingly resilient, making this one of the few places where you can still experience coral ecosystems at their healthiest.
Palau’s shallow waters and exceptional visibility reveal a dazzling world of rainbow-colored fish, vibrant sponges, and breathtaking corals. Above the surface, the scenery is just as spectacular—the UNESCO-listed Rock Islands form a maze of lush, jungle-topped limestone outcrops rising from crystal-clear seas.
An Immersive Ocean Experience
From our base in Koror we take day-trips to the jungle-capped Rock Island where you’ll be where you’ll encounter a vibrant kaleidoscope of tropical fish such as anemonefish, gobies, wrasses, parrotfish, mandarinfish, and more. Snorkel alongside graceful sea turtles, clever octopuses, manta rays, and cuttlefish in waters renowned for some of the healthiest reef shark populations in the Pacific. Explore thriving reefs adorned with an array of soft and hard corals, giant clams, sponges, and sea anemones. Above the surface, keep an eye out for kingfishers, Pied Cormorants, and other coastal birds that flourish within this rich island ecosystem.
Throughout the trip, Oceanic Society naturalists help connect your experience beneath the surface to broader global ocean conservation concerns—offering insight into the ecological importance of coral reefs, the challenges they face, and the innovative solutions being led in places like Palau.
Don't miss: 6 Reasons Why the Reefs of Palau are a Must Snorkel
Trip Cost Details
Includes: transfers upon arrival and departure, accommodations, daily breakfast and lunch, activities and excursions listed in itinerary
Does Not Include: airfare to or from destination, accommodation upgrades like a single supplement of $995, daily dinners (allowing flexibility to explore local dining options), optional trip extensions, trip cancellation or travel insurance, visas when applicable, alcoholic beverages, and gratuities. Click here for more detailed trip cost information or read our full expedition terms and conditions.
Conservation Impact
Oceanic Society is a nonprofit organization dedicated to ocean conservation since 1969—and a pioneer in eco travel. When you join this Palau snorkeling expedition, your trip directly supports marine research and protection. Through Oceanic Society expeditions, travelers have helped support projects by the Micronesian Shark Foundation, which works to study and safeguard sharks across Palau and Micronesia. As a nonprofit, we've led expeditions here since 1996, generating thousands of dollars in park fees to help protect Jellyfish Lake and the Rock Islands Southern Lagoon, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Plus, with every booking, we sponsor the removal of 200 lbs. of plastic from the ocean, extending your impact even further.
Dates & Prices
Nov 4-12, 2025
Book this TripJan 6-14,2026
Book this TripFeb 17-25, 2026
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Book this TripItinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Koror, Palau
Arrive in the island nation of Palau to begin your adventure. Upon arrival, you’ll be met at the airport by Oceanic Society local partners and transferred to your accommodations. Settle in and prepare for the days of adventure ahead. Most US-based travelers will depart at least one day earlier due to crossing the International Date Line.
Days 2-7: Snorkeling the Rock Islands by Private Boat
Each day begins with breakfast before a short, private transfer takes you to the dock, where your private snorkel charter awaits. From there, set out to explore the dazzling underwater world of Palau’s Rock Islands.
With our expert guides leading the way, you'll visit a number of unique snorkeling sites per day, chosen based on weather and conditions to ensure the best possible experience. Sites may include iconic locations like Blue Corner, vibrant shallow reefs teeming with life, dramatic coral walls such as Big Drop Off, and tranquil marine lakes. When conditions allow, we also make a stop at the iconic Jellyfish Lake—please note that access to the lake is dependent on ecological conditions, as the jellyfish population has experienced periodic die-offs in recent years.
Between snorkel sessions, enjoy lunch on remote beaches and take in the spectacular island scenery. We return in the late afternoon, leaving you some time to unwind and enjoy dinner at one of Koror’s inviting local restaurants or your hotel’s dining venue.
Day 8: Cultural Discovery in Koror
Delve into Palauan culture on a guided exploration of Koror. Visit the Belau National Museum—home to exhibits on Palau’s rich heritage, a local woodcarving center, and a replica of a traditional bai (men’s meeting house) constructed on the museum grounds. Cap off the experience with a celebratory lunch featuring authentic Palauan dishes.
Day 9: Depart Palau or Continue to Yap, Micronesia
Transfer to the airport for your international flight home, or continue your journey with an optional extension to Yap, a remote Micronesian island known for its rich cultural traditions, untouched reefs, and resident population of manta rays.
Accommodations
Experience the perfect blend of elegance and tranquility at Palau Royal Resort. Nestled on the waterfront of Malakal Island, this upscale retreat offers beautifully appointed rooms with private balconies or patios showcasing stunning lagoon, garden, or harbor views. Just minutes from downtown Koror and perfectly positioned for easy access to our daily snorkel excursions, the resort offers everything you need to unwind between adventures. Indulge in the resort’s pristine pool, private white-sand beach, spa, or enjoy dinner and drinks at the on-site restaurant and bar overlooking Palau's sea. 
Naturalist(s)
Your expedition will be led by one or more of the following expert naturalist guides:
Trip Extensions
Enhance your Palau trip with a 5-day post-tour extension to Yap. Located between Palau and Guam, the Yap archipelago is steeped in ancient traditions. The Yapese maintain one of the most traditional lifestyles in Micronesia, and the islands are also among the best places in the world to encounter manta rays and reef sharks. Spend 2.5 days snorkeling vibrant reefs with opportunities to swim alongside these beautiful animals.
Itinerary Highlights:
- Days 9: Fly from Koror to Yap; overnight at Manta Ray Bay Hotel.
- Day 10-11: Snorkel in Gofnuw or Miil Channel to encounter shallow-water reef manta rays. Weather permitting, we will go on a blue-water shark snorkel where congregations of grey, blacktip, and whitetip reef sharks are often seen.
- Day 12: Cultural village tour featuring Yap’s famous "rai" or stone money banks.
- Day 13: Return flight via Guam.
Cost: $2,950/person (double occupancy); single supplement $450
Includes: Flight from Palau to Yap, hotel, guided activities, breakfast, and transfers
Not Included: Flight from Yap to Guam, some meals, gratuities, and taxes
Limited availability. Download full itinerary for details
