Palau, the Aquatic Wonder

Day 1

Koror, Palau

You will arrive at the pristine island nation of Palau and be transferred to the beautiful lodging of Palau Pacific Resort. The room will be their iconic water bungalow overlooking a serene turquoise lagoon.

Day 2

Risong Bay/Mandarin Fish Lake

Day two will commence with a quick orientation, briefing and meeting with the local guides, who are experts in the region. Post this the group will commence its Palau expedition and get to learn more about Palau’s unique marine ecosystems, geology, culture and conservation efforts. The group will take a short speedboat ride to a beautiful lagoon where you will have the opportunity of having your first snorkelling experience. The clear blue waters of the lagoon will offer you the chance to see the beautiful coral reefs and the vibrant marine life that adorns the lagoon. If you’re lucky enough you may even have the chance of spotting the rare and unique butterflyfish, the blue-green Chromis and the blue starfish. Post that the group leaves for a cruise to the Risong Bay, which lies nestled in the mushroom-shaped limestone islets of Chelbacheb, popularly also known as the Rock Islands. The islands are a world heritage site known for their natural beauty and stunning marine life. After that swim your way to the Mandarin fish lake, which gets its name from the legendary and shifty species of the Mandarin fish that lives there. In the shade of the rocky outcrops snorkel among the reefs rich with a vast species of fish that include the pajama cardinalfish, crocodile fish, gobies and many more.

Day 5

Mecherchar/Jellyfish Lake

This morning the group will leave the resort premises early in the morning and head to the island of Mecherchar. The island is home to one of Palau’s most famous and well known natural wonders, the Jellyfish Lake. The lake is home to over 19 million non-lethal golden jellyfish, whose stinging ability over the years of evolution faded away due to the lack of access from the ocean. The early morning departure will ensure that a swim with the majestic creatures will be a peaceful and serene one.

Post that the group will hike back to the speedboat that will take us across the coast to rediscover a treasure from Micronesian history. The treasure we speak of is a two-ton relic of the world’s largest stone currency that was once used in Palau. The stone currency was brought over by the people from the neighbouring island of Yap. They used several canoes to quarry the massive stone from the limestone-rich Rock Islands all the way to the said location which is nearly 200 miles away.

Post that the group will head to the quiet and serene Ngchus Cove to enjoy lunch at the beach. After lunch, you can go snorkelling over a sunken Japanese fighter aircraft, which was shot down back in 1944. Top this off with a special visit to a hidden bay that is home to several delicate yellow sea horses and other marine life.

Day 6

Long Lake

The morning begins with a kayak ride under the shade of mangroves before entering a mile-long saltwater lake. The lake is home to several native species of Micronesian cycads and the rare Palau fruit doves. Also, keep a lookout for the ever-elusive young eagle rays and rare species of native plants found nowhere on the planet. Head out to the ocean from the water channel that links the lake to the sea and break for a white sand picnic lunch.

After lunch explore the Milky Way Lagoon, where travellers can enjoy a relaxing mud bath in the limestone and calcium clay-rich mud of the lagoon believed to have healing powers. Finish your day with a snorkel tour of the

Day 7

Patch Reefs

Day seven commences with the first snorkelling site of the day at a place home to several supper molluscs and giant clams that weigh over 500 pounds. After this, the group will head on to the Rainbow Reef, where you’ll be able to snorkel amongst the rapids where schools of fish drift in the ocean current eating planktons. The lunch will happen on the Ngeanges Island, post this you spend a relaxing afternoon exploring the forest and looking for the megapode birds and their enormous nests. Cool off with a refreshing snorkel witnessing the dazzling damselfish dart in and out of a massive turbinaria coral formation. Next snorkel at one of the popular caves where conservation efforts have helped protect the cave’s corals from the predatory Crown of thorns starfish.

Day 8

Ngemelis Island

Day eight will witness the group leaving for the Ngemelis Island, which is popular the world over as the “underwater Serengeti”. The island is home to one of the greatest snorkelling sites in the world. A group of scientists even said that it is one of the most vibrant marine protected regions of Palau. You will have the opportunity to snorkel amongst some pristine coral reefs, beautiful fish, white-tipped reef sharks, eels, turtles and many more.

Over more than 20 years of announcing the region as a “no fishing zone”. The Ngemelis Island allows visitors to have a close encounter with some of the rarest species of marine life on the planet. Some of which include species like the bumphead parrotfish, clown triggerfish, Napoleon Wrasse and many more. Post this the group can snorkel in the German Channel and witness the majestic manta rays and vast schools of fish. The lunch will happen on the waters itself post which we will venture out a few miles off the coast to spot some spinner dolphins and whales.

Day 9

Babeldaob Island/Koror

The ninth day begins with a hike to Babeldaob Island, which is one of Palau’s largest islands popular for its botanical treasures. The island is home to a pair of beautiful waterfalls that open into a mesmerizing and serene pool of cool waters. Do this before you enjoy a Micronesian feast made by women from a local village. In the afternoon the group will drive up to an ancient bai, which serves as a common meeting house where the elders once gathered. Revel in the ancient pictographs that have been carved and painted on the walls. The ancient artwork tells stories about Palau’s history and legends and the region's past and present politics. Post this the group will return to Koror and raise a toast to mark the end of this unique adventure at a farewell dinner in the evening.

Day 10

Koror

The group will be transferred to the airport to board your flight back home, while you treasure the unique experience and memories that you have made with your family in Palau. P.S - ALl flights from Palau leave in the early mornings. So kindly book your flights for the early morning of the 10th day.