After meeting in Koror, we run a kayak orientation and paddle out of Malakal Harbour into the Rock Islands, where we stay for six nights of beach camping. The days mix paddling with snorkelling and short hikes: Ulong Island's inner lagoon, the sunken fighter plane at Ngchus Beach, a Yapese stone money quarry on Mecherchar, and a winding mangrove passage into Long Lake. Our last full day in the islands is spent on the outer reef before a speedboat brings us back to Koror for a final hotel night. One western guide and one local guide are with us throughout, and all meals while kayaking are included.
Arrive in Koror and hop on your transfer from the airport to the group hotel, where the rest of the paddlers are gathering. There’s time to settle in, shake off the flight, and take a first look at Palau before you meet your kayak guide for a friendly hello and a run-through of what’s ahead. Dinner tonight is your own call, so wander out and find something local, or take it easy and turn in early. Tomorrow the kayaks come out.
Accommodation: Hotel in Koror
After breakfast at the hotel, we run through a kayak orientation so everyone feels comfortable in the boat, then paddle out of Malakal Harbour. Within minutes the jungle-clad limestone islands close in around us and the water turns that unreal shade of turquoise Palau is known for. We spend the day exploring West Ngeruktabel’s lagoon, poking into caves, slipping under rock arches, and looking over the sunken WWII relics scattered below us. Camp tonight is on an island beach, with dinner cooked up by your guides and not much between you and the stars.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Beach camping
Ulong Island gets our full attention today, and we take it in three ways: by kayak, in the water, and on foot. The inner lagoon is the highlight, with soft and hard corals crowding the shallows and reef fish in every colour you can think of, so bring your mask and plan to spend a while face-down. We find a scenic lunch spot under swaying palms, then leave plenty of room in the afternoon for beach time. No rush anywhere. Another night camping on the sand, with dinner over the water.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Beach camping
We make for Ngchus Beach on the south coast of Ngeruktabel, tucked away behind a rock island and ringed by turquoise water. It’s an easy place to like, and there’s history just under the surface. Ngchus was a small Japanese base during WWII, and a crashed Japanese fighter plane still sits in the shallows, which makes for one of the best snorkel stops of the trip. Masks on, fins kicking, we drift over the wreck and the reef life that has moved in around it. Camp is on the beach again tonight, with dinner cooked up by your guides.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Beach camping
Today we point the boats south for a return paddle to Mecherchar Island, a densely wooded island measuring up to 6 km (3.7 mi) long and 4.5 km (2.8 mi) wide. Mecherchar is full of hidden bays, and one of them holds a Yapese stone money quarry. The huge disks carved here are the largest money in the world, and the examples still lying in the bay are perfectly preserved. We take our time looking around before paddling back. Another night camped on the sand, with a meal and plenty of stories to go with it.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Beach camping
Our target today is Long Lake, which at around 1.6 km (1 mi) is exactly what the name says: Palau’s longest lake. Getting there is half the fun. We thread a winding passage through mangroves and water so clear you can watch the bottom slide past under the hull. The lake itself is a nursery for baby eagle rays and turtles, and the surrounding trees are full of nesting birds, so keep your eyes open and your paddle quiet. It’s a spot that rewards drifting rather than pushing. We head back out and settle into camp for the night.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Beach camping
Today’s paddling runs along Ngeruktabel’s east coast, and it’s a big one for snorkellers. We drop in over Einstein’s Coral Gardens, a collection of multi-coloured ancient brain coral colonies that look like they’ve been growing since forever. A short paddle away is Darwin’s Wall, a dramatic coral-covered wall that pulls in marine life from every direction and ranks among the most spectacular snorkel sites in the area. Between swims, there’s time to float, look around, and let the reef come to you. Another night camping on a beach with the lagoon right at our feet.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Beach camping
Our last day in the islands is an outer reef extravaganza. The Big Drop-Off, better known locally as Ngemelis Wall, was rated by Jacques Cousteau as the best walled dive in the world, and snorkelling it is every bit as good. Visibility runs up to 30 m (98 ft) in crystal-clear water, with sharks, rays, turtles, and thousands of reef fish cruising the edge below us. Once we’ve had our fill, a speedboat carries us back to Koror, where hot showers and a proper bed are waiting. The evening is yours to celebrate the week however you like.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Koror
The trip concludes after breakfast at the hotel. Say your goodbyes, swap photos with the group, and head off whenever your flight calls. If you’ve got time before you fly, Koror is an easy place to wander for a last coffee or a bit of souvenir shopping.
Meals: Breakfast
Included:
Add-ons (pricing shown at checkout):
Not included:
In order to join this Palau kayaking tour, good fitness is required as well as intermediate sea kayaking experience. Most days involve around 4–5 hours of activity, with regular stops for snorkeling, hiking, and breaks on the beach.
You’ll paddle most days in warm, humid tropical conditions, with snorkelling and short hikes into the forest along the way. Six of the eight nights are spent camping on island beaches, so being happy with simple beach camping matters as much as paddling strength. Tides, weather, and group logistics shape each day, so your guides adjust the route and distances as conditions allow.
Want to see what else is there in the area? Discover more sea kayaking tours in Indonesia and Oceania!
Paddling & snorkelling gear:
Clothing & footwear:
Other:
Tents, mattresses, sheets, and pillows are provided for the six nights of beach camping, as are dry bags for your personal gear, so pack soft luggage you can easily split between bags.
Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.
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Group sizes and pricing:
Min. age requirements:
The price for this Palau kayaking tour is based on twin-share rooms and tents, but a single occupancy room/tent can be arranged at an additional fee. You can add it to your booking at checkout.
The starting point of your Palau kayaking tour is Koror, Palau. To get there, most people fly into Roman Tmetuchl International Airport (ROR). From there, your arrival transfer from the airport to the group hotel is included.
You will meet your kayak guide at the group hotel in Koror on Day 1.
Having insurance is mandatory for this adventure. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, you’ll be offered to simply insure your trip with Redpoint at checkout.
Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner—tailors protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations! Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.