Palau might be small on the map, but its Rock Islands are some of the most spectacular places in the Pacific. These limestone islands rise out of turquoise water like green mushrooms, covered in jungle and surrounded by coral reefs. Most visitors come for diving and snorkeling, but the Rock Islands are more than just an underwater paradise. They are also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to hidden lagoons, white sand beaches, and ancient cultural sites.
Traveling here feels like stepping into a postcard. You will not find hotels or restaurants on the islands, but that is what makes them special. The Rock Islands are protected, so visiting them means joining a tour, hiring a boat, or diving with a local operator. In this guide, you will find out what the Rock Islands are, what to do, and how to make the most of your time in Palau.
What Are the Rock Islands
The Rock Islands are a group of about 300 small limestone islands in the southern lagoon of Palau. They are uninhabited, though people have lived on them in the past. Today they are protected as the Rock Islands Southern Lagoon, a UNESCO site that covers nearly 400 square kilometers. The islands are famous for their rounded shapes, steep cliffs, and dense greenery.
Because there are no settlements, the Rock Islands remain pristine. Visiting them is about day trips, diving excursions, and kayaking adventures. They are the main reason Palau is often ranked as one of the world’s best diving destinations.
How to Get There
The gateway to the Rock Islands is Koror, the main town of Palau. Most travelers fly into Roman Tmetuchl International Airport and stay in Koror, where you will find hotels, restaurants, and dive shops. From there, it is a short boat ride into the Rock Islands.
Permits are required to visit. Most tours include the cost, but if you are arranging your own activities, you will need to purchase a Rock Islands permit or a Jellyfish Lake permit, depending on where you go. These are valid for 10 days and help support conservation.
Best Things to Do in the Rock Islands
Snorkeling
Even if you do not dive, the snorkeling here is world-class. Coral reefs are shallow and full of colorful fish, clams, and sometimes turtles. Popular snorkeling spots include the Milky Way, where you can rub mineral-rich mud on your skin, and German Channel, where manta rays are often seen.
Diving
Palau is consistently ranked among the top dive destinations in the world. The Rock Islands offer drift dives, wall dives, and encounters with big marine life. Blue Corner is the most famous site, known for strong currents that bring in sharks, barracudas, and schools of fish. Other highlights include Ulong Channel, Big Drop-Off, and Chandelier Cave.
Most diving is organized through operators in Koror, and trips often include two or three dives with lunch on a beach. Conditions are best between November and May, though diving is possible year-round.
Jellyfish Lake
One of the most unique attractions in Palau, Jellyfish Lake is a marine lake filled with millions of golden jellyfish. They migrate across the lake each day, and visitors can swim among them. The jellyfish have lost their sting, so it is safe to snorkel here. The lake has been closed at times for conservation, so always check if it is open before your trip.
Kayaking
Kayaking through the lagoons and around the islands gives you a closer look at the scenery. You can paddle into hidden coves, caves, and beaches that boats cannot reach. Some operators offer guided multi-day kayak trips with camping on permitted beaches.
Beaches
The Rock Islands are not known for resorts, but they do have stunning beaches. Tour boats often stop at small strips of white sand where you can swim and relax. One of the most popular is Long Beach, which appears at low tide as a long sandbar stretching into the sea.
Cultural Sites
Archaeologists have found stone platforms, cave paintings, and other signs of early Palauan culture on the Rock Islands. These are not always part of regular tours, but some guides can arrange visits. They show that these islands were once more than just uninhabited nature.
Wildlife in the Rock Islands
The waters around the Rock Islands are part of the Palau National Marine Sanctuary, so marine life is abundant. You may see reef sharks, manta rays, turtles, dugongs, and countless tropical fish. Birdlife is also rich, with seabirds nesting on cliffs and flying over the lagoons.
Because the islands are protected, fishing is limited and conservation rules are enforced. This has helped Palau maintain healthy reefs at a time when many coral ecosystems around the world are struggling.
When to Visit
Palau has a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round. The dry season runs from November to May, with less rain and calmer seas. This is the best time for diving and boat trips. The wet season from June to October brings more rain and sometimes rougher seas, but tours still operate.
Underwater visibility is usually excellent, often 30 meters or more. Manta rays are more common in German Channel from December to March, while spawning events for bumphead parrotfish happen around the full moon in April and May.
Costs and Permits
Visiting the Rock Islands is not cheap compared to other parts of Southeast Asia.
- Rock Islands permit: around $50 for 10 days
- Jellyfish Lake permit: around $100 for 10 days
- Snorkeling or kayaking tours: $75 to $150 per day
- Diving: $150 to $200 for two or three dives with lunch included
These fees help protect the environment, and most visitors find the experience well worth the cost.
Where to Stay
You cannot stay overnight in the Rock Islands unless on a permitted camping trip, so most visitors base themselves in Koror. Options range from budget guesthouses to upscale resorts. Popular choices include:
- Palau Pacific Resort: High-end with beachfront rooms and dive facilities
- Palau Royal Resort: Comfortable mid-range with pool and private beach
- Guesthouses in Koror: Affordable stays for divers and backpackers
Some liveaboard boats also operate in Palau, allowing divers to spend several days on the water and reach more remote sites.
Food and Drink
There are no restaurants in the Rock Islands, so meals are usually packed by tour operators. In Koror, you will find a mix of Palauan, Filipino, Japanese, and American food. Seafood is fresh and plentiful, with tuna and reef fish often on the menu. Local specialties include fruit bat soup and taro dishes, though these may not appeal to everyone.
Tips for Visiting the Rock Islands
- Bring reef-safe sunscreen to protect the coral.
- Pack water and snacks since there are no shops in the islands.
- Respect conservation rules. Do not touch coral or take anything from the environment.
- Wear a rash guard for sun protection while snorkeling or diving.
- Book tours in advance during high season, especially December to March.
Final Thoughts
The Rock Islands are the reason many travelers put Palau on their bucket list. With their emerald shapes rising from clear water, vibrant reefs, and unique sites like Jellyfish Lake, they offer experiences you cannot find anywhere else. Visiting takes effort and planning, but once you are gliding across the lagoon in a boat or floating above a reef filled with sharks and manta rays, you realize it is worth it.
This is not a destination for nightlife or luxury. It is a place where nature still feels wild, where the sea is full of life, and where you leave with a deeper respect for the ocean. If you are looking for adventure, beauty, and some of the best diving in the world, the Rock Islands of Palau will not disappoint.
