Kayaking the Rock Islands of Palau: A Bucket List Adventure
Kayaking the Rock Islands of Palau
If you’re looking for an unforgettable adventure, kayaking in Palau through the stunning Rock Islands should be at the top of your list. These limestone formations, covered in lush greenery and surrounded by some of the clearest blue waters in the world, make for an epic paddling experience.
During our trip to Palau, we wanted to do something different—something that would get us off the beaten path and into the heart of this island paradise. So, we decided to embark on a two-day, one-night self-guided kayaking and camping adventure with Paddling Palau—and it turned out to be one of the most incredible experiences of our lives.
Why Kayaking the Rock Islands is a Must-Do
When researching what to do in Palau, we came across a variety of tours, but nothing stood out quite like a self-guided kayak and camping trip. The idea of paddling through remote islands, discovering hidden beaches, snorkeling in crystal-clear lagoons, and camping under the stars sounded like the ultimate adventure.
Paddling Palau offers everything you need, including:
✅ Kayak rentals (single or double, open or closed-top)
✅ Maps & route planning assistance
✅ Camping gear (tent, sleeping gear, cooking equipment)
✅ Snorkelling recommendations
✅ WWII historical site locations
With our route mapped out and gear packed, we were ready to go!
Day 1: Kayaking Through Paradise in Nikko Bay
We set off from Paddling Palau, with excitement and nerves us as we glided into the crystal clear waters. The Rock Islands immediately blew us away—towering limestone cliffs covered in vibrant green foliage, surrounded by impossibly blue water.
Marine Life & Hidden Caves
As we paddled, we couldn’t believe how clear the water was. Beneath us, we saw colourful coral, schools of fish, and even a few young reef sharks cruising below. We saw many unique birds throughout the day such as the White-tailed Tropicbird.
Miluu’s Corner, Disney Bay and Cathedral Cove were truly special. One of the highlights of the day was kayaking into a hidden cave. We paddled through a narrow opening in the rock, and inside, the cave opened up into a stunning space. It was pure magic.
WWII History in the Rock Islands
Palau has a fascinating WWII history, and while kayaking the Rock Islands, we came across several reminders of the past. We paddled past a sunken Japanese wreck, its rusted frame now home to coral and fish. We also come across an old hidden bunker, its entrance nearly swallowed by jungle vines.
Our Private Beach for the Night
By mid-afternoon, we reached our first recommended camping beach—a deserted slice of paradise with soft white sand, calm waters, and even a basic toilet. It was tempting to stop there, but we decided to push on to the second recommended location.
When we arrived at our final camping spot, we had our very own hidden beach for the night, with nothing but coconut trees, white sand, and crystal-clear water stretching out before us.
We pulled our kayak onto the sand, set up our tent, and went for a swim — the water was so warm and calm, it felt like a real ‘pinch me’ moment. We cooked dinner and ate by the water, listening to the gentle lapping of the waves as we watched the sunset. It was one of those moments where we just thought, “Wow, we’re really here.”
Day 2: Sunrise & Shipwrecks
We woke up and opened up our tent to beach views as the sun rose. The stillness of the morning made it even more surreal. After a strong coffee and breakfast, we packed up our gear and set off towards Black Tip Lake and Shipwreck Bay, where we had heard there was a WWII shipwreck.
Sure enough, as we paddled through the bay, we spotted the dark shape of a sunken WWII ship beneath us. The water was so clear that we could see the details of the wreck from the surface. It was an eerie yet fascinating sight—a reminder of Palau’s rich history.
Wildlife Encounters
Next we explored the blue waters of Rising Bay, spotting a large range of colourful fish and coral. On our way back towards Koror, we were able to spot many newer shipwrecks, where ships have become stranded during rough storms.
By midday, we arrived back at Paddling Palau, where the team helped us unload our kayak. After a much-needed shower and a debrief about our adventure, we were off to our next resort—completely exhausted, but buzzing from the experience.
What You Need to Know Before Kayaking in Palau
If you’re considering kayaking the Rock Islands, here are some essential tips:
1. Be Prepared for the Weather
☀️ It gets hot during the day, so wear long-sleeved UV-protective clothing.
🌧️ It rained overnight, so bring a waterproof tent and dry bags for your gear.
💨 The wind can pick up, making paddling more challenging—start early in the morning, and use the tides to your advantage.
2. Pack Smart
🧴 Reef-safe sunscreen is required in Palau.
💧 Bring plenty of water—there are no refill stations.
📷 A waterproof phone case is a lifesaver for navigation and photos.
🎥 If you have an underwater camera or GoPro, bring it! The marine life is incredible.
🤿 Bring snorkelling gear to explore the coral and fish.
🩴 Consider reef shoes or water shoes for protection.
3. Don’t Worry About Getting Lost
One of my biggest fears before the trip was getting lost in the Rock Islands—there are so many islands, and without mobile phone service (as we chose not to organise a Palau SIM card), I was nervous. Thankfully, Paddling Palau did an amazing job of helping us plan our route. Their maps were clear, they marked snorkelling spots and camping areas, and everything was surprisingly easy to navigate. Download an offline map in Google Maps before your trip as a backup.
Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?
Absolutely! Kayaking in Palau through the Rock Islands was hands-down one of the most incredible and unique experiences I’ve ever had. From exploring hidden caves to camping on a private beach, exploring remote lagoons, and paddling around WWII history, this was an adventure I’ll never forget.
If you’re visiting and wondering what to do in Palau, I highly recommend booking a kayaking and camping trip with Paddling Palau. Whether you do a self-guided tour or opt for a guide, this is one experience you won’t regret. If camping is not for you, Paddling Palau also offer day kayaking tours with a range of locations.
Would You Try This Adventure?
Would you be up for kayaking the Rock Islands and camping overnight? Let me know in the comments!
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