The Best Tours to Do in Palau: Iconic Experiences & Planning Tips
Flying above the Rock Islands of Palau with Smile Air.
Why Tours Matter in Palau
Palau isn’t a destination where you simply hire a scooter and see everything solo. Much of what makes Palau extraordinary… the Rock Islands, hidden lagoons, WWII wrecks, and remote snorkelling sites, are only accessible by boat, and often only with a licensed local operator.
That’s not a bad thing.
Tours in Palau are tightly regulated to protect the environment, and preserve one of the world’s most pristine marine ecosystems. When you choose the right tour, you’re not just ticking off a bucket list experience, you’re actively participating in responsible travel.
If you’re the kind of traveller who wants depth over crowds, and meaning over mass tourism, Palau tours deliver in a big way.
The Best Tours to Do in Palau
1. Rock Islands Southern Lagoon Tour (Unmissable)
If you only do one tour in Palau, make it this.
The Rock Islands Southern Lagoon is the postcard version of Palau, with mushroom-shaped limestone islands, turquoise water, and coral gardens that feel untouched.
What’s typically included:
Full-day boat tour through the Rock Islands
Multiple snorkelling stops
Visits to hidden lagoons and beaches
Lunch on a secluded island
Why it’s worth it:
This tour showcases Palau at its most iconic and gives you a real sense of scale and remoteness.
Good to know:
Snorkelling ability matters (if you’re planning to swim)
Environmental permits are required (your operator arranges this)
Exploring the beautiful Rock Islands.
2. Kayaking the Rock Islands (Slow Travel Favourite)
Kayaking through the Rock Islands was one of my most memorable experiences in Palau. Quiet, immersive, and deeply connected to the landscape.
Instead of speeding past lagoons by boat, you paddle through them… spotting fish beneath your kayak and gliding between jungle-covered islets.
Best for:
Travellers who love active, mindful experiences
Those wanting a more intimate connection with nature
Tour options:
Half-day kayaking tours
Full-day kayaking + snorkelling combos
Multi-day kayaking + camping adventures
Kayaking the Rock Islands of Palau on a self-guided multi-day adventure with Paddling Palau.
3. Jellyfish Lake Tour (Iconic but Regulated)
Floating among millions of stingless jellyfish is one of Palau’s most famous experiences. With a lack of predators, the jellyfish have evolved to (somewhat) loose their sting, and multiply in the lake.
Environmental conditions play a big role in the jellyfish population in the lake. When conditions are good, you can expect to see hundreds of jellyfish. When the conditions in recent months (or years) have been poor, you may not see any at all. Check the current populations with tour operators before booking, as tours tend to go ahead regardless of the jellyfish population. We skipped this tour due to low jellyfish numbers at the time, and speaking with other travellers on the island, they said they went and didn’t see any jellyfish.
What to know before booking:
Check the status of jellyfish with tour operators
Sunscreens that are not reef-safe are prohibited
Swimming ability required
Is it worth it?
When jellyfish populations are good, yes. Treat it as a bonus rather than a must-do.
4. Snorkelling Tours (Great for Non-Divers)
You don’t need a dive certification to experience Palau’s marine life.
Snorkelling tours take you to coral gardens, drop-offs, and shallow reefs teeming with turtles, reef sharks, and colourful fish.
Common snorkelling sites include:
German Channel
Big Drop-Off
Blue Corner (conditions permitting)
Tip: If you’re not a confident swimmer, let your operator know. Palau guides are incredibly safety-focused, and can provide options such as life jackets or pool noodles to assist.
Snorkelling in Palau with Impac Tours.
5. WWII History Tours (Land & Sea)
Palau’s WWII history is powerful, sobering, and deeply woven into the landscape.
Tours range from:
Land-based historical site visits
Jungle walks to aircraft wreckage
Snorkelling or diving WWII shipwrecks
Why this tour stands out:
It adds cultural and historical depth to a trip often associated only with marine life.
WWII ruins in Palau.
6. Diving Tours in Palau (World-Class, Even for First Timers)
Palau is consistently ranked among the world’s best diving destinations, known for dramatic drop-offs, strong currents, and thriving marine life.
You don’t need to be an advanced diver to enjoy it, and many operators cater to beginners through to technical divers. Depending on the location, you can expect manta rays, giant clams, reef sharks, and an abundance of fish.
Best for:
Confident swimmers
Qualified divers
Popular dive experiences include:
Blue Corner & Blue Holes
German Channel (manta rays)
Ulong Channel drift dives
WWII wreck dives
Good to know:
Advanced Open Water is recommended for some sites
Strong currents can be common
Dive packages are better value than single dives
If you’re newly certified or haven’t dived in a while, let your operator know, Palau dive guides are among the best in the world.
World class diving in the German Channel.
7. Land-Based Tours in Palau (Culture, Nature & History)
While Palau is famous for its marine experiences, land-based tours add important cultural and historical context to your trip.
Popular land tours include:
Ngardmau Waterfall hike
Badrulchau Stone Monoliths
Belau National Museum
Airai Bai (traditional men’s meeting house)
WWII relics and jungle trails
These tours are ideal if you want to balance boat days with slower exploration, or if weather conditions limit marine activities. You can also hire a car to explore the island at your own pace and experience most of these sites.
Airai Bai (traditional men’s meeting house).
8. Scenic Flight Tours Over Palau (Classic Postcard Views)
If you want to truly understand just how wild and otherworldly Palau is, seeing it from the air is unforgettable.
Scenic flights reveal the full scale of the Rock Islands… hundreds of limestone islands scattered across the blue water, something that’s impossible to grasp from sea level alone. This tour is more expensive, but the views are 100% worth it.
What scenic flight tours typically include:
Low-altitude flights over the Rock Islands
Views of hidden lagoons and reef systems
Commentary from local pilots
Short flight durations with maximum impact
Why it’s worth doing:
Perfect if you’re short on time
Ideal for travellers who don’t want a full day on the water
Incredible for photography and aerial storytelling
If Palau feels like a once-in-a-lifetime destination for you, a scenic flight is a powerful way to see it all in one breathtaking sweep.
Postcard perfection with aerial views of the Rock Islands with Smile Air.
Choosing a Tour Operator in Palau
Palau doesn’t operate on volume tourism. Most operators are small, local, and don’t run every day.
What to look for:
Licensed Palau operators
Small group sizes
Knowledgeable local guides
Tour days that align with your schedule
Should you book in advance?
Yes. Booking ahead helps ensure enough numbers for tours to go ahead, and will ensure you don’t miss out on popular tours.
Many tour operators websites and booking systems in Palau are basic. While I love booking online, we found it easier to email providers directly to ensure we could ask questions, get more information, and ensure we could choose the right tours for us.
Recommended Tour Operators in Palau
Palau’s tour scene is refreshingly local, with operators deeply invested in protecting their environment and sharing it responsibly.
Highly regarded operators include:
Sam’s Tours - One of Palau’s most established operators, offering snorkelling, diving, kayaking, Rock Islands tours, and land excursions. Excellent safety standards and knowledgeable guides.
Fish ‘n Fins - A favourite for divers, with live aboard options, and access to Palau’s top dive sites.
Paddling Palau - Kayaking tours, traditional sailing tours, multi-day camping safari’s, and kayaking and camping gear rentals.
IMPAC Tours - Popular for Rock Islands, Jellyfish Lake, and combined snorkel and kayaking tours.
Neco Marine - Offers snorkelling, kayaking, diving, land based tours, PADI dive courses, equipment rental, and private charters.
Smile Air - Scenic flights over the Rock Islands.
Experience Airai - A community-based and regenerative tourism initiative highlighting Palau’s heritage and culture. Options include cultural heritage tours, authentic Palau meals, and traditional dance performances.
Tip: If sustainability matters to you, ask operators about group sizes, reef practices, and guide-to-guest ratios before booking.
The white mud of the Milky Way, a popular spot on Palau’s snorkelling tours.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tours in Palau
Are tours in Palau expensive?
Tours aren’t cheap, but they reflect:
Remote logistics
Environmental protection fees
Small group experiences
You’re paying for quality, not crowds.
Do I need to book tours before arriving?
For peace of mind, book key tours in advance, especially Rock Islands and kayaking tours.
Can non-swimmers do tours in Palau?
Some tours are suitable with flotation devices, but many experiences require basic swimming confidence. Always ask before booking, and choose land based tours if you’re unsure.
Are Palau tours ethical?
Palau is a global leader in responsible tourism. The Palau Pledge and permit system ensure tourism supports conservation.
Can I travel Palau without doing tours?
You can explore Koror independently, and hire kayaking gear to explore some of the Rock Islands, but most of Palau’s highlights require guided tours.
Paradise in Palau, exploring the Natural Arch.
My top picks
These are the exact tours I chose in Palau, and each was unforgettable in its own way.
Impac Tours Rock Island Tour - Rock Islands, Milky Way, 3x snorkelling stops, lunch on a deserted island, Natural Arch.
Paddling Palau equipment rental - A multi-day self-guided kayaking tour around the Rock Islands, planned by Paddling Palau. Swim, snorkel, discover WWII wrecks, and camp overnight on a secluded beach.
Smile Air scenic flight (Course B) - Milky Way, Jelly Fish Lake, Long Beach, German Channel, Blue Corner, Seventy Islands, Dolphins Pacific and Koror Area.
Experience Airai - Cultural heritage tour of Airai Bai and Canoe House (choose the dinner show if it’s running during your trip).
I recommend hiring a car for 2 days to explore the main island’s waterfalls, beaches, WWII sites, cultural sites and stone monoliths. And if you are a certified diver (I am not unfortunately), don’t miss the incredible diving tours.
Practical Tour Tips for Palau
Bring reef-safe sunscreen (or purchase some when you arrive)
Wear rash vests instead of sunscreen for long days in the sun
Pack reef shoes for rocky entry points
Stay hydrated, tours are often full-day
Why Palau Tours Are Worth It
Tours in Palau aren’t about ticking boxes. They’re about access to places you simply can’t reach alone, guided by people who are deeply invested in protecting their home.
If you value wild places, meaningful experiences, and travel that gives back more than it takes, Palau’s tours will leave a lasting impression, long after the salt dries on your skin.
Planning a trip to Palau? Find useful information, itineraries and planning tips in my Ultimate Palau Travel Guide.