Highlights
The Rock Islands, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are Palau's iconic image — hundreds of ancient, mushroom-shaped, jungle-topped limestone islets rising from luminous turquoise lagoons, best explored by boat and kayak, with hidden beaches, sea caves and marine lakes. Among them lies the world-famous Jellyfish Lake, where you can snorkel harmlessly among millions of golden jellyfish that have evolved without stings.
Palau is, above all, one of the world's premier dive destinations — Blue Corner (a legendary drift dive alive with sharks, rays and fish), the Blue Holes, German Channel's manta rays, and eerie WWII wrecks draw divers from across the globe to its dramatic walls and healthy, shark-rich reefs (Palau created the world's first shark sanctuary).
Beyond the water, the main island of Babeldaob offers waterfalls, ancient stone monoliths and the world's smallest capital, while Peleliu preserves poignant WWII history. Palau's pioneering eco-ethos — every visitor signs the 'Palau Pledge' to protect the environment — underpins an unforgettable, pristine experience.
When to go
Palau is a year-round tropical destination, but November to April (the drier season) offers the most reliable sunshine and calm seas, ideal for diving and snorkelling.
The wetter months (May to October) bring more rain and humidity, though downpours are often short, and diving remains excellent — dive conditions are good all year. Palau is warm and humid throughout, tempered by sea breezes, and lies largely outside the main typhoon belt. Marine life is spectacular in every season. For the calmest seas and best all-round weather, aim for the drier December-to-April window, but any time rewards divers.
Visa & entry
Many nationalities can enter Palau visa-free (or with a visa on arrival) for tourist stays, commonly up to 30 days, with a passport valid six months and proof of onward travel required. All arriving visitors must sign the 'Palau Pledge' (an eco-conservation commitment stamped in the passport), and a departure/environmental fee applies.
Confirm the current visa-free allowance and entry/departure fees for your nationality on Palau's official immigration site before you travel, as details can change.
Health & safety
Palau is a very safe, welcoming destination with low crime, ideal for relaxed travel — visitors report feeling completely secure. Petty theft is uncommon but take normal precautions.
The genuine risks are all about the water: diving must be within your training given strong currents on drift dives like Blue Corner (use experienced local operators), plus reef, boat and sun safety. Respect the strict marine-conservation rules (reef-safe sunscreen is required, and certain areas are protected). Healthcare is limited, so carry insurance with evacuation cover. Palau lies largely outside the typhoon belt. Check your government's advisory before departure, though Palau is generally low-risk.
Getting around
Getting around centres on Koror, the main hub, where hotels, dive shops and restaurants cluster. Boat tours are the way to reach the Rock Islands, Jellyfish Lake and dive sites — arranged through dive shops and operators, who handle transfers. On the islands of Koror and Babeldaob, hire a car or use taxis to explore, connected by a causeway/bridge.
International flights are limited, so plan connections carefully. There is little public transport, so a hire car or tours are the practical way to see land-based sights. Given that the highlights are marine, most time is spent on boats with dive and snorkel operators.
Money
Palau uses the US dollar as its official currency, making it very convenient for many visitors — no exchange needed if arriving with dollars. Cards are accepted at hotels, dive shops and larger restaurants in Koror, and ATMs are available, but carry cash (small US bills) for smaller vendors, tours, taxis, fees and tips.
Palau is an expensive destination, given its remoteness, and includes various conservation and permit fees for the Rock Islands and dive sites — budget for these. Tipping is customary (US-style) — around 10-15% in restaurants and for dive guides and boat crews who ensure your safety and experience.
Palau