Palau diving: Blue Corner and Jellyfish Lake
Duration : 10 days
Route : Koror (8 nights, 6 days diving 2x/day) → 1 rest day → return flight
Custom travel to Palau
Palau is one of the planet's most extraordinary natural sanctuaries — 340 Micronesian islands in the heart of the western Pacific, of which 250 are the Rock Islands (UNESCO 2012, one of the world's 26 mixed natural and cultural sites) — mushroom-shaped limestone formations emerging from a turquoise lagoon. One of the world's most prestigious diving destinations — Blue Corner ranked world top 5 (hammerhead sharks, manta rays, barracudas), German Channel (manta rays), Jellyfish Lake (lake of golden jellyfish that don't sting, world-unique experience, accessible by snorkeling). 18,000-inhabitant country committed to conservation — the Palau Pledge (commitment signed by every visitor on the passport, to respect the environment) has been mandatory since 2017. Reserved for experienced divers and lovers of preserved nature.
Highlights
- Rock Islands (UNESCO mixed): 250 mushroom islands
- Blue Corner: world top 5 diving (sharks, rays)
- Jellyfish Lake: swim with non-stinging golden jellyfish
- German Channel: giant manta rays
- Milky Way Lagoon: milky water and white mud
- Peleliu: WWII battlefield and wreck diving
Sample itineraries
Discovery: Rock Islands by kayak
Duration : 8 days
Route : Koror (6 nights, Rock Islands kayak 3 days, snorkeling, Jellyfish Lake) → return flight
Liveaboard diving cruise
Duration : 10 days
Route : Koror (1 night) → Palau Aggressor cruise (7 days, 28 dives) → Koror (1 night) → return flight
When to go
Dry season (November-May): optimal diving visibility, little rain. Wet season (June-October): rain and possible storms, but manta rays more present at German Channel. Avoid July-August (rare but possible typhoons).
- Dry season (high) (November – May) — Blue Corner, hammerhead sharks
- Wet season (June – October) — German Channel (manta rays)
- Manta ray peak (December – March) — German Channel manta cleaning station
- Typhoon peak (July – October) — Off-season
Practical information
Very safe. No visa for French citizens < 30 days. Palau Pledge mandatory (passport signature on arrival). Reef-safe sunscreen only (oxybenzone banned). USD used. Tap water drinkable. Cards accepted.
Frequently asked questions
When?
November-May (dry season, optimal diving).
How long?
8-10 days minimum for 5-6 days diving.
Budget?
€4,200-€5,800 per person for 8-10 days in comfort, excluding flights. Liveaboard: €8,000-€12,000. Flights: €1,800-€2,800.
Visa?
No for French citizens < 30 days. Palau Pledge mandatory to sign on arrival.
Required diving level?
Open Water+ for most sites. Advanced+ recommended for Blue Corner (strong currents) and German Channel.
Jellyfish Lake: risk?
None. Golden jellyfish have lost stinging ability (isolated from Pacific 12,000 years). Snorkeling only (diving forbidden).
Non-diving?
Yes — Rock Islands kayak, Jellyfish Lake snorkeling, Milky Way Lagoon, hidden beaches. 7 days enough for non-divers.
Allowed sunscreen?
Reef-safe only (without oxybenzone, octinoxate). Bring yours or buy locally.
Combine?
Yes: Palau + Japan (Tokyo stopover), Palau + Philippines (Manila), Palau + Taiwan (Taipei).
Tips?
Yes, 10-15% in restaurants (American heritage, USD used).