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> Signature: Palau’s Rock Islands & Underwater Serengeti
Overview
Book online and enjoy exclusive savings on G Adventures 9 Day Signature: Palau’s Rock Islands & Underwater Serengeti. Voyage into the emerald maze of the Rock Islands, where the ocean is a living wilderness. Your expedition flows from the silence of mangrove forests to the teeming drop-offs of an underwater Serengeti. Alongside researchers and elders, bridge the gap between ancient tradition and modern conservation, discovering the soul of this pristine archipelago.
Trip Length
9 Days
Trip Starts
Koror
Trip Ends
Koror
Departures
Jan 2027 to Dec 2027
Countries Visited:
Palau
Operator
G Adventures
Trip Style
National Geographic Signature
Accommodation
4.5 - 5 Star
Budget
Premium
Age Range
6-99 Years
Max. Group Size
22
Pace
Moderate
Guide Style
Fully Guided
Tour Code
OUKKNS
Itinerary
Welcome to Palau. Your expedition begins as you touch down in Koror, greeted by the warm, humid embrace of the tropics. You will be met and transferred to your hotel to settle in–take a moment to breathe in the salt air and feel the immediate relief of the warm, tropical breeze. Use this time to rest and adjust to the slower island pace before the extraordinary marine and cultural treasures of the Rock Islands unfold tomorrow.
Accommodation: Palau Pacific Resort
Included Experiences
- Arrival Transfer: You will be met at the airport and transferred to the hotel to start your adventure.
Gather with your National Geographic Expedition Leader and National Geographic Expedition Expert for a welcome presentation on Palau’s unique nature and culture before boarding a boat to Nikko Bay. Glide across turquoise waters to your first snorkel sites: the vibrant Rembrandt’s Cove and another epic location teeming with life. Immerse yourself in the silent world beneath the surface, marveling at the density of marine biodiversity. After lunch on board, connect with Palau’s seafaring heritage during a meeting with the crew of a traditional Moana canoe. Return to the hotel to refresh before a welcome cocktail reception and dinner featuring a mesmerizing performance by Palauan dancers.
Accommodation: Palau Pacific Resort
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Experiences
- Welcome Moment - Meet Your Expedition Leader and Group: Your opportunity to meet your Expedition Leader and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
- Introduction to Palau Nature and Culture: Join a National Geographic Expedition Expert of an intro presentation on the culture and nature of Palau.
- Nikko Bay Snorkel Site: Head to Rembrandt's cove for the first snorkel and spend the rest of the day exploring and snorkeling Lettuce Coral Wall or Disney Bay (weather dependent).
- Moana Canoe: See a traditional outrigger canoe, a seemingly perfect replica of the canoe from the famous "Moana" movie. Take some photos and learn of the incredible history of these vessels powered by paddles and woven sails using the amazing ancestral navigation called wayfinding, mapping the stars.
- Free Time at the Resort in Koror: During your free time, relax at your hotel or explore your surroundings.
- Welcome Reception in Koror: Enjoy a Welcome cocktail reception by the pool before the welcome dinner at the resort.
Begin with a visit to the Coral Reef Research Foundation to meet a researcher and learn about their vital work, including the search for medicinal compounds in marine invertebrates. Then, snorkel the crystal-clear waters of Blue Devil Gardens before boarding a boat to Risong Bay. Navigate the silence of the mangrove forest, listening for endemic birds and searching the shallows for baby sharks. After a grilled lunch on a secluded beach, snorkel the Mandarin Fish Lake. Scan the water for the dazzling, psychedelic colors of the mandarin fish before returning to the resort.
Accommodation: Palau Pacific Resort
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Experiences
- Coral Reef Research Foundation Visit: Visit the Coral Reef Research Foundation (CRRF), which was founded in 1991 and has been leading conservation efforts and research in Palau. Explore the world of marine invertebrates in newly discovered marine lakes who protect themselves with a cornucopia of bizarre chemical compounds. Much like the medicinal plants of the Amazon rainforest, these sponges & ascidians may hold unique proteins which could one day help cure cancer and deadly diseases. Meet with a researcher from the CRRF to better understand the bio diversity of Palau's marine environment.
- A day at Risong Bay: Paddle by kayak gently in search of baby sharks, endemic birds, and rare orchids before relaxing at Blue Devil Beach and snorkeling at Blue Devil Garden. Enjoy lunch before continuing to snorkel Mandarin Fish Lake for the final snorkel of the day.
- Free Time at the Resort in Koror: During your free time, relax at your hotel or explore your surroundings.
Combine exploration with active conservation at Ulong Island. Snorkel below the Ulong Arch, a natural limestone bridge which underneath teems with colourful fish and soft corals. Here, you will assist in restoring native populations by placing young, farmed giant clams onto the reef — a hands-on contribution to the ecosystem. Step ashore onto the island and walk through an old-growth forest to the site of an ancient village, where your Leader will share the history of the Rock Island people who once thrived here. Enjoy a traditional Palauan barbecue lunch on the beach, followed by a talk on local conservation. The afternoon concludes with a drift snorkel through the dynamic currents and marine life of Wilson’s Channel.
Accommodation: Palau Pacific Resort
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Included Experiences
- Ulong Island Snorkel: Transfer by boat out to Ulong Arch to see the beautiful corals and colors and help restore the native clam population by placing young farmed clams on the reef to grow into adults. After, head to the beach for a Palawan BBQ lunch. In the afternoon, explore the reef at Wilson's Channel before heading back to the resort.
Spend the morning kayaking under the dense, green canopy of Long Lake. Paddle quietly through this delicate ecosystem, observing nesting birds, ferns, and wild orchids reflected in the calm water. Continue to the Milky Way, a secluded milky-turquoise lagoon famous for its white limestone mud. Indulge in a natural spa treatment by covering yourself in the mineral-rich mud found on the sea floor. After washing off and enjoying a beach lunch, snorkel the multi-colored brain corals of Einstein’s Garden, a site known for its unique cerebral formations. Conclude the day with dinner at a restaurant elegantly built over the lagoon, watching the moon rise over the water.
Accommodation: Palau Pacific Resort
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Experiences
- Long Lake Paddle and Snorkel: In the morning, kayak among the mangrove forest of Long lake. Later, head to an area called the Milky Way to discover white mud and have the opportunity for a white mud bath. After, enjoy another beach lunch before snorkeling among the multi colored brain corals of Einstein's Garden and return back to the resort.
Snorkel the massive coral colony known as the Reef Fish Apartment House, towering Turbinaria structures whose folds shelter dozens of fish species. After lunch on the beach, delve into the region's wartime history with a talk on the impact of WWII. Snorkel from the beach to inspect the haunting remains of a Japanese Zero fighter plane resting in the shallow seabed, now an artificial reef. Your final stop is Rainbow Reef, a kaleidoscope of soft corals and fish that showcases the full spectrum of Palau’s biodiversity. Tonight, enjoy an authentic dinner at a small, local café, experiencing the island's hospitality firsthand.
Accommodation: Palau Pacific Resort
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Experiences
- Patch Reefs and Ngeanges Island: Start the day by transferring to Fantasy Island by boat and snorkeling over Table and Staghorn Corals. Afterwards, snorkel in an area know as “Reef Fish Apartment House”, a massive colony of Turbinaria frondens coral. After, enjoy another delicious beach lunch and snorkel out to see the remains of a WWII Japanese Zero fighter plane. End the day at Rainbow Reef, which arguably boasts the finest coral and fish diversity inside the reef before continuing back to the resort for free time.
Head to the outer reefs for a drift snorkel at the legendary Big Drop-Off. Using the currents to guide you, float effortlessly past a sheer underwater wall covered in giant sea fans and sponges, watching sea turtles and schools of pyramid butterflyfish in this "Underwater Serengeti." Lunch is served onboard while the crew actively scouts the horizon for pods of playful spinner dolphins. The afternoon concludes at the German Channel, a man-made cut in the reef that attracts filter feeders. Snorkel the channel in hopes of spotting majestic manta rays gliding through the open water. Enjoy the evening and dinner at your leisure to reflect on the day’s incredible marine encounters.
Accommodation: Palau Pacific Resort
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Included Experiences
- Ngemelis Island: Start the day with a boat transfer to Ngemelis Island to snorkel in an area known as the "Big Drop-off" before continuing on to Fairyland Gardens for additional snorkeling over a staggering reef. After lunch on board the boat, snorkel at the German Channel in the afternoon before returning to the resort for free time.
Hike a forest trail to reach the secluded Jellyfish Lake for a surreal, once-in-a-lifetime swim. Drift among countless golden jellyfish as they pulse gently in the sunlit, green water — an experience of pure tranquility. Afterward, view an enormous disk of ancient Yapese stone money and snorkel over massive 500-pound giant clams. Visit the Belau National Museum to gather in a traditionally carved meeting house, where a revered elder shares the deep history and creation stories of the Palauan people. Celebrate your marine odyssey with a farewell dinner at the resort, toasting the memories of the archipelago.
Accommodation: Palau Pacific Resort
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Experiences
- Belau National Museum Visit: After free time at the resort, transfer to Belau National Museum to hear the story of Palau from one of the elders.
- Jellyfish Lake and Ngermeaus Island: Start the day with a boat ride to the floating docks at Jellyfish Lake. From there, enjoy a short hike and swim to view the jellyfish. Afterwards, transfer by boat to snorkel over giant clams before enjoying a final lunch on the beach before returning to the resort for free time
- Farewell Dinner in Koror: Conclude the journey with a Farewell Dinner at the resort.
Your expedition to Palau concludes today. After breakfast, take a final look at the pristine waters before your individual transfer to the airport, provided at any time during the day.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Included Experiences
- Departure Transfer: You will be met at your hotel and transferred to the airport at the end of your adventure.
Trip Inclusions
- Plant young farmed clams on the reef to help restore the native population.
- Drift past sharks and turtles on a sheer wall known as the “Underwater Serengeti".
- Snorkel the haunting remains of a Japanese fighter plane resting on the shallow reef.
- Float among golden jellyfish in a silent and secluded marine lake.
- Hear Palau’s deep history directly from a revered elder at the National Museum.
- Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your Expedition Leader and Group, Koror
- Signature Moment: Coral Reef Research Foundation Visit, Koror
- Arrival and departure transfer
- Nikko Bay Snorkel at Rembrandt's cove
- Moana Canoe experience
- Free Time at the Resort
- Risong Bay kayak
- Relax at Blue Devil Beach
- Mandarin Fish Lake snorkel
- Ulong Island Snorkel
- Palawan BBQ lunch
- Support the native giant clam population
- Long Lake kayak
- Milky Way white mud bath
- Einstein's Garden snorkel
- Fantasy Island and "Reef Fish Apartment House” snorkel
- WWII Japanese Zero fighter plane & Rainbow Reef snorkel
- Big Drop off and Fairyland Gardens snorkel
- Jellyfish lake hike and snorkel
- Belau National Museum Visit
- Engaging Discussions with the National Geographic Expedition Expert throughout
- Porterage at hotels and when getting on and off of vehicles
- Tips are included for all activities, meals and porterage, except for your Expedition Leader
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
- Boat, Walking, Kayak, Private Vehicle
- National Geographic Expedition Leader and National Geographic Expedition Expert
- Resort (8 Nights)
- 8 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 5 dinners
- Accommodation, itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
- Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included.
Operator
G Adventures came from a desire to deliver authentic and responsible small group travel adventures that were equally life-changing for travellers and the communities they visit. And we’re been doing just that for almost 30 years. Our award-winning trips span seven continents and over 100 countries, giving you meaningful more experiences with people, cultures, landscapes and wildlife, as well as offering you the freedom and flexibility to explore on your own.
On all of our tours, you get to know locals every step of the way, from the places you visit and stay to where you eat and drink. You’ll also get to experience our ‘G for Good’ social impact initiatives on-trip, including our industry-leading ‘Ripple Score’. This score measures, as a percentage, the amount of money that stays in the local community through on-trip services like accommodation, restaurants and transport.
On all of our tours, you get to know locals every step of the way, from the places you visit and stay to where you eat and drink. You’ll also get to experience our ‘G for Good’ social impact initiatives on-trip, including our industry-leading ‘Ripple Score’. This score measures, as a percentage, the amount of money that stays in the local community through on-trip services like accommodation, restaurants and transport.
Trip Style: National Geographic Signature
These ultra-premium journeys combine deep cultural immersion with five-star comfort and the authority of National Geographic. Created in collaboration with G Adventures, each experience offers rare access, meaningful connections with communities, and expert insight from leading specialists.
With world-class service, thoughtfully curated inclusions, and unforgettable Signature Moments throughout, these journeys are designed for travelers who seek refined luxury without losing a sense of purpose or discovery.
Dates & Pricing
USD
Saturday
23 Jan 2027
23 Jan 27
Koror
Sunday
31 Jan 2027
31 Jan 27
Koror
Details
Definite Departure
Our Price
US$10,499
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Saturday
20 Feb 2027
20 Feb 27
Koror
Sunday
28 Feb 2027
28 Feb 27
Koror
Details
Definite Departure
Our Price
US$10,499
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Saturday
27 Mar 2027
27 Mar 27
Koror
Sunday
04 Apr 2027
04 Apr 27
Koror
Details
Definite Departure
Our Price
US$10,499
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Saturday
24 Apr 2027
24 Apr 27
Koror
Sunday
02 May 2027
02 May 27
Koror
Details
Definite Departure
Our Price
US$9,999
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Saturday
08 May 2027
08 May 27
Koror
Sunday
16 May 2027
16 May 27
Koror
Details
Definite Departure
Our Price
US$9,499
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Saturday
05 Jun 2027
05 Jun 27
Koror
Sunday
13 Jun 2027
13 Jun 27
Koror
Details
Definite Departure
Our Price
US$9,499
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Saturday
17 Jul 2027
17 Jul 27
Koror
Sunday
25 Jul 2027
25 Jul 27
Koror
Details
Definite Departure
Our Price
US$10,499
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Saturday
07 Aug 2027
07 Aug 27
Koror
Sunday
15 Aug 2027
15 Aug 27
Koror
Details
Definite Departure
Our Price
US$10,499
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Saturday
04 Sep 2027
04 Sep 27
Koror
Sunday
12 Sep 2027
12 Sep 27
Koror
Details
Definite Departure
Our Price
US$10,499
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Saturday
02 Oct 2027
02 Oct 27
Koror
Sunday
10 Oct 2027
10 Oct 27
Koror
Details
Definite Departure
Our Price
US$10,499
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Saturday
13 Nov 2027
13 Nov 27
Koror
Sunday
21 Nov 2027
21 Nov 27
Koror
Details
Definite Departure
Our Price
US$10,499
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Saturday
11 Dec 2027
11 Dec 27
Koror
Sunday
19 Dec 2027
19 Dec 27
Koror
Details
Definite Departure
Our Price
US$10,499
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Note
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you Inquire. Additional savings may apply. T&C’s apply.
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you Inquire. Additional savings may apply. T&C’s apply.
Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by G Adventures. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by G Adventures. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
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