Snorkeling in the Rock Islands

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UNESCO Site! Visit the

Snorkeling in the Rock Islands

The Rock Islands are a UNESCO World Heritage site. The thalassophile club’s island-hopping snorkeling tours offer classic East and West routes, taking you to all of Palau’s top spots!

The thalassophile club maintains a neutral stance on visiting Dolphin Bay. Generally, we oppose the captivity of marine mammals; however, the ecosystem at Dolphins Pacific is unique. We have personally inspected the environment and met the trainers, and we believe they are doing their best to care for the dolphins living there. That said, we completely respect your decision if you are firmly against any form of wildlife captivity.

Highlights
  • Classic Palau snorkeling routes—breathtaking ocean secrets.
  • Friendly, certified Chinese-speaking guides for peace of mind.
  • Enjoy a delicious island-style BBQ lunch on a deserted island.
  • Everyone is welcome, even non-swimmers! We provide simple, easy-to-follow instructions before heading out, and your guide will stay with you the entire time.
  • Private guide services are available for those needing extra assistance, such as families with children. (Please contact customer service for rates.)
Requirements
  • Participants under 18 must have a signed consent form from a guardian.
  • Each adult may bring one child aged 6 or under for free (gear and lunch not included). Guardians are responsible for their children. (Per Palauan regulations, the guide-to-guest ratio for snorkeling is 1:10.)
Pricing

US$ 132 (10% PGST included)

Itinerary

Embrace the Palau-style island vibe! Our trips are relaxed, comfortable, and never rushed, so you can truly soak in the ocean.

9 am

Hotel pickup

9:30 am

Head out to the destination (boat ride takes about 20-35 minutes)

10:00 am

Snorkeling instruction and first snorkeling spot

11:00 am

Second attraction

12:00 PM

Take a lunch break and eat on a deserted island

1:30 pm

Third stop

2:30 PM

The fourth stop

3:30 PM

Return trip

4:00 pm

Shuttle back to the hotel

A group of snorkelers enjoying a natural mud bath in the famous Milky Way lagoon in Palau.

Milky Way Natural SPA - A unique tourist destination in Palau, hidden in a small lagoon among the Rock Islands. While the waters around Palau are generally crystal clear, this spot looks like pure white milk due to the sediment of white volcanic mud! Visitors can enjoy a natural seabed mud spa here, but remember to avoid getting the mud in your hair, or it will become dry and brittle.

Two hands touching non-stinging jellyfish in Palau's famous Jellyfish Lake.

Dreamy Non-Stinging Jellyfish Lake - Palau's Jellyfish Lake is home to two types of non-stinging jellyfish: the more common golden, spherical "Golden Jellyfish" and the transparent, umbrella-shaped "Moon Jellyfish." Both types were originally venomous, but as geological movements gradually isolated the lake from the open sea, the jellyfish lost their natural predators and eventually lost their sting.

Activity Details

Palau’s ocean is like a tropical rainforest beneath the waves, home to diverse terrain and a unique ecosystem. From world-famous drop-offs and the secluded, natural Milky Way to the dreamlike stingless Jellyfish Lake, vibrant coral reefs, hidden limestone caves, and WWII historical sites—there is so much to see and experience that we recommend setting aside at least two days for a deep dive. Rock Islands snorkeling tours are generally divided into East and West routes.

Classic East Route → Milky Way Natural Spa - Colorful Fish World - Shark City - Stingless Jellyfish Lake / Giant Clam City

Stunning West Route → WWII Japanese Shipwreck - Colorful Soft Corals - Romantic Lover's Bridge - Big Drop-Off - Massive Hard Corals

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If you’re looking for more flexibility, we offer private boat charters tailored to your needs. We can design a custom itinerary for you, including options like snorkeling/freediving day trips, snorkeling combined with fishing, introductory scuba diving, or SUP paddleboarding.

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Dreamy Non-Stinging Jellyfish Lake - Palau's Jellyfish Lake is home to two types of non-stinging jellyfish: the more common golden, spherical "Golden Jellyfish" and the transparent, umbrella-shaped "Moon Jellyfish." Both types were originally venomous, but as geological movements gradually isolated the lake from the open sea, the jellyfish lost their natural predators and eventually lost their sting.

Dreamy Non-Stinging Jellyfish Lake - Palau's Jellyfish Lake is home to two types of non-stinging jellyfish: the more common golden, spherical "Golden Jellyfish" and the transparent, umbrella-shaped "Moon Jellyfish." Both types were originally venomous, but as geological movements gradually isolated the lake from the open sea, the jellyfish lost their natural predators and eventually lost their sting.

Milky Way Natural SPA - A unique tourist destination in Palau, hidden in a small lagoon among the Rock Islands. While the waters around Palau are generally crystal clear, this spot looks like pure white milk due to the sediment of white volcanic mud! Visitors can enjoy a natural seabed mud spa here, but remember to avoid getting the mud in your hair, or it will become dry and brittle.

Milky Way Natural SPA - A unique tourist destination in Palau, hidden in a small lagoon among the Rock Islands. While the waters around Palau are generally crystal clear, this spot looks like pure white milk due to the sediment of white volcanic mud! Visitors can enjoy a natural seabed mud spa here, but remember to avoid getting the mud in your hair, or it will become dry and brittle.

Course Details

Palau’s ocean is like a tropical rainforest beneath the waves, home to diverse terrain and a unique ecosystem. From world-famous drop-offs and the secluded, natural Milky Way to the dreamlike stingless Jellyfish Lake, vibrant coral reefs, hidden limestone caves, and WWII historical sites—there is so much to see and experience that we recommend setting aside at least two days for a deep dive. Rock Islands snorkeling tours are generally divided into East and West routes.

Classic East Route → Milky Way Natural Spa - Colorful Fish World - Shark City - Stingless Jellyfish Lake / Giant Clam City

Stunning West Route → WWII Japanese Shipwreck - Colorful Soft Corals - Romantic Lover's Bridge - Big Drop-Off - Massive Hard Corals

‍

If you’re looking for more flexibility, we offer private boat charters tailored to your needs. We can design a custom itinerary for you, including options like snorkeling/freediving day trips, snorkeling combined with fishing, introductory scuba diving, or SUP paddleboarding.

‍

Itinerary

day 1

9 am
10 am
12 noon
1:30 pm

4 pm
6 pm

Registration and orientation
Theory class
Lunch
Equipment setup and use
Knowledge review
Written exam
Return to hotel

day 2

9 am
12:30 pm
2 pm
4 pm

Confined water session - Pool
Lunch
Open Water Dive 1
End of day / Return to hotel

day 3

8:30 am
9:15 am
12 pm
2 pm
3 pm
4 pm
‍

Hotel pickup and boat departure
Open Water Dives 2 & 3
Lunch on boat or uninhabited island
Open Water Dive 4
Return trip
Return to hotel

Itinerary
Pre-course

Registration and course orientation
Gear fitting

day 1

8:30 am
10 am
11 am
12 noon
1:30 pm
3 pm
4 pm

Hotel pickup and boat departure
Open Water Dive 1
Open Water Dive 2
Lunch
Open Water Dive 3
Return trip
End of day / Return to hotel

day 2

8:30 am
10 am
11 am
12 noon
1:30 pm
3 pm
4 pm

5 pm

Hotel pickup and boat departure
Open Water Dive 4
Open Water Dive 5
Lunch
Optional extra dive / snorkeling / rest
Return trip
Return to hotel
Knowledge review and logbook
Graduation! Certificate presentation

Dreamy Non-Stinging Jellyfish Lake - Palau's Jellyfish Lake is home to two types of non-stinging jellyfish: the more common golden, spherical "Golden Jellyfish" and the transparent, umbrella-shaped "Moon Jellyfish." Both types were originally venomous, but as geological movements gradually isolated the lake from the open sea, the jellyfish lost their natural predators and eventually lost their sting.

Dreamy Non-Stinging Jellyfish Lake - Palau's Jellyfish Lake is home to two types of non-stinging jellyfish: the more common golden, spherical "Golden Jellyfish" and the transparent, umbrella-shaped "Moon Jellyfish." Both types were originally venomous, but as geological movements gradually isolated the lake from the open sea, the jellyfish lost their natural predators and eventually lost their sting.

Milky Way Natural SPA - A unique tourist destination in Palau, hidden in a small lagoon among the Rock Islands. While the waters around Palau are generally crystal clear, this spot looks like pure white milk due to the sediment of white volcanic mud! Visitors can enjoy a natural seabed mud spa here, but remember to avoid getting the mud in your hair, or it will become dry and brittle.

Milky Way Natural SPA - A unique tourist destination in Palau, hidden in a small lagoon among the Rock Islands. While the waters around Palau are generally crystal clear, this spot looks like pure white milk due to the sediment of white volcanic mud! Visitors can enjoy a natural seabed mud spa here, but remember to avoid getting the mud in your hair, or it will become dry and brittle.

Course Details

Palau’s ocean is like a tropical rainforest beneath the waves, home to diverse terrain and a unique ecosystem. From world-famous drop-offs and the secluded, natural Milky Way to the dreamlike stingless Jellyfish Lake, vibrant coral reefs, hidden limestone caves, and WWII historical sites—there is so much to see and experience that we recommend setting aside at least two days for a deep dive. Rock Islands snorkeling tours are generally divided into East and West routes.

Classic East Route → Milky Way Natural Spa - Colorful Fish World - Shark City - Stingless Jellyfish Lake / Giant Clam City

Stunning West Route → WWII Japanese Shipwreck - Colorful Soft Corals - Romantic Lover's Bridge - Big Drop-Off - Massive Hard Corals

‍

If you’re looking for more flexibility, we offer private boat charters tailored to your needs. We can design a custom itinerary for you, including options like snorkeling/freediving day trips, snorkeling combined with fishing, introductory scuba diving, or SUP paddleboarding.

‍

Itinerary

day 1

9 am
10 am
12 noon
1:30 pm

4 pm
6 pm

Registration and orientation
Theory class
Lunch
Equipment setup and use
Knowledge review
Written exam
Return to hotel

day 2

9 am
12:30 pm
2 pm
4 pm

Confined water session - Pool
Lunch
Open Water Dive 1
End of day / Return to hotel

day 3

8:30 am
9:15 am
12 pm
2 pm
3 pm
4 pm
‍

Hotel pickup and boat departure
Open Water Dives 2 & 3
Lunch on boat or uninhabited island
Open Water Dive 4
Return trip
Return to hotel

Itinerary
Pre-course

Registration and course orientation
Gear fitting

day 1

8:30 am
10 am
11 am
12 noon
1:30 pm
3 pm
4 pm

Hotel pickup and boat departure
Open Water Dive 1
Open Water Dive 2
Lunch
Open Water Dive 3
Return trip
End of day / Return to hotel

day 2

8:30 am
10 am
11 am
12 noon
1:30 pm
3 pm
4 pm

5 pm

Hotel pickup and boat departure
Open Water Dive 4
Open Water Dive 5
Lunch
Optional extra dive / snorkeling / rest
Return trip
Return to hotel
Knowledge review and logbook
Graduation! Certificate presentation

Dreamy Non-Stinging Jellyfish Lake - Palau's Jellyfish Lake is home to two types of non-stinging jellyfish: the more common golden, spherical "Golden Jellyfish" and the transparent, umbrella-shaped "Moon Jellyfish." Both types were originally venomous, but as geological movements gradually isolated the lake from the open sea, the jellyfish lost their natural predators and eventually lost their sting.

Dreamy Non-Stinging Jellyfish Lake - Palau's Jellyfish Lake is home to two types of non-stinging jellyfish: the more common golden, spherical "Golden Jellyfish" and the transparent, umbrella-shaped "Moon Jellyfish." Both types were originally venomous, but as geological movements gradually isolated the lake from the open sea, the jellyfish lost their natural predators and eventually lost their sting.

Milky Way Natural SPA - A unique tourist destination in Palau, hidden in a small lagoon among the Rock Islands. While the waters around Palau are generally crystal clear, this spot looks like pure white milk due to the sediment of white volcanic mud! Visitors can enjoy a natural seabed mud spa here, but remember to avoid getting the mud in your hair, or it will become dry and brittle.

Milky Way Natural SPA - A unique tourist destination in Palau, hidden in a small lagoon among the Rock Islands. While the waters around Palau are generally crystal clear, this spot looks like pure white milk due to the sediment of white volcanic mud! Visitors can enjoy a natural seabed mud spa here, but remember to avoid getting the mud in your hair, or it will become dry and brittle.

Course Details

Palau’s ocean is like a tropical rainforest beneath the waves, home to diverse terrain and a unique ecosystem. From world-famous drop-offs and the secluded, natural Milky Way to the dreamlike stingless Jellyfish Lake, vibrant coral reefs, hidden limestone caves, and WWII historical sites—there is so much to see and experience that we recommend setting aside at least two days for a deep dive. Rock Islands snorkeling tours are generally divided into East and West routes.

Classic East Route → Milky Way Natural Spa - Colorful Fish World - Shark City - Stingless Jellyfish Lake / Giant Clam City

Stunning West Route → WWII Japanese Shipwreck - Colorful Soft Corals - Romantic Lover's Bridge - Big Drop-Off - Massive Hard Corals

‍

If you’re looking for more flexibility, we offer private boat charters tailored to your needs. We can design a custom itinerary for you, including options like snorkeling/freediving day trips, snorkeling combined with fishing, introductory scuba diving, or SUP paddleboarding.

‍

Itinerary

day 1

9 am
10 am
12 noon
1:30 pm

4 pm
6 pm

Registration and orientation
Theory class
Lunch
Equipment setup and use
Knowledge review
Written exam
Return to hotel

day 2

9 am
12:30 pm
2 pm
4 pm

Confined water session - Pool
Lunch
Open Water Dive 1
End of day / Return to hotel

day 3

8:30 am
9:15 am
12 pm
2 pm
3 pm
4 pm
‍

Hotel pickup and boat departure
Open Water Dives 2 & 3
Lunch on boat or uninhabited island
Open Water Dive 4
Return trip
Return to hotel

Itinerary
Pre-course

Registration and course orientation
Gear fitting

day 1

8:30 am
10 am
11 am
12 noon
1:30 pm
3 pm
4 pm

Hotel pickup and boat departure
Open Water Dive 1
Open Water Dive 2
Lunch
Open Water Dive 3
Return trip
End of day / Return to hotel

day 2

8:30 am
10 am
11 am
12 noon
1:30 pm
3 pm
4 pm

5 pm

Hotel pickup and boat departure
Open Water Dive 4
Open Water Dive 5
Lunch
Optional extra dive / snorkeling / rest
Return trip
Return to hotel
Knowledge review and logbook
Graduation! Certificate presentation

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‍Trip Details

  • Minimum of 2 people required to book.
  • Price includes mask, snorkel, and life jacket. If you need to rent additional gear like fins, please register the day before departure.
  • Please follow your guide’s instructions at all times and do not wander off. Any costs or legal liabilities resulting from unauthorized departure or reckless behavior are the sole responsibility of the participant.
  • Help protect the ocean: please do not touch the coral or any marine life.
  • Please be mindful of your physical condition. If you are hungover, overly exhausted, or feeling unwell, please assess your ability to participate before joining.
  • To protect the coral reefs, Palau has banned sunscreens containing harmful ingredients. We recommend physical sun protection (rash guards and hats) instead of sunscreen. Please avoid wearing makeup. If you must use sunscreen, please choose an "ocean-friendly" product.

Cancellation, Changes, and Refund Policy

‍1. Cancellations, Changes, or Transfers (Non-Force Majeure)

  1. After booking, any requests for cancellation, changes, or transfers must be submitted in writing. We will confirm receipt in writing within 24 hours. The date of our confirmation serves as the official record for processing.
  2. Cancellation fees are as follows:
    ‍
    • 60+ days before departure: Full refund minus bank transfer fees.
    • 21–60 days before departure: 10% of the total tour cost.
    • 4–20 days before departure: 40% of the total tour cost.
    • 1–3 days before departure: 70% of the total tour cost.
    • Day of departure, no-shows, unauthorized departure, or failure to notify: No refund.
  3. If our actual costs incurred to fulfill the contract exceed these percentages, the traveler will be responsible for the actual expenses.
  4. All refunds are subject to bank transfer fees.

2. Travelers unable to reach Palau — Flight delays or cancellations due to natural disasters or force majeure (including but not limited to typhoons, heavy rain, thunderstorms, earthquakes, pandemics, sudden lockdowns, etc.)

  1. If travelers are unable to arrive in Palau on the scheduled date due to the aforementioned force majeure, affecting the start of the trip, our company can offer: Rescheduling (subject to supplier availability and feasible dates); or Refunds: Diving fees will be refunded after deducting incurred costs; accommodation, meals, and related services will be handled according to the supplier's refund policy. Our company will assist in submitting applications, but we do not guarantee full refunds from suppliers. Our company is not responsible for refunds.

3. Travelers already in Palau — Activities canceled due to weather or Palau NEMO maritime warnings (including "small craft advisories" or other official safety restrictions issued by the Palau National Emergency Management Office).

  1. If diving activities are canceled or partially unavailable due to the above reasons: Diving activity fees: Refunded after deducting incurred costs. Accommodation, meals, and other services: Handled according to supplier policies. Our company reserves the right to adjust the order of activities, substitute dive sites, or change the itinerary.

4. Inability to depart as scheduled, delayed arrival, or mid-trip departure due to personal reasons (including connecting flight delays, transit issues, visa factors, personal circumstances, etc.)

  1. For those unable to participate in all or part of the activities due to personal reasons, no refunds, compensation, or alternative activities will be provided. Travelers may still join the remaining portion of the trip upon arrival.

5. Voluntarily opting out of activities during the trip

  • If travelers choose not to participate in scheduled activities (including meals, diving, transportation, sightseeing, etc.) during the trip, it is considered a voluntary withdrawal, and no refunds or compensation may be requested.

6. Agency responsibilities and recommendations

  1. Our company strongly recommends that travel agencies advise travelers to purchase travel insurance that covers weather, flight delays, cancellations, and natural factors. Our company reserves the right to adjust accommodation, transportation, meals, and other itinerary arrangements to an equivalent standard without lowering the quality.
  • We strongly recommend that group members purchase travel insurance that covers trip cancellations due to weather and other natural conditions.

Equipment Rental Terms

  • Please verify the size of the rented equipment and ensure it is completely free of defects at the time of rental. Any damage or loss caused by personal negligence must be compensated at the full value.

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What's Included
Include the followings
Ferry fare
Include the followings
Life jacket, mask, and snorkel
Include the followings
Drinking Water and Beverages
Include the followings
Lunch
Include the followings
Round-trip shuttle service from downtown hotels
Include the followings
10% PGST (Palau Goods and Services Tax)
Include the followings
Travel Agency Liability Insurance
Not Include the followings
Rock Islands State Park Permit / Jellyfish Lake Permit
Not Include the followings
Individual travel insurance and other insurance not mentioned
Not Include the followings
Gratuity
Not Include the followings
Any other personal expenses not mentioned above

Snorkeling in the Rock Islands

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