Palau
Season
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Also good: Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr.
Getting there
- Fly to Roman Tmetuchl International Airport (ROR), Koror, connections via Guam, Tokyo (Narita), Manila, and Taipei.
- No direct flights from Europe or the US mainland; most visitors transit Tokyo or Guam.
- Allow time for connections.
- Palau is genuinely remote.
- The airport is on Babeldaob island; Koror is connected by bridge (15 min drive).
Minimum stay
5 nights
Good for your first trip if
Open Water minimum. Advanced OW strongly recommended. Blue Corner requires current hook technique and ability to hold station in strong flow. Blue Holes dive to 30+ m in current. Nearest hyperbaric chamber is in Koror (Belau National Hospital). All visitors must sign the Palau Pledge (conservation commitment) on arrival. A Jellyfish Lake permit is required (~$100 USD/person, included in most dive packages).
Know before you go
- Hyperbaric chamber at Belau National Hospital in Koror; it has had closures in the past, so ask your dive shop whether it is currently operating.
- Evacuation from remote Rock Islands sites is by boat (30–60 min).
- Blue Corner's current is the main risk, never dive it without current hook experience and a guide who knows the site.
- The Palau Pledge is legally binding; coral-touching violations carry fines.
- Sunscreen is banned in Jellyfish Lake and the marine protected areas, bring reef-safe sun protection.
