Itinerary Overview

Days 1–2: Arrival and getting settled in Koror → Days 3–4: Rock Islands island-hopping → Days 5–6: Diving days → Day 7: Land tour on Babeldaob Island. It’s recommended to base yourself in Koror throughout the trip to minimize hotel changes.

Days 1–2: Koror — Arrival and Warm-Up

• Day 1: Arrive at Palau International Airport → Check in to your hotel in Koror → Explore Koror Island to get familiar with the area → Watch the sunset toward Ngerchong Island → Dinner featuring local seafood and Japanese-style dishes.
• Day 2: Morning: Introductory snorkeling in the inner lagoon (shallow areas near the Big Drop-Off) → Afternoon: Visit the Belau National Museum and Etpison Museum to learn about stone money and maritime history → Evening: Confirm boat schedules and diving plans for the next few days.

Days 3–4: Rock Islands — Must-Do Island-Hopping Days

• Day 3: Rock Islands island-hopping: Volcanic mud bath at Milky Way Lake → Explore the tidal flats and white causeway at Ngerchong Island → Snorkel in the soft coral garden → Return in the evening to admire the silhouette of the Rock Islands.
• Day 4: Swim with harmless golden jellyfish in Jellyfish Lake (note: jellyfish numbers may fluctuate due to factors like El Niño; if the lake is temporarily closed, switch to snorkeling in German Channel) → Afternoon: Climb to the Uet Mlim viewpoint for panoramic views of the islands → Sunset at Mango Bay.

Days 5–6: Diving Days — World-Class Dive Sites

• Day 5: Certified divers: Drift dive at Blue Corner (to see gray reef sharks), explore Blue Holes’ vertical openings, and visit the manta ray cleaning station in German Channel; non-certified divers can complete a Discover Scuba Diving experience or Open Water course during these two days.
• Day 6: Drift dive or snorkel at Big Drop-Off and Ulong Channel → Afternoon: Free time to rest or book an optional night dive.

Day 7: Babeldaob Island or Peleliu (Choose One)

Option 1 — Land Tour: Hike to Ngardmau Waterfall, visit the Badrulchau Stone Monoliths in the north, and explore the capital, Ngerulmud. Option 2 — History Route: Fly to Peleliu to see WWII battlefield ruins (such as Bloody Nose Ridge, the airport, and the Japanese headquarters), then return to Koror the same evening and depart from the airport the next day.

Tips

• Ferry schedules are highly dependent on tides. Leave island-hopping and diving itineraries to local operators rather than fixing the sequence yourself.
• The sun in Palau is extremely strong — pack a rash guard, face shield, and reef-safe sunscreen.
• Jellyfish Lake, Peleliu, and other sites have separate admission fees. Budget around 100–200 USD for activities.