Swim with Fish and Admire Coral Wonders: Palau’s Underwater Spectacle – A 4-Day, 3-Night Trip

Written/Compiled & Reported by MOOK Scenic Spots Travel Life Net, Chen Guanxin. Source/MOOK Editorial Department

Palau boasts the most diverse and abundant underwater resources in the world, with over 700 species of coral and more than 1,500 species of tropical fish. Coupled with its moderate water temperature and calm currents—along with other exceptional natural conditions—this makes it a paradise for diving enthusiasts. It has been ranked by international diving organizations as the No. 1 of the world’s seven greatest underwater wonders. Whether you’re a seasoned diver or a snorkeling newbie, Palau’s coral reefs, Milk Lake, and German Channel are sure to make your trip worthwhile.

Day 1: Taipei → Palau

Day 2: Hard Coral Protection Area → Soft Coral Protection Area → Lingzhi Coral (Japanese Shipwreck Site) → German Channel & Big Drop Off

Must-Visit Spot: Hard Coral Protection Area

The hard coral area is not located near small islands but in the central waters of the archipelago. Due to the nearby currents, you must follow your guide’s instructions while snorkeling and never swim toward the current. The corals here are hard corals—unlike soft corals that sway with the water, they resemble stone forests. Possibly due to the currents, the fish here are particularly abundant, including black-and-white striped and yellow-and-black striped varieties, all dazzling in a vibrant display.

Must-Visit Spot: German Channel

This channel was created around 1900 by the Germans using explosives to break through the reef, providing a shortcut to transport phosphorus ore mined from nearby Angaur Island back to Palau’s capital. The channel is about 366 meters long and approximately 3 meters deep at low tide. This route is also the mandatory path to the Big Drop Off. As boats pass by, you can see “Starfish Island” (Carp Island) on the left, which resembles a five-pointed star from above, and on the right, the “Seventy Islands”—an ecological conservation area where various marine creatures breed and nest. Access to this area has been restricted since 1956. Straight ahead lies the famous “Big Drop Off.”

Must-Visit Spot: Big Drop Off

Off the coast of Palau lie numerous outer reefs that not only keep the inner sea calm and stable but also create a rich marine ecosystem due to their unique topography. Especially around the Big Drop Off, just 2–3 meters beyond the reef, the seafloor suddenly drops into a steep cliff about 300 meters deep. Snorkeling along this sheer drop reveals spectacular marine life such as sea fans, batfish, shy flounders, parrotfish, and countless colorful soft and hard corals. Sea anemones and clownfish are so abundant they’re almost overwhelming. Keep your eyes peeled, and you’ll likely spot the national treasure fish—the Napoleon fish—as well as sea turtles.

Day 3: Jellyfish Lake → Whale Island → Dream Island → Milk Lake → Mermaid Channel

Must-Visit Spot: Milk Lake

After days of sun exposure, Milk Lake—with its skin-beautifying volcanic mud—is a must for beauty-conscious travelers. The lakebed contains volcanic mud that, when applied to the body and left for a few minutes before rinsing off in the lake, offers a natural spa experience that leaves your skin incredibly smooth and soft, rivaling the benefits of Canadian glacial mud or the Dead Sea’s mineral-rich mud. The milky-white volcanic mud at the bottom, which gives the lake its cloudy white appearance, is the source of its name. Rich in minerals, the mud is considered a skincare holy grail, attracting many experts and experienced travelers for on-site treatments. However, taking any mud back to Taiwan is illegal—absolutely not allowed.