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Signature: Palau's Rock Islands & Underwater Serengeti
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Length
9 Days
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Quality
This indicates the overall quality of the tour operator's products. A low rating does not mean it is not good - it just means that it does not include as much, or perhaps is of a more standard quality than the higher quality tours. For example, a 3 star quality rating means that it is a more standard/economical tour, while 5 stars is a very luxurious tour that often includes a lot of amenities. -
Starts in
Koror
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Ends in
Koror
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Available Tour Start Dates
JAN 23, 2027 to DEC 19, 2027
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Activity Level
Moderate
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Style
Fully-Guided
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Guaranteed Date(s)
Yes means that there is at least one tour date that the vendor guarantees will occur. No means that there is not at least one tour date that the vendor guarantees will occur, which usually means that the vendor wants a certain amount of reservations on each tour in order for each one to occur. Of course, the terms and conditions of the vendor do allow for the vendor to cancel guaranteed tour dates for certain reasons (for example, a natural disaster).Yes
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Special Interest(s)
National Geographic Signature
Exceptional exploration led by renowned experts, offering rare, private access to the world's most storied sites - all defined by an unparalleled level of service and comfort., Small GroupGroup trips average 12 travellers per departure, depending on the adventure. The maximum is usually no more than 16, but some can be smaller or bigger, depending on the trip. Check individual trips for details.
Not Available
Overview
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.
Visited During Tour
Koror | Palau
Dates, Offers & Prices
Tour Itinerary
More Details
Dates, Offers & Prices
There are not currently any Signature: Palau's Rock Islands & Underwater Serengeti tour dates available from G Adventures, for the selected year.
There is at least one departure that the vendor is advising is Not Available for the selected year. Click here if you would like to view details regarding such tours.
Tour Itinerary
G Adventures Tour Code OUKKNS-11198
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Day
1Koror, Palau
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.
Exclusive Inclusions:
Arrival Transfer
You will be met at the airport and transferred to the hotel to start your adventure.
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Day
2Nikko Bay
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.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Exclusive Inclusions:
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.
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.
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Day
3Risong Bay
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.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Exclusive Inclusions:
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.
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Day
4Ulong Island
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.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
Exclusive Inclusions:
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.
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Day
5Long Lake
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.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Exclusive Inclusions:
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.
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Day
6Patch Reefs
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 cafe, experiencing the island's hospitality firsthand.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Exclusive Inclusions:
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.
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Day
7Ngemelis Island
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.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
Exclusive Inclusions:
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.
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Day
8Jellyfish Lake
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.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Exclusive Inclusions:
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
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.
Farewell Dinner in Koror
Conclude the journey with a Farewell Dinner at the resort.
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Day
9Koror
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.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
Exclusive Inclusions:
Departure Transfer
You will be met at your hotel and transferred to the airport at the end of your adventure.
Departure Day
Not ready to leave? Your Expedition Leader can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.
More Details
G Adventures is informing us of the following additional details regarding their Signature: Palau's Rock Islands & Underwater Serengeti tour:
Group Size
Max 22, avg. 18.
What's Included
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your Expedition Leader and Group, KororSignature 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. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.
Highlights
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.
Message from G Adventures About Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your leader, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy we require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency evacuation and repatriation. A minimum coverage of USD200,000 is required. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. Some tours include adventure activities that require extra coverage (e.g. crampon use); please review your itinerary and make sure that you are covered for all included activities. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.
Accommodation Summary
Resort (8 nights)
Meals Included
8 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 5 dinners
Group Leader
National Geographic Expedition Leader and National Geographic Expedition Expert throughout.
International Flights
Check-in times and baggage allowances/restrictions vary by airline and can change at any time. For the most up-to-date information for your flight, please contact your airline. We recommend checking in online in advance to avoid potential delays at the airport.
Transportation
Boat, Walking, Kayak, Private Vehicle.
Minimum Age
You must be 18 to travel unaccompanied on a G Adventures tour. For minors travelling with a guardian over 21 years old, the minimum age is 12.
Checklist
Documents:o Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)o Insurance info (required) (With photocopies)o Passport (required) (With photocopies)o Vouchers and pre-departure information (required)o Visas or vaccination certificates (With photocopies)Essentials:o Toiletries (required) (Shampoo, bodywash, soap, etc.)o Binoculars (optional)o Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries)o Cash, credit and debit cardso Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights)o Ear plugso First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)o Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal)o Fleece top/sweatero Footwearo Hato Headphones (Noice-cancelling recommended)o Locks for bagso Long pants/jeanso Moneybelto Outlet adaptero Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.)o Reusable water bottleo Shirts/t-shirtso Sleepwearo Small travel towelo Sunglasseso Swimwearo Watch and alarm clocko Waterproof backpack covero Windproof rain jacketHealth & Safety:o Face masks (Clients will be only be required to wear a face mask where it is mandated by local regulations.)o Hand sanitizero Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)
Service Level
Luxury: Five-star hospitality and meticulously curated inclusions, featuring iconic properties, fine dining, and private door-to-door service.
Pricing and availability are subject to change and must be confirmed by one of our travel advisors, who can contact the vendor to do so. Intra-vacation air (also referred to as internal air) is usually based on economy class seating (do not assume otherwise, unless explicity noted otherwise) and may be 100% non-refundable at time of final payment. Air quotes (including intra-vacation airfare) may be subject to change until final payment has been received by the vendor. Flight confirmation may be based on availability. Air reservations may not be able to be confirmed until a passport copy is received by the vendor. The following charges are not included in the vacation price unless otherwise noted: airfare to and from the start of your vacation; airline baggage fees including checked and/or excess baggage fees; Federal inspection fees for the Federal U.S. Customs and Immigrations; International Air Transportation tax; agricultural tax; other per person taxes imposed by government entities; airport taxes and fees, including the September 11th Security fee, passenger facility charges, Federal domestic flight segment fees, and U.S. and international arrival and departure and other government-imposed fees added by the airline and applicable at time of booking; port taxes; passports; visas and vaccinations; tips to your Cruise Director, Local Host, driver, Local Guides, and/or ship's crew; gratuities on ferries, trains, and cruise ships; laundry; telephone; minibar; alcohol, beverages, and food outside of the contracted menu as presented at a hotel or restaurant or onboard your vessel (these extra items will be billed to you before leaving the hotel, ship, or restaurant); airport transfers on non-qualifying flights; optional excursions; additional activities and excursions purchased online; porterage at airports and train stations; Travel Protection; and all other items of a personal nature. Itinerary details are provided by the vendor. Vendors may reserve the right to change itineraries, even on existing reservations. There may be instances where the name of a tour contains a tour length in it, but where there is a version of the tour that is a different number of days in length. You can check the true length of a tour by referring to the length value listed in association with that tour. Destination images displayed on this web page, some which are supplied by the related vendor and some which are not, are intended to simply give a general representation of the region of the world being visited during the tour. Such images are not necessarily of the exact areas being visited during the tour. Hotel details (including, but not limited to: rating/class, descriptions, images, amenities and addresses) are provided by G Adventures. Hotel amenities may be communicated in shorthand by G Adventures (for example, if "Laundry" is listed that may only mean that the hotel has an optional fee-based service that would allow for your laundry to be done by their staff). We reserve the right to correct errors.