Where coral shelves fall away into deep blue nothingness and jungle-clad islands rise from a glass-clear lagoon. Palau’s Big Drop Off and Rock Islands deliver some of the most extraordinary snorkelling experiences in the world.
It all happens so suddenly. On one side, the rock and coral is shallow. On the other, it is a deep blue, plummeting down heaven knows how far.
The colours are so high definition that it looks almost computer generated and airbrushed. It’s the best snorkelling spot I’ve ever had the privilege to witness – better than anything I’ve seen on the Great Barrier Reef in Australia or its slightly shorter compadre off the coast of Mexico and Belize.
The Big Drop Off snorkelling experience in Palau
It’s evidently not just me that reckons this. SCUBA pioneer Jacques Cousteau reckoned the Big Drop Off in Palau was the greatest wall dive on earth.
I don’t dive; I’ve tried it and I really don’t like it. But I’m usually deliriously happy looking at giant natural aquariums through a mask, and breathing through a plastic tube.
From a snorkelling perspective, the Big Drop Off is pretty darned special. Shoals of fish swarm around me, lionfish duck in and out of hidey-holes and a black-tipped shark sashays its way along the underwater wall.
Why the Rock Islands of Palau exceed expectations
This should be the sort of highlight that dwarfs everything else. The rest of the trip should seem miserable in comparison. It doesn’t.
To just say “the Rock Islands of Palau” you might not get too excited. They’ll be like the Scilly Isles or something, yes? Well they’re not – collectively, they’re one of the most extraordinary sights on the planet.
Nobody has properly counted how many there are – the default answer from guides is “365-plus” – but sauntering around them in a boat or kayak is a joy.
Why book the Rock Island and Jellyfish Lake tour?
- Swim in Jellyfish Lake: Experience a rare opportunity to float among harmless golden jellyfish in a stunning marine lake.
- Explore Palau’s Rock Islands: Cruise through UNESCO-listed coral islands with lush vegetation and natural limestone formations.
- Guided boat adventure: Travel with experienced local guides who know the best spots for sightseeing and swimming.
- Snorkelling in crystal waters: Discover vibrant reef fish and coral gardens — perfect for nature lovers and snorkellers.
- All-day immersive experience: A full-day tour combining scenic cruising, wildlife encounters and unforgettable lagoon views.
The geology and colours of the Rock Islands
They were once coral reef themselves, but tectonic plate crunching thousands of years ago forced them upwards. The coral gradually turned into limestone, and the sea got to work carving out the shapes.
Many of the smaller islands – some of which are little more than green-topped rocks standing on their lonesome – were once joined together. Now they just stand, looking extraordinarily pretty.
This is partly due to the shape – most are rounded, with mushroom-like bottoms cut away by the crashing saltwater. Some of the excavations have turned into caves; others have seen tunnels blasted through. These get the water into the marine lakes.
But it’s also about the colour. All of the islands are thick with vegetation, which billows over in a most unruly fashion. In the sun, it’s a vivid, emerald green.
Water colours and lagoon scenery in Palau
The colour blast extends to the water too. In some parts of what is essentially a giant lagoon that envelops the country, it is a deep blue. In others, it’s a turquoise. Others, a vibrant green or a milky mint colour.
But it’s almost always incredibly clear. Bomb through the channels in a speedboat, and the contrasts make for postcard shots at just about every angle.
Beaches and wildlife in the Rock Islands
Throw in the beaches – it’s not a beach holiday destination, but every now and then you turn a corner to see a strip that’s white and untouched apart from the coconuts that have landed on it – and you’d have to have a hard heart not to fall in love with the place.
For visitors, the Rock Islands are a playground. But for millions of sea creatures, the area is home.
Further snorkelling expeditions unveil beds of giant clams, baby rays darting towards mangroves and vast fields of brain coral.
It seems you needn’t have a PADI certificate and oxygen tank to enjoy one of the world’s greatest diving destinations. I’m unashamedly in love with the place.
Practical visitor information for Palau snorkelling
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Rock Islands permits | Required for most snorkelling and boat trips in Palau |
| Big Drop Off access | Reached by boat, usually as part of a guided snorkelling tour |
| Water visibility | Generally excellent throughout the year |
| Experience level | Suitable for confident snorkellers; no diving certification needed |
| Best conditions | Calm seas provide the clearest views along the wall |
Nearby attractions in Palau
- Jellyfish Lake: A marine lake filled with harmless golden jellyfish.
- Milky Way Lagoon: Known for its pale blue water and mineral-rich mud.
- German Channel: A popular site for manta ray encounters.
- Ngemelis Wall: Another dramatic reef wall close to the Big Drop Off.
- Kayaking through the Rock Islands: A quieter way to explore hidden coves and channels.
