Palau

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Destination: Palau

Introduction

The Republic of Palau is widely regarded as one of the world's top marine destinations, and visiting sailors quickly understand why. Scattered across the western Pacific, Palau's 340 islands are cloaked in dense jungle, ringed by precipitous limestone cliffs, and surrounded by coral reefs of breathtaking richness. The Rock Islands Southern Lagoon — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — forms the centrepiece of any visit: hundreds of ancient coral mushroom islands rising from a turquoise lagoon, their bases undercut by millennia of wave action. The diving is legendary, the snorkelling extraordinary, and the sailing among islands and channels utterly memorable. Palau lies approximately 800 nm east of the Philippines and 1,200 nm south of Japan, making it a natural waypoint on trans-Pacific routes. The wet season brings higher winds and seas (June–November), and typhoon risk is real, though Palau lies at the southern fringe of the typhoon belt. The dry season (December–April) offers the best conditions for cruising.

GPS Coordinates

7° 30' 54.000"N 134° 34' 57.000"E

7 30 54.000N 134 34 57.000E

Protected Anchorages

The primary yacht anchorage is in Malakal Harbour, on the southwest side of Koror Island. Anchor in 5–12 m over mud and sand — good holding, well sheltered from prevailing easterlies. Malakal Island hosts the main dock facilities and is where you must check in. Sam's Tours and Fish 'n Fins dive operations have mooring buoys off Malakal; contact on VHF 16. The Rock Islands themselves offer numerous overnight anchorages in 3–10 m over white sand between the islands — most are calm, though afternoon squalls can bring short, sharp chop. Popular overnight spots include the anchorage off Jellyfish Lake island (Eil Malk), Long Island passage, and the coves north of German Channel. A Rock Islands Entry Permit (approx USD 100 per vessel) is required before anchoring within the Southern Lagoon protected area — obtain this at the Koror State Government office near Malakal before heading south. There is no marina in the traditional sense; the Palau Pacific Resort (PPR) dock on Arakabesan Island occasionally accepts visiting yachts by prior arrangement. Water is available at Malakal Dock. Fuel (diesel and gasoline) is available at PPEC fuel dock, Malakal — no fuel tax applies in Palau.

Customs Protocols for Visiting Yachts

Palau is an independent port of entry. Customs, Immigration, and Biosecurity offices are all located at Malakal Harbour, Koror. Flying the Q flag on approach, contact Malakal Port on VHF 16. All crew must remain aboard until cleared. Passports are required; visas on arrival for most nationalities for stays up to 30 days (extendable). A cruising permit covers the Rock Islands and outer states. Biosecurity is taken seriously — declare all food, plants, and animal products. There is a departure fee payable at Immigration. Palau's environmental regulations are strict: no anchoring on coral, fishing restrictions in protected areas, and no collection of marine life. The Rock Islands permit doubles as an environmental fee and is non-negotiable.

Yacht Clubs and Marinas in the Vicinity

  • There is no formal yacht club in Palau. The Palau Yacht Club is an informal association of local boat owners; visiting sailors are welcomed at the informal gatherings. Sam's Tours at Malakal (VHF 16, +680 488 1062) is the most yacht-friendly operation, offering mooring buoys, fuel assistance, water, and local knowledge. NECO Marine near the Malakal causeway is another resource for parts and assistance.

Renowned Attractions

  • Jellyfish Lake (Ongeim'l Tketau) — snorkel among millions of golden and moon jellyfish in a landlocked marine lake on Eil Malk Island; one of the world's truly unique natural experiences; kayak or boat access from Malakal, 45 min
  • Blue Corner dive site — legendary wall dive on the southwest barrier reef; strong currents carry schooling barracuda, grey reef sharks, Napoleon wrasse, and eagle rays past the reef edge; hook in and watch the parade
  • Rock Islands Southern Lagoon — UNESCO World Heritage Site; 445 uninhabited islands of raised coral limestone draped in jungle, with 52 marine lakes, hidden beaches, and caves; a sailing paradise of emerald channels and aquamarine lagoons
  • German Channel — a dredged passage through the reef famous for manta ray cleaning stations; mantas glide in regularly to be serviced by wrasse; superb snorkelling from the yacht
  • Peleliu Island — WWII battlefield of fierce fighting between US and Japanese forces; war memorials, rusting tanks, and gun emplacements amid the jungle; a sombre but fascinating day trip by boat (25 nm south of Koror)
  • Palau International Coral Reef Center — excellent introduction to reef ecology and Palau's marine protected areas; good context before exploring the lagoon
  • Koror Town — small but well-supplied capital with supermarkets, restaurants, the Belau National Museum, and local craft markets; the main provisioning stop

Currency and Exchange Rate

Currency: US Dollar

Exchange Rate to USD

Nearby Yachting Destinations

Summary

Palau is the jewel of Micronesia — a UNESCO-listed archipelago of jungle-topped limestone islands, world-class diving, and the extraordinary Jellyfish Lake. For the sailing visitor it offers sheltered anchorages in the Rock Islands, excellent facilities at Malakal, and an underwater world that ranks among the finest on the planet.