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Signature: Palau’s Rock Islands & Underwater Serengeti

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.

9 DaysKoror to Koror
Valid on May 5 2026Trip Code: OUKKNS
From $9499 USDIncluding taxes and fees

Is this tour for me?

Travel Style: 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.

Service Level: Luxury

Five-star hospitality and meticulously curated inclusions, featuring iconic properties, fine dining, and private door-to-door service.

Physical Grading: 3 - Average

Some tours may include light hiking, biking, rafting, or kayaking in addition to walking.

Merchandising: New Trips

Trip Type: Small Group

Group 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.

Age requirements: 12+

All travellers under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Check Your Visa Requirements

Before booking, use our handy entry requirements tool so you know which documents you need to enter and travel through the countries on your trip.

Signature: Palau’s Rock Islands & Underwater Serengeti - Itinerary

Trip Start: KororTrip End: Koror

DAY 1

Koror, 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.

Arrival Transfer:
You will be met at the airport and transferred to the hotel to start your adventure.

Palau Pacific Resort:
Palau Pacific Resort

Signature: Palau’s Rock Islands & Underwater Serengeti - Itinerary

Trip Start: KororTrip End: Koror
DAY 1
Koror, Palau

DAY 1

Koror, 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.

Arrival Transfer:
You will be met at the airport and transferred to the hotel to start your adventure.

Palau Pacific Resort:
Palau Pacific Resort

DAY 2
Nikko Bay
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DAY 3
Risong Bay
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DAY 4
Ulong Island
+
DAY 5
Long Lake
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DAY 6
Patch Reefs
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DAY 7
Ngemelis Island
+
DAY 8
Jellyfish Lake
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DAY 9
Koror
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What’s Included

  • Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your Expedition Leader and Group, Koror
  • Signature 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
  • Engaging Discussions with the National Geographic Expedition Expert throughout
  • All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.
Accommodations
  • Resort (8 nights)
Meals
  • 8 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 5 dinners
Transportation
  • Boat, Walking, Kayak, Private Vehicle.
Staff & experts
  • National Geographic Expedition Leader and National Geographic Expedition Expert

Signature: Palau’s Rock Islands & Underwater Serengeti Departure Dates

All Years

StartEndingAvailabilityPrices from
Sat, Jan 23 2027Sun, Jan 31 2027Open (21)$10,499 USD
(price includes taxes and fees)
Sat, Feb 20 2027Sun, Feb 28 2027Open (22)$10,499 USD
(price includes taxes and fees)
Sat, Mar 27 2027Sun, Apr 04 2027Open (22)$10,499 USD
(price includes taxes and fees)
Sat, Apr 24 2027Sun, May 02 2027Open (22)$9,999 USD
(price includes taxes and fees)
Sat, May 08 2027Sun, May 16 2027Open (22)$9,499 USD
(price includes taxes and fees)
Sat, Jun 05 2027Sun, Jun 13 2027Open (22)$9,499 USD
(price includes taxes and fees)
Sat, Jul 17 2027Sun, Jul 25 2027Open (22)$10,499 USD
(price includes taxes and fees)
Sat, Aug 07 2027Sun, Aug 15 2027Open (22)$10,499 USD
(price includes taxes and fees)
Sat, Sep 04 2027Sun, Sep 12 2027Open (22)$10,499 USD
(price includes taxes and fees)
Sat, Oct 02 2027Sun, Oct 10 2027Open (22)$10,499 USD
(price includes taxes and fees)

USEFUL INFO

Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your Expedition Leader and Group, Koror
Signature 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. Engaging Discussions with the National Geographic Expedition Expert throughout. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.

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.

The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary.

VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you view a final copy of your Trip Details a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.

While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission.

Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.

Max 22, avg. 18.

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