Overview
Some 600 nautical miles east of the Philippines, Palau is the furthest west of the Pacific islands. The three principal islands - Koror, Babeldaob and Peleliu - lie within a single barrier reef, which also contains Palau's most famous sight: the Rock Islands, 200-plus tiny, picturesque limestone islets set in shallow azure water like scenery from an animated film.
Multiple ocean currents converge on Palau, bringing nutrition that in turn brings huge quantities of marine life. Fish, giant clams, sharks, rays and turtles abound, as do innumerable WWII wrecks, making Palau a diver's dream world.
One word of caution: do not rely on GPS for entry into Palau, as the charts can be unreliable. The best cruising window is February to March.
Islands & Map
Map Key - Ports & Islands
- Malakal Harbour (Koror); VHF 16
- Rock Islands
- Peleliu
✈ Roman Tmetuchl International Airport
Do not rely on GPS for entry. The Toagel Mlungi pass is daylight-only.
Getting There & Clearance
Clearance
Clearance is handled by the immigration and customs authorities and the Palau Maritime Authority. The port of entry is Malakal Harbour at Koror (VHF 16). The Toagel Mlungi pass should be transited in daylight only, and GPS should not be relied upon for entry.
Government Contacts
Government: palaugov.org
Maritime Authority: palaureg.com
International Airports
Roman Tmetuchl International Airport (Palau International).
Key Anchorages
Malakal Harbour (Koror) · the Rock Islands · Peleliu.
Local Services
Aviation Logistics
Airai Air · Eco Blue Pacific
Tours & Diving
Sam's Tours
Yacht Clubs
Royal Belau Yacht Club
Cruising
The Rock Islands lagoon
Diving
Giant clams, sharks & WWII wrecks
Ashore
Koror · Peleliu battlefields
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do superyachts clear in to Palau?
The port of entry is Malakal Harbour at Koror, on VHF 16, handled by the immigration and customs authorities and the Palau Maritime Authority. The Toagel Mlungi pass should be transited in daylight only.
When is the best time to cruise Palau?
The best cruising window is February to March. Note that GPS should not be relied upon for entry, as the charts can be unreliable.
What are the Rock Islands?
The Rock Islands are more than 200 tiny limestone islets set in shallow azure water within Palau's barrier reef, and are the country's most famous sight, surrounded by world-class diving.
Why is Palau famous for diving?
Multiple ocean currents converge on Palau, bringing abundant marine life - fish, giant clams, sharks, rays and turtles - alongside numerous WWII wrecks, making it one of the great dive destinations of the Pacific.