Fiji Yasawa Islands Kayaking Expedition
- 9 Days
- Accommodation: Camping
Ever dreamed of finding a hidden paradise? That’s exactly what Palau is. This amazing spot in the western Pacific is the easternmost part of the Micronesian Islands, with over 300 lush, limestone islands and a huge, clear lagoon. Think tropical beaches, bright blue waters, exotic birds, and some of the most incredible marine life you’ll ever see.
Come join SSV for an epic tropical adventure! You’ll be camping on gorgeous beaches with lagoons right at your feet and reefs perfect for snorkeling. On land, you’ll trek through thick forests, discovering ancient villages and forgotten WWII relics.
Your kayaking trip takes you through the Rock Island Southern Lagoon, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Koror. It’s packed with marine lakes, some only accessible through small openings in these cool, mushroom-shaped islands—perfect for paddling! While you’re out there, keep an eye out for sea turtles, tons of fish, coral, whales, manta rays, dolphins, and even dugongs. Palau is like stepping into a marine paradise, untouched and waiting to be explored!
You’ll be picked up at the airport and transferred to the group hotel where your guide will meet you. Your guide will give a trip briefing, confirm the meeting time for the next day and issue dry bags to carry your personal gear during the kayak trip. Luggage not required while kayaking, as well as passports and other valuables, can be stored for you in a secure location in Koror, to be collected on your return. Dinner is not included tonight, however your guide can arrange a reservation if everyone would like to dine together.
NO MEALS INCLUDED / OVERNIGHT AT PALAU CENTRAL HOTEL (OR SIMILAR)
After breakfast at the hotel, the group departs Koror and transfers by speed boat south to Ngeruktabel Island. Today’s exploration centres around West Ngeruktabel's inner lagoon, offering spectacular snorkelling sites with an abundance of corals, both soft and hard, along with many varieties of colourful reef fish. West Ngeruktabel is also the site of several sunken tanks, planes and artillery from WW II, now brimming with fish and vibrant corals. You'll leave West Ngeruktabel after lunch and paddle to Ulong Island, one of the largest in the Rock Islands and home to white sand beaches, palm tress and turquoise bays. We set up camp for the evening and enjoy dinner under a multitude of stars.
B • L • D / CAMPING ON ULONG ISLAND
Today we explore Ulong Island by kayak, snorkelling and hiking. Not only is Ulong a tropical paradise, but importantly, the island contains a UNESCO World Heritage village site, mysteriously abandoned over 500 years ago. During the day’s explorations, we’ll find a scenic lunch spot under swaying palms and enjoy some relaxing beach-time. When snorkelling, we’ll try and spot all four of Palau's colourful anemone fish and marvel at superbly coloured parrotfish.
B • L • D / CAMPING ON ULONG ISLAND
We break camp this morning and paddle over the passage to Ngebedangel Island. Heading south-east along Ngeruktabel’s rocky coastline, we’ll scout for the best place to come ashore for lunch. This afternoon, we reach our destination, Ngchus Beach, on Ngeruktabel’s southern coast. The beach is hidden behind a rock island and surrounded by turquoise waters. We set up camp for the evening and enjoy the sunset.
B • L • D / CAMPING ON NGCHUS BEACH
Today we paddle around the southern end of Ngeruktabel Island and head north. Our destination is Palau’s longest lake, at around 1.6 kms and rightly named Long Lake! First we paddle through a winding passage of mangroves and crystal clear water, ready to spot orchids and ferns before entering the lake. Serving as a nursery for baby eagle rays, turtles and nesting birds, the lake and surrounds are a nature lover’s nirvana. The skies are full of sea birds, including white-tailed tropicbirds and white-breasted wood swallows. After our time exploring the lake, we paddle to Ngeremidu Beach, our campsite for the night.
B • L • D / CAMPING ON NGEREMIDU BEACH
This morning, we head south to Ngermeaus Island Park, paddling along vibrant reefs and stopping to explore small, isolated beaches and islands. Before reaching our campsite on Ngermeaus Island, we may visit Clam City, a protected marine preserve, to snorkel over the enormous bivalves, some weighing more than 100 kgs each. Another highlight is a visit to Yap/Rai Stone Quarry where the oval/round megalithic disk money was quarried by the Yapese before they were transported back to Yap Island in Micronesia. The site contains rock shelters and caves, complete with unfinished disk money, burial grounds, shell middens and other artefacts.
B • L • D / CAMPING ON NGEREMEAUS
We head south today to Mecherchar Island, home to one of Palau’s most famous natural wonders: Jellyfish Lake! This saltwater lake has been known to contain up to 20 million non-stinging golden jellyfish. The jellyfish have been geographically isolated in the marine lake with no natural predators and consequently, have evolved to be stingless. Enjoy a serene snorkel amid these harmless creatures. Afterwards, we paddle to our last campsite of the trip, on Loulomekang Island, a stunning paradise that will be hard to leave!
B • L • D / CAMPING ON LOULOMEKANG
On our last day in the islands, we’ll be picked up from our campsite by boat to experience an outer reef extravaganza! Conditions allowing, we may visit the ‘Big Drop-Off,’ the common name for Palau’s acclaimed Ngemelis Wall, rated by Jacques Cousteau as the best walled dive in the world. Dropping just over 300 meters to the sea floor, the upper reaches are adorned with spectacular sea fans, coral whips and sponges. An awe-inspiring snorkel takes place in crystal-clear seas with 30 meter visibility amid sharks, rays, turtles and thousands of reef fish! After this amazing adventure, it’s now time to leave the islands and return to Koror by boat. Transfer to the hotel and enjoy a long shower and the conveniences of a modern bathroom! Tonight is free to explore Koror at your own leisure and enjoy sampling the local cuisine.
B • L / OVERNIGHT AT PALAU CENTRAL HOTEL (OR SIMILAR)
The trip ends today with either your flight departure or perhaps more adventures in Palau.
B / END OF TRIP ARRANGEMENTS
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