Travel Destination Feature on Palau

The Palau islands are formed by more than 200 islands, of which only eight are inhabited. All of the islands but three are located within a single barrier reef and represent two geological formations. The biggest islands are volcanic and rough with interior jungle and enormous areas of grassed terraces. The Rock Islands, known as the Floating Garden Islands, are of limestone formation, while Kayangel, at the northernmost region, is a typical coral atoll. Palauan people are mainly Roman Catholic and their official language is English.

The country has a hot, humid climate with a rainy season (May to November). Palau’s currency is the US Dollar.Some tips to take into account when visiting Palau: US driving permits are accepted, the electricity runs on 115/230 Volts and the country code is 680.

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BENEATH THE SURFACE...

With the diverse colors of Palau’s rich marine environment, the list of action-packed water activities in Palau reveals a rainbow of choices. For instance, Palau has an abundance of the most spectacular sports fishing opportunities. One can troll for game fish such as mammoth 400-pounds blue marlin, sailfish, giant trevally, wahoo and tuna. It’s a rare day when one of several fully-equipped and locally guided custom sports fishing vessels fails to come back with the proverbial “big catch.”
     There are an abundance of choices for those who favor more relaxing activities such as spear fishing, reef casting, hitching a ride on a bamboo raft or simply bringing a hand line to the Rock Islands to catch lunch, the local way, bottom fishing.
     For those not into fishing, the Rock Islands provide the shelter of tiny isles with calm seas that afford ideal sites for snorkeling, swimming and taking brisk rides on inflatables towed by powerful speedboats.
     All over Palau, visitors will find the tranquility of white, sugar sand beaches, where at times, the only footprints are one’s own. This is where swimming in privacy can be relished, and where year-round, 80 to 86° F water temperatures are indescribably soothing and therapeutic.
These very conditions make snorkeling compelling as well, where shallow reefs reveal tropical fish and Technicolor giant clams thriving amongst a prism of corals. After splashing around or snorkeling the sparkling blue waters, soak up the sun or immerse in a favorite novel on a postcard-perfect coconut tree covered beach. Check out the comments below!