Approximately fifteen days in Palau, including a ten-day sea kayaking journey through the Rock Islands, with nine nights camping — in a tent or hammock — and three hotel nights in Koror.
A tropical labyrinth explored at water level
Imagine hundreds of forest-covered islets, limestone cliffs sculpted by the sea and narrow passages opening into lagoons hidden from view. Beneath the kayak, coral gardens alternate with pale sandy seabeds. In the evening, a beach becomes our camp for the night.
Palau offers an exceptional setting for sea kayaking. We are preparing a ten-day journey through the Rock Islands, shaped by the tides, the rhythm of our paddle strokes and regular explorations with mask, fins and snorkel.
This first departure will be developed following a field reconnaissance in November 2026. The reconnaissance will allow us to refine the route, assess the campsites, confirm the required level and finalise the organisation with our local partner.
👉 A maximum of eight participants, accompanied by one Voyage Kayak guide and one local Palauan naturalist guide.
Trip at a glance
Palau · Rock Islands · Western Pacific
Project
We are planning a first departure for November 2027. Exact dates and registration details will be announced after the November 2026 reconnaissance. You can contact us now to join the priority information list.
- Planned duration
- Approximately 15 days from Europe
- Sea kayaking
- 10 days
- Accommodation
- 9 camping nights, tent or hammock + 3 hotel nights
- Technical level
- Level 2 — Intermediate
- Daily paddling
- Approximately 20 km per day
- Kayaks
- Single or tandem kayaks, according to preference
- Planned guiding team
- 1 Voyage Kayak guide + 1 local naturalist guide
- Group
- Maximum 8 participants
- Provisional price
- €4,500 per person, excluding flights
This page presents a journey that is still being developed. The dates, precise route, daily stages, campsites and final list of services may change following the November 2026 reconnaissance.
What will make this journey unique?
- Ten days in the heart of the Rock Islands: a genuine itinerant journey, long enough to explore several areas without reducing the experience to a race between overnight stops.
- Much more than kayaking: snorkelling, short jungle walks, archaeological visits and the discovery of Pacific War sites complement the time spent on the water.
- Nine nights camping: camp life is an integral part of the journey, on authorised sites selected with our local partner.
- Natural and cultural interpretation: our local guide will help us understand the reefs, marine lakes, mangroves and human history of the islands.
- A small group: a maximum of eight participants, allowing flexibility on the water, at camp and during the different explorations.
- A route developed in the field: the November 2026 reconnaissance will be used to test and refine the formula before the first departure.
The Rock Islands: 445 islets within a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Located in Micronesia in the western Pacific, the Republic of Palau is a small island nation whose history, culture and everyday life remain deeply connected to the ocean.
The UNESCO-listed Rock Islands Southern Lagoon contains 445 uninhabited limestone islets within a vast landscape of turquoise lagoons and coral reefs. The site also contains the world’s highest concentration of marine lakes.
Offshore, the Palau National Marine Sanctuary protects 80% of the country’s maritime territory as a no-take area. This policy is accompanied by specific regulations and permit systems for the Rock Islands and coastal areas. Our route will be organised with a local partner and will respect all authorised areas and current regulations.
A labyrinth made for exploration by kayak
The Rock Islands reveal themselves in the details. An opening beneath a cliff, a mangrove channel or a passage between two islets may lead into a bay completely hidden from the main lagoon.
A sea kayak allows us to approach these formations closely and explore places that are difficult to reach in a motorboat. We will alternate paddling between the islands, exploring bays, landing ashore and taking time to observe each environment, without simply chasing distance.
Caves, arches and tunnels punctuate the limestone coastline. Access to some passages depends directly on the water level: the tide may open a route through a tunnel, into a marine lake or towards a hidden lagoon, then close it again a few hours later. Each exploration will be selected with our local guide according to the tides, weather and access regulations.
The journey is rated Level 2 — Intermediate, with stages of approximately 20 km per day. This distance is indicative: stages may be shortened, moved or reorganised according to the conditions and the explorations planned for the day.
Beneath the surface: another dimension to the journey
Snorkelling will be an integral part of the trip. We will regularly leave the kayaks to explore the reefs with mask, fins and snorkel.
Coral gardens, drop-offs, reef fish, sponges, mangroves and sheltered bays create very different underwater landscapes from one site to another. Turtles, rays or reef sharks may cross our path, although encounters with wildlife can never be guaranteed.
A visit to the celebrated Jellyfish Lake is planned. The corresponding permit is included, but the visit will remain subject to the site being open, its ecological condition and its compatibility with the final route.
History among the jungle and lagoons
The islands preserve traces of ancient Palauan villages, burial sites and a long history of human settlement. Short jungle walks and archaeological visits will allow us to discover this side of the journey. These remains are a reminder that the Rock Islands are not merely a natural backdrop: they also form a cultural landscape deeply connected to the history of Palau’s people.
The region also bears the marks of the Pacific War. Depending on the final route and access permissions, we may discover trails, military structures and submerged remains that have gradually been reclaimed by the jungle and the sea.
Our local naturalist guide will help us interpret these landscapes, understand the context of the different sites and approach them respectfully.
Ten days of itinerant kayaking and nine nights camping
We intend to devote ten days to the kayaking journey, allowing us to explore several areas of the Rock Islands without turning the trip into a race against the clock.
Some days will take us to a new campsite, while others may be devoted to circular explorations from the same beach. This balance will leave more time for snorkelling, short walks and observing the different environments.
The nine camping nights will take place on authorised sites selected with our local partner. The group will carry the equipment needed for camp life. Water and food resupplies, together with support-boat connections, will be organised according to the final route.
Accommodation in Koror
Three hotel nights in Koror are planned around the expedition: two nights before the kayaking journey, allowing time to recover from the flights, meet the team and prepare the equipment, followed by one night after returning. Shared-room accommodation is currently envisaged; the hotel and final arrangements will be confirmed after the reconnaissance.
Camping equipment
Your camping equipment is provided, with a tent or hammock according to your preference. The shared equipment needed for camp life is also included. The final distribution of equipment and the personal kit list will be confirmed after the reconnaissance.
The journey involves nine consecutive nights camping in a tropical environment. Participants must be comfortable with simple living conditions, humidity, heat, contributing to camp life and carrying a limited amount of personal luggage.
Meals & resupplies
The proposed package includes all meals during the ten-day kayaking journey. Water and food resupplies will be organised with our local partner according to the route and available support-boat connections.
In Koror, breakfast is included with each of the three hotel nights. Lunches and evening meals outside the kayaking journey are not included. Dietary requirements and allergies must be declared before booking.
Provisional programme — approximately fifteen days from Europe
This programme presents the intended structure of the journey. It is not yet a contractual itinerary. Flights, timings, daily stages, campsites and the order of the different explorations will be confirmed after the November 2026 reconnaissance.
- Beginning of the journey — International flights and arrival in Koror
Departure from Europe and travel to Palau using the most suitable available connections. On arrival, we settle into our hotel in Koror. Two nights are planned before the itinerant section, allowing time to recover from jet lag, meet the guides, check the equipment and prepare the kayaks. - Kayaking days 1 and 2 — First passages through the Rock Islands
Transfer to the starting point, introduction to the kayaks and our first paddle strokes among the limestone islets. We establish our first camp and become familiar with the daily rhythm of a tropical kayaking journey. - Kayaking days 3 to 5 — Hidden lagoons, mangroves and reefs
We progress through the island labyrinth, choosing our explorations according to the tides. The days alternate between paddling, snorkelling and time ashore. A shorter stage, a jungle walk or a day of exploration from the same camp may be included. - Kayaking days 6 to 8 — Moving into a new area
We continue towards new landscapes: more open passages, sheltered bays, camping beaches and sites of natural, archaeological or historical interest. A support-boat connection or resupply may be incorporated into this part of the route. - Kayaking days 9 and 10 — Final explorations and return to Koror
Our final paddling and snorkelling sessions take place before reaching the agreed pickup point. We return to Koror, organise the equipment and spend our final night in the hotel. - End of the journey — Return to Europe
Departure from Koror and return flights. The total duration should be approximately fifteen days, but will depend on the schedules and connections available for November 2027.
🧭 Route & distances: this Level 2 — Intermediate journey is planned around stages of approximately 20 km per day. The areas explored and the precise distribution of distances will be refined after the reconnaissance. During the journey, the programme will remain adaptable to the tides, weather, access permissions, group pace and paddling conditions.
What might a typical day look like?
After breakfast, we take down the camp and distribute the equipment among the kayaks. The morning briefing covers the weather, tides and possible explorations for the day.
The day alternates between narrow passages, crossings between islets and stops at suitable sites. One or more breaks may be devoted to snorkelling, a short jungle walk, an archaeological visit or the discovery of a Pacific War site.
In the late afternoon, we land at the selected campsite, carry the kayaks clear of the water and set up camp. Camp life is participatory, and everyone contributes to the daily organisation while respecting the site.
Kayaks, guiding & safety
The group will be accompanied by one Voyage Kayak guide and one local Palauan naturalist guide. This guiding team combines Voyage Kayak’s experience of itinerant sea kayaking with detailed local knowledge of the islands, tides, permits, history and natural environment.
Our local partner provides decked single or tandem sea kayaks, according to each participant’s preference. The available models, personal paddling equipment, storage capacity and safety equipment will be checked during the reconnaissance.
Support-boat connections and resupplies may assist the journey according to the final route. Communication, assistance and evacuation procedures will also be validated before registration opens.
Personal equipment
Each participant will need personal equipment suited to sea kayaking, snorkelling, strong sunshine, tropical rain and nine nights camping. A detailed kit list will be provided in the Road Book once the journey has been validated.
Who is this journey for?
- Paddlers who match Voyage Kayak Level 2 — Intermediate and can complete ten consecutive days with stages of approximately 20 km.
- People who enjoy outdoor living and camping and are comfortable with simple conditions for nine consecutive nights.
- Travellers who are at ease in the water and are as interested in snorkelling as they are in kayaking.
- Curious participants who would like to explore the islands on foot during short jungle walks and archaeological or historical visits.
- People willing to contribute to camp life, loading the kayaks and the daily organisation of the group.
- Travellers who understand that a tropical sea kayaking journey remains dependent on the tides, weather, permits and local conditions.
The journey is rated Level 2 — Intermediate. Participation may be subject to prior validation through our sea kayaking self-assessment. The reconnaissance will allow us to refine the stages and the recommended preparation.
Project status, provisional price & organisation
Before registration
The reconnaissance is planned for November 2026. Exact dates, the final price and the booking conditions will be published once the route and local services have been validated.
The proposed package includes: approximately fifteen days of travel; ten days of sea kayaking and nine camping nights; three nights in a shared hotel room in Koror with breakfast; guiding by one Voyage Kayak guide and one local naturalist guide; single or tandem sea kayaks and the technical equipment included in the final programme; camping equipment with a tent or hammock according to preference; all meals during the kayaking journey; water and food resupplies; the required permits, including the Jellyfish Lake permit; and the support-boat logistics included in the final itinerary.
The proposed package does not include: international flights; lunches and evening meals in Koror or outside the kayaking journey; cancellation, assistance and repatriation insurance; personal entry formalities; drinks not expressly mentioned; personal equipment; tips; personal expenses; optional activities; or any additional nights required by flight schedules.
Please note: €4,500 per person, excluding international flights, is a provisional price. The final contractual list of included and excluded services will be provided before registration opens.
Practical information
Reconnaissance and registration
The reconnaissance is planned for November 2026. Registration will only open once the route, campsites, required level, logistics and included services have been validated.
Start and end of the journey
The trip will begin and end in Koror. Meeting times, transfers, flight recommendations and any constraints linked to flight connections will be detailed in the final programme.
How do you reach Koror?
The simplest air route currently available is to travel via Taipei, Taiwan, followed by a direct flight from Taipei-Taoyuan Airport (TPE) to Koror (ROR). This service is currently operated by China Airlines. Flight days, schedules and connection options may change before November 2027 and must be checked before booking. International flights are not included in the trip price.
Level
The journey is rated Level 2 — Intermediate, with stages of approximately 20 km per day. Previous kayaking experience, good general fitness and a willingness to camp for nine nights are required. Participation may be subject to prior validation through our sea kayaking self-assessment.
Health, insurance & entry formalities
Health recommendations, entry requirements, compulsory or recommended insurance and precautions specific to tropical travel will be explained in the Road Book and checked again before departure.
FAQ — Essential information
Is the Palau journey already confirmed?
No. This is a project for a first departure in November 2027. A reconnaissance is planned for November 2026 before confirming the dates, route, final price and opening registration.
How long will the journey last?
The proposed formula represents approximately fifteen days from Europe, including ten days of sea kayaking, nine camping nights and three hotel nights in Koror.
What kayaking level will be required?
The journey is rated Level 2 — Intermediate, with stages of approximately 20 km per day. Previous kayaking experience, good general fitness and a willingness to camp for nine nights are required.
Where will we sleep, and what camping equipment is provided?
Nine nights are planned on authorised campsites in the Rock Islands. Camping equipment is provided, with a tent or hammock according to your preference. Three hotel nights in Koror are also planned: two before the kayaking journey and one after returning.
How are meals organised?
All meals are included during the ten-day kayaking journey, with water and food resupplies organised according to the route. In Koror, breakfast is included with each of the three hotel nights; lunches and evening meals are not included.
Which activities are planned in addition to kayaking?
The programme combines sea kayaking, snorkelling, short jungle walks, archaeological visits and the discovery of sites connected with the Pacific War.
Will snorkelling be part of the journey?
Yes. Snorkelling will be an integral part of the programme, with regular stops to explore different reefs and coastal environments. The exact sites will depend on the conditions and final route.
Is the visit to Jellyfish Lake guaranteed?
The Jellyfish Lake permit is included. However, the visit remains subject to the site being open, its ecological condition and its compatibility with the final route.
Which kayaks will be used?
Our local partner provides decked single or tandem sea kayaks, according to each participant’s preference. The available models and equipment details will be checked during the reconnaissance.
How many participants and guides will there be?
The group will be limited to eight participants. The planned guiding team combines one Voyage Kayak guide and one local Palauan naturalist guide.
How do you reach Koror?
The simplest route currently available is to fly to Taipei and then take a direct flight from Taipei-Taoyuan to Koror. Flight schedules and operating days must be checked before booking.
What is the price of the journey?
The provisional price is €4,500 per person, excluding international flights. The final price and contractual list of included and excluded services will be confirmed after the reconnaissance.
How can I be informed when registration opens?
Email info@voyage-kayak.com to register your interest. We will contact you when the dates, programme and booking conditions have been finalised.