Palau: Snorkeling and Kayaking the Pristine Seas

10 DAYS FROM $9,295

• Explore spectacular reefs surveyed by the National Geographic Pristine Seas team. • Snorkel the Rock Islands, kayak in mangroves and caves, and swim with non-stinging jellyfish. • Experience the rhythms of Micronesia during a traditional dance performance.

Signature Land Moderate

DAYS 1–2 I KOROR, PALAU/NIKKO BAY Arrive in Palau and settle into our seaside resort. The next day, go snorkeling in Rembrandt’s Cove, visit World War II artifacts, and kayak in a stalactite-adorned cave. Enjoy a traditional Micronesian dance performance this evening. Palau Pacific Resort | Meals: 1B, 1L, 1D

DAYS 3–6 I ROCK ISLANDS/ULONG ISLAND/ CARP ISLAND/LONG LAKE Visit the Palau International Coral Reef Center, which collaborated with National Geographic to document Palau’s marine biodiversity on our 2014 Pristine Seas expedition. Snorkel the UNESCO-listed Rock Islands, as well as lagoons and sheltered reefs. Hike to an ancient Palauan village, and participate in a conservation project. Head to Carp Island and spot triggerfish, turtles, and white-tipped reef sharks while snorkeling coves and reef walls. Paddle a kayak through mangroves to Long Lake and experience the therapeutic white mud of the Milky Way Lagoon. Palau Pacific Resort | Meals: 4B, 4L, 2D

DAYS 7–10 I NGEMELIS ISLAND/JELLYFISH LAKE/KOROR Snorkel amid “super mollusks,” and spot native bird species on a forest walk. Experience an “underwater Serengeti” at Ngemelis Island, which the National Geographic Pristine Seas team identified as one of the most vibrant marine protected areas in Palau. Then swim and snorkel among thousands of non-stinging golden jellyfish at Mecherchar Island. Enjoy a final snorkeling excursion over a Japanese fighter plane downed in 1944, and return to Koror for a farewell dinner. Depart on an early-morning flight. Palau Pacific Resort | Meals: 3B, 3L, 2D

A National Geographic Expert, Expedition Leader, and local guides will accompany this trip.

Jonatha Giddens Marine Biologist National Geographic Explorer Dr. Jonatha Giddens is an ocean ecologist and chief scientist for the National Geographic Society Exploration Technology Lab Deep-Sea Research Project. For nearly two decades, she has conducted research on coral reefs throughout the Pacific, using remote cameras to document and characterize deep-sea biodiversity. Find the departure(s) Jonatha will join on our website.

INFORMATION

Dates: This expedition is offered from September through May. Prices are per person, based on double occupancy. Single supplement applies; please see our website. Airfare is not included in the price. All prices and fares are quoted in U.S. dollars and subject to change. This itinerary is for informational purposes only and is subject to change at any time without notice. Please note: Snorkeling excursions are 2–4 hours; hikes are 1–2 hours on moderate grades; and kayaking excursions average 2 hours. Travelers must be able to swim.

Visit website for complete details and dates.