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Southern Lagoon
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Explore Southern Lagoon’s limestone islands, coral reefs, sea caves and Jellyfish Lake through responsible boat, kayak, snorkelling and diving trips.

Southern Lagoon is the marine heart of Palau’s Rock Islands, a labyrinth of forested limestone islets, sheltered channels and turquoise water extending between Koror and the larger islands to the south. The region is not a conventional land-based district: most of its islands are uninhabited, and its character is defined by reefs, lagoons, beaches, caves and open-water passages rather than streets or settlements. The principal gateway is Koror, outside the lagoon itself, where visitors arrange boat excursions, diving trips, permits and equipment.
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The landscape was shaped by ancient uplift and erosion. Hundreds of mushroom-shaped islands rise from the sea, their pale limestone rims often fringed by mangroves and coral reefs. Some channels open into broad lagoons, while others narrow into passages used by boats and kayaks. The result is a remarkably varied waterscape in a relatively compact area, with coral gardens, drop-offs, sea caves, sandbars and secluded coves often encountered on the same outing.
Southern Lagoon is best known for its water-based experiences. Snorkellers can explore shallow reefs and sheltered bays, while experienced divers encounter walls, pinnacles, caves and strong currents in selected sites. Kayaking offers a quieter way to read the geography, following narrow channels beneath dense forest and into coves inaccessible to larger boats. Jellyfish Lake, on Eil Malk, is a marine lake within the Rock Islands Southern Lagoon World Heritage property; its jellyfish population and visitor access can vary with environmental conditions, so current local guidance matters.
The region also carries deep cultural and environmental significance. Palauan communities have long relied on detailed knowledge of reefs, currents, seasons and marine resources, expressed through customary practice and systems of marine stewardship. Archaeological traces, burial caves and other cultural sites underline that the islands are not empty wilderness, even where no one lives permanently today. Visitors should treat caves, remains and marine life with restraint, follow guides and avoid removing shells, coral or other natural material.
The lagoon’s protected status reflects both its ecological richness and its geological character. Excursions are generally planned as full-day boat journeys from Koror, with conditions changing according to wind, tide, visibility and swell. The most rewarding itineraries balance active time in the water with slower passages through the islands, allowing space to appreciate the silence, forested silhouettes and subtle differences between sheltered lagoon environments and exposed reef margins.

When is the best time to visit Southern Lagoon?

Best: January–March · 30–31°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January (best)30200
February (best)31170
March (best)31180
April31190
May32200
June32210
July32210
August32220
September32230
October31240
November31230
December31210

Getting to and around Southern Lagoon

How to get there

Southern Lagoon has no public airport, road network or permanent visitor settlement. International visitors normally arrive at Roman Tmetuchl International Airport on Babeldaob, north of Koror, then travel by road to Koror and arrange a boat excursion, kayak trip or dive charter from there. Koror is outside the lagoon but is the principal practical gateway, with accommodation, tour operators, equipment hire and marine permits. There is no regular passenger service connecting visitors directly to the uninhabited Rock Islands.

Transportation

Travel within Southern Lagoon is chiefly by licensed excursion boat, private charter, kayak or diving vessel. Operators choose routes according to weather, tide, visibility, permits and the group’s experience; travel times can change substantially with sea conditions. Kayaking is suitable for sheltered channels but requires guidance and sensible planning, while exposed reef passages and deeper dive sites demand appropriate boating and diving experience. There are no roads, taxis or scheduled buses in the lagoon, so keep valuables in a dry bag and confirm what equipment, food, water and transfers are included before departure.

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Best attractions in Southern Lagoon

Southern Lagoon’s attractions are overwhelmingly natural and marine. Boat journeys weave through the Rock Islands’ forested limestone formations, stopping at sheltered beaches, coral gardens, sea caves, sandbars and clear lagoons. Snorkelling is often possible in shallow protected water, while experienced divers can explore reef walls, channels, pinnacles and caves where currents create richer marine habitats. Kayaking provides a slower view of the landscape, particularly in narrow passages bordered by mangroves and overhanging vegetation. On Eil Malk, Jellyfish Lake is the region’s most recognisable named site, although access and swimming conditions must be checked locally. Archaeological and cultural places, including caves and other traces of earlier Palauan use, are encountered on some islands and should be visited only under appropriate guidance. The attraction landscape is therefore less about a sequence of built sights than about changing relationships between land and sea: a quiet lagoon passage, a sudden reef drop-off, a limestone cavern or a sheltered beach can each reveal a different part of Palau’s protected seascape.

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Best landmarks in Southern Lagoon

The defining landmarks of Southern Lagoon are geological and marine rather than architectural. The mushroom-shaped limestone islands form the region’s most recognisable visual signature, their pale cliffs and dense vegetation rising abruptly from blue-green water. Eil Malk’s Jellyfish Lake is a notable natural landmark within the World Heritage property, while the maze-like channels and sheer limestone faces create many of the views associated with Palau. Individual sea caves, reef passages and sheltered lagoons are significant because they reveal how erosion, tides and coral growth have shaped the archipelago. Some islands also contain culturally important caves, burial places and archaeological traces, but these should not be treated as photographic curiosities or entered without guidance. The wider Rock Islands Southern Lagoon World Heritage property is itself the region’s major landmark: a protected cultural and natural seascape whose importance lies in the relationship between ancient geological formations, exceptional marine habitats and long-standing Palauan knowledge of the sea.

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Best restaurants in Southern Lagoon

Southern Lagoon itself has no resident restaurant scene, because its islands are largely uninhabited and visitors return to Koror or eat meals supplied by their excursion operator. Boat trips commonly include packed lunches or simple picnic food, while dive and kayak operators can advise what to bring for a full day on the water. Palauan flavours encountered in the gateway area often draw on seafood, fish, taro, cassava, coconut and tropical fruit, alongside wider Micronesian, Japanese and American influences. Visitors should carry sufficient water and confirm dietary requirements before departure, as there are no shops or cafés once a boat leaves Koror. For a deeper introduction to local food, combine the lagoon with meals in Koror, where restaurants and markets provide a broader range of Palauan dishes and imported ingredients. Pack all rubbish back to the mainland and avoid disposable packaging where a reusable alternative is practical.

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Best bars in Southern Lagoon

There is no nightlife within Southern Lagoon: the islands have no bars, clubs or permanent evening venues, and boats generally return to Koror before nightfall. Evening activity is concentrated in Koror, outside the region, where visitors can find hotel bars, casual restaurants and a limited selection of venues for drinks, conversation and occasional live entertainment. The atmosphere is generally low-key rather than centred on a large nightclub district, and marine excursions often begin early. Local beer, cocktails and soft drinks are available in established venues, but alcohol should never be combined with swimming, diving, kayaking or handling a boat. Visitors staying in Koror can use the evening to discuss reef conditions with operators, prepare equipment and learn more about Palauan food and culture rather than expecting entertainment within the lagoon itself.

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Best nightclubs in Southern Lagoon

There is no nightlife within Southern Lagoon: the islands have no bars, clubs or permanent evening venues, and boats generally return to Koror before nightfall. Evening activity is concentrated in Koror, outside the region, where visitors can find hotel bars, casual restaurants and a limited selection of venues for drinks, conversation and occasional live entertainment. The atmosphere is generally low-key rather than centred on a large nightclub district, and marine excursions often begin early. Local beer, cocktails and soft drinks are available in established venues, but alcohol should never be combined with swimming, diving, kayaking or handling a boat. Visitors staying in Koror can use the evening to discuss reef conditions with operators, prepare equipment and learn more about Palauan food and culture rather than expecting entertainment within the lagoon itself.

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Best shops in Southern Lagoon

There is no shopping within Southern Lagoon, with no permanent shops, markets or craft outlets on the uninhabited islands. Purchase water, snacks, reef equipment, dry bags and other practical supplies in Koror before boarding, and confirm whether the operator provides lunch and snorkelling gear. Koror, outside the region, is also the more appropriate place to look for Palauan handicrafts, locally produced food items, books, clothing and small souvenirs connected with the islands. Visitors should favour responsibly made products and ask about the origin of shells, coral, wood and other natural materials; coral and archaeological objects should never be bought or collected. A useful souvenir is often a locally produced craft or food product purchased through an established shop or cultural outlet rather than an item taken from the lagoon. Pack purchases securely and minimise single-use packaging on boat trips.

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Southern Lagoon essentials

Currency and Payment
Palau uses the United States dollar (USD), including in Koror and for services connected with Southern Lagoon excursions. Cards are commonly accepted by established hotels, tour companies and larger businesses, but cash remains useful for smaller purchases, gratuities and situations involving limited connectivity. Arrange payment for permits and excursions with the operator in advance, and do not assume that a remote boat landing or small local business can process contactless payments. Exchange rates are not relevant for visitors already carrying US dollars, but international card providers may apply their own fees.
Safety
The principal risks are marine and environmental rather than urban. Follow the boat captain or guide closely around currents, drop-offs, slippery limestone, caves and changing weather, and use a properly fitted life jacket when instructed. Coral cuts can become infected, so avoid standing on reefs and carry basic wound protection. Strong sun, heat, dehydration and boat motion can affect visitors quickly. Divers should use reputable operators, respect depth and decompression limits, and never separate from their group. Swimming conditions around Jellyfish Lake and other sites can change, so obey current local restrictions.
Emergency Situations
Dial 911 in Palau for police, fire or ambulance assistance. In Southern Lagoon, contact the boat operator or guide immediately in an emergency, since response times depend on location, weather, communications and the vessel’s distance from Koror. Confirm before departure how the boat handles medical problems, lost snorkellers, engine failure and evacuation, and provide your accommodation and itinerary to someone on land. Travel insurance with medical evacuation and diving cover is prudent, particularly for visitors undertaking technical or remote-water activities.
Do's and Don'ts
Do obtain the required permits, listen to local guides and treat marine life, caves, burial places and archaeological remains respectfully. Do remove nothing from the lagoon and use reef-safe practices by keeping fins, hands and boats away from coral. Do dress appropriately when travelling through settled communities and ask before photographing people or culturally significant places. Do not feed wildlife, harass jellyfish or other animals, enter restricted areas, carve limestone or leave rubbish. Tipping is not a legal requirement, but a modest gratuity may be offered for attentive guiding when appropriate.
Local Tips
Book lagoon excursions early during busy travel periods, especially if you require a particular diving speciality or a smaller kayak group. Morning departures can offer calmer conditions, but the best timing varies with the day’s forecast and tides. Bring a light layer for the boat, dry clothes for the return journey and an underwater camera with a secure strap. Ask operators which marine sites are currently recovering or restricted, and choose itineraries that spread visitor pressure rather than concentrating solely on the most photographed locations.
Eve, your Evendo local guide

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
HelloAlii[ah-lee-ee]
GoodbyeA mek ngii[ah mek ngee]
YesO[oh]
NoNgii[ngeee]
Please/You're welcomeMechull[meh-chull]
Thank youNahngii[nahn-gee]
Excuse me/SorryOngii[ong-ee]
How are you?Mechull e kirel?[meh-chull eh kee-rel]
Fine. And you?Ongii, e ngii?[ong-ee, eh ngee?]
Do you speak English?Ongii e kirel English?[ong-ee eh kee-rel Eng-lish?]
I don't understandA ngeruul[ah nge-roo]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseOngii a kirel menu, mechull[ong-ee ah kee-rel meh-nu, meh-chull]
I don't eat meatA ngeruul a ngii a chel[ah nge-roo ah ngee ah chel]
Cheers!Choke![cho-ke]
I would like to pay, pleaseOngii a kirel a ngii, mechull[ong-ee ah kee-rel ah ngee, meh-chull]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!Chad a![chad ah!]
Go away!Ongii a bad?[ong-ee ah bahd?]
Call the Police!A kirel a Police![ah kee-rel ah po-leese!]
Call a doctor!A kirel a doctor![ah kee-rel ah doc-tor!]
I'm lostA ngel a dirrek[ah nge-l ah dee-rek]
I'm illA ngii a kirel[ah ngee ah kee-rel]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...Ongii a kirel a reng...[ong-ee ah kee-rel ah reng]
I'm just lookingOngii a ngalek[ong-ee ah ngah-lek]
How much is it?Ngei a ngii?[ngei ah ngee?]
That's too expensiveA reng a kirel ngii[ah reng ah kee-rel ngee]
Can you lower the price?Ongii a kirel a ngii a kirel?[ong-ee ah kee-rel ah ngee ah kee-rel?]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?Ngei a kirel?[ngei ah kee-rel?]
It's one o'clockA kirel a chad[ah kee-rel ah chad]
Half past (10)A kirel a chad a ngii[ah kee-rel ah chad ah ngee]
MorningTia[tee-ah]
AfternoonChad a ngii[chad ah ngee]
EveningMekai[meh-kai]
YesterdayNgbesong[ng-be-so-ng]
TodayNgei a kirel[ngei ah kee-rel]
TomorrowNgei a kirel a ngii[ngei ah kee-rel ah ngee]
1Chad[chad]
2Mekai[meh-kai]
3Mekai a chad[meh-kai ah chad]
4Mekai a chad a ngii[meh-kai ah chad ah ngee]
5Mekai a ngii[meh-kai ah ngee]
6Mekai a dirrek[meh-kai ah dee-rek]
7Mekai a kirel[meh-kai ah kee-rel]
8Mekai a chad a kirel[meh-kai ah chad ah kee-rel]
9Mekai a kirel a ngii[meh-kai ah kee-rel ah ngee]
10Mekai a chad a dirrek[meh-kai ah chad ah dee-rek]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?Ngei a kirel a ...?[ngei ah kee-rel ah ...?]
What's the address?Ngei a kirel a address?[ngei ah kee-rel ah ad-dress?]
Can you show me (on the map)?Ongii a kirel a ngii (a map)?[ong-ee ah kee-rel ah ngee (ah map)?]
When's the next (bus)?Ngei a kirel a ngii (bus)?[ngei ah kee-rel ah ngee (bus)?]
A ticket (to ....)A kirel a ticket (a ...)[ah kee-rel ah tick-et (ah ...)]

History of Southern Lagoon

Ancient Austronesian Settlement

The Rock Islands and their surrounding waters belong to a landscape occupied and used by Palauan communities for centuries. Archaeological evidence in the broader lagoon environment includes shell middens, habitation traces and burial caves, reflecting a sophisticated relationship with reefs, mangroves and forested islands. The limestone islands were not urban settlements, but they formed part of a wider cultural seascape in which fishing grounds, canoe routes, freshwater sources and customary territories were understood in detail. Their apparent remoteness today should not be mistaken for historical isolation.

Palauan Marine Custom and Stewardship

Before modern conservation institutions, Palauan communities regulated access to marine resources through customary authority and locally understood restrictions. Seasonal closures, protected fishing areas and rules governing particular reefs helped maintain food resources and social responsibilities. Practices varied between communities and were embedded in Palau’s chiefly and clan systems rather than in a single uniform code. The continuing importance of customary marine knowledge is central to understanding why conservation in Southern Lagoon involves cultural responsibilities as well as scientific management.

Spanish, German and Japanese Colonial Rule

Palau entered successive colonial spheres from the late nineteenth century, first under Spain, then Germany and, after the First World War, Japan through the South Seas Mandate. These administrations concentrated development and administration in selected settled islands and ports, while the Rock Islands remained primarily a maritime and resource landscape. Colonial rule nevertheless altered trade, labour patterns, religion, governance and connections between Palau and the wider western Pacific. The lagoon’s present appearance should therefore be read within a history shaped by both local authority and external empires.

Wartime Palau and the Southern Approaches

During the Second World War, Palau became part of Japan’s military network in the western Pacific. The major 1944 Battle of Peleliu took place on Peleliu, south of the principal Rock Islands and outside the core lagoon landscape, but the conflict affected the surrounding waters and islands through military movement, fortification and disruption of civilian life. Wartime remains are more prominent on Peleliu than in the uninhabited limestone islands. Visitors should not confuse the battlefield heritage of Peleliu with the separate geological and marine identity of Southern Lagoon.

Postwar Administration and Independence

After the war, Palau was administered by the United States as part of the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands. New political and economic connections brought modern infrastructure, tourism and changing patterns of employment, while Palauan leaders continued to assert control over land and marine resources. Palau became an independent republic in 1994. For Southern Lagoon, independence strengthened the importance of national authority, local communities and conservation policy in managing a region whose value is ecological, cultural and economic rather than based on permanent settlement.

The Rock Islands Southern Lagoon World Heritage Site

The Rock Islands Southern Lagoon was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2012 for its exceptional natural and cultural values. The property encompasses hundreds of limestone islands, marine habitats, archaeological traces and culturally significant sites. Its designation recognises the close relationship between geology, biodiversity and human history, not merely the visual appeal of the seascape. World Heritage status supports conservation and responsible visitation, although it does not remove the need for visitors to follow local permits, guide instructions and site-specific restrictions.

Modern Marine Conservation

In the contemporary period, Palau has placed marine protection at the centre of national policy and tourism management. Protected areas, visitor permits, guide requirements and restrictions on damaging activities seek to balance livelihoods, recreation and the resilience of coral reefs and island ecosystems. Southern Lagoon is particularly sensitive because boats, divers, snorkellers and kayakers concentrate at a limited number of accessible sites. Its future depends on combining customary knowledge, scientific monitoring and careful visitor behaviour rather than treating the lagoon as an unlimited natural attraction.

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Evendo: Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Southern Lagoon

Discover Southern Lagoon with Evendo - a 100% free app-based travel guide covering attractions, landmarks, restaurants, and more. Plan your perfect trip effortlessly.

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Explore the wonders of Southern Lagoon, Palau with Evendo, your free, all-in-one travel guide app. Discover attractions, landmarks, dining spots, and book experiences with ease.

  • Historical insights and travel essentials for Southern Lagoon
  • Curated local tips for an authentic experience
  • User-friendly navigation and 'Near Me' feature
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Planning a trip to the stunning Southern Lagoon in Palau? Evendo is your ultimate travel companion. This 100% free app-based travel guide offers comprehensive information on top attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities.

Discover the breathtaking beauty of the Rock Islands, snorkel in the crystal-clear waters of Jellyfish Lake, or explore the fascinating WWII wrecks. Evendo provides detailed descriptions, images, local tips, maps, and contact details for all these sites, ensuring you have all the information you need.

Savor the local cuisine at famous restaurants like Elilai Seaside Restaurant & Bar and The Taj. From booking hotels and tours to securing tickets for local experiences, Evendo simplifies your travel planning process, making it stress-free and enjoyable.

With features like historical insights into Southern Lagoon, travel essentials, curated local tips, and an easy-to-use navigation system, Evendo ensures you get the most out of your visit. The 'Near Me' feature helps you discover nearby attractions and amenities, ensuring you won't miss out on any hidden gems.

And the best part? Evendo is free to use with no in-app purchases or additional costs. Plus, it covers over 7,000 destinations worldwide, making it your go-to travel guide wherever you go.

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