Jellyfish LakeAbout Jellyfish Lake
Jellyfish Lake is a saline marine lake on Eil Malk island in Palau’s Rock Islands, renowned for dense populations of non-stinging golden jellyfish. The lake is a compact, sheltered waterbody formed when sea levels rose and connected the lagoon to inland depressions.
Snorkelers enter the lake to float among large numbers of jellyfish that migrate across the lake with daily light-driven movements; stings are generally harmless to humans because the jellyfish have evolved reduced nematocyst potency. The lake is shallow and sunlit, making it a popular natural attraction for guided snorkel trips.
The lake formed when sea level changes isolated a marine basin that remained connected to the ocean through subterranean channels and fissures. It lies within the Rock Islands Southern Lagoon and is part of the broader protected marine environment around Koror.
- Swimming: Snorkelling with the lake’s golden jellyfish is the main activity; the jellyfish have only weak stinging cells and are safe for snorkellers to encounter with standard snorkel gear.
- Access: The lake is on Eil Malk island in the Rock Islands Southern Lagoon and is reached by boat from Koror followed by a short walk through the island vegetation.
Best Time to Visit Jellyfish Lake
Jellyfish Lake access is seasonal and conservation-dependent; check with local authorities before planning a visit.
Weather & Climate near Jellyfish Lake
Tropical climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 22°C to 30°C. Heavy rainfall (3392 mm/year), wettest in July.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | 22° - 29° | 25° | 270 mm | - | - | 3.6 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | 23° - 29° | 26° | 197 mm | - | - | 3.8 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | 23° - 30° | 27° | 192 mm | - | - | 3.3 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | 24° - 31° | 27° | 220 mm | - | - | 3.1 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | 24° - 31° | 27° | 272 mm | - | - | 2.5 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | 23° - 30° | 27° | 366 mm | - | - | 2.6 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | 23° - 30° | 26° | 405 mm | - | - | 2.6 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | 23° - 30° | 26° | 347 mm | - | - | 2.8 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | 23° - 30° | 26° | 283 mm | - | - | 2.6 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | 23° - 30° | 26° | 313 mm | - | - | 3.1 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | 23° - 29° | 26° | 255 mm | - | - | 3.1 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | 22° - 29° | 25° | 272 mm | - | - | 3.5 m/s | - | - |
How to Get to Jellyfish Lake
Tours to Jellyfish Lake depart from Koror and include boat transfer to Eil Malk Island. Operators provide park fees, guides and snorkel gear as part of organised day trips. Access rules are strict and change with conservation needs.
Tips for Visiting Jellyfish Lake
- Check current access status: Jellyfish Lake has been closed at times to allow the jellyfish population to recover after climate-related die-offs.
- The sting of the golden jellyfish is so mild many people swim without protective suits, but operators commonly provide or recommend protective vests.
- Visit early in the morning to avoid the small flotilla of commercial groups; afternoon light is prettier for photos but busier.