Rock Islands Southern Lagoon

The Rock Islands Southern Lagoon is a protected seascape of limestone islands, reefs and sheltered lagoons in the southern waters of Palau, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2012 for its natural and cultural values.

The property comprises several hundred uninhabited karst islands rising from clear lagoon waters, with coral reefs, seagrass beds and a number of marine lakes that host distinctive biological communities. Notable features include marine lakes such as Jellyfish Lake and scenic channels used for diving and snorkeling.

The islands and surrounding waters support diverse marine life and hold traditional cultural associations for Palauan communities; the area is managed for conservation and tourism through controlled access and marine protections.

The Rock Islands lie in Palau’s southern lagoon west and southwest of Koror and Babeldaob islands, accessed by boat from nearby centres.

• Island count and marine lakes: The archipelago includes several hundred limestone islands; small marine lakes and sheltered lagoons are notable for unusual biological communities and endemic species.
• Access and protection: Many sites require boat access; visitor numbers and activities are managed to protect fragile marine and island environments, so tour operators follow regulated routes and permits.

What to See#

• Jellyfish Lake (Eil Malk): Jellyfish Lake on Eil Malk, a marine lake famous for its non-stinging golden jellyfish population and controlled visitor access for snorkeling.
• Rock Islands and reefs: The limestone islands themselves, about 445 in number, formed of uplifted coral and karst, many of them uninhabited and fringed by coral reef systems.
• Lagoons and seagrass beds: Shallow lagoons and seagrass beds within the southern lagoon that support rich marine biodiversity and traditional fishing areas for local communities.

Fly into Palau International Airport (Roman Tmetuchl, ROR) on Babeldaob, then take a taxi or rental car over the Koror-Babeldaob causeway into Koror (about a 20-30 minute drive). Most visitors join organised boat tours from Koror’s harbours/marinas to the Rock Islands; boat transfer times vary by departure point but typically range from 20 minutes to an hour depending on the island destinations and vessel.

• Book a tour from Koror with a licensed local operator and aim for a morning departure when seas tend to be calmer and the popular lagoons are less crowded.
• Ask your operator for quieter stops beyond the main visitor anchors - small, sheltered coves and less-visited lagoons offer better snorkeling and birdwatching away from the main boat traffic.
• Confirm in advance which fragile sites (for example, certain marine lakes and cultural features) are open and whether entry rules or fees apply; operators can advise on seasonal closures or restrictions.