Share The LOVE An Interesting Guide to Palau’s Incredible Jellyfish Lake Palau’s Jellyfish Lake is a natural wonder that captivates visitors with its surreal underwater ecosystem. Nestled between Koror and Peleliu in the Southern Lagoon, this inland marine lake offers a truly unique experience. Imagine the thrill of swimming alongside millions of harmless jellyfish in crystal-clear waters. This adventure seems almost too extraordinary to be authentic and has also made a stunning subject for underwater photographers. The Rock Islands in Palau is home to this remarkable attraction. A short 20-minute hike over lush terrain leads to a sight that will take your breath away. At its peak, the Jellyfish Lake in Palau houses an estimated 30 million jellyfish, primarily of the Golden and Moon species. What makes this lake even more fascinating is the evolutionary journey of these creatures. While scuba diving is prohibited due to high concentrations of hydrogen sulfide at greater depths, snorkelling in Jellyfish Lake is an unparalleled opportunity in this otherworldly ecosystem. Gliding through the water, you’ll experience a connection with nature that few other places on Earth can provide. Cool Things to Know About the Jellyfish Lake Jellyfish Lake Palau is a natural wonder hidden within the lush jungle landscape. This 1,500-by-500-foot marine lake is connected to the sea through limestone fissures, creating a unique ecosystem where millions of jellyfish thrive. The lake’s upper layer is oxygenated and nutrient-rich, providing ideal conditions for these fascinating creatures. At around 50 feet deep, the lake’s environment changes dramatically. The water becomes anoxic, with hydrogen sulfide levels soaring to eight times the safe limit for human exposure. This stark contrast between the upper and lower layers contributes to the lake’s ecological uniqueness and scientific importance. The Rock Islands Palau Jellyfish Lake is carefully protected to preserve its delicate ecosystem. Due to safety concerns and to safeguard the jellyfish population, scuba diving is prohibited. This remarkable habitat continues to captivate visitors and researchers alike, offering insights into the adaptability of marine life in isolated environments. The Uniqueness of the Jellyfish The Jellyfish Lake in Palau is home to two distinct jellyfish species: golden and moon jellyfish. These creatures have evolved in isolation, developing unique characteristics that set them apart from their oceanic counterparts. The golden jellyfish, closely related to spotted jellyfish in nearby lagoons, have lost their spots and most appendages. They rely on symbiotic algae and zooplankton for nutrition, showcasing an impressive adaptation to their environment. In the Rock Islands Palau Jellyfish Lake, both jellyfish species have lost their stinging cells due to the absence of predators. This remarkable evolution allows visitors to swim safely among millions of these gentle creatures, creating a truly one-of-a-kind experience. The Jellyfish Migration Pattern The golden jellyfish in Jellyfish Lake Palau exhibit a fascinating daily migration. From dawn until mid-morning, they move eastward and return westward in the afternoon. This unique behaviour, known as quotidian migration, has the effect of maximising their exposure to sunlight, which is crucial for the symbiotic algae living within their tissues. These jellyfish rotate counter-clockwise throughout the day, ensuring even sun distribution for their algae. They perform vertical movements between the surface and deeper waters at night, acquiring essential nutrients like nitrogen to support themselves and their algal partners. The Palau Island Jellyfish Lake is ideal for observing this remarkable migration pattern. Researchers continue to study this behaviour, gaining insights into the complex relationships between marine organisms and their environment. How to Visit the Jellyfish Lake Visiting Jellyfish Lake in Palau is a unique experience requiring careful planning due to its location. The lake is on Eil Malk Island, part of the Rock Islands in Palau. You must arrange a permit to enter the lake, which is available through local tour operators. Booking a guided tour is also essential, as these operators provide transportation to the island. Remember, planning the logistics is not just essential; it’s your responsibility. Jellyfish Lake is a sensitive environment, and visitors are encouraged to use eco-friendly sunscreen to avoid harming the jellyfish and other marine life. Moreover, you should avoid touching the jellyfish or disturbing the lake’s natural balance while snorkelling. Planning the logistics is essential for the experience. Jellyfish Lake is a sensitive environment, and visitors are encouraged to use eco-friendly sunscreen to avoid harming the jellyfish and other marine life. Moreover, you should avoid touching the jellyfish or disturbing the lake’s natural balance while snorkelling. The Best Time to Visit The best time to visit Jellyfish Lake is during Palau’s dry season, which runs from November through to April. During these months, the weather is more predictable, with calm seas and minimal rainfall, providing ideal conditions for snorkelling and outdoor activities. This period also offers better visibility in the water, enhancing the swimming experience among the jellyfish. However, it’s important to note that the dry season is also when you can expect more tourists. To avoid the rush, consider visiting during the shoulder months of October or May when the weather is still favourable but the number of visitors is lower. This can offer a more peaceful and intimate experience with the lake’s unique inhabitants. Getting There Reaching Jellyfish Lake requires travelling to Palau, a Pacific island nation with its main entry point at Roman Tmetuchl International Airport in Koror. From there, visitors can book a boat tour through a local operator that includes transportation to Eil Malk Island. The journey by boat typically takes about 30-45 minutes and offers scenic views of the Rock Islands along the way. You must book your adventure in advance to ensure a smooth trip, especially during the peak season. Bring essentials like a hat and plenty of hydration, as the tropical climate can be intense. Additionally, confirm with your tour operator that they provide the necessary permits for Jellyfish Lake, which are required for entry. Most liveaboard operators will offer this in their itineraries at a current cost of 100 USD for the Rock Islands and Jellyfish Lake fee. Complementary Activities in Palau Palau offers an array of attractions as captivating as Jellyfish Lake. The Rock Islands, with their unique beauty, are a UNESCO World Heritage site. They feature stunning limestone formations, turquoise lagoons, and pristine beaches. Another highlight is the Milky Way Lagoon, known for its therapeutic white mud. Visitors often cover themselves in the mud, which is believed to have rejuvenating properties. This makes for a fun and unique experience. Koror is home to several significant museums for those interested in history and culture. The Belau National Museum, the oldest in Micronesia, offers insights into Palau’s rich history, from prehistoric to modern times. The Etpison Museum showcases Palauan culture and biodiversity, featuring traditional artefacts and contemporary art. Both museums provide a deeper understanding of Palau’s heritage and are must-visit spots for culturally inclined travellers. We Have to Mention the Diving We discussed complementary activities in Palau above, so we cannot just finish there without mentioning scuba diving. One of the main reasons you might consider travelling to Palau is that it has some of the best diving on the planet and is home to dive sites that are widely considered to be within the top 10 in the world. For more information from us on diving in Palau, take a look here. You can also read more about why we think you should scuba Palau here. Accommodation and Dining When visiting Palau, Koror is a convenient and vibrant place to stay. The city offers a range of accommodations, from luxurious resorts like Palau Royal Resort on Malakal Island to budget-friendly guesthouses. Many hotels provide easy access to dive shops and tour operators, making it a perfect base for exploring the island’s attractions. Koror Harbour is also where you will embark on most liveaboard vessels for a Palau dive liveaboard trip. For dining, Koror boasts a variety of options to satisfy different tastes. Although establishments like The Penthouse Restaurant are known for traditional Palauan dishes, including local delicacies like fruit bat soup, inclusive food options for vegans and plant-based or adaptive diets can be found. For international cuisine, Koror offers numerous restaurants that serve everything from Italian to Japanese food. Additionally, local markets and street vendors allow visitors to sample authentic Palauan snacks and meals. To Wrap it Up Jellyfish Lake Palau offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to swim with millions of harmless jellyfish in their natural habitat. This extraordinary experience is unparalleled and should be noticed by any visitor to Palau. The Palau Island Jellyfish Lake, nestled within the Rock Islands Palau Jellyfish Lake complex, provides a surreal and unforgettable adventure. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a curious traveller, or simply seeking a unique experience, this remarkable marine lake promises memories that will last a lifetime. For more information about diving in Palau and visiting Palau’s incredible jellyfish lake, don’t hesitate to contact us. Written By: Mojo Rising An avid diver, marine conservationist and plant-based athlete. I roam the globe looking for the best places to scuba, documenting my journey as I go. See author's posts
