Palau is a pristine Pacific paradise featuring the legendary Rock Islands, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with over 200 limestone and coral islands covered in lush greenery. This small nation offers world-class diving, the famous Jellyfish Lake where you can swim among millions of harmless jellyfish, and some of the most biodiverse marine environments on Earth.
Best photo spots
Iconic and lesser-known locations worth shooting.
Long Beach Sandbar
Palau's most iconic image - a white sandbar emerging from turquoise waters framed by mushroom limestone islands. Low tide reveals the full extent of the sandbar for the most dramatic shots.
Best time: Mid-morning (9-11 AM)
Jellyfish Lake Underwater
Surreal shots of thousands of golden jellyfish pulsing through clear warm water in this landlocked marine lake. Natural light penetrates the water beautifully in mid-morning creating ethereal images.
Best time: Mid-morning (9:30-11:30 AM)
Koror-Babeldaob Bridge Viewpoint
The designated pull-off viewpoint at the bridge offers sweeping Rock Islands panoramas that transform into silhouettes at sunset against orange and pink skies. One of the best accessible sunset spots in Palau.
Best time: Sunset (5:30-6:30 PM)
Blue Corner Underwater
Photograph grey reef sharks, Napoleon wrasse, and schools of barracuda in strong current drift conditions at Palau's most famous dive site. Wide-angle essential for capturing the scale of the marine life aggregations.
Best time: Morning dive (8-10 AM)
Milky Way Lagoon
The vivid contrast of white limestone mud against deep turquoise water surrounded by limestone cliffs creates uniquely photogenic conditions. People playing in the mud add fun lifestyle elements to the shots.
Best time: Mid-morning (9-11 AM)
Airai Bai Interior
The elaborately carved and painted interior beams of Palau's oldest surviving traditional meeting house. The carved story panels depicting traditional legends photograph beautifully in natural window light.
Best time: 10 AM - 2 PM (best interior light)
By subject
Match your shooting interest to Palau's strengths.
Underwater photography
World-class diving photography at Blue Corner, German Channel (manta rays), Jellyfish Lake, and WWII wrecks - bring housing rated to 40m minimum
Landscape photography
Rock Islands aerial views, Koror-Babeldaob Bridge sunsets, Milky Way Lagoon, Long Beach sandbar, and Ngardmau Waterfall jungle scenery
Wildlife photography
Manta rays at German Channel, jellyfish at Jellyfish Lake, hawksbill turtles at Kayangel, sea eagles around Rock Islands, kingfishers in jungle
Cultural photography
Airai Bai carved interiors, traditional canoe builders, Koror market vendors, Belau National Museum storyboard carvings, traditional ceremonies (permission required)
Night photography
Clear equatorial skies provide excellent Milky Way photography from Rock Islands beaches away from Koror's light pollution - dark sky conditions
Best times to shoot
Light, weather, and seasonal considerations.
- Sunrise
- 6:15 AM year-round - golden light on Koror harbor and Rock Islands; best from bridge viewpoint or waterfront
- Midday
- Jellyfish Lake mid-morning 9-11 AM for optimal light penetration; underwater photos in clear water benefit from high sun angle
- Sunset
- 6:00-6:30 PM from Koror-Babeldaob Bridge viewpoint or Elilai restaurant terrace for Rock Islands silhouettes
- Blue Hour
- 6:30-7:00 PM after sunset for moody Rock Islands silhouettes against deep blue sky; tripod required
Photography tips
Make your shots stand out.
Protect all camera equipment from humidity and salt spray - wipe down after every boat trip and store with silica gel packets in humid conditions
A polarizing filter dramatically reduces glare on Palau's turquoise lagoon water and enhances coral color visibility through the surface
Check current drone regulations with the Bureau of Marine Resources before flying - some areas near government buildings and protected zones are restricted
Bring more memory cards and batteries than you think you need - replacement options are limited and expensive in Palau