Palau and the Coral Triangle: A Beacon for Responsible Travel

Floating in the western Pacific Ocean, the island republic of Palau comprises over 300 islands with remarkable marine biodiversity. This Micronesian archipelago sits at the northwestern edge of the Coral Triangle, a vast oceanic region often referred to as the “Amazon of the Seas.” 

Stretching across Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Papua New Guinea, Timor-Leste, and the Solomon Islands, the Coral Triangle covers 2.2 million square kilometers of ocean. Home to 75 percent of known coral species and supporting around 2,000 species of reef fish, the Coral Triangle is the most diverse marine ecosystem on the planet. These nutrient-rich waters are vital for global ocean health while also serving as natural barriers shielding coastal communities from storms and erosion.

Together, Palau and the Coral Triangle form one of the most biologically rich and ecologically significant marine environments on Earth. This underwater paradise also stands as a beacon for ocean conservation and sustainable tourism.

Palau: a leader in ocean stewardship

In 2009, Palau became the first country in the world to create a shark sanctuary and ban commercial shark fishing. In 2015, the nation went one step further by designating 80 percent of its waters as a fully protected marine reserve, prohibiting industrial fishing and extractive activities.

Such efforts reflect the Palauan philosophy of “Bul” – a moratorium on fishing or harvesting resources to allow ecosystems to recover and regenerate. This Indigenous principle has been integrated into modern policy, illustrating how traditional knowledge can aid contemporary sustainability. Tourism in Palau is approached with a similar mindset. Since 2017, every visitor has been required to sign the Palau Pledge and receive a mandatory passport stamp representing their commitment to preserve and protect the islands for future generations. In fact, the text was penned with the assistance of Palauan schoolchildren. Reef-toxic sunscreens are banned and travelers are reminded not to touch coral or collect seashells to take home.

Exploring Palau and the Coral Triangle’s oceanic wonderland

Diving, snorkeling, and kayaking at the Coral Triangle are among the main reasons to travel to Palau. In fact, Palau is considered one of the premier dive destinations within the Pacific region, with breathtakingly varied underwater landscapes. The famed Blue Corner is one of the world’s top dive sites, where strong currents sweep schools of barracuda, reef sharks, white-tip sharks, and black-tip sharks across the coral plateau. Manta rays are commonly encountered when diving in the German Channel, whereas the Ulong Channel is a drift dive alongside turtles and grey reef sharks. 

Diving or snorkeling at Jellyfish Lake is one of the most ethereal experiences in Palau. This saltwater lagoon is filled with millions of golden jellyfish that have evolved to lose their sting due to the absence of predators. Chandelier Cave is another unique diving experience where you’ll pass through a series of air-filled chambers beneath limestone rock formations.

Eco-luxe tourism in Palau

Besides its year-round snorkeling and diving, Palau stands out for its barefoot luxury infused with deep ecological awareness. While these reefs sustain local communities and play a vital role in global biodiversity, they’re also fragile – vulnerable to warming seas, pollution, and overfishing. Palau and the Coral Triangle are a glimpse of what our oceans could be if cared for wisely, and the tourism experience is enhanced by naturalist-led wildlife tours and talks by marine biologists on board boutique expedition cruises. 

Contact Darby’s Destinations to design a dream getaway to Palau, staying at a sustainable overwater bungalow resort or experiencing the islands on a liveaboard catamaran cruise.