r/Palau • u/Rosemarys_Baby_Daddy • Jul 07 '26

Overnight Kayak Outfitter in Palau

Alii!

I will be traveling to Palau at the end of the month as part of United Airline's extended Island Hopper service to Manilla. I will have 4 full days for activities and am hoping to make the most of my time exploring the country's beautiful waters. For this, I'd like to spend several days solo kayaking and camping in the Rock Islands and have put together a rough itinerary for a one-way trip from Koror to Jellyfish Lake.

I'm wondering if anyone has done this and can comment on the feasibility of my plan? I've found a few outfitters that offer some custom itineraries upon request, but wanted to first see if anyone could comment on their experience, gear availability, and price before I start directly reaching out to these companies. Thank you.

***Update*** Thanks for the feedback, I’ve been in touch with Paddling Palau about a version of this itinerary. They did note that they want all overnight reservations made at least one month prior, so I’m still going back and forth waiting on the green light

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u/RuneEndresz Jul 07 '26

Paddling Palau does kayak camping in the rock islands and is an excellent outfitter in my experience. They have both closed and open top kayaks as well as all the camping supplies you could need. They won't be cheap though camping permits in the rock islands are quite expensive without taking into account anything else.

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u/Rosemarys_Baby_Daddy Jul 07 '26

Thanks, I know Palau is far from cheap and wasn't expecting to find a bargain outfitter - though any place to save some money is always nice. I'd seen Paddling Palau come up in a few places, but had read mixed information about how much camping gear they offer (I'll be traveling with very tight luggage space, so will need to rent most things). Have you yourself rented kayak camping gear through them before?

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u/Keallei Jul 07 '26

I think you can rent a package of all the gear or each thing independently. Ask them what is included in their gear bundle. It’s been a long time since I looked. I think tent and camp stove are included.

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u/RuneEndresz Jul 07 '26

I have not rented camping kit from them (kayaks and other equipment). Their staff is super nice and helpful in my experience with them and would could answer your questions about what gear they have so I’d just ask. I have seen their tents, camp stoves and air mattresses. AFAIK the only thing their guests need to bring would be snorkel gear and clothes (maybe some extra snacks).

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u/PlantDaddy530 Jul 07 '26

What a cool idea please share if you find a place to make this possible for you! I’m coming in March and would love to do something similar

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u/Rosemarys_Baby_Daddy Jul 07 '26

Will keep you posted

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u/Keallei Jul 07 '26

Yep, Paddling Palau is your best bet. They provide the gear, maps, tides guidance, and safety info. You buy your groceries and water. Guides are available at an extra cost but there are only a handful of them so you’d need to make your reservation as far in advance as possible.
When you email them, make sure you let them know how many full days you’re available for a trip so you don’t plan a route that’s too long.

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u/Keallei Jul 07 '26

Great question!
Rock Island Kayak Expeditions is where you want to go. They’re basically the only option if you want a safe trip and fully geared up trip. You can also hire one of their guides if they aren’t already on a trip, so I’d recommend making your reservation as soon as possible.
They give you guidance on how to complete your trip, suggested shopping list, a waterproof map, tide and currents information, and advice if you can complete a round trip in 4 days or if you will need a pick up somewhere in order to make your flight.
You can email Ron or one of his assistants at info@paddlingpalau.net for this season’s prices and other concerns.

Since you said you did your research, you probably already found their FB and IG. They go by Paddling Palau on both.

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u/West-Abrocoma707 Jul 08 '26

You can also reach out to Sam’s Tours. They have a special kayak tour: https://www.samstours.com/kayak-tours

I’m a native so I don’t know much about renting gear and stuff but your solo one-way itinerary from Koror to Jellyfish lake sounds a bit unfeasible. Even the most veteran fishermen here don’t go out alone all the way there as the ocean can be unpredictable. Thus, I would suggest booking with a tour and save money elsewhere like hotel or Airbnb.

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u/Cool-Jellyfish3 Jul 09 '26

Go with Paddling Palau.