This was a typical day kayaking in Palau. It was absolutely amazing - note the little tunnel that we kayaked through to get to this lagoon on the right-hand side. These bright emerald-green mushroom-shaped islands have overhanging ledges about five feet above water level. They are perfect for kayaking under when the noon sun is a little too harsh. The coral under the water was incredible - amazing colors and so pristine. The coral off of Central America was nothing compared to this.

Palau is truly one of the best places to kayak in the world. You can kayak from one little island to another, not worry about tides or long crossings, and never ever get bored. There are thousands of tiny islands, and countless lagoons to explore. If you get tired of kayaking, just jump into the water and go for a snorkel among the coral or just for a swim. There were even some hikes to old WWWII ruins, as well as a great snorkel near an old Japanese fighter jet.

And of course I haven't even mentioned the diving in Palau, which is usually the main draw. I've never dived and had never really wanted to, but Palau convinced me that someday I must give it a try. You can dive along this huge drop off - Palau sits on this shallow shelf in the middle of the ocean, surrounded by the deep Pacific. This creates a big ocean ledge for Palau, which harbors an amazing variety of sealife. Most dives focus on this area - exploring the drop off region where these two sea ecosystems meet.

More of our stories from Palau:

• Kayaking-camping the Rock Islands
• Swimming with Jellyfish and giant half-ton clams
• Exploring Palau by Car

Micronesia Travel Guides
Moon Handbooks Micronesia We used this guide on our trip to Palau and it was great. Moon guides like traveling off the beaten path and have a unique voice. The unique voices of Moon guides can occasionally be rather odd (look at Moon Guide Hawaii for an example), but Neil's writing was quite informative and easy to read. The information was accurate and thorough.
Lonely Planet Diving & Snorkeling Palau
Diving Micronesia
Lonely Planet Micronesia Lonely Planet Micronesia is the other guide to this area. We often prefer Moon to Lonely Planet, but they make great guides and many of the travelers we met used this guide.

Other Useful Books:

Paul Theroux has a great essay about kayaking in Palau in Fresh Air Fiend
He may not have gone to Palau in this book, but it certainly makes you want to get in a kayak and take off for parts unknown. The Happy Isles of Oceania
Reef Fish Identification
Reference Map of Oceania For hanging on your cubicle wall after your trip. Trust me, it is great for those afternoons when you really really need a vacation. You can choose your next destination or just stare longingly at places you have been.
Edge of Paradise: America in Micronesia Amazon

Weather Links:

• Micronesia/Palau NOAA Forecast