Palau Rock Islands

After a fast downwind two day sail from Yap Island to Palau the time was right for diving and cruising the quiet waters of Palau's Rock Islands.

The coral formations at the Soft Coral Arch were stunning.

Moon Jellyfish, Auretia sp

Jellyfish Lake was a special treat to snorkle among millions of jellyfish. The jellyfish have evolved in the brackish water and the stingers are barely noticable. The jellyfish follow a daily east to west migration following the sun and consuming algae that provides food and energy for the jellyfish through photosynthesis.

Two types of jellyfish can be observed in tthe lake. Spotted Golden and Moon Jellyfish.

Spotted Golden Jellyfish, Mastigias cf. papua etpisoni
A very sureal experience indeed... I kept hearing the music of Pink Floyd's "Dark Side of the Moon" album while snorkling around the lake..

Wall drift diving off Pelilu Island. Just relax and let the strong currents do all the work.

Sooke at anchor in one the hundreds of quiet anchorages in the Rock Islands.
There are very few boats cruising the islands and one can be alone for weeks at a time.
The bird life is amazing and the bird calls and sounds overwhelming.

That's why the area is called the Rock Islands. Thousands of limestone rock islands and formations form this protected area.