Private jet charter to Palau

Hidden away in the western Pacific, the Independent Republic of Palau is an Eden-like archipelago whose forest-clad limestone islands are surrounded by one of the world’s healthiest barrier reefs and translucent lagoons. While most people might struggle to pinpoint it on a map, it’s likely that diving enthusiasts will give a knowing nod when the name is mentioned as it boasts some of the world’s best dive sites. Get a fast quote from Air Charter Service to charter a private jet to Palau.

The 500+ islands of Palau are the westernmost of the Carolines archipelago. While Palau is located in the Micronesia region of Oceania, it is in fact an independent state that has strong ties with the United States of America. Geographically, it’s split into five regions, stretching from the largest island of Badeldaob in the north to the incredibly remote Sonsoral Islands in the far south-west. The ‘city’ of Malekeok on Babeldaob isn’t quite what you’d expect from a capital; yes, it has a grand capitol building that wouldn’t look out of place in a US state capital, but with just a few hundred inhabitants it’s much more like a village than a thriving metropolis.

The closest Palau gets to an urban centre is the small island of Koror, just to the south of Babeldaob. After landing at the country’s only airport, most visitors head to the town of Koror, where you’ll find a number of low-key museums, shops, bars and restaurants. People don’t tend to stay too long here, but it’s worth soaking up the culture for a day or two.

The Pacific Ocean is well known for its paradise islands and Palau’s largely uninhabited, UNESCO-listed Rock Islands are some of the most spectacular you’ll come across. This network of limestone and coral islets is the real gem in Palau’s crown and truly needs to be seen to believed. The surrounding waters and cloud-scattered sky are a hundred shades of blue and each of the tiny islands shines like an emerald. Mecherchar is home to Jellyfish Lake, one of the most incredible sights in the country. Cut off from the ocean thousands of years ago, this salt-water lake is home to millions of jellyfish. It’s safe to swim or snorkel here as, thanks to having no natural predator, the lake’s inhabitants have evolved to lose their toxicity and sting.

Aside from its incredible natural landscapes, Palau hides the relics of a troubled modern history. The southern islands of Peleliu and Angaur were the scenes of costly battles between America and Japan in World War II; today you can still find evidence of the fighting with American and Japanese tanks, shipwrecks, war monuments, museums and memorials dotting the landscapes. History aside, the two islands are heaven for those looking to get off the beaten track (particularly Angaur, which can only be reached by boat) and experience the natural beauty of the marine world.

There’s hardly a “World’s Best Dive Sites” list that doesn’t feature one of Palau’s incredible walls, wrecks or reefs and most of the country’s visitors come here to experience its awe-inspiring underwater wonderland. The nation’s nutrient-rich waters – the majority of which are protected as part of a 193,000 square-mile a marine reserve – attract over 1,000 fish species, sharks, rays and sea turtles. Additionally, the coral is beautifully vibrant and – most importantly – wonderfully healthy. The most famous dive site is Blue Corner Wall off the coast of Ngemelis in the Rock Islands. Only suitable for experienced divers, its sheer drop-offs host an abundance of marine life and the area has over 30 metres’ visibility on an incoming tide. The nearby Blue Holes are a great choice for fans of cave diving.

With pristine landscapes both on land and at sea, it’s understandable that the people of Palau are passionate about preserving their natural environment. On arrival in the country, you’ll be asked to sign the ‘Palau Pledge’ to respect the islands’ ecosystems, which is then stamped in your passport. The most thought-provoking section of the five-verse poem reads ‘I vow to tread lightly, act kindly and explore mindfully’. Be mindful that this is not just a PR exercise – there are national policies in place to ensure visitors take the utmost care when exploring the islands and their beautiful surroundings.

The majority of hotels and resorts in Palau are located on Koror. Accommodation is in relatively limited supply and there’s only a handful of what could be considered luxury retreats. To really make the most of the world-class diving on offer, many visitors choose instead to stay on one of the live-aboard dive boats. These relatively small crafts are comfortable yet not palatial; however, they have everything you need to experience some of the world’s best dive sites from walls and caves to wrecks and channels. You can travel further afield this way than you’d be able to on a day trip and the captains know all the best dive sites.

There’s just one airport in Palau, which is located on Babelbaob and is just a short distance from the main settlement of Koror. Simply contact our team and we’ll arrange everything you need to charter a private jet to Palau.