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Palau is an island located in the South Pacific, and because it's situated amidst a cluster of popular tourist islands like Fiji, Bora Bora, and the Cook Islands, it's often overlooked – which is precisely why it's an ideal getaway for those seeking relaxation and peace.
But most notably, Palau has an amazing place – the Jellyfish Lake. Located on Eil Malk Island, Jellyfish Lake is perhaps the most famous spot in the Palau archipelago. Every day, millions of golden jellyfish swim in and out of the lake. And while they're swimming, you can even swim alongside them!
Jellyfish Lake is located on Eil Malk Island, Palau.
Jellyfish Lake is up to 12,000 years old, and likely dates back to the Ice Age. Around 12,000 years ago, when sea levels rose to their peak, seawater flooded the area, filling the lowlands and creating what is now Jellyfish Lake. Until the glaciers receded, the jellyfish and fish lost their habitat and were free to thrive in the lake, feeding on algae and gradually developing into unique species, creating a highly diverse ecosystem.
In Jellyfish Lake, the most numerous species are the yellow jellyfish. They need sunlight to grow and survive, so they move from east to west, following the direction of the sunrise and sunset. When night falls, they dive deep to the bottom of the lake to rest, and this cycle repeats throughout the jellyfish's life.
Because only jellyfish live in the lake due to natural fluctuations isolating the entire area from the ocean, they have naturally eliminated their defense mechanisms – the tentacles that can sting their prey. Therefore, visitors can swim freely with them without fear of pain. Are you ready to swim?
additional information
Freediving with jellyfish in Jellyfish Lake is a very popular activity for tourists, so there are many tour companies operating there. Tourists need a permit to enter Jellyfish Lake. The Rock Islands/Jellyfish Lake ticket costs $100 and is valid for 10 days. You will be able to swim with the creatures for hours, even as they move from one side of the lake to the other.
Although Palau isn't the most popular tourist destination in the region, Jellyfish Lake is a famous spot, so be prepared for crowds of people swimming alongside you, as well as jellyfish.
