Long Lake
Motor-less kayaks certainly have their benefits, as rising tides carry us through a mile-long, winding mangrove forest channel. As we slip effortlessly through this unique clear water river, the forest resonates with the calls of our endemic birds. Kingfishers, Palauan Flycatchers, and Fruit Doves can all be seen and heard while drifting past the overhanging mangrove forest trees. There’s time to admire Curtain Ferns, Bird Nest Ferns, and Epiphytic Mosses dripping from the rain forest canopy above. Once inside the lake, we watch for baby Spotted Eagle Rays and juvenile Feather Tail Stingrays, which glide over the shallow sandy bottom in search of their meals.
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Einstein’s Coral Gardens, fed by the 250 foot long “Tunnels of Doom”, is a multi-colored collections of brain coral, unique to this singular location. Physical protection for wind and waves, shade from overhanging trees, as well as an inordinate nutrient flow, all combine to create a one of a kind coral garden in only a few feet of water. There will be time enough to have the privilege to snorkel and admire these ancient brain coral colonies.
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The long lake tour also includes a stop at Megapod Beach, where powder white sands lead to a rich tropical rainforest. Kayakers can also enjoy the solitude of Secret Lake. Accessible only at low tide via an arch-like tunnel, this natural pavilion is a sheltered habitat for multi-colored sponges, sea squirts, and soft corals.
If tide and time allow, we’ll visit the sunken WWII Japanese Zero fighter plane. This classic 1940 aircraft dominated the Pacific skies until 1944 when US Hellcats, Corsairs, and P-38 Lightnings evened the score. As the zero sits in only 3-4 feet of water, it’s possible to slip back into the pilot’s seat and relive the drama of aerial combat.
The mysterious chalky waters of the Milky Way were formed by million of years of calcium carbonate, which accumulated in this unusual geologic phenomena. Unique to the waters of Palau, the silty bottom turns “The Milk Bowl” to a completely opaque sky blue.
If tide and time allow, we’ll visit the sunken WWII Japanese Zero fighter plane. This classic 1940 aircraft dominated the Pacific skies until 1944 when US Hellcats, Corsairs, and P-38 Lightnings evened the score. As the zero sits in only 3-4 feet of water, it’s possible to slip back into the pilot’s seat and relive the drama of aerial combat.
The mysterious chalky waters of the Milky Way were formed by million of years of calcium carbonate, which accumulated in this unusual geologic phenomena. Unique to the waters of Palau, the silty bottom turns “The Milk Bowl” to a completely opaque sky blue.
