Swim with millions of jellyfish in this lake in Palau

Jellyfish Lake, located on Eil Malk Island in Palau, is one of the most surreal things you can experience in this lifetime. As the name suggests, the Jellyfish Lake will let you swim with millions of golden jellyfish.

They say these jellyfishes are the non-stinging kind. That’s not completely true. They do sting but it’s practically non-existent. You will not even feel the sting. Because of this harmless nature, swimming with them is one of the most exciting experiences one can experience when in Palau.


As mentioned earlier, there are millions of these harmless jellyfishes in the lake. It was not too long ago that the authorities reopened the lake to visitors. So, it is expected to come with its share of Do’s and Don'ts.



The Do’s

• Swim gently with the jellyfishes.
• Go snorkelling.
• Enjoy nature's bounty as the lake is surrounded by lush greenery.

The Don’ts

• Don’t make rough movements in the water as it can harm the jellyfishes.
• Avoid using sunscreen before swimming in the lake.
• Scuba diving is not allowed in the lake.
• Touching the jellyfishes is not okay.

Snorkelling is the most popular way to enjoy this unique lake and its residents. The lake’s water is always calm and pretty clear. Even if you are a beginner, it doesn’t matter as the jellyfishes are literally everywhere and it doesn’t take a Herculean effort to spot them.


Visitors can reach Jellyfish Lake by taking a quick boat ride from the island of Koror. The journey to the Jellyfish Lake is anything but basic. As mentioned earlier, the region is surrounded by lush greenery and pretty islands.


Few years back, due to environmental factors (and maybe tourism), there was a decline in the population of the jellyfish. To nip the problem in the bud, the authorities declared a temporary closure of the lake in order to protect the jellyfish population.



Most visitors to the Jellyfish Lake prefer the dry month, that is, December to April. This is when the lake water is clear and the jellyfishes are also abundant. The monsoon season will have rain runoffs that may make the lake water murky.
Also read: What’s inside the Sarawak Chamber, world's largest cave chamber?


It is true that Jellyfish Lake in Palau is one of the most unique travel experiences you will come across. It’s no secret that some of the jellyfish species have dangerous and sometimes lethal stings. This has led most of us to have a negative image of jellyfishes.


Though it is wise to stay away from jellyfish out in the sea, the ones at Jellyfish Lake in Palau, will make you fall in love with them.

1. Is it safe to swim with the jellyfishes in Palau?
   Yes, the jellyfishes in Palau’s Jellyfish Lake are harmless, so it is safe to swim with them. However, do follow the local rules and regulations in order to protect the environment and the jellyfishes.
2. Is Jellyfish Lake in Palau open to visitors?
   Yes, Jellyfish Lake in Palau is now open to visitors.
3. Where is Jellyfish Lake located?
   Jellyfish Lake is located on Eil Malk Island in Palau.