Nestled amidst the beautiful landscapes of Palau, Jellyfish Lake, or Ongeim’l Tketau offers one of the most unique and exciting underwater experiences on earth. As the name suggests, this lake offers adventurous snorkelers the rare chance to swim along jellyfish, without having to worry about getting stung. This is definitely a place you don’t want to miss when planning your trip to Palau.
In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about swimming in Jellyfish Lake!
Facts About the Jellyfish Lake in Palau
1. Restricted Location
The Jellyfish Lake is a marine lake located on Eil Malk Island in Palau, a small island nation in the western Pacific Ocean. The Eilk Malk Island itself is located within the Rock Islands.
To get here, you’ll need to fly to Roman Tmetuchl International Airport, which is located near Koror, Palau’s largest city and tourist hub. The access to the lake is restricted, so you’re going to need to book a guided tour with a licensed operator. The tour can take you by boat to Eil Malk Island. From there, you’ll have to hike for around 10 minutes to the lake. Though the path is rather short, it can be steep in some areas, so you’re recommended to wear comfortable shoes.
2. Discover the Golden and Moon Jellyfish of Palau’s Lake
There are two species of jellyfish within the lake: the moon jellyfish (Aurelia sp.) and the golden jellyfish (Mastigias sp.).
The golden jellyfish is the most popular resident of this lake due to their beautiful golden colour and unique migratory pattern which follows the sun. There are millions of golden jellyfish in this lake and, due to its topography, which isolates these creatures from the ocean, the jellyfish have evolved to lose much of their ability to sting.
Meanwhile, the moon jellyfish are more translucent in color and this jellyfish population is smaller than the golden jellyfish. However, they also migrate around the lake and have diminished sting.
3. Unique Water Layers
Aside from the jellyfish, another interesting thing about this lake is its stratified structure with distinct layers, each with its own traits and characteristics.
The top layer of the lake, where the jellyfish live and migrate, is rich in oxygen due to sunlight and algae. This layer is also home to several other aquatic life, including small microorganisms and small fish.
The second layer of the lake is anoxic (lacking oxygen). The oxygen levels in this layer are much lower compared to the surface layer, making it uninhabitable by most marine life which typically requires oxygen to survive.
At the bottom of the lake, you’ll find the last layer, which is also known as the hydrogen sulphide layer, which is formed due to the bacterial breakdown of organic materials in the absence of oxygen. This layer contains high levels of hydrogen sulphide, which is a toxic gas that is harmful to humans. The gas can be absorbed through the skin or inhaled and cause serious health issues. You won’t find any jellyfish or other lifeforms in this zone, as only certain types of bacteria can survive in this hostile environment.
4. Daily Jellyfish Migration
Did you know that, in this lake, the jellyfish migrate daily? These creatures migrate following the sunlight, which fuels the algae living within their bodies through photosynthesis.
The golden jellyfish’s migration pattern is the most distinct. They start their day by migrating from the western side of the lake to the eastern side, following the rising sun. This particular movement is important to help the algae in their body get enough sunlight for photosynthesis.
As the day goes on and the sun moves across the sky, the jellyfish follow its path. Finally, once the sun sets, they sink deep into the lake’s water to rest. Due to their massive population and organized movement, watching the golden jellyfish migrate is a mesmerizing experience that is sought after by many snorkelers.
On the other hand, the moon jellyfish’s migration pattern is more dispersed. They don’t have a synchronized horizontal migration pattern like the golden jellyfish, but they do migrate to the surface at night to feed on copepods, which are small, aquatic crustaceans that are important to the moon jellyfish’s diet.
5. Visiting the Lake Requires a Permit
If you’re planning to visit Jellyfish Lake, you’re going to need a permit. The Jellyfish Lake Permit is required by any visitor who is not a Palauan citizen. With this permit, you can access the lake and various other specifically designed tourist areas in the Rock Islands, Palau.
The Jellyfish Lake Permit costs about $100.00 USD for visitors aged 6 years and above and is valid for 10 days.
Swimming with Jellyfish in Jellyfish Lake, Palau
Swimming Without Getting Stung
In Jellyfish Lake, you’ll be able to swim with a million jellyfish without getting stung. This is because this lake has been isolated from the rest of the ocean for so many years. This separation created a unique environment for the jellyfish to thrive, evolve, and become more docile compared to other species of jellyfish.
In addition, there are no natural predators for the jellyfish in the lake, so these creatures no longer need to rely on their stinger as a defence mechanism. That, coupled with the symbiotic algae that live in their tissue, means that the jellyfish can survive without needing to hunt for food, as they can get energy through the photosynthesis that is done by the algae.
Because of these reasons, these two types of jellyfish are harmless to humans, making Jellyfish Lake a rare and magical spot for swimming with these adorable creatures.
Best Time to Visit
Before booking your trip, try spending some time researching the best time to visit the Jellyfish Lake in Palau. While the jellyfish can be present year-round, the season and weather can affect the mood of your trip to a degree, especially because Palau is a tropical country that experiences heavy rainfall during the wet season, so you’ll want to make sure to visit at the right time.
Generally, the best time to go to Jellyfish Lake is from November to April, which is the country’s dry season. The weather will be sunny and pleasant, with calm seas and great visibility for diving or snorkelling. However, do note that the dry season is also the peak tourist season in Palau, so tourist destinations might be a bit crowded.
If you want to avoid the crowd, the second best time is during the transition months, between May and October. The climate in Palau is still pleasant during this time, and the seas are still calm, but the temperature might be a bit higher than in the dry season.
Things to Bring for a Jellyfish Lake Tour
When preparing for a tour of Jellyfish Lake, it’s important to pack a few items to make sure that your trip can be smooth sailing.
These items include:
- Snorkeling gear
- Rash guard or swim shirt for sun protection
- Waterproof camera
- Water and snack
- Comfortable footwear
- Towel and extra clothes
Make Sure to Obey Local Rules and Regulations
To make the best out of your trip, make sure that you follow the local rules and regulations. The most important thing you need to know before going to Jellyfish Lake is that you’re highly encouraged to apply sunscreen at least half an hour before going to the lake. This is because some sunscreens can damage the underwater ecosystem, including the jellyfish. So, make sure to apply sunscreen at the right time!
You should also avoid touching or disturbing the jellyfish. If you’re using fins, be mindful of your movement so you won’t accidentally kick any jellyfish.
Last but not least, scuba diving is prohibited in Jellyfish Lake due to its hydrogen sulphide layer. The hydrogen sulphide levels in this layer are eight times higher than the safe threshold for humans, so it’s best to stay near the surface. What’s more, the bubbles from scuba tanks can disturb the jellyfish and other creatures in the lake.
Palau Jellyfish Lake Tour
For a truly unforgettable adventure, a tour of Palau’s Jellyfish Lake is a must, and Solitude World’s Liveaboard & Resort offers the perfect way to experience it in style. We have two exceptional vessels, Solitude One and Solitude Gaia, which allow you to explore Palau’s natural wonders while enjoying complete amenities and comfortable rooms aboard these liveaboards.
Whether you’re snorkelling among the millions of harmless jellyfish or soaking in the beauty of the surrounding islands, Solitude’s liveaboards provide the ideal base for your adventure, ensuring a seamless and memorable experience in this pristine paradise.
What are you waiting for? Book your next diving adventure with us here today!