This scenic flight over the Rock Islands of Palau has become one of the most exciting activities for visitors to this beautiful Pacific destination. And, no wonder: the scenery there is, indeed, one of the most beautiful in the world. A boat tour around the islands must be done, but nothing beats the special overhead view-of which only a scenic flight can provide.
I took one of these flights during a recent visit to Palau when traveling with Pacific Mission Aviation (PMA). The flight will live in my memory! The flight view was awesome-the islands, turquoise lagoons, and the limestone rock formations that make this place so magical. If scenic flight of the Rock Islands is on your mind, here is the info you need to know.
Where Are The Rock Islands?
The Rock Islands are about 10 km (6 miles) due southwest of Koror, Palau’s main island. Plane travel is quite quick and easy. For prop planes, it is only around 10 minutes from Koror to fly over these islands but the beauty of the scenery starts from the moment you lift off from Koror. The starting view at this point is one of an island town embraced by turquoise waters and limestone formations!
Historically, Pacific Mission Aviation PMA has pioneered enjoying scenic flights over Palau since 2012. Although there is a scenic flight service run by another company called Fish ‘n Fins, my experience is solely with PMA, thus my focus on them here.
What gives PMA its special touch is that it is a Christian missionary organization; thus, when you book a scenic flight with them, you are not just having a beautiful once-in-a-lifetime experience, but you are also helping their vital humanitarian and medical work in Palau. You are also helping to offset the cost of inter-island flights they provide for the local Palauan community.
What to Expect during the Flight
The scenic flight began with a pickup at my hotel in Koror at 10:20 A.M. Since I was flying solo, the kind people with PMA grouped me with three others who were also to go on the Rock Islands flight that day. Our transportation was a PMA van, and soon afterward, we arrived at the check-in area at their hangar in Palau International Airport.
By the time we signed enough waivers and completed a suitable payment, we were off to the little Cessna 206 propeller airplane that would take us into the sky. One great feature about PMA scenic flights is that the doors are removed, presenting a fantastic opportunity for picture taking. Everyone had a seatbelt, and safety bars were in place to cover part of the open doorway.
I’ve got to admit that I was a little nervous since this was my first-ever flight into a small plane, but those feelings quickly melted away after we became airborne. Right from the start, the views were unbelievable; Koror looked like a tranquil little speck ringed with turquoise lagoons and dramatic limestone formations.
PMA supplied headsets to muffle the plane’s engine noise, allowing the pilot to speak about famous spots along the way. One of the highlights was zooming over the Rock Islands- a dolmensque landform in every shape and size, exquisite lagoons, and white sandy beaches. The beauty from above seems beyond description; no wonder this area is touted as one of the most beautiful places in the world.
Along the way, we saw great landmarks such as Jellyfish Lake, the German Channel, Milky Way Lagoon, and the iconic 70 Islands formation that you’ll see gracing postcards. The full 40-minute ride felt like only a few minutes. In truth, it felt like no time at all while staring out onto the vast, beautiful ocean. That was the entire front-side of the deal, 2 hours, including pick-up and drop-off.
Returning to the airport was a thrilling bonus as we witnessed a C130 plane of the Australian Air Force land on the same runway we had taken off from. Exciting!
When Is the Best Flight Time?
Morning is the best time for shadowy flights because the skies tend to be clearer at that time. The sky was crystal clear on our flight, which meant visibility was perfect the whole way. By the time he got back to the airport, the clouds were starting to form, but that did not detract from the experience.
Palau’s weather can be erratic, but usually, the driest months are January to April. Of course, one thing to keep in mind is rain year-round in Palau. Most of it, however, occurs in the evening or night, so it has little effect on daytime activities.
Cost of the Scenic Flight
Prices for the scenic flight vary according to a number of things: number of passengers. I paid $180 USD , besides a 3.5% credit card fee for my solo flight. PMA needs to collect at least three passengers for the flight to operate. If they don’t meet the minimum number, you may need to either reschedule or pay an additional fee.
Pick-up and drop from the hotel are free, and there are no extra charges for the photo-friendly doors-off option. I think it is quite reasonable for the kind of experience, particularly when compared with similar flights in other parts of the world.
Safe Flight?
Since 2012, PMA has flown in Palau, having tons of experience doing inter-island flights as well as some scenic tours. The aircraft used is the Cessna 206, and Cessnas are known for reliability and safety; indeed, a small airplane can sometimes be scary, but I had felt completely at ease. I rate a short scenic flight like this as very safe.
Worth It?
Of course, yes! Palau scenic flight is an unforgettable experience and has the view of the most amazing sights ever. The price is a deal, especially when you compare it with the same tours like in Belize or New Zealand. So when you definitely visit Palau, a scenic flight would be a must-do.
The Rock Islands are formed with limestone, covered by what appears to be a lush carpet of tropical vegetation. There are approximately 445 uninhabited islands in the Rock Islands Southern Lagoon, spanning an area of more than 100,000 hectares. The natural beauty as well as the biodiversity of the Rock Islands Southern Lagoon earned the title of UNESCO World Heritage Site in the year 2012. There are several species of animals found in these islands, such as fruit bats, sea turtles, dugongs, and saltwater crocodiles. If you plan to savor watching the beauty of the Rock Islands up close, then hire a scenic flight-the best way to see this lovely region from above. It will guarantee a perspective that you won’t soon forget, whether you are an engagement photographer or simply someone who loves looking at incredible views. It will promise to maximize your Palau experience to the hilt, pairing it with a scenic flight coupled with a boat tour around the islands.
