Palau
Palau Rock Islands
Alii! The Rock Islands of Palau are hundreds of tiny green, mushroom-shaped islands scattered across a bright turquoise lagoon in the Pacific Ocean.
Why is it famous?
There are more than 400 of these little limestone islands, each one covered in green jungle and shaped like a mushroom.
The lagoon around them is famous for having some of the most colorful coral reefs and clearest water in the world.
How was it formed?
The islands are made of ancient coral limestone that was slowly pushed up out of the sea millions of years ago.
Over time, waves and tiny sea creatures nibbled away at the base of each island, carving in a narrow "waist" that gives them their mushroom shape.
Amazing facts
The Rock Islands have more than 50 saltwater lakes tucked between them — more than anywhere else on Earth.
One of these, Jellyfish Lake, is home to millions of golden jellyfish that lost their sting because they have no predators there.
Quick facts
- The Rock Islands have more than 50 saltwater lakes tucked between them — more than anywhere else on Earth.
- One of these, Jellyfish Lake, is home to millions of golden jellyfish that lost their sting because they have no predators there.
- Over 385 different kinds of coral grow in the surrounding reefs.
- The lagoon is home to sharks, dugongs (gentle sea cows), and countless colorful fish.