Palau, a beautiful archipelago in the Western Pacific, was an important strategic location during World War II. It was a critical part of Japan's defense perimeter, and the Allied forces, led by the United States, fought fiercely to take control of the islands. Palau witnessed some of the most intense battles of the war, and many relics and monuments remain as reminders of this violent past. Today, Palau is a peaceful and welcoming destination for visitors from all over the world.

World War II in Koror and Babaldaob

Koror and Babaldaob, the main islands of Palau, played significant roles in the war. Koror was a major Japanese naval base, and it was heavily bombed by Allied forces. Many of the war relics and sites in Koror have been preserved, and visitors can see the remnants of the Japanese occupation, including tunnels, bunkers, and gun emplacements. Babaldaob was the original target of the Allied forces, but the attack was shifted to Peleliu because it had a better airfield. Visitors can see the remnants of the Japanese occupation in Babaldaob, including a large gun emplacement and an underground hospital.

World War II in Peleliu

Peleliu, an island located about an hour and fifteen minute boat ride from Koror, was the site of one of the most brutal battles of the war. The battle lasted for almost three months and resulted in the loss of thousands of lives on both sides. Today, Peleliu is a place of peace, and visitors can see the war relics and monuments that serve as reminders of the sacrifices made by those who fought here. Fish 'n Fins offers a Peleliu land tour that takes visitors to see the different points of interest, such as memorial monuments, tanks, cannons, headquarters, caves, and more. The tour is conducted using a local van/bus for easy mobility around the island. The tour is led by professional guides who specialize in WWII history in Peleliu. Visitors will also enjoy lunch and refreshments, a Peleliu land and/or dive permit, free hotel transfers in Koror, and a boat transfer to and from Peleliu with ground transportation in Peleliu.

During the Fish 'n Fins World War II tour in Peleliu, you will have the opportunity to explore the historic sites of the war and witness the remnants of the battle that took place on the island. The tour is conducted using a local van/bus for easy mobility around the island, and it is led by professional guides who specialize in WWII history in Peleliu.

You will visit different points of interest on the island, such as memorial monuments, tanks, cannons, headquarters, caves, and more. You will have the chance to see a Japanese tank rusting along the side of the road, explore the remains of the former Japanese headquarters that is now an overgrown ruin in the jungle, and visit the World War II Museum, which contains a small exhibition about the Battle of Peleliu.

Additionally, you will learn about the struggles of the time from your guide, who will use old pictures to support their storytelling. You will also be able to learn about the life of the islanders today.

The Peleliu land tour is offered as a full-day or half-day option. The full-day tour allows guests to spend a full day visiting WWII relics and sites on Peleliu. The half-day tour with two-tank dives at Peleliu is designed for divers who do not want to miss their 2-tank dive for a day. They can still do their dives at Peleliu's magnificent dive sites, followed by a half-day land tour after lunch.

Overall, you can expect to have an immersive and educational experience during the tour, learning about the history of Peleliu and the important role it played in World War II.