The Best Activity I Have Ever Done After Visiting 90 Countries: A Seaplane Flight Over Palau With Smile Air

After traveling full-time for years and visiting more than 90 countries, I didn’t think anything could surprise me anymore. I’ve hiked volcanoes, swum with sharks, slept in overwater bungalows, explored ancient ruins, and checked off countless bucket-list adventures. But nothing in my travels comes close to the recent seaplane flight I took over Palau with Smile Air.

For 55 minutes, flying doors-off and completely immersed in the open air, I saw a side of the world I didn’t know existed. And today, even after everything I’ve experienced, I can confidently say this was the best activity of my life.

Seeing Palau From the Sky

Palau has always been known among divers and ocean lovers, but it’s still somewhat of a hidden gem for the average traveler. Most people can’t point it out on a map, and that’s part of what makes it special. It feels untouched, genuine, and wild in a way you don’t often find anymore.

But nothing prepared me for how Palau looks from above.

As soon as we lifted off, the Rock Islands came into view. Hundreds of perfectly round, lush green limestone islands surrounded by every shade of blue you can imagine. Deep navy where the ocean drops off. Bright turquoise in shallow lagoons. Soft emerald patches swirling between narrow channels.

From the ground, Palau is beautiful. From the sky, it’s otherworldly.

The shapes, colors, textures, and sheer number of islands make it look like a painting. You don’t just see Palau’s beauty. You feel it.

Why scenic flights with Smile Air are perfect for adventure travelers wanting an off-the-grid, unique experience

Smile Air offers several scenic flight options, but I chose the 55-minute C Course with the doors removed. If you ever decide to visit Palau, I recommend booking your trip with Smile Air.

Flying with the doors off makes the entire experience feel raw and real. You aren’t looking through a window, and nothing blocks your view. The wind rushes against your face. The ocean stretches endlessly below you. You can easily look straight down into the reefs.

Here’s what made it unforgettable:

You see everything at once

Reefs, channels, lagoons, the open Pacific, the Rock Islands, hidden beaches, sandbanks, and untouched pockets of jungle. The entire landscape comes together like a giant mosaic you could never fully understand from the water.

The colors don’t look real

I’ve seen beautiful water in the Maldives, the Caribbean, and the Philippines. Palau still wins. Every turn revealed a different shade of blue or green that looked almost edited, yet it was completely natural.

It’s the most complete way to experience Palau

You can dive here. You can snorkel. You can kayak. You can hike. And all of that is wonderful. But only a seaplane captures the full picture. You see how the islands connect, how the reefs curve, and how wild this place truly is.

It makes you appreciate the planet

There was a moment during the flight where I just sat in silence and felt grateful. Grateful that untouched places like this exist. Grateful that I got to see it. Grateful that places like Palau are protected and cared for.

It topped everything I’ve done in my travels

And that’s saying a lot. I’ve done hundreds of tours and activities. Nothing has left an impression as powerful as this one.

Why Palau Should Be on Your Travel List

Even if the seaplane flight didn’t exist, Palau would still be one of the most spectacular places on Earth. It’s peaceful, safe, friendly, and incredibly rich in tropical, natural beauty.

Here’s why Palau deserves more attention:

The Rock Islands

These mushroom-shaped limestone islands are the symbol of Palau and one of the most unique landscapes in the Pacific. They’re scattered across calm, glassy water and look like something out of AI.

World-class reefs

If you love the ocean, Palau is paradise. The reefs are healthy, vibrant, and full of marine life. Divers come from all over the world to explore sites like Blue Corner and German Channel.

Hidden lagoons and lakes

Palau has quiet lagoons tucked between the islands, and marine lakes you can only reach by boat or tour. Some are perfect for kayaking or swimming and feel incredibly remote.

Untouched nature

Unlike many popular islands, Palau has managed to protect its natural spaces. There is no overcrowding, no giant resorts dominating the landscape. It still feels authentic.

But again, the seaplane ties everything together in a way nothing else can. If Palau is the masterpiece, the scenic flight is the moment you finally see the whole painting.

If You Visit Palau, Don’t Skip the Scenic Flight

I cannot stress this enough: if you come all the way to Palau, book the scenic flight with Smile Air. Put it in your budget from the start. Make room for it. This is the experience you’ll remember long after your trip ends.

A few tips:

• Choose the doors-off option for the clearest views.

• Book on the first day you’re in Palau in case there are weather complications.

• Bring a camera or secure your phone with a strap.

• Don’t be afraid if you’ve never flown in a smaller aircraft before; it’s incredibly smooth, and the pilots and Smile Air do an incredible job.
  

FAQ: Scenic Flights in Palau

Is the seaplane safe?
Yes. Palau’s scenic flights with Smile Air are operated by experienced pilots who know the area, weather, and landing zones very well.

Do I need to be a diver to enjoy Palau?
Not at all. Palau is amazing for divers, but the seaplane, kayaking, beaches, and island tours are all perfect for non-divers too.

How long are scenic flights in Palau?
Flights can range from 25 minutes to 55 minutes. The 55-minute flight with Smile Air offers the most complete experience. You see every major highlight of the Rock Islands and surrounding views, and there are shorter and still incredible options if you don’t want the full 55 minutes.

What time of day is best to take a scenic flight in Palau from Smile Air?
Morning or early afternoon usually offers the brightest colors and calmest conditions for flying.

When is the best time of the year to take a scenic flight in Palau?
The best time to travel to Palau is between December and April.

Final Thoughts

I’ve chased unforgettable experiences for years, and this one stands above the rest. Palau is already a special destination, but seeing it from the sky made me appreciate it in a whole new way. It reminded me why I travel in the first place. To see the world and discover hidden gems from new perspectives.

If you’re planning a trip and searching for the best things to do in Palau, any of the scenic flights with Smile Air should be at the very top of your list. It’s more than a tour. It’s a memory that will stay with you forever.

Click here to inquire or book your scenic flight in Palau with Smile Air.