In a place in the South Pacific ocean there is a island called Eli Malk in Palau, off the coast of Koror. That’s where my next adventure exists. A 12,000 year old lake, that came about after the ice age, trapped a community of jellyfish after being formed, so came the name, Jellyfish Lake. The jellyfish inhabiting the lake are called Moon Jellyfish (Aurelia) and Golden Jellyfish (Mastigias), both have adapted in unusual ways that are distinct to these colonies. With absolutely no predators and an abundance of algae to feed off, the jellyfish thrived in their new environment. Twice a day the jellyfish move in a massive group to keep up with the sun which feeds there food source. The lack of predators also allowed the jellyfish to become lax in there one defense mechanism. While they are still able to sting, it is so mild that humans can almost never feel it, this leads to an incredible experience that many around the world have taken advantage of.
You can actually swim with these jellyfish. whether it’s snorkeling or just getting into the water, gear free, any and all options are available. You must obtain a pass to enter into the lake, 100 dollars will give you a ten day, once in a life time experience.
While this may be a beautiful and unique experience, there are many regulations and warnings that must also be followed, you have to keep a good distance between yourself and the hydrogen sulfide that lays about twenty feet below the surface, and diving is prohibited to maintain the ecosystems that lie at the bottom of the lake.
Despite the cost and the slight danger, this incredible lake definitely makes my ‘need to do’ list and the opportunity is something that anyone with a taste for adventure, and a liking for the ocean or outdoors should seriously consider adding to their own bucket list. But if you’re like me and you won’t be heading out to the South Pacific any time soon this video link is definitely recommended.
Works Cited:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jellyfish_Lake
http://www.atlasobscura.com/places/jellyfish-lake
http://www.palaudiveadventures.com/jellyfish-lake-palau/
This is so cool, and I bet its an amazing thing to see! I have a house in the Jersey Shore area in which the bay has a lot of jellyfish who I wish only stung mildly. I probably wouldn’t be visiting here because I have a bad fear of jellyfish after being stung badly so many times. Once, when I was young, I was stung by a huge jellyfish in the face and I could barely see out of my eyes in the next few days because of the reaction. Not a good time hahah but if you ever go I would love to hear about it!