As twenty castaways row one large boat through the waters surrounding Palau, host Jeff Probst points them towards their new beach and indicates there will be two machetes and a map to water waiting for them. In addition, he indicates there will be two Immunity necklaces for the first man and the first woman to reach the shore. With that, Probst departs and the anticipation and panic sets in. Who will stay in the boat? Who will be first to jump? Who will win Immunity? By the end of the first episode, three castaways will leave the island.

One tribe's beach is overrun with unwelcome little visitors. One Survivor is suspicious about a special alliance developing between two tribemates. While enjoying a feast, a tribe notices one member's reclusive behavior. A tribe attempts to recover a lost provision.

One tribe relaxes after winning a Challenge. One tribe faces a setback when a member suffers an injury. Two fearless castaways take it upon themselves to confront some deadly creatures on the island.

Tensions rise within both tribes when they are forced to choose leaders for the next Reward Challenge. Spirits are high within a tribe when they win a Challenge and an extraordinary Reward.

Low morale for one tribe sinks even lower when they abandon their camp in search of a cave for shelter from a storm. One tribe is taunted and tormented as they have to sit and watch the other tribe enjoy a great Reward right in front of them. Both tribes face several unexpected twists that throw them off their game.

Tensions flare between two tribemates when one blames the other for the tribe's loss in a Challenge. After a miserable night in a typhoon, one Survivor has an emotional and physical breakdown. One undecided Survivor makes conflicting deals with two tribemates going into Tribal Council.

Two Survivors battle to provide for their tribe. Sitting out a Challenge, one Survivor finds it hard to watch from the sidelines. A tribe member is suspicious of a potential alliance forming between two very friendly tribemates that could spoil a game plan. During a crucial Immunity Challenge, one Survivor takes over for a struggling tribemate.

A Survivor becomes irritated with the tribe's living conditions and lack of maintenance around camp. The Survivors get a chance to sample a Palauan delicacy. Two Survivors disagree on how the tribe should enjoy their Reward.

One Survivor struggles to endure a hard night as life on the island becomes tougher this deep into the game. After being excluded from a tribal excursion, one Survivor throws a tantrum. One tribe enjoys a memorable evening, especially for the member who overindulges a bit.

An unexpected performance by a tribemate during a Challenge results in a victory for the team. One castaway confronts her tribe, leaving everyone feeling uncomfortable and leaving her feeling alienated. A twist at a Challenge brings very bad news for one Survivor. In danger of going on the chopping block, a Survivor makes a heartfelt plea not to be voted off.

Some Survivors entertain the idea of forming a secret alliance and persuade a tribemate to join their pact. A Survivor heeds some advice and makes personal hygiene improvements, delighting the tribe. As the game nears its conclusion, three castaways formulate individual strategies for surviving the upcoming Tribal Council.

The aftermath of an emotional Tribal Council and stormy weather combine for a night the tribe will never forget. To their surprise and delight, some Survivors are overwhelmed by a visit from their loved ones. A strong alliance leaves one castaway on the outside looking in, with Immunity the only chance for survival. Paranoia sets in as alliances crumble and some Survivors feels like they've lost control of the game.

Gender lines are drawn as one group hatches a plan to vote off the Survivor who doesn't win Immunity. One Survivor feels betrayed when the winner of a Challenge chooses a different tribemate to enjoy the Reward. Going into Tribal Council, one Survivor holds the power and is torn between an alliance and a friendship.

The Final Four rethink their strategies when a once-solid alliance dissolves with the slip of a tongue. After an emotional Tribal Council, arguments erupt, feelings are hurt and friendships are questioned. A shocking development during the Final Immunity Challenge promises to go down in Survivor history. Tears and harsh words fuel a tense session between the Jury and the Final Two.

In front of a live studio audience and the entire cast of PALAU, Jeff Probst reveals the results of the Jury vote and announces the Sole Survivor and winner of $1 million.