Micronesia
The geographic entity that is Micronesia comprises many nations located in the western Pacific. From east to west: the Republic of the Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) which consists of 4 islands (Kosrae, Pohnpei, Chuuk or Truk, and Yap), Guam (a US territory), The Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (Rota, Saipan north to Maug), and the Republic of Palau. Sometimes Kiribati is included as part of Micronesia. Distinct languages being spoken by many different ethnic groups, stunning coral atolls and mangroves, highlands with jungles, rivers, waterfalls, and volcanoes help to make this area of the world sparkle like the island jewels they are.
The diving ranges from the tiniest of macro to the largest of big marine creatures. The area also includes the world’s deepest ocean point, the Marianas Trench- located just southeast of Guam. Not all the islands offer liveaboards due to lack of anchorages and protection and low tourism. But the Truk Lagoon and 100 mile long archipelago of Palau and many others offer diving like you’ve always hoped and longed for.
With such a vast size, 99% of Micronesia is water, and 1% is land. Getting around by air is the only practical way to go, though this is expensive. With few visitors, Micronesians are friendly, and eager to interact with outsiders.
Most people enter Micronesia through Guam, and therefore must conform to US passport and visa requirements. Requirements for other parts of Micronesia vary, but typically you are issued a 15, 30, or 60 day visa upon arrival with valid passport and proof of onward travel. Located in the tropics, the climate is generally warm and humid with average temperatures around 29 degrees C. Wet season is December through May, and dry is June through November. Diving is year round but is most popular during the months of December through July. The US dollar is the official currency of Micronesia. Most credit cards are accepted but on the more secluded islands, cash is more reliable.English is widely spoken.
The Marshall Islands
Liveaboard diving around some 1,125 tiny emerald atolls in the Marshall islands only began a couple of years ago. Expect reef, wall, and wreck diving on 7 day trips around the area. Best diving is May through August, although it is possible to dive all year round. Water temperature is 26-28 degrees C. with 15-60 meters of visibility. Fly in from Guam or Honolulu, then take puddle jumpers around to the many islands.
www.visitmarshallislands.com
Palau
With 100 miles of diving along this archipelago, its no wonder Palau is considered an ‘Underwater Wonder of the World.” Home to the famous mushroom shaped rock islands, reefs, walls, and wrecks. Located in one of the richest ocean environments in the world, the diversity of diving is unmatched. Expect big schools of fish, sharks, large coral growth, and many WWII wrecks. Good diving conditions are year round but the best months are January through September. Water is 26-30 degrees C and the Viz is 15-60 meters.
www.visit-palau.com
Saipan
Diving here is year round, but best is from January to August. Fly from Guam via Manila, or Tokyo and Osaka. Direct from Seoul and Shanghai.
www.mymarianias.com
Federated States of Micronesia
Spread across the vast Pacific Ocean, the Federated state of Micronesia were formed in 1986 when a constitution was formed,ending UN and US protectorate status. With low lying volcanic islands, and vast coral atolls, FSM offers some of the best diving on World War II wrecks. Highlight of FSM include these four islands:
Yap
With one of the world's most frequent encounters with magnificent pacific Manta rays, Yap has attracted divers for the magnificent ballets these feeding giants perform in the crystal clear waters.
Stone money is also a highlight of this country, where stone age meets the digital age as this country continues to develop.
Truk Lagoon or Chuuk
Most famous for the sunken wrecks from a massive World War II battle, Truuk (or Truk as it is sometimes spelled) has attracted divers to large soft corals, pelagics and other creatures that have made their homes on the sunken ships. Truk Lagoon is a wreck diving heaven of WWII ships with at least 50 shipwrecks located at various depths. Many of the ships are full of war artifacts and laden with live ammo, not to mention they are covered in lush coral with sharks circling above. These wrecks provide magnificent reef and wreck diving all year round. The best time, however, is from January to August. Water is 26-29 degrees C and Viz 20-50 meters. Fly here from Guam or Honolulu.
www.visit-fsm.com
Pohnpei
As one of the most diverse island in Micronesia, the offshore atolls of Ant and Pakin offer untouched diving opportunities; with mangroves surrounding the main island, a unique ecosystem has been created, a nursery for sea life.
Kosrae
With steep dropoffs, dogtooth tuna, sharks and other pelagics can be encountered on the fifty dive sites that have been identified on this island.
