Adventure By Land And By Sea

To get the most from your diving vacation in Micronesia, it’s best to include several islands in your itinerary, since each of the region’s major dive locations has something unique to offer. From magnificent hard and soft coral gardens, to World War II wrecks, and from mesmerizing walls, to the thrill of drift diving, you’ll find these little tropical islands pack a powerful punch. Divers can expect to regularly encounter schools of tuna and barracuda, as well as local dolphins, turtles, grouper, manta rays, reef sharks, and dozens of species of vibrantly coloured fish and anemones. Thanks to an abundance of speedy boats that visit many of the major sites, both resort-based diving and liveaboards are viable options for your water-based exploits. Meanwhile, topside offerings include a wealth of ancient ruins, dramatic waterfalls, and indigenous art villages to explore, as well as opportunities for hiking, fishing, snorkeling, and surfing, canoeing, and kayaking.

Micronesia’s Greatest Hits

Micronesia is divided into four unique states, each separated by large expanses of water and displaying a distinct blend of local folklore, traditions and indigenous languages. Riddled with hundreds of islands, lagoons, and atolls, the three most significant dive locations in the region are in the states of YapChuuk (formerly Truk), and Palau. The richly diverse waters surrounding the hundreds of islands that make up Palau boast some 1500 species of fish, in settings that range from wrecks, to coral gardens, to current-swept drop-offs. The 50 by 80 km (30 by 50 mile) lagoon comprising the bulk of Chuuk State offers one of the most concentrated wreck diving sites in the world, with close to 70 diveable WWII shipwrecks. Last, but certainly not least, the most traditional Micronesian culture is to be found in Yap, where it provides a sensational backdrop for big manta action and outstanding reef and wall dives.

Visit Any Time

Most divers reach these off-the-beaten-path destinations by flying through Honolulu and Guam, and then on to the various islands. Divers will enjoy Micronesia at any time of the year, as the weather is relatively unchanging. Although a wetter climate that typically sees 10-15 days of rain per month, and with its driest season extending from December through April, temperatures in Micronesia average a balmy 27oC (80oF), year round. In terms of water clarity, many dive locations offer incredible visibility in excess of 30 meters (100 feet), due to Micronesia’s remote location and relatively low water traffic.