Micronesia
Micronesia is the collective name given for two thousand tiny tropical islands scattered over more than three million square miles of the Pacific Ocean.
The eight island groups that form Micronesia are Guam, the Republic of Palau (Belau), the Marianas, Pohnpei, Yap , Chu’uk, the Marshalls and Kosrae - each unique group with its own culture, language, history and stunning tropical attractions. Many of these islands are the summits of huge underwater mountains or the rims of sunken volcano craters
Micronesia has a long and colourful history of colonial occupation and the region was the venue of many fierce WW2 battles that are a constant, and now a colourful reminder, of its past. It is this combination of natural events, local culture and man-made conflicts that makes Micronesia one of the world's most unique and sought after diving destinations. It would be difficult to imagine an area that contains such a stunning combination of world class dive sites to suit every diver from reef lovers to wreck divers.
Throughout Micronesia divers can encounter an abundance of marine life in just about every imaginable colour and shape. Divers worldwide are drawn to the Palau's terrific drop-offs, the beauty of the Rock Islands, the underwater wreck museums of Chuuk, and to Yap, the home of the giant manta rays. The seas are inhabited by hundreds of types of hard and soft corals, anemones, colourful sponges, countless varieties of shellfish, manta rays and pelagics. Chu’uk, Bikini and Palau also offer incredible wreck diving – difficult to duplicate anywhere in the world.
Palau, Guam, Yap and Chuuk are well established dive destinations. Kosrae and Pohnpei are fast becoming so. It may be a long way to travel, but the rewards are incredible. You will never regret the trip and it is unlikely to be your last.
Weather is quite constant all year round - hot with high humidity. The rainy season generally goes from October to December; the driest months are January and February. Year round water temperatures average 27°C (80F) and land temperatures average 28°C (84F. Gin-clear waters make 30 metre (100 ft ) visibility under water the norm.
Getting There:
Guam is the travel hub for Micronesia. From the UK it's a long haul in either direction involving changing planes several times. The most usual way is to fly to one of the U.S. gateways, generally Dallas or Los Angeles and then onto Guam via Hawaii. There are good local connections out of Guam to all the other islands.
Worldwise
This is a long trip unless you are travelling from Australia (good connections from Cairns). Try to build in acclimatisation time and consider a two centre. There is so much to see here. Although Chu’uk is world famous for it’s wrecks, Palau also has some amazing wreck dives which are combined with some of the most incredible wall and reef diving in the world. Bikini is also wonderful for deeper wrecks. Consider whether staying on the land or a liveaboard will suit you best – some liveaboards offer two centre holidays. There are pros and cons which each choice.
|
BSAC TRAVEL CLUB BOOKSHOP SELECTION
in association with amazon.co.uk
|
|
 |
Guam by Nevil Adkins
Palau
Pohnpei
Yap
Chuuk
Kosrae
Bikini Atoll
|
