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The more than 2,000 islands that make up Micronesia
are scattered over 4.5 million square miles of
blue ocean. As you might expect, the terrain and
people found in this vast area are as diverse
as they are interesting. For example, in Yap,
they still use giant stone money. Guam, on the
other hand, is a United States territory, with
a bustling, modern way of life.
Underwater Micronesia has it all, from wreck
graveyards to thriving coral reefs, to fish of
all types and colors, to lagoons, drop-offs and
pinnacles. Everywhere, there is adventure and
abundant marine life. Space limits us to only
a small mention of some favorite islands and sites.
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MARSHALL
ISLANDS
The most famous diving in the largely undeveloped
Marshalls is found around Majuro Atoll and
Bikini. Majuro Atoll diving includes airplane
wrecks near the airport, and shipwrecks off
Rita. The tropical fish found on the reefs
are plentiful and Gray Reef and Whitetip Reef
Sharks are common. Calalin Channel also has
its share of these predators, taking the label
of “Shark Alley.”
Bikini still suffers
from an undeserved “radiation reputation,”
left over from its use as an atomic bomb
test site in the 1940s and ‘50s. But
this has helped keep the diving pristine.
Here the Gray Reef Shark action is big,
as is wreck diving. The USS Saratoga is
the world’s only diver-accessible aircraft
carrier wreck.
KOSRAE
The island of Kosrae and its people are,
today, much like they have always been—unspoiled
and friendly. The diving is, likewise, unspoiled.
There are vibrant coral reefs, complete
with Lionfish. There are bigger fish, such
as barracuda and stingrays, and there are
wrecks, including a sunken PBY plane.
POHNPEI
The island of Pohnpei is wet and green and
bursting with flowers. The undersea world
is also bursting with life, especially with
colorful tropicals on the reef. Bigger animals,
such as Manta Rays are occasionally encountered.
You can also experience some excellent atoll
diving at Ant and Pakin Atolls. An unusual
offering is diving the canals of the ancient
stone city of Nan Madol.
TRUK
Truk (or Chuuk) Lagoon represents the pinnacle
of wreck diving. Here, in clear and calm
tropical waters, lie more than 60 Japanese
shipwrecks dating from WW II. There are
tankers, subs, freighters, tugs and both
Japanese and U.S. warplanes. The ships have
also become artificial reefs, attracting
numerous marine animals. The outer edge
of the lagoon reef displays awesome visibility
and pelagics visit constantly.
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SAIPAN/TINIAN
Though evolving rapidly into the modern age,
Saipan still offers excellent diving. Wrecks
are plentiful, and The Grotto offers tunnels.
With its one small village, nearby Tinian
is the much quieter topside, and its underwater
attractions are just now being explored.
GUAM
Guam is a United States territory, and very
busy, as it is home to more than 160,000
people. Wrecks from WW II are underwater
highlights, and there is a unique “double
wreck,” where a WW II vessel sank into
one resting on the bottom since WW I. Blue
Hole, at the end of the Orote Peninsula,
lets divers descend 60 feet into the reef,
and exit on the wall.
YAP/ULITHI
On Yap, time seems to have stood still.
The islanders maintain traditional dress
and customs. Yap diving is famous for Manta
Rays. At Manta Ridge, in Miil Channel and
other sites, huge Mantas are experienced
up-close. One hundred miles away from Yap,
Ulithi Atoll is surprisingly developed,
with more than 1,000 inhabitants. The atoll
offers a different diving angle to the Yap
area.
PALAU
The Republic of Palau (Belau) is famous
for its small rock islands rising mushroom-like
out of the sea. The dive specialties include
caves, channels, walls and wrecks. Giant
clams are common. The vertical wall at Blue
Corner is legendary for its big fish, including
barracuda, tuna and sharks. Palau also has
landlocked saltwater lakes, in which you
can snorkel with millions of stingless jellyfish.
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Escape
to friendly, simple, peaceful,
mysterious, pristine, lush,
tropical Kosrae
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Close your eyes and imagine
a secluded white sandy beach
without a single foot print
to mar its pristine beauty.
Or gliding silently in a dugout
canoe thru ancient mangrove
forest. Or imagine yourself
in Neolithic archeological ruins
that defy both time and meaning.
How about trying to find the
lost treasures of the infamous
American pirate Bully Hayes
buried more than a century ago
in 20 meters depth in Utwe Harbor.
With its enchanting rainforests,
haunting historical ruins and
international reputation for
diving, Kosrae stands out among
the top in the world.
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Kosrae
Visitors Bureau
P.O. Box 659
Tofol, Kosrae 96944
email: kosrae@mail.fm
website: www.kosrae.com
Telephone: (691) 370-2228
Fax: (691) 370-2187
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M/V
Sun Dancer II
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Dive the incredible waters
of Palau aboard M/V Sun Dancer
II, accommodating 20 guests
in 10 luxurious staterooms.
Amenities abound with daily
morning coffee to your room,
sit down dining and ensuite
facilities. Service, safety,
special amenities and great
diving are the hallmarks of
all Peter Hughes Diving vacations.
Nitrox and E-6 processing available.
800-9DANCER; www.peterhughes.com;
dancer@peterhughes.com.
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 Palau’s
award
winning PADI 5-Star IDC Center.
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Named Palau's best by American
and European divers for personalized
service and friendly professional
staff including marine biologists
& u/w photographers.
Small groups. Great Guides.
Fantastic diving. PADI courses,
too. Training referrals welcome!
Nitrox too! Reefs, wrecks, big
fish. Kayaking, sailing, and
much more….
Great affordable packages &
group specials too!
Contact your travel professional
or
E-mail: samstours@palaunet.com
Web: www.samstours.com
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Big
Blue Explorer
Palau's Most Affordable LiveAboard.
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Spacious 167 ft. fully air-conditioned-
9 twin cabins
w/ en-suite facilities. Jacuzzi
on deck, salon, entertainment
center and upper deck bar /
lounge. Free kayak use. E-6
and NITROX available.
www.palaucsuba.com - 877.348.3475
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Explorer@palauscuba.com.
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We sell value Dive-PAKS to
include
Airfare, diving, and all travel
components.
Easy Booking!
Call for details
800-GO-DIVING
Palau: $1,995 p/p
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Guam offers an abundant
dive experience for all skill
levels. With visibility of up
to 150 feet, the warm waters
surrounding Guam contain over
400 types of hard coral, more
than 900 kinds of marine life,
wreck diving and specialty dives
such as the Blue Hole and the
Crevice. Call today for a free
dive brochure 1-800-US-3-GUAM.
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Are
you coming to Micronesia?
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Do you need
some expert advise and very
personalized travel services?
We are the largest
PADI CDC Center in the western
pacific and offer divers exclusive
travel and our famous "MDA"
service. We invite you to visit
our web pages at
www.mdaguam.com.
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ODYSSEY
ADVENTURES
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The new way to see Truk Lagoon.
Dive the wrecks and reefs of
Truk Lagoon onboard the 132'
Odyssey. Features include nine
luxury suites w/private head
and shower, onboard photo lab
and Free Nitrox. 7 day charters
starting from $2,295, includes
accommodations, meals, beverages,
transfers, tanks and weights.
Unlimited diving from vessel.
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Tel: 800-757-5396
Fax: 904-346-0664
Email: info@trukodyssey.com
www.TrukOdyssey.com
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Traders'
Ridge Resort
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An intimate resort offering
all the amenities of a 5-Star
Hotel. Located on the Island
of Yap, an unspoiled Micronesian
Island that hosts giant Manta
Rays, calm clear waters and
unexplored pristine reefs exploding
with color and marine life.
Discover World-Class Diving
up close and personal with our
PADI dive center and Yap's most
experienced dive guides. Traders'
Ridge Resort,
the treasure of the sea.
Toll free: 877-657-4695
Fax: 691-350-4279
Internet: www.tradersridge.com
Email: info@tradersridge.com
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Kosrae
Nautilus Resort
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 Kosrae
Nautilus Resort is a
16 room complex, beautifully
situated in tropical gardens
with swimming pool and full
restaurant and bar facilities.
At the Resort you will find
friendly staff and comfortable
surroundings just a stone's
throw from your own private
beach. Our dive boats leave
daily (except Sunday) to the
best sites around the 42 miles
of pristine coral and coast
line. Follow our experienced
dive guides as they show you
the hidden treasures of Kosrae's
underwater paradise.
www.kosraenautilus.com
nautilus@mail.fm
Phone: 011 691 370 3567
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