The Grandeur of Kosrae’s Diving Sites

Diving in Kosrae is virtually unlimited as it has around fifty dive sites. Each of the site has a buoy where boats can set their anchors without causing damage to the reefs. Some of the sites are as follows:

The Blue Hole is a very accessible site as it is located just in front of the Kosrae Nautilus Resort. It is an easy dive where divers can spot schools of angelfish, chromis, and baitfish.

Another dive site in front of a resort is the Village Reef. Situated directly in front of the Kosrae Village Resort, one can find anthias, large groupers, angelfish, and butterfly fish swirling about the large staghorn corals. Even non-divers can have some of the action as snorkeling is possible on calm days.

The Malem Reefs are home to a bountiful garden of corals that provide shelter to fish, anthias, flatworms, damsels, and nudibranch.

When diving in Kosrae be sure to drop by the Hiroshi Point. This dive site features a sloping wall where hard coral and soft coral trees thrive, providing a home for fish, moray eels, anemones, and stingrays.

Wreck enthusiasts and lovers of pirate lore will also be delighted in the Bully Hayes Wreck when diving in Kosrae. This site is where the ship of pirate Bully Hayes, the Lenora, sank in 1874. Now, fishes and turtles call this ship home.

For some marine life excitement, a dive in Shark Island is a must. In this site, an encounter with sharks, eagle rays, barracudas, and rainbow runners are a common occurrence.

Tips when Travelling to Yap

When you travel into the island of Yap, you must take note of the following yap travel tips. Travellers are banned from bringing in narcotics and weapons. Also banned are certain fruits, animals, and other plants. Those who love their drink need not worry as people are allowed to bring in two bottles of liquor each duty free.

Immunizations are not required unless you are flying in from an infected area.

The official currency in the island as well as all over the Federated States of Micronesia is the US dollar. For your banking needs, you can go to the Bank of the FSM or the Community Ayuw Credit Union. Hotels, restaurants, and shopping centres accept credit cards and travelers cheques as well. The stone money of ancient Yap is still in use but only among the locals.

Yap travel tips for cases of emergency means checking in at the 48-bed hospital run by the Yap State Government. Treatment of more serious injuries is conducted off the island and transfers to Guam, Manila, Palau, or Hawaii are done through Med-I-Vac.

The weather in Yap is tropical and it does not get very cold. Thus, one of the practical yap travel tips is to travel with lightweight clothing. There is almost no occasion that will require formal wear since attire all throughout the island is very casual. Slacks and a Hawaiian print shirt can already pass as formal wear if wearing one is needed. Anywhere you go, flip flops are acceptable footwear.

The Mystery of Yap

The island of yap is said to be the most intriguing state in the Federated States of Micronesia. Called the “Land of the Stone Money”, the people of the island managed to hold on to their age-old traditions all throughout the years due to its location. They were relatively unaffected by the Spanish, German, and Japanese occupations from the 1500s to the 1940s which altered the lives of the other Micronesian islands. Even now, its location means that it is off the main tourist route and only a few visitors go here.

Traditional life and occupations dominate the lifestyle of the locals in the island of yap. Sailing, fishing, and weaving are just some of the traditions that still dominate their daily lives. The women still wear grass skirts, while the men still don the thu’us, a type of loincloth. The people are especially proud of their dance tradition. Raucous, well orchestrated, and colorful, it is through these dances that the men and women of Yap pass down their legends and express themselves.

Even if these people are a bit shy, they don’t mind having visitors as long as they are respectful and courteous of their lifestyle. They welcome friendly visitors who wish to learn more about their life by letting them take part in tasks such as launching a canoe or weaving a basket.

There are a lot of things to do for those who take the chance and visit the island of yap. Diving, fishing, swimming and hiking are just some of the things travelers will enjoy here.

Vibrant Tourism in Kosrae

Kosrae is one of the four island states that make up the Federated States of Micronesia. Located just a few hours southeast of Guam and southwest of Hawaii, this 42-square-mile island is home to one of the most peaceful people on the planet, making Kosrae tourism a must have experience.

Underwater, Kosrae is just as marvelous. One of the most important aspects of Kosrae tourism is diving on its virgin reef. The reef houses around 172 species of hard corals and 10 species of soft corals. Due to the thriving coral community, there are hundreds of species of fish and other marine life. Bottleneck dolphins and whales are sometimes spotted in Kosrae’s reef.

For divers who wish to do some wreck diving, they won’t be disappointed with the sunken whale ships Henrietta and Waverly. Reminders of World War II also abound in the seabed, with the wrecks Sansun Maru and Keikyu Maru as well as several fighter planes.

Travelers who prefer to seek their thrills on land, hiking Mt. Finkol, the tallest mountain in Kosrae is an option. At more than 2,064 feet, this mountain requires both the hiker and the guide to be in good physical condition. Hiking the mountain will take around seven to eight hours.

An easier walk can be had when exploring the Lelu ruins. This was once an ancient complex similar in design and purpose as the Nan Madol ruins in Pohnpei.

Other highlights of Kosrae tourism are the Kosrae State Museum, the Wiya Bird Cave, the Menke ruins and hiking trails, and the giant clam farm in Walung.

Info about Your Micronesia Trip

The Federated States of Micronesia, a country located in the northwestern region of the Pacific Ocean is composed of 4 breathtaking major island groups namely the island of Kosrae (Kosiae), island of Chuuk (Truk), island of Pohnpei (Ponape) and island of Yap. All year round the climate in Micronesia is generally tropical except for the eastern islands where there is heavy rainfall throughout the year.

Because of Micronesia’s strategic location, there’s no wonder why the peninsula is endowed with magnificent beaches, coastline, and scenic views. This is also the reason why several tourists flock the place all year round. What makes the tourist destinations more popular and worth visiting is that aside from the picturesque views, each and every destination has a story to tell.

You can reach the Federated States of Micronesia by plane or by boat. The major international ports are located in Chuuk, Pohnpei or Ponape and Yap. If you prefer to travel by plane Honolulu offers direct access to Micronesia if you’re coming from North America. If you’re from Asia and Australia your entryway could be thru Guam.

FSM visa requirements are not as strict as it is when you enter the United States, despite the fact that it is a UN Territory run by US. However you should be able to furnish all necessary documents prior to your scheduled trip to allow enough time for your visa to be approved.

You can find the best Micronesia travel deals online. So before you pack your things, log on the net and check hotel availabilities as well as interesting places that you can visit in the Federated States of Micronesia. This way you are well prepared for your FSM travel and you can maximize your time for adventure and relaxation.