Diving in Micronesia

Dive sites in Micronesia will offer all sorts of marine life. The rare mandarin fish make their home here. The islands here are known as the homes of giant manta rays, sharks, sea turtles, spotted eagle rays and anemone fish. The corals here are filled with tropical fish. A place of interest here is a lake filled with jellyfish that do not sting so these majestic creatures can be enjoyed by scuba divers swimming amongst them.

Palau - One of the best known dives areas in Micronesia for adventurous divers. Palau is a set of 300+ islands to Micronesia's west. Drift currents, walls and incredible large fish on offer here. Mostly suited to experienced divers, Palau has lots on offer. Also, take in non-stinging jellyfish at Jellyfish Lake.

Chuuk/Truk lagoon - A sheltered set of islands strewn with WWII wrecks to enjoy. If you enjoy wreck diving this is the place to be. 77 square miles of WWII naval forces from Japan at the bottom of the sea and American airforce planes that were shot down by the Japanese. All have been left untouched since the battle here in 1944 that put them n the sea bed. One part of the world where a calm wreck dive can be enjoyed throughout the year.

Peleliu - This dive site in Micronesia is off the coast of Peleliu Island. The dive site is a wall that is great for drift diving. Experienced divers here can move along with the strong current whilst taking in everything big drift dives have to offer. Sharks, tuna, rays and barracuda are on the menu here whilst drifting along the wall. Also, check out the schools of sweetlips and jacks.

Jellyfish Lake - There are 70 marine lakes and coves of the coast of Koror to be explored but this one will offer something unique. As it says in its name this lake is full of millions of pulsing mastigias jellyfish. The sting of these jellyfish is so tiny that it does not cause any harm or pain to a human. This means you can swim in amongst these beautiful, majestic creatures relaxing and enjoying this spectacular sight.

Blue Corner - This dive site is extremely popular though it has plenty of reason to be. With all the other divers at this site you will enjoy a wall dive with a strong current. This drift dive is not far from the coast of Koror the island's capital. The strong current will take you on a journey along this incredible wall. If you find yourself a rock grab on to observe the many gray and white tip reef sharks who patrol the wall's edge. Look out for mackeral, tuna, turtles and spotted eagle rays surfing in the current. This dive should be only completed by experienced divers due to the drift current.

SEASONS & CONDITIONS: The best season to visit Micronesia for scuba diving is year round. Be aware that typhoon season is between August and December, however, this will not affect the underwater life on offer. With a consistent 100 ft of visibility, you won't miss what these waters have to offer.

WATER TEMPERATURES: Waters here usually hover around 26-28 degrees Celsius. A temperature that could suit people to dive in 3mm shorty to a 5mm full suit for comfort on your dive tour. If you have 4 dives per day more warmth is preferable.

Diving in Micronesia can be accomplished by all diving experience levels, although some sites have very strong currents, so divers must be comfortable diving in these type of conditions. Some dives go deeper than 18m so learn to dive in Micronesia as an advanced diver by taking a course here allowing you to dive deeper. A great place to take a wreck diving course as many of the wrecks offer opportunities for penetration. Another option is a photography course here to learn how to capture both macro species and the larger fish the seas here have to offer.

Micronesia can be reached with United Airlines flights through Guam and Honolulu. From Guam it will take approximately 2 hours by flight to Chuuk direct. If choosing a Micronesia liveaboard then vessels usually depart from Weno or Koror, Palau which can be easily reached once on the island of Palau.