Geos
Bikini Atoll: A Nautical History Haven in the Marshall Islands
Chuuk Lagoon: A Micronesian War Memorial and Wreck Diver’s Heaven
Yap: Micronesia’s Kingdom of the Mantas
Dive Service Providers
Ultimate Dive Travel
www.ultimatedivetravel.com
Facts and Figures
- Location: Chuuk, Yap, Pohnpei and Kosrae are the four member states of the Federated States of Micronesia. They make up a large part of the Caroline islands some 2,500 miles (4,000 km) southwest of Hawaii just above the equator. At about 270 square miles (702 sq km) of land area, many world maps do not even show them. Chuuk’s four main islands of Weno, Tonoas, Uman and Fefan contribute most of the 49 square miles (127 sq km) of Chuuk State.
- Climate: The average air temperature is 80 degrees Fahrenheit (27 degrees Celsius) year-round with highs in the high 80s and lows in the high 70s. Water temperature is in the low 80s year-round. (A tropical wet suit is recommended.) Trade winds come mainly from the northeast December through June. The underwater visibility averages between 80 and 100 feet. Heaviest rainfall usually occurs during the summer months. Humidity is slightly higher from July through November.
- Language: English and Chuukese. There are many indigenous languages in Yap State, such as Yapese, Ulithian and Woleaian.
- Time: Greenwich Mean Time plus 10 hours. This means about 17 hours ahead of U.S. West Coast time.
- Money: U.S. dollar. Most hotels accept credit cards. There are no commercial banks on Chuuk. Yap is famous for its stone money, which is still in use as a medium of exchange on certain traditional occasions.
- Electricity: 110/120V, 60Hz
- Health Considerations: Typhoid. Check with Centers for Disease Control Travelers’ hotline (877) FYI-TRIP or www.cdc.gov/travel.
- Travel Requirements: Passport or U.S. birth certificate. Visas not required for visits up to 30 days. U.S. citizens can extend for up to one year. Check here for the latest departure taxes: www.visit-micronesia.fm/guide/regulation.html.
- Getting There: Continental Airlines has gateway flights directly to Chuuk from Honolulu and Guam.
- Dress: When touring the island, women should wear skirts or slacks that cover the knees.
- Web sites: www.visit-micronesia.fm/, www.fsmgov.org, www.fm/chuuk.htm