For the most exquisite unspoiled landscapes and some of the best underwater spectacles on earth look no further than these warm tropical islands situated in the Philippine Sea. The water surrounding the five hundred tropical islands that make up Palau is home to more than one thousand five hundred species of fish and seven hundred different corals. This is one of the Seven Underwater Wonders of the World. These waters attract not only divers but sports fishermen as this is also home to massive game fish such as marlin and sail fish.
The interior of Guam, the largest of the islands, is covered in lush tropical forests ringed by pristine white beaches. A territory of the United States the island also has decent infrastructure with plenty of shops and restaurants and warm, welcoming people.
Around the Marshall Islands divers explore the wrecks of aircraft carriers that sank during the Second World War, whilst the snowy white beaches of the Marianas Islands attract tourists to its many resorts, casinos and fine dining restaurants.
Countries in Micronesia
Federated State of Micronesia
Scattered about the western Pacific the six hundred islands that make up the Federated States of Micronesia are some of the most remote islands on earth.
Produced by volcanic activity these islands contain landscapes of splendid and diverse beauty. These include mountain peaks which soar over six hundred metres into the skies, ravines that plunge down to the sparkling rivers below, mangrove forests teeming with life and vast and alluring lagoons, filled with coral reefs and the wrecks of warships. This is one of the best diving destinations on earth.
Just above the equator the islands enjoy all year tropical conditions. The islanders, living remotely as they do from the rest of the world, still practice ancient rituals, dances and song. They have lived here for thousands of years and the ruins of ancient cities offer insight into how they lived their lives in times past.
Guam
A US territory in the western Pacific, Guam boasts lush tropical landscapes, exotic and secluded beaches and people with a warm and welcoming disposition. The biggest island in Micronesia, this former Spanish colony is close to the equator so the weather and surrounding waters are warm year-round.
Here you can swim with turtles, rock dive, wind surf or skydive. Dive amongst the ship wrecks from two World Wars, watch fire dancers on the beach or take a sail around the island to spot dolphins.
The infrastructure in Guam is modern and adequate with plenty of shops and restaurants. A mix of Asian, Polynesian and European cultures has flavored the cuisine. Duty free shopping in the modern boutiques is a popular pastime and the Pacific War museum offers an interesting insight into the battles that took place here.
Kiribati
The Republic of Kiribati consists of thirty-three South Pacific reef islands and atolls spread over an area of 3.5 million square kilometers. The waters surrounding the islands are filled with colorful corals and the wrecks of World War Two warships that teem with tropical fish, making this a great dive destination.
The island of Kiritimati is the world’s largest atoll island. It is a sanctuary for millions of sea birds that live there, and home to the largest marine protected area in the world. Kiribati is famous for its fishing. Choose between game fishing for marlin, barracuda and sailfish or wading and fly fishing in the saltwater flats.
The islands have few modern amenities and really are off the beaten track, but visitors can stay in cool grass huts built over the pale blue surrounding waters or further up the beach on the soft white sand.
Marshall Islands
The Marshall Islands are made up of twenty-nine coral atolls. It is one of only two countries world-wide that is comprised only of atolls.
About halfway between Australia and Hawaii, the country receives just five thousand visitors a year so it lacks some of the infrastructure enjoyed by more popular areas of the world. Here the unspoiled natural splendor of the surrounds more than makes up for the infrastructural shortfalls.
Around these islands the countless coral reefs and undersea areas have yet to be explored. The surrounding ocean contains almost eight hundred species of fish, over two hundred corals, and numerous World War Two wrecks.
The undersea visibility is amongst the best in the world. Here, encompassing the entire country you will find the world’s largest shark sanctuary. Visit soon these islands may not survive to the end of the century as rising sea levels could cause the total evacuation of the islands’ inhabitants.
Nauru
The tiny island of Nauru, at just twenty-two square kilometers, is the third smallest country in the world, after Monaco and the Vatican City. It is located north east of Australia, and with just two hundred tourists a year this is also one of the least visited destinations on earth.
Situated just below the equator Nauru has year-round warm tropical weather. A large portion of the island is covered by the phosphate mine that for a time made the island the world’s richest country per capita.
The Japanese occupied Nauru for three years during the Second World War, leaving behind plenty of war relics, which still lie scattered around the island. Standing on Commander Point you can view a Japanese military stronghold and get a view of the entire country. Below view Japanese bunkers and abandoned artillery.
Northern Mariana Islands
A territory of the United States, the Northern Mariana Islands are blessed with pristine white beaches surrounded by warm tropical waters. The islands also boast great resorts, a casino and plenty of fine dining.
Created by volcanic activity the eighteen islands boast cliffs, caves, mountains, three active volcanoes and beautiful tranquil bays.
These islands have been inhabited for thousands of years and are believed to be the first South Pacific islands to host arrivals from South East Asia.
Surrounded by coral reefs and a spectacular array of World War Two ship wrecks and B29 bombers this is a popular diving destination. The famous Grotto has been voted second best cavern dive in the world.
Here you can take a dinner cruise and watch the sun set, tour the jungle in a four by four, enjoy a round of golf or see the underwater sights in a submarine.
Palau
Comprised of more than two hundred tropical islands Palau is home to more than one thousand five hundred species of fish and seven hundred different corals. The coral reefs are one of the Seven Underwater Wonders of the World.
Palau is an untouched paradise. Splendid bays are surrounded by forested cliffs beneath which talcum sand and the palest blue water meet. Little limestone islands are scattered throughout the surrounding seas, giving it an otherworldly charm. Here you can swim with turtles and manta rays or in a landlocked lake filled with jellyfish that don’t sting.
Palau saw some of the bloodiest battles of World War Two and today remnants of the war are still scattered all over the islands, and beneath the water tropical fish play in the wrecks of old ships and planes.
