Marshall Islands
Oceanic Pacific: WWII wreck diving, Bikini Atoll and a vast shark sanctuary
Overview
Under the control at various times of Spain, Germany, Japan and the USA, the Marshall Islands' chief claim to fame is Bikini Atoll, the site of the notorious US atomic bomb tests from 1946 to 1948. Two thirds of the population live on Majuro, the capital and most developed atoll.
Diving is best from May through to October, and provides access to some of the best wreck diving in the world, with 25 shipwrecks and 160 plane wrecks from WWII. Surfing experts say Beran Island offers unparalleled access to some of the best surf in the Pacific.
In 2011 the government declared nearly two million square kilometres of the country a zero-kill shark sanctuary. The northwest trade winds blow from April to October, with westerly gales from November to March.
Atolls & Map
Map Key - Ports & Atolls
- Majuro (port of entry, capital)
- Ebeye / Kwajalein (port of entry)
- Bikini Atoll
✈ Marshall Islands International Airport (Majuro)
Anchorages at Aur, Maloelap & Eneko. Nearly 2 million sq km shark sanctuary.
Getting There & Clearance
Clearance
Clearance is handled by the immigration and customs authorities and the national Ports Authority. The ports of entry are Majuro (VHF 16) and Ebeye Island (VHF 16). A local agent is recommended for the more remote atolls.
Government Contacts
Ports Authority: pacificports.org
International Airports
Marshall Islands International (Majuro) · Airok · Ine Island.
Key Anchorages
Majuro (Mieco Yacht Beach Club) · Eneko Island · Aur Atoll · Maloelap · Kwajalein · Bikini Atoll.
Local Services
Agents
CenPac Shipping Agency
Charter & Adventure
Indies Trader Marine Adventures
Diving
Dive Marshall Islands
Yacht Clubs
Mieco Yacht Beach Club · Kwajalein Yacht Club
Cruising
Bikini & the outer atolls
Conservation
2M sq km shark sanctuary
APSA Members in Marshall Islands
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do superyachts clear in to the Marshall Islands?
The ports of entry are Majuro and Ebeye Island, both on VHF 16, handled by the immigration and customs authorities and the national Ports Authority. A local agent is recommended for the outer atolls.
When is the best time to cruise the Marshall Islands?
The northwest trade winds blow from April to October, which is the best cruising and diving season. Westerly gales prevail from November to March.
Why are the Marshall Islands famous for diving?
The Marshall Islands offer some of the best wreck diving in the world, with 25 shipwrecks and 160 plane wrecks from WWII, most famously around Bikini Atoll, the site of US atomic bomb tests in the 1940s.
Where can superyachts cruise in the Marshall Islands?
Cruising centres on Majuro, the capital atoll, with anchorages at Eneko, Aur Atoll, Maloelap, Kwajalein and the remote Bikini Atoll, all within a nearly two-million-square-kilometre shark sanctuary.
Which APSA members are based in the Marshall Islands?
The Marshall Islands' APSA member is Indies Trader Marine Adventures, based at Majuro, providing adventure travel, charter, surf and diving expeditions across the Pacific.