.Halfway between the real and the make-believe lies the magical.

Micronesia is THE diver's paradise and much more.

(Opening introduction from Moonbooks Micronesia)

 

Micronesia , means ‘small islands’ and this is a perfect way to describe these 2,100 tropical islands scattered across the North Pacific Ocean between Hawaii and the Philippines, spread out over three million square miles, each island has its own unique culture and topographical personality.

There are two main entry points - Manila (Philippines) and Guam. For Europeans and Asians, Manila is the most common hub. Travellers from Japan, Taiwan, Australia and the Americas normally go via Guam.

The eight island groups that form Micronesia are Guam, the Republic of Palau (Belau), the Marianas, Ponhpei, Yap , Truk (Chuuk), the Marshalls and Kosrae - each unique group with its own culture, language, history and stunning tropical attractions. These islands and atolls are the result of volcanic activity which took place millions of years ago. Many of these islands are the summits of huge underwater mountains or the rims of sunken volcano craters peaking over the water surface to surround tropical lagoons. Not only are Micronesia's island spread out over a great distance but each island group also has it's own culture and character where their traditional lifestyles still prosper to varying degrees.

The Western Caroline Islands are primarily high, volcanic in origin, with mountains, abundant fresh water, and tropical rain forest vegetation. They are surrounded by two types of reefs: fringing and barrier reefs. The deepest place in the worlds ocean's is the Marianas Treanch near Guam, it is over seven miles deep, if Mount Everest were dropped into that crack, its peak would be a mile beneath the surface. Whether it's their proximity to the trench or just the ocean currents the waters are crystal clear.

On 7 December 1941 Japan bombed Pearl Harbour, but it also took possession of Guam. It wasn't until February 1944 that the USA retaliated with an attack on Chuuk Lagoon, the Japanese fleet's most important base in the central Pacific. Over 200,000 tons of equipment were sunk over two days, and the USA neutralised the base. Fighting was heavy in Micronesia and surrounding islands over the coming months, with particularly long and brutal battles taking place in the Marianas, to the north, and Palau, to the west. The war destroyed almost all the infrastructure built by the Japanese, and a great many Micronesians were caught in the crossfire, although history tends to ignore them.

The tropical location and remoteness of these islands make Micronesia one of the world's most exciting dive destinations! Throughout these tiny islands however exist some truly exceptional diving and dive sites, and for those willing to make the lengthy trip to Micronesia, the rewards are plentiful.

The nature of the diving in Micronesia is largely dictated by the regions volcanic past, and as such many of the islands and atolls are the results of millions of years of volcanic activity. These lush islands sweep down into some stunningly beautiful lagoons and some steep drop offs and walls. These walls and lagoons are rich in marine life of all sizes, fed by the nutrient rich currents sweeping in from the Pacific Ocean. It is this combination of natural events, local culture and man-made conflicts that makes Micronesia one of the world's most unique and sought after diving destinations, throughout Micronesia divers can encounter an abundance of marine life in just about every imaginable colour and shape. The seas are inhabited by hundreds of types of hard and soft corals, anemones, colourful sponges, countless varieties of shellfish, manta rays and pelagics. Divers worldwide are drawn to the Palau's terrific drop-offs, the beauty of the Rock Islands, the underwater wreck museums of Chuuk, and to Yap, the home of the giant manta rays.