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Micronesia
Consisting of more than 2000 individual islands, Micronesia is one of the
world’s most attractive and diverse diving destinations. With a total
land mass of just 702 square kilometres, Micronesia’s islands are surrounded
by over 3million square kilometres of warm, crystal clear waters – perfect
for your next diving holiday!
From the walls of Palau, to the Mantas of Yap and the unique World War Two
wrecks of Truk Lagoon, there is something for every diver. Add to this the
unique culture that lies within Micronesia, and the result is one of the
worlds most unique and varied dive destinations.
The multi-award winning Continental Airlines are the major airline carrier
to Micronesia from Australia, flying twice weekly from Cairns to Guam. It
is just a four and a half hour flight from Cairns to this bustling, cosmopolitan
international gateway. From Guam, Continental Airlines then offers a number
of domestic connections to Yap, Truk, Palau, Pohnpei and Majuro (Bikini Atoll),
as well as many more.
With all that it has to offer the discerning diver, Micronesia is one dive
destination that simply has to be experienced to be believed.
GENERAL INFORMATION:
CLIMATE: Micronesia has a warm, tropical climate. The rainy season
in southern districts is from mid-May to late November, with the greatest
falls between July and October. The rain is rarely heavy however and
there is still much sunshine. Temperatures average around 28 degrees Celsius
and humidity averages 80%.
CURRENCY: The US Dollar is the preferred currency throughout Micronesia
- there is no local currency. It is strongly recommended that you do NOT
carry Australian Dollar Travellers cheques as you may experience difficulty
in cashing them. Most international credit cards are accepted by hotels,
shops and restaurants throughout Micronesia such as Visa, Mastercard, American
Express and Diners Club.
DRESS: Island-style prevails, namely cool, loosely-fitting clothing.
Hats, sunglasses and sunscreens are highly recommended. Visitors are
asked to respect local customs by NOT wearing swimsuits and short shorts
in town and public areas.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: Australian and US passengers travelling to Micronesia
require a passport which must be valid for at least six months beyond
your intended stay. Australian and US passport holders do not require
a visa.
HEALTH REQUIREMENTS: Consult your local doctor for information regarding
vaccinations and inoculations.
LANGUAGE: The official language is English, though Japanese is widely
spoken and local dialects are based on Chamorro.
ELECTRICITY: Electricity is 110 volts
DEPARTURE TAX: The majority of your taxes are prepaid on your air ticket.
Palau, Truk and Bikini each have local departure taxes, which must
be paid locally. These range from USD$15.00 – 20.00 per person.
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GUAM
Guam is the international
gateway to Micronesia. Situated in the Mariana Islands, Guam represents a
mix of cultures and nationalities including Spanish, American and the local
culture, Chamorro.
Tumon Bay is the main shopping area in Guam, with duty free shops along
with the local markets attracting tourists year round. Guam also has plenty
of sightseeing activities such as WWII tours and trips to the ancient latte
stones, large pillars constructed by ancient Chamorro as early as the 9th
Century. Pleasant diving, breathtaking scenery and a tropical year-round
climate make Guam an ideal stopover destination.
OHANA BAYVIEW GUAM
Ohana Bayview Guam offers an inviting hilltop setting overlooking Tumon
Bay, Guam's central tourist district. Comfortable and well-appointed guest
rooms await you during your stay at Ohana, with popular Sereno's Italian
Ristorante located on-site for your convenience. Just a 5 minute walk to
Pleasure Island’s shopping district, this hotel is ideally located.
GUAM MARRIOTT RESORT & SPA
The Guam Marriott Resort & Spa is a tropical haven, perfectly located
on prime beachfront in Tumon Bay. Enjoy the luxury of this secluded resort,
while being a mere 5-minute walk to the heart of Tumon, where world class
shopping and dining await. All of the rooms and suites have ocean views and
are elegantly decorated to make your stay as comfortable as possible.
GUAM TROPICAL DIVE STATION
Guam Tropical Dive Station (GTDS) has earned its title as one of Guam’s
major dive centres since it was established in 1992. GTDS own and operate
two boats, the 40-passenger Scuba Roo and the 14-passenger Sea Explorer,
and have a major focus of providing a safe, unique and memorable dive experience.
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TRUK LAGOON
February 1944. US Forces launch Operation Hailstorm on Chuuk (Truk) Lagoon,
Japan’s most important Pacific base during World War II. The Japanese
are caught completely unaware, and as a result lose over 275 aircraft
and 45 ships. These are to form the basis for what is now known as the worlds
greatest wreck diving destination.
Truk Lagoon is home to an underwater bounty of bombs, torpedoes, guns, tanks,
planes and mines, resting in silence amongst brilliant soft corals. Depths
range from 1m to over 60m, and with very little current in 27-30 degree water,
Truk Lagoon is a comfortable wreck diving destination for divers of all experience
levels.
TRUK STOP HOTEL
Catering for divers and general holiday-makers alike, Truk Stop Hotel
offers bright, comfortable accommodation in a supremely convenient location.
Located in the centre of town and less than 2km from the Airport, the hotel
offers 23 rooms, each offering stunning views of Truk Lagoon from your
private balcony. With a restaurant, bar and dive pick-up from their well-equipped
pier, the Truk Stop hotel caters for all of your holiday needs.
TRUK LAGOON DIVE CENTRE
Truk Lagoon Dive Centre is the diving wing of the Truk Stop Hotel.
Established in 2001, this PADI facility is only a 30second walk from
Truk Stop Hotel. With up to 4 dives per day, Truk Lagoon Dive Centre
offer reef, wreck and shark feed dives. The dive centre is staffed
by professional dive instructors, perfect to assist with your exploration
of all that Truk has to offer.
SS THORFINN
The SS THorfinn is one of Micronesia’s most well appointed Liveaboard
dive vessels, catering for up to 26 divers. Recently refurbished and
anchored within Truk Lagoon, the twin and double air conditioned cabins
on offer each offer private bathrooms, while the vessel itself boasts
a jacuzzi, sun deck and bar lounge for your comfort. All meals and snacks
are included during your stay, as is up to 5 dives per day, including a
night dive.
PACIFIC EXPLORER 2
The M/V Pacific Explorer II is a spacious full service dive cruiser operating in Chuuk.
12 twin sharing cabins with private toilet and bath
Entertainment center with TV, DVD/VCD VHS and stereo
Well stocked bar
Salon / lounge
Library of books, magazines
Satellite telephone
Open rinse showers on deck
11 experienced service crew..
BLUE LAGOON RESORT
Blue Lagoon Resort overlooks the majestic Truk Lagoon with beautifully
manicured gardens. With 54 modern, spacious and air conditioned rooms,
the resort is a place to unwind and relax after a day of diving the amazing
wrecks of Truk. The Hotel has a dive shop and restaurant on site, along
with many other activities to make sure you have a relaxing and highly
memorable dive holiday.
BLUE LAGOON DIVE
Operating since 1973, Blue Lagoon Dive provides a safe, friendly service
to divers who wish to explore Truk Lagoon. Located on the grounds
of Blue Lagoon Resort, the fast fleet of boats and knowledgeable
guides will ensure you get the very best that Truk Lagoon has to
offer.
MV ODYSSEY
The MV Odyssey is the most luxurious liveaboard in Truk, offering 9
air-conditioned and carpeted staterooms in total. Each room has a private
ensuite and DVD player to provide maximum comfort and enjoyment. With up
to 5 dives per day, all meals, drinks and Nitrox use included, the Odyssey
is a must in terms of a liveaboard dive holiday.
  
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PALAU
Palau is famous
for its abundance of pelagic action. Sharks, dolphins, turtles with
a wide range of other species gather here with it’s converging
currents. With its reefs, wrecks, holes and caverns, Palau is one of
the worlds most extraordinary and diverse dive spots.
Home to Jellyfish Lake and the pristine Rock Islands, the warm waters of
Palau is home to over 1500 species of fish, and 700 species of coral. Rich
in tradition and history, the republic of Palau’s friendly people ensure
the ideal setting for your diving or island getaway. Generally unknown, Palau
is also home to a selection of excellent World War Two wrecks.
PALAU PACIFIC RESORT
Is Palau’s premier resort, surrounded by the pristine and crystal blue
waters of the Western Pacific. The Palau Pacific Resort combines the true
spirit and culture of the islands with a superb 160 room boutique hotel.
The resort features a private white sand beach with excellent snorkelling,
freshwater outdoor swimming pool, a Jacuzzi overlooking the ocean, and caters
for divers and non divers alike.
 
WEST PLAZA HOTELS
Palau’s West Plaza Hotel chain offers 134 rooms over 5 separate properties
throughout Palau. Each room is air-conditioned and has private amenities,
and is a comfortable option for your stay in Palau. Located throughout Palau,
West Plaza Hotels have an option to satisfy any travellers requirements.
CLIFFSIDE HOTEL
Situated on a quiet hillside overlooking Koror and its bays, Cliffside
Hotel is the best kept secret in Palau. Facilities include a comfortable
cocktail lounge, full service restaurant, pool – with a pool bar – and
a hot tub! Just a short drive from the towns centre and the dive shops,
Cliffside Hotel is ideally placed to meet all of your dive holiday requirements.
NECO MARINE
Neco Marine is an award-winning PADI Facility, offering luxury diving
and exploration in Palau’s pristine waters. Among other features,
Neco Marine offer guided dive tours with free Nitrox, PADI courses, Rock
Island snorkel and sightseeing tours, as well as a number of other
non diving activities. They also offer a free tour to Jellyfish Lake, a
trademark of the Palau region.
BIG BLUE EXPLORER
The Big Blue Explorer is a 167 foot well equipped, fully air-conditioned
liveaboard. Offering en-suite restroom facilities, a full complement of
service oriented crew and an ambiance of planned comfort as she cruises
through the enchanting islands and reefs of Palau. The Big Blue Explorer
provides a unique, unforgettable experience of this magical destination.
 
OCEAN HUNTER 1, 2 & 3
Ocean Hunter I, II and III are liveaboard vessels specifically designed
and built by divers, to service divers. With air-conditioned cabins to
accommodate 6, 12 and 16 divers respectively, these well equipped vessels
provide private bathroom facilities, as well as an onboard chef who provides
fresh, gourmet cuisine. The Ocean Hunter III offers special trips to Micronesia’s
remote reefs, and the South West Islands of Palau.
  
Ocean Hunter I (left), Ocean Hunter II (centre), Ocean Hunter III (right)
FISH N FINS
Fish n Fins Dive Shop is owned and operated by the same owners of the
Ocean Hunter Liveaboards. Operating six fast and comfortable boats,
Fish n Fins offer a technical dive centre, free nitrox, underwater
photo centre, a bar and a restaurant. With day trips to famous dive
sites, WW2 wrecks, kayaking trips and land tours to waterfalls, Fish
n Fins will always have something available to you during your Palauan
dive holiday.
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POHNPEI
Dubbed ‘The Venice of the Pacific’, Pohnpei is home Nan Madol,
a 2000 year old archaeological site consisting of ninety man-made basalt
beams, which form a maze of ocean filled channels. Coupled with lush
tropical jungle, waterfalls and striking mountainous peaks, Pohnpei is a
picturesque paradise in the heart of the pacific.
Untouched, vibrant and healthy reefs surround this ‘Garden Island’,
with breath-taking drop offs, excellent visibility and an abundance of fish,
coral and other marine life set to ensure that Pohnpei is one Micronesia
destination you are sure to never forget!
THE VILLAGE HOTEL
The Village offers three different room categories – Sunrise, Sokehs
and The Point. There are 20 bungalows in total, each with thatched roofs
and mosquito nets. The Village also has a great restaurant on its premises
for your pleasure. Just ten minutes from the main town Kolonia, The Village
Hotel is ideal for your dive holiday to Pohnpei.
PWOHMARIA RESORT
Pwohmaria Resort is ideally located only 3 minutes from Pohnpei airport
and 7 minutes from town. On offer are both fan cooled and air conditioned
bungalows, as well as Pohnpei’s biggest restaurant, Misko’s.
The beautiful sunsets, fantastic beachfront location and stunning mountain
views make Pwohmaria one of the most idyllic properties on offer in Micronesia.
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YAP
Lying between Guam and Palau is one of Micronesia’s most untouched
destinations – Yap. Diving the surrounding coral reef will bring you
close to a amazing array of marine life including sharks, turtles,
and of course the best reason to dive in Yap, the famous Manta Rays.
On land, there are a number of attractions and sight seeing alternatives
during your stay, including the massive stone money. Giant limestone coin-shaped
rocks, these marvels, though unable to be moved, are still used as tender
to this day!
Relatively unaffected by modern society, a visit to Yap provides an insight
into its rich history, while also allowing you to dive with some of the most
majestic marine creatures known.
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MANTA RAY BAY
Manta Ray Bay Hotel is Yap’s premier Dive Resort, catering for up to
70 divers. Offering outstanding diver services Yap Divers is located on its
premises. The resort also offers the Island’s finest restaurant, the
Manta Ray Bistro. Experience all that Yap has to offer by taking one of the
cultural tours on offer at Manta Ray Bay Hotel.
 
YAP DIVERS
Yap Divers are the first 5-star dive facility in Yap, and work in conjunction
with Manta Ray Bay Hotel. Servicing over 30 dive sites including those
that are home to the famous Manta Ray, Yap Divers offer some of the best,
most knowledgeable dive staff in Yap. Nitrox is available for use, and
with drift dives, cavern dives, wall dives and night dives on offer, there
is something to cater for all of your diving needs.
TRADERS RIDGE RESORT
This intimate retreat, featuring only 20 rooms, is styled in 1880’s
Victoria architecture and offers all the amenities of a 5 star resort. The
Hotel and Restaurant overlook a spectacular view of Chamorro Bay with the
open ocean beyond and, surrounded by lush gardens. The freshwater pool allows
an idyllic place to relax after a great days diving. Traders Ridge Dive Centre
is the on-site dive operation.
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