Diving Marshall Islands
On Bikini Atoll there are nine shipwrecks to dive, most notably is the USS Saratoga, a 900 foot aircraft carrier. The Saratoga has eight decks to explore. Also, there is the Nagato, which was Admiral Yamamoto’s flagship in World War II from where he ordered the attack on Pearl Harbor. There are also two submarines, two attack transports, one other battleship, and two destroyers. The Marshall Islands are a wreck divers dream. Note: Due to average diving depth beyond130 feet all dives on Bikini Atoll are decompression dives and only suitable for advanced divers with considerable experience in deep and wreck diving.
Best time to dive
Diving is at its best from May through October, when the water is calmest.
Visibility
Visibility averages 100 to 200+ feet.
Water temperatures
Water temperatures remain around 80°F year-round.
Weather and climate
The average daily temperature is 81°F, with the chilliest days coming during the rainy season, from September through November. The driest period is January through March. June to August are the hottest months. Mild trade winds and tropical showers are the daily norm. Full-blown tropical storms and typhoons are rare.
Language
Japanese, Marshallese, and English
Passport/Visa requirements
Visas are not required for U.S. citizens. A valid passport, sufficient funds for a stay, and an onward/return ticket are required for stays up to 30 days. Citizens of Canada require a passport and visa (issued on arrival), sufficient funds and proof of onward passage. Other countries should check requirements before departing.
Currency
U.S. Dollar – Get exchange rates at http://www.xe.com/ucc/
Electrical current
Standard 110 volt and U.S. type outlets are used.
Capital
Majuro
General information
The Marshall Islands are comprised of 1200+ islands and atolls. The islands are grouped into two main chains, Ratak (Sunrise) in the east and Ralik (Sunset) in the west. Both run north-south and together spread out across some 750,000 square miles of the central Pacific. The Marshalls consist of low coral limestone and sand islands and islets, the vast majority of which form scattered atolls. Only five are single islands.
Japan governed the islands from WWI to WWII. Following WWII, the United States served as an administrator under United Nations Trust Territory created for all Micronesia. The Republic of the Marshall Islands came into being and declared its independence in 1979.
Map
Get a map of the Marshall Islands from WorldAtlas.com.