Federated State of Micronesia: – Spread across 2,500 kilometers of the Western Central Pacific Ocean, just north of the equator, the four states of Chuuk, Kosrae, Pohnpei and Yap and their 607 islands (only 65 are inhabited) invite fun, exploration, excitement and relaxation.
Chuuk: Also known as Truk, but was changed back to it’s original name in 1986 when the Compact of Free Association went into effect. The compact is a 15-year political relationship with the United States that started in October, 1986.
Chuuk state consists of seven major island groups lying within the Eastern Caroline Islands, about 617 miles (1028 km) southeast of Guam and 3,262 miles (5,436 km) southwest of Hawaii. The total land mass of Chuuk state, including the outer islands, is approximately 77 square miles (128 km)
We have been there several times now and plan on going back in May 2003. We will be staying on board the Odyssey Live Aboard and diving 4 to 5 times a day. Check out their web site. Chuuk has the best wreck diving in all the world. If interested in travel to this fantastic dive destination, contact us.
Live Aboards: Truk Odyssey
The Odyssey is a 132 foot live-aboard located in Weno, Chuuk in the Federated States of Micronesia. Dive with Odyssey Adventures to see the ghost fleet of Truk Lagoon, the world’s best shipwreck destination. That’s only the beginning of your adventure. They ’ll take you to the outer reefs to see a pristine underwater utopia where over 300 varieties of soft and hard corals flaunt their rainbow colors. You’ll see an abundance of incredible tropical fish, anemones, gorgonians, eagle rays and even frenzied shark feedings.
You’ll have the option to dive at your leisure, or borrow one of their experienced local dive guides who will show you all those places you wouldn’t find on your own. This is for those who want to experience the highlights of each wreck.
Since each day aboard Odyssey offers new adventures, no day is really typical. Nothing is routine and their schedule will vary depending on location. The day aboard Odyssey begins after a 7:00 a.m. hot breakfast with your first dive briefing around 7:45. Depending on the dive site you’ll have up to two dives before lunch. During lunch they usually move to a new site. After lunch you have the option to either do another dive, or relax on the either of the sundecks or in the privacy of your own stateroom. A late afternoon dive is also offered. Around 6:30 p.m. a sumptuous dinner will be waiting for you. After dinner you may choose to do a night dive. At night guests usually gather in the entertainment lounge to enjoy a movie, or review what was captured that day in video.
Since most of the dive sites in Truk Lagoon are fairly close to each other, it is easy for them to move around. The best part about diving aboard Odyssey is that they don’t require everyone to dive at the same time. So it is not unusual for you and your buddy to be the only divers on a 500′ wreck. For photographers, this offers more opportunities to shoot those popular scenes without having to wait for others to move out of the way. (See their web site for more information)
Land based resorts:
The Blue Lagoon Resort is the best place to stay while in Chuuk. We are requesting permmission to use some of their web information at the present time. At that time we will have more information to show you why we prefer to stay only at The Blue Lagoon Resort when staying at a land based operation.
Kosrae: Kosrae is the eastern-most island in the FSM, located approximately 600 kilometers southeast of Pohnpei. Kosrae is a 109 square kilometer island surrounded by a reef. Kosrae is circular in shape, measuring only 16 kilometers across at its widest poin (see map). The second largest island in the FSM, it is the only state without outer islands. Kosrae’s natural resources are the unspoiled tropical island and marine resources surrounding the island. The single island that makes up the state of Kosrae is a dense jungle mountainous island with a lush green interior and several white coral beaches around the rim. The interior of the island is characterized by high, steep, rugged mountains rising to 629 meters at Mt Finkol, and covered with dense tropical rainforests.
Land based resorts:
Kosrae Nautilus Resort: at Kosrae Nautilus Resort, they have a friendly staff and comfortable surroundings just a stones throw from your your own private beach. Their resort being only a l6 room complex can guarantee you individual service and is located in tropical gardens. They have the only swimming pool on the island, and a full restaurant and bar facilities. Their rooms are all air-conditioned with 2 double beds, video movies, mini bar, tea/coffee making facilities and daily room service. If you have a chance to visit this garden island, plan to stay at the Kosrae Nautilus Resort.
One of Kosrae’s greatest attractions is the clear, clean ocean and living coral reefs that completely surround it. Offshore the coral reefs slope steeply into the clear blue depths. Both vertical drop offs and undulating profiles of cascading corals appear before you as underwater visibility averages 100 feet plus, The reefs comprise hundreds of densely packed coral species, attracting an abundance of marine life. A diver could observe 30 to 50 species of fish in a single dive. Large numbers of turtles inhabit the waters of this island paradise.
Their dive boat is a 27′ purpose-built dive boat with full shade cover and a 250h.p. motor making daily trips (except Sundays) to the best dive sites FAST! They leave the resort at 8.30 a.m. for a two tank dive with lunch on board and return between 2:30 to 3:00p.m. They run drift dives and the boat is waiting at the end of the dive to pick you up, which makes for easy diving. (See their web site for more information)
Visit Palau: The Official Tourism Website of Palau (pristineparadisepalau.com)– The Republic of Palau, Micronesia’s westernmost island chain, offers some of the most unique holiday opportunities to be found anywhere in the world. Its natural beauty, untouched wilderness, intact culture, remoteness and stability combine to offer something for adventure seekers, historical buffs, nature enthusiasts as well as those who just want to get away from the rapid pace of their lives and soak up peace and tranquility.
Malaysia:
Borneo Divers Dive Resort – Was one of a handful of operators allowed on this protected island for breaks in between dives. The name of Sipadan is simply legendary in diving circles, conjuring images of twirling tornados of barracudas and jacks, patrolling hammerhead sharks, millions of technicolored reef fish and, above all, dozens of sea turtles swimming peacefully everywhere. In the past year the Malaysian government has removed all resorts from the Island and has stationed a military presence to inforce the new law of keeping people from staying over night on the Island. Divers from surrounding Island Resorts are allowed to only stay for brief periods between dives.
Sipadan-Kapalai Dive Resort: http://sipadan-kapalai.com/ – A few minutes by boat from Sipadan but a full world away it lies the exhilarating Sipadan-Kapalai Dive Resort, sitting on its sturdy stilts on the shallow sandbanks of the Ligitan Reefs. Planned and built in full style as an airy, comfortable, sunny water village with no land in sight, it boats a mile-long sandbank of powdery blindingly white sand where one can suntan at complete leisure. They have added more than 18 new over-water units, replacing those lost at Sipadan. They are extending the restaurant and have added a walkway and sundeck between the two major walkways for the convience of the guest.
Fiji
If you’re heading to Fiji to experience the “Soft Coral Capital,” of the world, swim with giant manta rays or elusive bull sharks, dive through coral arches, or learn scuba diving for the first time, staying at a dive resort is a must. Dive resorts in Fiji feature in-house dive centers affiliated with PADI or SSI, ensuring high-quality courses and equipment. A great way to choose your dive destination in Fiji is to find a resort that matches your needs and preferences. Check out our top recommendations in our list of the best dive resorts in Fiji!
Our top resorts for divers in Fiji and just in a mixed order:
- Beqa Lagoon Island Resort (Pacific Harbor)
- Viani Bay Resort / Dive Academy (Vanua Levu)
- The Pearl South Pacific Resort (Pacific Harbor)
- Paradise Taveuni (Taveuni)
- Matava Eco Adventure Resort (Kadavu)
- Castaway Island Resort (Mamanuca Islands)
- Waidroka Bay Surf & Dive Resort (Coral Coast/Pacific Harbor)
- Garden Island Resort (Taveuni)
- Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort (Vanua Levu)
- Namale Resort & Spa (Vanua Levu)
- Koro Sun Resort (Vanua Levu)
- Fiji Hideaway Resort & Spa (Coral Coast)
The above resorts offer divers of any skill level the opportunity to dive in some of the richest waters for soft coral in the world!
Fiji Live Aboards: Travelers who are passionate about scuba diving should consider one type of holiday in Fiji: a liveaboard adventure. Experience the “Soft Coral Capital of the World” as you explore dive sites each day, enjoying the best that Fiji has to offer in a single trip. While Fiji’s dive resorts often steal the spotlight, there is a select range of liveaboards to choose from. From small-ship cruises to sailing yacht charters with fellow diving enthusiasts, Fiji’s liveaboards provide a fantastic variety. Discover more about each option in our list of the best liveaboards in Fiji! (pictured is the Nai’a)
- Nai’a
- Fiji Princess
- Big Blue Fiji
- MV Fiji Aggressor
As of this post, there are only four liveaboards permanently operating in Fiji, though new ones come and go each year. If the liveaboards mentioned above don’t meet your needs, the next best option might be the fantastic dive resorts of MV Fiji Aggressor.
Beqa Lagoon Resort: www.beqalagoonresort.com – In the heart of the South Pacific, beneath southern skies, lies the island paradise of Fiji. If you travel to dive, eat fine food, bask in the sun, or simply to relax in a tropical paradise, Beqa Lagoon Resort, on the unspoiled island of Beqa, is what you’re looking for.
This secluded island has been blessed by nature with the perfect conditions for scuba diving. It is surrounded by one of the world’s largest barrier reefs, providing hundreds of unique dives within minutes. Enjoy year-round warm water, and a variety of coral, fish, and sponges that you won’t find anywhere else.
Indonesia
Bali: Situated in a tropical region (with position of 8 – 8.60 S and 114.25 – 115.45), Bali is laid between two biggest ocean ; Pacific Ocean and Indian Ocean. Its position also is laid between two biggest continents; Australian and Asia Continent. Dealing and encounter with the natural effects of those contionents and oceans to Bali, we are guided to understand how the sea around Bali is so beautiful and exotic.
Live Aboards: Sea Safari III
Exploring Indonesia’s Diverse Liveaboard Diving Destinations
With so many incredible islands to explore, here are some key areas to consider when choosing your liveaboard adventure:
Southeast Sulawesi: Perfect for adventurous scuba divers, this area features pristine dive sites with fewer visitors, making it an excellent choice for those looking to escape the usual tourist routes.
Sumatra: A fantastic destination for both divers and land adventurers, Sumatra is home to stunning volcanoes and vibrant coral reef systems. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore this diverse island.
Bunaken and Siladen: Known as the “Land of Smiling People,” this region in North Sulawesi boasts crystal-clear waters teeming with marine life, including reef sharks and turtles.
Bali: One of Indonesia’s most famous islands, Bali—often referred to as the “Island of the Gods”—offers stunning scenery, rich culture, and a wide variety of marine life. It’s a must-visit destination for divers.
Central Sulawesi: Ideal for newly qualified divers, Central Sulawesi features calm, crystal-clear waters and numerous dive sites. The area is also home to many endemic species, making it a unique experience.
Flores: If you’re a thrill-seeking diver, Flores is the place for you. Known for its fast-moving currents and adrenaline-pumping drift dives, this location is also famous for manta rays and vibrant marine ecosystems.
Komodo: Home to the iconic Komodo Dragons, this region is breathtaking both on land and underwater. The abundance of marine life will leave you in awe.
Java: Surrounding the vibrant capital city of Jakarta, Java offers clear waters that make it a paradise for scuba divers.
West Papua: Raja Ampat, located in West Papua, is known for its remote, pristine reefs and countless tiny islands. It lies at the heart of the Coral Triangle, making it a premier diving destination. Liveaboards like Calico Jack, Mikumba Ratu Laut Mantra, and Panunee Yacht explore this beautiful area.
Lombok: Lombok features amazing dive sites, including coral gardens and towering pinnacles. The island is also known for its white sandy beaches and impressive volcanoes.
Lembeh: Famous for its rare marine life, Lembeh is a diver’s paradise. With numerous muck dives and unique critters, it’s no surprise that the Lembeh Strait ranks among the top dive sites in the world.
North Sulawesi: Home to the active volcanoes of the Sangihe Archipelago and epic wall dives in Bunaken, this area is another essential stop on your diving journey.
Top Live Aboards in Indonesia are:
The Ombak Putih liveaboard
Pelagian/Wakatobi Dive Resort
The Seven Seas
The Carpe Diem
The Hatiku Live Aboard
Top land base resorts:
- Misool Eco Resort
- Lembeh Resort
- Raja Amat Biodiversity Resort
- Wakatobi, Southern Sulawesi
- Bunaken Oasis, North Sulawesi
- Papua Explorers, Raja Ampat
- Triton Bay Divers, Triton Bay
- Wakatobi, Southern Sulawesi
Australia: Live Aboards like Mike Ball’s ships are the best way to go when diving off Australia. Stay tuned for some first hand experiences and photos in the coming months.
