Snorkeling, Freediving, and Scuba in Federated States of Micronesia

Quick Facts

  • Best season: Year-round (varies by region)
  • Typical visibility: 10-30m depending on location
  • Entry types: Shore diving, Boat diving
  • Highlights: Explore Federated States of Micronesia's underwater world

Welcome to the ultimate guide for snorkeling, freediving, and scuba diving in Federated States of Micronesia. With 16 documented dive spots across 5 regions, Federated States of Micronesia offers diverse underwater experiences for all skill levels. From vibrant coral reefs to mysterious wrecks, from shallow snorkeling bays to deep freediving drops, discover what makes Federated States of Micronesia a must-visit destination for underwater enthusiasts. Our community-driven platform provides real-time conditions, detailed spot information, and local insights to help you plan your perfect diving adventure.

16
Dive Spots
5
Regions

Regions in Federated States of Micronesia (5)

Dive Spots in Federated States of Micronesia (16)

Cabbage Patch - Micronesia

Cabbage Patch features a sloping wall adorned with vibrant yellow lettuce coral, located along the southern reef. Divers can anticipate clear water conditions and a diverse array of hard corals. Common marine life includes schools of barracuda, reef fish, and encounters with eagle rays, reef sharks, turtles, and cuttlefish. Anemones and various macro life can also be observed in this area. The site is accessed by boat.

9.4533, 138.0535

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Eagle’s Nest - Micronesia

Eagle's Nest is characterized by several rock and coral pinnacles that serve as cleaning stations for eagle rays. This site is best experienced as a drift dive, particularly during the summer months when currents are present, allowing divers to explore the southern Pacific reef effectively. When the current is active, marine life becomes more visible, including grey reef sharks and barracuda in the deeper waters, while sting rays can be found resting on the sandy bottom amidst a variety of reef fish.

9.4320, 138.0652

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Fujikawa Maru

The Fujikawa Maru is a large wreck located at a depth of 34 meters (112 feet), with the deck at 18 meters (60 feet) and the top at 9 meters (30 feet). Divers can explore various features of the wreck, including guns, the pilothouse, staterooms, baths, and aircraft parts, along with an abundance of soft and hard corals.

7.3482, 151.8865

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Heian Maru Wreck

The Heian Maru is a passenger-cargo vessel constructed in 1930, measuring 155 meters in length. It rests at depths ranging from 10 to 35 meters in Truk Lagoon, making it the largest wreck in the area. The ship features expansive passageways, a significant bridge, and a large engine room. Its structure is adorned with various hard and soft corals, providing habitat for diverse fish species.

7.3828, 151.8559

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Magic Kingdom

Magic Kingdom features a diverse underwater environment characterized by a unique coral plateau and a sloping hard coral wall. The site includes rock overhangs and crevices that provide shelter for resting turtles and various macro marine life. Divers can observe schools of black snapper and jacks, as well as potential encounters with eagle rays and reef sharks. It is advisable to explore under the coral overhangs for cleaner shrimp, nudibranchs, and carpet anemones.

9.4457, 138.0476

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Manta Road

Manta Road is a drift dive between two coral reef walls with a maximum depth of 55 feet (18 meters). Divers can use a 200-foot line anchored to the bottom to navigate between primary and secondary cleaning stations. Common marine life includes manta rays, schools of blue-streak fusiliers, and occasional shark species such as blacktip, whitetip, and hammerhead sharks.

6.9949, 158.3017

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Mi'l Channel

Mi'l Channel, translating to 'strong current' in Yapese, features a prominent coral ridge that spans the main channel. The shallower regions are populated with various reef fish, including angelfish, butterflyfish, and surgeonfish, while deeper areas host larger tropical species and whitetip reef sharks. The current side of the channel is known for attracting pelagic species, providing opportunities for surprise encounters. This site is accessible from the shore.

9.5927, 138.1413

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Palikir Wall

Palikir Wall is a drift dive best undertaken during an incoming current, approximately one hour after the flood begins. The wall features depths ranging from 50 to 150 feet and is populated with coral along the drop-off. Common marine life includes gray reef and white-tipped reef sharks, and divers should be aware of potential strong currents and small boat traffic due to nearby surf activity.

6.9823, 158.1466

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San Francisco Maru

The San Francisco Maru is a 116-meter-long wreck located at a depth of 60 meters (196 feet). Divers can explore the main deck, which contains well-preserved type 95 Ha-Go tanks and a truck, among other war materials. This site is accessible only to technical divers due to depth.

7.3759, 151.9171

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San Francisco Maru

The San Francisco Maru is a 117-meter-long passenger-cargo vessel that was constructed in 1919. It was sunk in 1944 during Operation Hailstone and currently rests on an even keel at depths ranging from 42 to 64 meters. This wreck is notable for its cargo of war materials, making it a significant site for technical diving in Truk Lagoon. The wreck is also adorned with a diverse array of hard and soft corals, providing habitat for a wide variety of marine life.

7.3623, 151.9010

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Shinkoku Maru

The Shinkoku Maru is a 152-meter-long naval tanker that was constructed in 1940 and sank in 1944 during Operation Hailstone. The wreck is situated upright on an even keel, with the superstructure extending from depths of 12 to 40 meters. The site is adorned with a variety of marine life, including corals, anemones, gorgonian fan corals, and sponges, which attract schools of juvenile fish, typical of the Truk Lagoon area.

7.3989, 151.7800

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Stammtisch

Stammtisch features a prominent coral ridge composed of finger and plate corals located at the edge of a channel. This site is known for its cleaning stations, which attract Manta Rays due to the currents present. Divers can also observe a diverse range of wrasse and other cleaner fish in the area. The entry to the site is from the shore.

9.5865, 138.1427

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Stop Sign

Stop Sign is located on the south side of the island, characterized by a sloping coral structure that descends from approximately 7 meters to several hundred meters. The site is rich in various coral types, including plate, table, boulder, and finger corals. Divers can expect to see a diverse array of marine life, with vibrant colors present throughout the ecosystem. Species such as juvenile fish, larger groupers, triggerfish, and bumphead parrotfish are commonly observed here. The currents in this area often attract pelagic species, making it an engaging dive site for those interested in marine biodiversity.

9.4543, 138.0510

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Truk Lagoon

Truk Lagoon is renowned for its extensive wreck diving opportunities, stemming from the 1944 attack on the Japanese naval base, which resulted in the sinking of over 60 ships and more than 200 aircraft. The lagoon's depths are home to numerous historical war artifacts, providing a unique diving experience. The wrecks have fostered diverse marine ecosystems, with sponges and corals thriving in the area. Divers can expect to encounter grey reef sharks, stingrays, eagle rays, turtles, jellyfish, and a variety of tropical fish. The site is accessible by boat.

7.4129, 151.8428

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Vertigo

Vertigo is located in the Philippine Sea, approximately a 25 to 35 minute boat ride from the island south of M’il Channel. This dive site is notable for its population of grey and black tip reef sharks, providing divers with the opportunity to observe these species in their natural habitat. The site features clear blue waters year-round, making it a prime location for shark interactions. The dive experience is enhanced by the presence of a healthy school of these sharks, contributing to its reputation as one of the notable shark dive locations.

9.5848, 138.1164

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Yap Caverns

Yap Caverns, located at the southern tip of Yap Island, presents a unique underwater environment characterized by diverse marine life and intricate topography. Divers can navigate through the caverns, which are known for their rich macro life at varying depths. Notable species include porcelain crabs, moyer's dragonettes, nudibranchs, leaf fish, scorpion fish, anthias, flame angels, cleaner shrimp, ghost shrimp, and ghost pipe fish. The site is accessible from the shore, making it convenient for divers seeking to explore its fascinating features.

9.4351, 138.0534

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is snorkeling good in Federated States of Micronesia for beginners?
Federated States of Micronesia offers various snorkeling spots suitable for different skill levels. Many locations feature calm, shallow waters perfect for beginners, while others provide more challenging conditions for experienced snorkelers. Check individual spot descriptions for difficulty ratings.
Where can I find easy shore entry freedives in Federated States of Micronesia?
Federated States of Micronesia has numerous shore-accessible freediving spots. Look for beaches, coves, and rocky points marked with "shore entry" in our dive map. Popular areas often feature gradual slopes and clear water, ideal for freediving practice.
What months have the calmest water and best visibility in Federated States of Micronesia?
Water conditions in Federated States of Micronesia vary by region and season. Generally, check local weather patterns and avoid monsoon or storm seasons. Our spot descriptions include seasonal visibility information to help you plan your trip.
Do I need a guide for diving in Federated States of Micronesia?
Guide requirements in Federated States of Micronesia depend on the specific location and your experience level. Some marine parks require guided dives, while many spots allow independent diving. Always check local regulations and consider hiring guides for unfamiliar or challenging sites.
What safety considerations should I know about when diving in Federated States of Micronesia?
Key safety considerations for Federated States of Micronesia include understanding local currents, boat traffic, and marine life. Always dive within your limits, check weather conditions, use proper signaling devices, and respect local regulations. Some areas may have specific hazards noted in spot descriptions.
What marine life can I expect to see in Federated States of Micronesia?
Federated States of Micronesia's waters host diverse marine ecosystems. Depending on the region and season, you might encounter tropical fish, coral reefs, larger pelagics, or unique endemic species. Check individual spot descriptions for specific marine life highlights.