Diving in Pohnpei

Both the state and the main island in the region, the most extensive and tallest island of the Federated States of Micronesia, take the name of Pohnpei. This island is also home to Palikir, the country’s capital. The remoteness of the islands as well as their beauty make the perfect conditions for pristine and untouched diving. Pohnpei is truly a nature lover’s paradise. These islands are covered in lush rainforests, making the whole region one of the wettest places you will find, jagged coastlines, and spectacular waterfalls. Pohnpei is an excellent destination for a slow and quiet getaway, full of culture as it is home to a local population who take pride in the preservation of their ancient culture. Most of the diving in this region takes place around the main island of Pohnpei. This area boasts incredibly healthy reef ecosystems and has nine named Marine Protected Areas. Be prepared, as you will only find a handful of dive operators to choose from since diving is not a popular activity in the region; however, this also means you will find most places to be uncrowded. Plenty of different places are available for exploration, including jaw-dropping drop-offs, lots of passages, channels, and swim-throughs, and coral gardens extending way farther than the eye can see.

The descriptions provided here are intended as general information and personal experiences related to specific dive sites and locations and should not be construed as definitive advice or recommendations. Before diving, please confirm that diving is permitted at your chosen location, and comply with all relevant local laws, regulations, and posted signage. The responsibility for verifying the legality of the dive and assessing any associated risks rests entirely with you.