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A remote and sprawling nation of coral atolls and volcanic islands, the Marshall Islands are an off-the-grid destination for serious divers and history buffs. The country is most famous for the Bikini Atoll, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the location of numerous US nuclear weapons tests in the mid-20th century, which has created a unique and challenging wreck diving destination.
The Marshall Islands offer a journey into a unique corner of Pacific history and nature. The country is comprised of two parallel chains of coral atolls, and life is centered around the sea. The capital is Majuro, which is home to most of the population. The primary draw for adventurous travelers is the incredible diving. The outer atolls are pristine and virtually untouched, with healthy coral reefs and abundant marine life. The main attraction for technical divers is the "ghost fleet" of sunken WWII warships in the Bikini Atoll lagoon, including the USS Saratoga aircraft carrier. This is a highly challenging and expensive dive destination that requires a liveaboard boat.
The culture of the Marshallese people is strong, with a history of incredible navigational skills using traditional stick charts. Travel here is difficult and the infrastructure is very limited, but for those seeking a truly remote diving and historical adventure, it's a unique destination.
The only way to travel between the many atolls is by domestic flights on the national airline or by boat. On the main atoll of Majuro, shared taxis are the main form of transport. All diving trips to the outer atolls like Bikini are via multi-day liveaboard boats.
The "bikini" swimsuit was named after the Bikini Atoll by its French creator. He chose the name because he believed his revealing creation would be as "explosive" as the atomic bomb tests that had just taken place there.
The Marshall Islands are suitable only for very experienced, self-sufficient, and well-funded Adults, almost exclusively advanced technical divers.
The best time to visit the Marshall Islands is during the dry season, which has less wind and calmer seas.
Remember to check the weather forecast a few days before the trip and before heading to the airport.
The rating is based on multi-year peace, crime, and security indices. Before you go, always verify current conditions through official government travel advisories.
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Per person, per day – pocket cash for small purchases.
Full daily spend estimation (accommodation, food, transportation, attractions).
Travel Style | US Dollar (USD) | ≈ USD ($) |
|---|---|---|
Budget | 130 | 130 |
Mid-range | 240 | 240 |
Comfort | 530 | 530 |
The Prices, Daily costs, and calculator results are estimates for planning purposes only. Actual costs may vary based on season, booking timing, personal spending habits, and currency fluctuations. TravelingWiz cannot be held responsible for discrepancies between these estimates and your final trip expenses.
A high-level dive certification, A good dive computer, Reef-safe sunscreen, Light, modest clothing, A lot of patience
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