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Marshall Islands
intro
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.
Additional Information
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.
Reasons to Visit
- Bikini Atoll Wreck Diving: For experienced technical divers, this offers the ultimate challenge: exploring a ghost fleet of historic warships sunk by atomic bombs.
- Pristine Outer Atolls: Discover some of the most remote and untouched coral atolls in the world with pristine marine ecosystems.
- Unique History: Learn about the profound impact of the Cold War nuclear testing era on the people and environment of the islands.
- Authentic Marshallese Culture: Experience the unique culture and traditions of the Marshallese people.
Things to Avoid
- Independent Travel: There is very little tourist infrastructure. All specialized travel, especially diving, must be done through a licensed and reputable operator.
- Disrespecting Local Customs: Marshallese culture is conservative. It is important to dress modestly when away from dive boats or resorts.
- The Sun: The equatorial sun is extremely strong. High-SPF sunscreen and sun protection are essential.
- Expecting a Fast Pace: Life moves at a very slow pace. Patience and flexibility are key.
Local Transportation Tips
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.
Travel Etiquette
- Greetings: A friendly "Iakwe" (yok-way) is the traditional greeting.
- Modest Dress: Conservative dress is the norm. Women should wear clothing that covers the shoulders and knees when in public.
- Respect for Elders: Elders are highly respected in the community.
- Asking for Permission: Always ask before taking photos of people.
Did You Know?
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.
Cool Marshall Islands Stats
- A Nation of Atolls: The Republic of the Marshall Islands consists of 29 coral atolls and 5 single islands.
- Nuclear Legacy: Between 1946 and 1958, the United States conducted 67 nuclear weapons tests in the Marshall Islands, including at Bikini and Enewetak atolls.
- Lowest Country: The average elevation of the Marshall Islands is only 2 meters (7 feet) above sea level, making it extremely vulnerable to climate change.
Recommended Age Group
The Marshall Islands are suitable only for very experienced, self-sufficient, and well-funded Adults, almost exclusively advanced technical divers.
- Babies (0-2 years): Not recommended.
- Kids (3-12 years): Not recommended.
- Teens (13-19 years): Not recommended.
- Adults (20-64 years): Recommended only for serious, technical wreck divers or those with a deep interest in its specific history.
- Seniors (65+ years): Not recommended.
Accessibility Level: Low
- There is no accessibility infrastructure in the Marshall Islands.
- This is a remote nation of coral atolls with very basic infrastructure.
- There is no accessible public transport or accommodation.
- The main activity, diving, is physically demanding.
Address:
Marshall Islands, Pacific
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Basic Info
COUNTRY & Region
Marshall Islands,
Pacific
ACCESSIBILITY LEVEL
Low
LOCAL CURRENCY
US Dollar (USD)
Price Level
High
SAFETY LEVEL
Recommended Duration
• More than a week
Electricity
Electricity
110-120V,
60Hz
Plug Type
• Type A (Flat blade)
• Type B (Flat blade with grounding pin)
• Type B (Flat blade with grounding pin)
Activities To Do In Marshall Islands
Best Time To Visit
The best time to visit the Marshall Islands is during the dry season, which has less wind and calmer seas.
- Dry Season (December to April): This is the best time for diving, as the seas are generally calmer and there is less rain.
- Wet Season (May to November): This period sees more rainfall and is the main typhoon season, which can significantly disrupt travel and diving operations.
Remember to check the weather forecast a few days before the trip and before heading to the airport.
SAFETY Level
The Marshall Islands is a safe and peaceful country with a very low crime rate. The primary safety concerns are not related to crime but to the challenges of remote island travel and respecting local customs. When diving the historic wrecks of Bikini Atoll, it is an extreme activity that requires a high level of technical skill and should only be done with a certified liveaboard operator. Standard travel awareness is sufficient for a safe visit.
The rating is based on multi-year peace, crime, and security indices. Before you go, always verify current conditions through official government travel advisories.
Spoken Languages
The official languages are Marshallese and English.
Learn The Language
- Iakwe (yok-way): Hello
- Kommol (kom-mohl): Thank you
- Aet / Jaab (aht / jah-ab): Yes / No
- Bar lo eo (bar loh eh-oh): See you later
- Jolok bōd (zho-lok bōd): Sorry
Money & Payments
Everything you need to know about money while traveling
LOCAL CURRENCY:
US Dollar (USD)
Price Level:
High
Cards Vs. Cash
How Much Cash to Carry (on you)
Per person, per day – pocket cash for small purchases.
Local:
US Dollar (USD)
≈ USD
Average Daily Costs (per person)
Full daily spend estimation (accomodation, food, transportation, attractions).
Travel Style | US Dollar (USD) | ≈ USD ($) |
|---|---|---|
Budget | ||
Mid-range | ||
Comfort |
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.
Best Value Tips
- The only way to achieve "value" for Bikini Atoll is through an all-inclusive liveaboard dive package, which is the sole method of access.
- On Majuro, utilize the shared taxi system which runs up and down the main road for a very low fixed price.
- Shop at local supermarkets for supplies, as restaurant options are limited and can be expensive.
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What To Pack
A high-level dive certification, A good dive computer, Reef-safe sunscreen, Light, modest clothing, A lot of patience
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Food & Drink Highlights
Local Food Overview
The cuisine of the Marshall Islands is a traditional Micronesian diet based on the limited but rich resources of its coral atolls. Key staples include breadfruit, pandanus fruit, taro, and coconut. The influence of its time as a US-administered territory means that imported foods like rice and flour are also very common.
Must Try Dish
Preserved Breadfruit (Bwiro): This is a unique and traditional Marshallese staple food that can be part of a vegetarian meal. Ripe breadfruit is peeled, cooked, and then pounded into a paste, which is then wrapped in leaves and fermented underground for a long period. The resulting fermented breadfruit paste, 'bwiro,' has a pungent, cheese-like flavor and is a culturally significant and resilient food source, often served with coconut milk.
Food Experiences
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FAQs
What are the Marshall Islands famous for?
The Marshall Islands are most famous, and infamous, for being the site of the US nuclear weapons testing program at Bikini and Enewetak atolls after World War II. For travelers, the Marshall Islands are known as a world-class destination for technical wreck diving.
What is the biggest threat to the Marshall Islands?
The biggest threat to the Marshall Islands is climate change and rising sea levels. As a nation of low-lying coral atolls, its very existence is threatened by the rising ocean.
How do you get to the Marshall Islands?
Getting to the Marshall Islands is difficult. The main way is via the United Airlines “island hopper” flight that connects Hawaii with Guam, stopping in Majuro, the capital of the Marshall Islands. All dive trips to Bikini Atoll require a separate charter flight or liveaboard boat.
Are the Marshall Islands a US territory?
No, the Republic of the Marshall Islands is an independent, sovereign nation. However, it is in a Compact of Free Association with the United States, which means the US provides financial aid and defense, and the country uses the US Dollar as its currency.
Is it safe to dive at Bikini Atoll in the Marshall Islands?
Diving at Bikini Atoll is safe from a radiation perspective, as the residual radiation is not harmful to divers on short trips. However, it is a very remote and deep technical dive site that requires a high level of experience, training, and certification.
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