Micronesia is the collective name given for two thousand tiny tropical
islands scattered over more than three million square miles of the
Pacific Ocean.
The islands lies North of the Equator in the Western Pacific.
The distance from one end of Micronesia to the other is 2,040 nautical
miles. Micronesia is not a single country. It is a loose collection
of different countries that all once formed part of the U.S. Trust
Territory of Micronesia.
The eight island groups that form Micronesia are Guam, the Republic
of Palau (Belau), the Marianas, Ponhpei, Yap , Truk (Chuuk), the
Marshalls and Kosrae - each unique group with its own culture, language,
history and stunning tropical attractions. These islands and atolls
are the result of volcanic activity which took place millions of
years ago. Many of these islands are the summits of huge underwater
mountains or the rims of sunken volcano craters peaking over the
water surface to surround tropical lagoons.
Not only are Micronesia's island spread out over a great distance
but each island group also has it's own culture and character where
their traditional lifestyles still prosper to varying degrees.
Almost as dramatic as its natural features is Micronesia's history
of colonial occupation and the WW2 activities where the region was
the venue of many fierce encounters that are a constant, and now
a colourful reminder, of its past. It is this combination of natural
events, local culture and man-made conflicts that makes Micronesia
one of the world's most unique and sought after diving destinations,
as what this region lacks in land mass it makes up for in the water
!
Throughout Micronesia divers can encounter an abundance of marine
life in just about every imaginable colour and shape. The seas are
inhabited by hundreds of types of hard and soft corals, anemones,
colourful sponges, countless varieties of shellfish, manta rays
and pelagics.
Divers worldwide are drawn to the Palau's terrific drop-offs,
the beauty of the Rock Islands, the underwater wreck museums of
Chuuk, and to Yap, the home of the giant manta rays.
Palau, Guam, Yap and Chuuk are the better known destinations within
Micronesia, each with long established dive operations offering
totally unique diving opportunities. Other islands such as Kosrae
and Pohnpei are following suit and offer great diving amongst lush
tropical island settings.
The tropical location and remoteness of these islands make Micronesia
one of the world's most exciting dive destinations !