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Over recent years, the thousand of islands that make up Micro¬nesia have developed a well deserved reputation for of¬fering great action in stunning natural environments. Each of these tiny green jewels scat¬tered across the western Pacific Ocean is a mini-paradise of lush forest, volcanic hills and white-sand beaches. But their greatest attractions lie underwater, where increasing numbers of divers are drawn to brightly col¬oured fish, beautiful coral gardens and exotic shipwrecks of World War II — now covered with abundant marine life. Each of these island republics, from Palau in the west to the Marshall Islands in the east, offers unique diving opportunities. Whether you are a wreck enthusiast or an underwater cave explorer; whether you're a beginner or an advanced diver, there's some¬thing very special for you. These playgrounds lie right on Asia's doorstep and it's becoming easier and easier to reach them from the region — it's time to go beneath Micronesia

The tiny islands of Micronesia are all but lost in the vast Pacific — and as a result have some of the best diving in the world
Micronesia is the Serengeti of diving," a well-travelled scuba buff declared while singing the praises of this wild and wonderful re¬gion of the western and central Pacific. Micronesia is the diver's paradise. It has all the big creatures, wild beauty and un¬tamed nature under the sea that the fa¬bled African plains hold on land. Dolphins, pilot whales and orcas are seen offshore, schools of sharks and manta rays are abundant, and coral growth is profuse. More than 1200 species of fish — includ¬ing angelfish, bonito, butterfly fish, moray eels, harp fish, parrotfish, swordfish and trumpetfish — are found in these waters, making them amongst the richest in the world, second only to the Indo-Pacific.

But that's not all: Micronesia also of¬fers more relaxed forms of entertainment for the vacationer, including exotic island cultures, a sophisticated tourist infrastruc¬ture and some unique shopping: the Serengeti with a civilized twist, perhaps.

The Federated States of Micronesia lie between Hawaii and the Philippines, start¬ing with the Republic of the Marshall Is¬lands in the east and stretching to the Re¬public of Palau in the southwest. These two clusters, plus the Caroline Islands, the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas Islands, Guam and the Republic of Kiribati together cover a geographical area that is greater than the United States, but with a combined land mass not much larger than Hong Kong.

Undiscovered land ... and sea
The thousands of islands within the group offer a geographical diversity-from high, active volcanic peaks to low islands of sand and coral - that is matched by few places on the planet.

Guam is the hub of the region and is only a few hours by jet from most major Asian cities. An incredible destination for divers and lovers of the sea, the variety of undersea terrain, fish and coral life is mind-boggling. Many marine vistas stun the senses, and adventure lurks behind every coral outcrop. Dives can be made from small, dedicated land-based operations, from world-class live aboards and through operations designed for larger groups.

Organizing a trip to Micronesia is a relatively simple operation, using either a travel agent or the Internet. But it is not cheap. Though Micronesia isn't in the same price league as Tahiti or New Caledonia, it is priced well above most dive destinations in Asia. On average you can expect to spend about US$80 for a nicely-appointed room, US$90 daily for diving and lunch and US$25-US$45 for other meals and drinks. Most liveaboard packages are all-inclusive with the exception of alcohol. There are ways to go on the cheap, and there are first-class hotels offering luxurious suites and fine dining, so it pays to shop around -and remember: you get what you pay for.

Diving in Micronesia varies from island chain to island chain, but most offer spectacular coral gardens, crystal clear water, vintage wrecks and unusual deep water and cave dives. From Palau in the west to the Marshall Islands in the east, Micronesia offers a variety of dives to suit all tastes and skill levels.

Getting there
Continental Micronesia is the main carrier to all the Micronesian islands. They fly to Guam, which serves as a hub for travel to the other dive destinations. Special airfare deals to Micronesia are often available from most of the major Asian cities serviced by Continental. Continental Holidays also offers hotel-airfare-transportation packages.

Commuter flights within Palau and within the Northern Marianas are offered by local airlines using smaller aircraft which provide a closer look at the beauty of each destination. Because of a ", dose association with the USA as well as US military protection anAmerican influence is strongly felt in the region. The US dollar and postal service are used by various island governments, and electricity and television are both American standard.

Underwater adventures
Diving varies greatly from island to island and from state to state. Introductory packages and novice diving can be found in most places and there are thrilling drift dives for advanced divers as well as numerous sites of interest to photographers and marine biologists. A few dive shops and live a boards offer fills for mixed gas and technical diving. Re-breathers are available in Guam and Palau. Talk to people at your dive destination before you get there to make sure they have all the equipment and facilities you want.

Virtually every reputable dive operation in Micronesia can now be contacted by email. Many also have web pages that show their facilities and attractions. Independent dive shops offer package deals with hotels and some have special offers for divers staying a week or more.

Dive shops on Guam and Palau offer instruction for a great variety of levels and specialties, mostly through their PADI and NAUI instructors. Other destinations cater mostly to certified and experienced divers but some individual operators do offer specialty courses and novice instruction.

The ratio of divers to guides is normally quite good in Micronesia, usually no more than six divers to one guide. If you find yourself at some sort of cattle boat operation, look elsewhere as there are more personalized, and therefore safer, operators to chose from. Micronesian guides are normally extremely skilled in the water but not always that talkative on the boat. If you have any questions about the dive or the conditions, do not hesitate to ask. The guides do tend to let a diver alone, which experienced divers prefer. But those with newly acquired skills may prefer more attention. Let the guide know this prior to leaving the dock. The big name dive destinations are found in the west and central part of the region. Truk Lagoon (now officially known as Chuuk), Palau and Yap are all visited by world class divers seeking the thrill of the open sea.
Guam and Rota-two islands in the northwest part of Micronesia are sometimes overlooked. but they offer shipwrecks of World War II vintage. hard coral reefs, abundant fish and sea anemone action and some beautiful topside terrain. Further north, the crystal clear waters off Saipan and Tinian cater to cavern divers and snorkellers by the thousands.
The central islands of Pohnpei and Kosrae and the Marshall Islands in the east - with the atomic shipwrecks of Bikini Atoll and some of the best wreck diving in the world at Kwajalein Atoll - offer exploration for those seeking more unusual entries in the log book.
The undersea terrain off Guam. Rota and Yap is well known for its dropoffs. sea fans and soft corals. But Guam, Rota and Yap can also be described as a hard coral kingdom, with 400 species in the area.
If it's wreck diving you want or a swim among some of the healthiest and most heavily populated coral gardens in the world, a trip to Micronesia is a must.

When to go
Weather conditions vary across the vast expanse of Micronesia, but temperatures are uniformly high year-round. Most of Micronesia lies in the Pacific's typhoon belt storms usually hit between August and November. But the islands also enjoy some of the cleanest air on the planet.
Micronesia's people are as diverse as its marine life, from the traditional women of Yap (below) to Rota's ever-smiling residents.
The thousands of tropical islands that make up the Federated States of Micronesia offer picturesque topside terrain that is exceeded in beauty only by the underwater environment.