Marshall Islands Travel Guide: Remote Atolls & Diving

Why visit Marshall Islands?

Scattered across the central Pacific between Hawaii and the Philippines, the Marshall Islands consist of 29 low-lying coral atolls and five isolated islands. This remote nation is one of the least-visited countries in the world, offering adventurous travellers an authentic encounter with Micronesian culture, untouched marine ecosystems, and remarkable maritime history. From the bustling capital corridor of Majuro to the quiet rhythm of the outer atolls, the islands provide a unique window into a delicate ecosystem shaped by deep ocean isolation.

For scuba divers and history buffs, the Marshall Islands represent an ultimate frontier. The lagoons hold a silent museum of World War II shipwrecks, fighter planes, and relics, while the outer reefs teem with healthy shark populations, manta rays, and expansive coral gardens. Travelling here requires self-reliance and patience; tourism infrastructure is minimal, and flight schedules can be highly subject to change. Those who make the journey are rewarded with incredible hospitality, pristine beaches, and a slow, intentional pace of life.

Kalalin Pass Diving

Known as 'Shark Alley', this deep-water pass near Majuro offers world-class drift diving among grey reef sharks, eagle rays, and towering walls of hard coral.

Bikini Atoll Sunken Fleet

The final resting place of famous WWII warships sunk during nuclear testing, accessible only via specialized, pre-booked technical diving liveaboards.

Waan Aelon in Majel (WAM)

A cultural center on Majuro dedicated to preserving the ancient art of traditional Marshallese outrigger canoe building and stick-chart navigation.

Arno Atoll Day Trips

A short boat ride from Majuro reveals Arno's quiet lifestyle, where you can walk along pristine sandspits, swim in clear water, and see traditional copra harvesting.

Laura Beach Park

Located at the far western tip of Majuro Atoll, this grassy park offers a sandy beach, calm swimming areas, and a peaceful escape from the busier district of Delap-Uliga-Djarrit.

Mili Atoll WWII Relics

An explorer's paradise where overgrown jungles hide crashed Japanese Zero fighters, rusted coastal defense guns, and concrete personnel bunkers.

Popular regions

Majuro Atoll

The administrative and commercial heart of the country, consisting of a narrow ribbon of islands. It contains the majority of the nation's hotels, restaurants, and transport links.

Arno Atoll

Located just 15 miles from Majuro, this spectacular atoll features multiple deep lagoons, productive fishing grounds, and a very traditional way of life.

Kwajalein Atoll

The world's largest coral lagoon, partly leased by the US military. While the military base on Kwajalein Island requires sponsorship to enter, neighboring Ebeye Island is accessible.

The Outer Atolls

Remote rings of coral like Likiep, Jaluit, and Wotje. Visiting these quiet gems requires domestic flights or boats, offering unmatched stargazing, weaving crafts, and history.

When to visit Marshall Islands

Based on average conditions in Marshall Islands.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Temperature	30°	30°	30°	30°	30°	30°	30°	30°	30°	30°	30°	30°
Rain	14d	11d	14d	16d	17d	18d	19d	18d	19d	21d	20d	18d
Crowds	Med	Med	Med	Med	Low	Low	Low	Low	Low	Low	Low	Med

Cold
Comfortable / dry / low crowds
Cool–hot / typical / moderate
Very hot / wetter / high crowds

Plan your trip to Marshall Islands

The Majuro & Arno Gateway

5 - 7 Days

Perfect for first-time visitors. Spend a few days exploring Majuro, visiting Laura Beach, and learning about traditional navigation, combined with a 2-day boat escape to Arno Atoll.

The Wreck & Reef Expedition

10 Days

Designed for avid scuba divers. Dive the vibrant channels and Japanese shipwrecks in Majuro, and take a domestic flight to Mili Atoll to explore land and sea WWII ruins.

Outer Atoll Cultural Immersion

14 Days

A slow-travel itinerary involving flights on Air Marshall Islands to remote atolls like Likiep or Jaluit to experience traditional weaving, fishing, and island lifestyle.

The Bikini Atoll Technical Dive

10 - 14 Days

A highly specialized expedition requiring advanced technical diving certifications, pre-booked years in advance via an authorized deep-sea liveaboard charter.

Getting around Marshall Islands

Shared Taxis

On Majuro, shared taxis operate constantly along the single main road. You simply wave one down and pay a flat, very affordable rate per person depending on the distance.

Air Marshall Islands (AMI)

The domestic airline connects Majuro to various outer atolls using small turboprop planes. Schedules can be highly irregular, so allow several buffer days in your itinerary.

Private Boat Charters

Small motorboats (locally called boom-booms) can be hired in Majuro to cross the lagoon to Arno Atoll or smaller, uninhabited islets.

Costs, food & practical info

Costs

Budget
$70 - $120 per day
Includes basic guesthouse rooms or family homestays on outer atolls, dining at local diner-style diners, and using shared taxis for transport.
Mid-range
$120 - $250 per day
Covers standard hotels in Majuro, dining on fresh fish at hotel restaurants, hiring a private boat driver, and taking domestic flights.
High-end / Liveaboard
$300+ per day
Mainly applies to specialty scuba diving charters, deep-sea fishing excursions, and remote liveaboard packages to places like Bikini Atoll.

Because almost all goods and fuel are imported to these isolated islands, travel costs are higher than in other parts of the world. Credit cards are accepted at major Majuro hotels, but cash (US Dollars) is essential for daily transactions, outer islands, and taxis.

Food & drinks

Plate Lunch (Chicken or Fish with Rice and Macaroni Salad)$8 - $12
Fresh Tuna Sashimi or Poke$10 - $15
Fresh Coconut (Ni)$2 - $3
American-style Diner Burger and Fries$9 - $14
Whole Baked Reef Fish (Local Style)$12 - $18

Practical

Strict Cash Economy
The Marshall Islands use the US Dollar. Outside of the main hotels on Majuro, credit cards are virtually useless. Ensure you withdraw plenty of cash before leaving Majuro.
Conservative Dress Code
Marshallese culture is modest. Swimwear should be kept strictly to resort beaches or dive boats. When in villages or public places, both men and women should wear clothing that covers their knees and shoulders.
Drinking Water Caution
Tap water is not safe to drink. Stick to bottled, boiled, or reverse-osmosis treated water, which is readily available in Majuro's grocery stores.
Outer Atoll Permits
When visiting outer atolls, you must obtain permission from the local island mayor or landowners. It is customary to pay a small landing or visiting fee to the community.

Insight in one click

Frequently asked questions about visiting Marshall Islands

Do I need a visa to visit the Marshall Islands? +

Citizens of the United States, European Union, and several other nations receive a visa-free entry or visa-on-arrival. Check current entry requirements with the Marshall Islands immigration department before travelling.

When is the best time of year to visit? +

The best time to visit is during the drier trade-wind season from December to April. This period offers slightly cooler breezes and lower rainfall, though tropical showers can happen year-round.

How do you get to the Marshall Islands? +

Most travelers arrive via the United Airlines 'Island Hopper' flight, which routes between Honolulu, Hawaii and Guam, stopping at Majuro and Kwajalein along the way.

Is the Marshall Islands a safe destination? +

Yes, crime rates are low. However, travellers should take standard safety precautions, avoid walking alone on dark beaches at night, and be highly cautious of strong ocean currents when swimming.

Is internet access widely available? +

Internet is available on Majuro and Ebeye via local SIM cards or Wi-Fi at main hotels, but it can be slow and expensive. There is virtually no internet access on the remote outer atolls.

Are there ATMs available? +

Yes, ATMs are available on Majuro (at retail banks like Bank of Guam and Bank of Marshall Islands), but they can occasionally run out of cash. There are no ATMs on the outer atolls, so carry plenty of cash USD.