The weather so close to the equator is rather constant all year round. Mostly it's hot with high humidity. The rainy seasons differ slightly between each island, and January-March are generally considered the driest months. Year round water temperatures average a balmy 27°C (80°F) and land temperatures average 28°C (84°F) year-round . Gin-clear waters make 30 metre (100 ft ) visibility under water the norm, particularly in Palau.
In Palau the calmest time is December through June; in Yap it's May through October, same in Pohnpei and Kosrae; in Truk Lagoon it's least rainy September through June.
Land-based versus liveaboard diving
This is a question asked by many divers visiting Palau and the answer mainly depends on each diver's preference. Many divers like to return to the comfort of their hotel resort in the afternoon, and most land-based dive packages are less expensive than a week on a liveaboard. However, some divers have found day boat diving in Palau quite tiring, as most dive sites are a 50-90 minute boat ride from Koror. Particularly from July to November, those long rides in small boats can get rather choppy. Also, the convenience of scheduling dive times long before or after the day boats have left the area makes the extra expense of a liveaboard in Palau worthwhile.
Truk Lagoon (Chuuk), the only other island in Micronesia with liveaboards, is much calmer year-round than Palau, and most of the WWII wrecks are not too far from the piers. And all diving is conducted from tender boats or small dive boats. For those who enjoy unlimited diving with up to 5 dives a day will favour should favour one of the liveaboard, since shore-based diving in Truk Lagoon is limited to 3-4 dives per day.
Health
Palau, Guam & Micronesia are not listed as malaria infected areas.
By far the greatest threat to health is sunburn. Give this your most careful attention. Always wear a sunscreen. Sunburn, seasickness, fatigue, coral cuts, fire coral burns, cuts and bruises are health hazards to be anticipated and can be avoided with common sense and care.
Medical Kit suggestions
- Analgesic - Insect repellent
- Anti-seasick medicine - Sun tan lotion
- Band aids (some large ones) - Sun block Cream
- Ear Drops alcohol / vinegar base. Daily use will prevent outer ear infections.
- Antibiotic ointment for coral cuts. See your physician.
Local time
Micronesia stretches across 3 time zones: Palau is 9 hours ahead of GMT; Guam and Saipan 10 hours ahead and the Marshall Islands 12 hours ahead. Guam is in the same time zone as Australia's East coast
Currency
The official currency in all of Micronesia is the US Dollar.
Departure taxes
An airport departure tax of USD 20 has to be paid in USD cash at Truk (Chuuk) airport upon departure.
Certification requirements
All scuba divers must carry a PADI open water equivalent certification. While basic dive courses for beginners are offered by all dive resorts in Micronesia, these reefs and wrecks are best enjoyed by divers with advanced skills. Familiarity with diving in strong currents is highly recommended for Palau, and wreck diving/deep diving specialities would be helpful in Truk Lagoon, but neither would be required. Most diving in Micronesia is conducted in small groups with local guides. Limited rental scuba gear is available on request.
Dive insurance
All dive operators promoted by Diversion Dive Travel adhere to high safety standards for all their equipment. However, due to their remote location, all liveaboards and most land-based dive operators in Micronesia insist that all divers present current Diver Evacuation & accident cover on arrival. For a nominal yearly membership fee, the DIVERS ALERT NETWORK (DAN) provides year-round diver evacuation and accident cover. For more details on membership and insurance options, please contact your regional DAN office.
In view of the heavy cancellation penalties applied to cancelled travel arrangements, Diversion Dive Travel strongly recommends that suitable travel insurance be purchased at the time of booking.
A comprehensive travel insurance policy covers any losses suffered as a result of cancellation due to medical circumstances, related medical expenses incurred whilst abroad & cover against loss or damage to baggage & personal items.
Tipping
No one in Micronesia expects any tips for services. Tips have never been part of the culture, but tourism has changed local customs, and particularly those working in tourism have gotten used to receiving tips and being rewarded for very good service. There are no set rules, give as much as you see fit. On live aboard vessels it is customary to give the tip to the skipper of dive leader and ask it be distributed amongst the crew.
Electrical outlets
Electricity is the same as on the US mainland: 110/120V, 60 cycles, with two-pronged plugs. Adapters and converters aren't readily available for photographers with 220/240 V systems, so better bring your own if you need to convert.
Airport transfers
Most hotels and offer complimentary pick up services from the airport. This will be marked clearly on the product description.
Clothing suggestions
Casual & comfortable clothing including a light jacket is recommended, as evenings can get cool and liveaboards usually keep their airconditioning high in all indoor areas. Please keep sun protection in mind and be advised to respect local customs by not wearing swimsuits, short shorts, or other inappropriate clothing in towns, villages or public places.
Fragile items such as camera, regulator, dive computer etc., should be packed in a small bag and taken as carry-on luggage. Clothing should be packed in one (or if necessary two) suitcases. Be sure your baggage is properly tagged.
Safety
Micronesia , the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) is a fascinating part of the world. The standard of living is than in the Western world and the major towns don?t generally offer a lot of sightseeing opportunities. Tourism is a major source of income for the islanders, and the crime rate is low. Local people are generally very friendly and helpful, and consider it an honour for you to visit their home. This makes Micronesia generally a very safe place to travel.
