Posted: 02/09/2007--25/11/2008 || Rate this Article: 3 || Views|| Sign In || Register ||Hello Guest
Located in Micronesia, more than a thousand coral islands make up the Republic of the Marshall Islands. Despite being the location of much of the United States weapons research, including nuclear testing in the Bikini Atoll until the 1960s and ongoing ICBM testing in the Kwajalein Atoll, many parts of the Marshall Islands still retain elements of their native heritage and natural beauty.
With its crystal-clear water and warm temperatures, the Marshall Islands are well known for their scuba diving spots. Some of the most popular diving destinations are in the Majuro and Arno Atolls. Majuro Lagoon, with its coral pinnacles rising from the bottom of the lagoon, is teeming with hundreds of species of fish and other types of marine life. While diving in the Kalalen Pass, as many as four species of shark are commonly seen, including the Silvertip Shark, the length of which can often exceed eight feet. There are also a number of coral reefs in the Majuro and Arno Atolls. With giant sea turtles and schools of thousands of fish, the pristine waters make for some of the best diving on the planet. As new sites are regularly being developed, there are many unique dive opportunities in the Marshall Islands.
Exploring underwater wreck sites is also popular. Originally invasive debris, these relics have now become artificial reefs and are home to many species of sponges, fish, and coral. The wreck of the CENPAC, a refrigerator ship which hauled goods and passengers to the outer islands, is now home to the Marshall Islands first school of giant sweetlips as well as huge coral-trout and grouper. Travelers who prefer snorkeling will enjoy exploring the wreckage of an American B-24 bomber, located just a few feet below the surface. A number of dive shops offer diving excursions as well as introductory and advanced dive training.
The waters of the Marshall Islands also provide some outstanding deep-sea fishing. In the Arno Atoll, the Longar Point area is known for its mahi-mahi, sailfish and marlin. Lobster and octopus can be caught in the waters near Mejit. Visitors who enjoy birdwatching will want to visit the Taongi and Bikar Atolls. Both areas have been marked as possible national preservation areas with the Taongi Atoll being labeled as possibly the worlds only remaining unaltered, semiarid atoll ecosystem.
Although it is the most westernized of the Islands, the Majuro Atoll still retains a hint of the traditional native culture. On the far west end of the island, visitors to the Laura Village will not only see a rural lifestyle similar to that of the outer islands, but also a beautiful sandy beach and the Majuro Peace Park which was dedicated to those who died in the Pacific during World War II. Travelers should also visit the Alele Museum and view its large collection of historic and cultural artifacts.
The Marshaleese produce a variety of products for export. A prime industry is copra processing. Copra, dried coconut meat, is processed into a variety of oils and soaps. The Tobolar Copra Processing and Soap Factory gives tours to those wishing to learn more about this important source of income. Visitors are also welcome at the RRE aquaculture facility. In addition to being an eco-resort, this facility breeds giant clams for aquariums and ships over 100,000 clams annually to locations worldwide. Travelers may also enjoy shopping for local crafts. Using raw materials found on the islands, the Marshaleese people turn coconut, leaves and shells into baskets, hats, wall hangings and a variety of other items.
Despite its battles with both the effects of weapons testing and the encroachment of American pop culture, the Republic of the Marshall Islands is still a warm, welcoming vacation destination.
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