Micronesia

The area of the Pacific that is home to the islands of Micronesia is expansive and has a list of adventures to match. A hotbed of activity during World War II, these islands are home to some of the world’s most famous wreck dives.

Truk Lagoon tops the list with more than 100 wrecks from “Operation Hailstorm” including the 152 m Shinkoku Maru and 133 m Fujikawa Maru. In addition to World War II wrecks and incredible reef diving, the Palau archipelago has unique excursions including Jellyfish Lake, where you can swim or snorkel among millions of non-stinging creatures, an experience not-to-be-missed.

Micronesia’s culture also runs strong throughout the islands but perhaps Yap provides one of the best opportunities to experience their unique way of life. Here you can stroll down stone paths through villages where mammoth exhibits of stone money denote wealth and social standing of its owner. But as incredible as this cultural experience is, it is the diving around Yap that attracts most visitors and the opportunity to dive with its population of resident manta rays. Divers can supplement their manta encounters with incredible wall, pass and cavern dives.