Swim with jellyfish in Jellyfish Lake, witness shark storms at Blue Corner, and immerse in village culture with Southeast Asian flair—all connected by inter-island flights that link the cultural gem of Nan Madol with the shipwreck haven of Chuuk Lagoon. This eight-day trip covers the most essential highlights of the Federated States of Micronesia.
Itinerary Overview
Focus on Pohnpei (4 nights) + Chuuk (3 nights), connected via the weekly United Island Hopper flight. The route ends with a flight from Chuuk to Guam or onward to Kosrae/Majuro. Note: The Island Hopper operates only about twice a week—check flight schedules before booking.
Day 1–2 Pohnpei: Ruins & Rainforest
- Day 1: Arrive at Pohnpei International Airport (PNI) → Check in to Kolonia → Watch the sunset at Sokehs Ridge in the evening, overlooking the harbor.
- Day 2: Full day at Nan Madol: Take a boat to the opposite side of Temwen Island to explore the ruins of nearly a hundred basalt artificial islands and the “stone pillar walls.” Learn about the mysteries of its construction with a guide. In the afternoon, visit Kepirohi Waterfall and cool off in the natural pool beneath the black basalt.
Day 3–4 Pohnpei: Rainforest, Villages & Sakau
- Day 3: Picnic at the double-tiered Liduduhniap Waterfall → Visit villages to learn about pepper and taro farming → Attend a sakau welcome ceremony in the evening.
- Day 4: Flexible day: Hike in the rainforest or kayak through mangroves if the weather is clear; visit museums and craft workshops if it’s rainy. Stock up on supplies for your next flight.
Day 5–7 Chuuk: Shipwreck Fleet
- Day 5: Fly to Chuuk (TKK) → Check in to Weno or an overwater bungalow → Visit the dive center for equipment checks and a briefing on the shipwrecks.
- Day 6: Full-day diving: Explore the Fujikawa Maru (with Zero fighter plane wreckage in the hangar) and either the Matsushima Maru or Nippo Maru, where you can see coral gardens and fish storms inside the wrecks.
- Day 7: Certified divers can explore two more wrecks (such as the Heian Maru or Shinkoku Maru). Non-divers can opt for a lagoon cruise, visit WWII Japanese relics on Tonowas Island, and join a village tour.
Day 8 Departure
Spend the morning freely exploring or shopping for souvenirs (wood carvings and shell jewelry) → Depart from Chuuk Airport. If time allows, extend Day 8 with a flight to Kosrae or Majuro.
Tips
- The Island Hopper has short layovers in Chuuk and strict baggage weight limits, so pack your diving gear lightly.
- Many Chuuk shipwrecks lie at depths of 15–45 meters with complex interiors. Always follow your guide closely and strictly observe no-decompression limits.
- Accommodation and guided tours in both states require advance booking. Withdraw enough cash at once.