Struggling to attract tourists, the Micronesian atolls and reefs that make up the Marshall Islands caught the world’s attention with its compensation claims against the US for nuclear bomb testing carried out here in the 1950s and ‘60s.
What is it?: The Marshall Islands is a small island nation in the central Pacific, known for its beautiful coral reefs, remote atolls, and rich history. It offers an off-the-beaten-path experience with opportunities for diving, snorkeling, and exploring the unique culture of the islands.
Affordability: The Marshall Islands can be relatively expensive due to its remote location. Flights and accommodation can be pricey, and the limited tourism infrastructure means that most services, particularly food and amenities, are imported. However, local guesthouses and local food can offer more affordable options for budget travelers.
Safety: The Marshall Islands is generally safe for tourists, with low crime rates and a peaceful environment. However, due to its remote location, visitors should be aware of limited medical facilities and resources, and prepare adequately for travel, including health and safety precautions.
Popularity: The Marshall Islands is not a mainstream tourist destination, attracting only a limited number of travelers each year. It is mainly visited by those seeking remote island experiences, divers, and those interested in the islands’ unique history and culture, particularly the legacy of World War II.
Tourist Infrastructure: The tourist infrastructure in the Marshall Islands is basic, with a few accommodations available, primarily in Majuro and Ebeye. While there are opportunities for diving, boating, and cultural experiences, visitors should be prepared for limited amenities and transport options.
Weather: Tropical climate, with warm temperatures year-round. The best time to visit is during the dry season, from December to April, when the weather is more pleasant and ideal for outdoor activities. The rainy season lasts from May to November, bringing higher humidity and occasional storms.
Best Time to Go: December–April for the best weather, ideal for diving, exploring the islands, and enjoying the beaches. The rainy season (May–November) can bring higher chances of storms and humidity but offers fewer crowds.
Known For: Majuro, Ebeye, coral reefs, Bikini Atoll, Kwajalein Atoll, World War II history, nuclear testing legacy, marine biodiversity, and unique Pacific Island culture.
Top Destinations: Majuro • Kwajalein Atoll • Bikini Atoll • Ebeye • Arno Atoll • Jaluit Atoll • Rongelap Atoll
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Nature Buffs: The Marshall Islands is a nature lover’s paradise, offering some of the world’s most pristine coral reefs, excellent diving and snorkeling opportunities, and beautiful tropical islands like Kwajalein Atoll and Bikini Atoll, ideal for marine life exploration.
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History Buffs: The Marshall Islands has a unique history, particularly due to its role in World War II and the legacy of nuclear testing on Bikini Atoll. Visitors can explore historical sites related to the war, as well as indigenous Marshallese culture and traditions.
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Beach Bunnies: With its idyllic atolls and clear waters, the Marshall Islands offers some of the most beautiful, secluded beaches in the Pacific. Majuro and Kwajalein provide great beach experiences, perfect for relaxing, swimming, and watersports in a quiet, remote setting.
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Digital Nomads: The Marshall Islands is not ideal for digital nomads due to its limited infrastructure, slow internet, and remote location. It lacks many of the services needed for remote work, though it offers a peaceful environment for short stays.
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Families: The Marshall Islands can be an interesting family destination for those seeking cultural immersion and outdoor activities like snorkeling, hiking, and exploring the local wildlife. However, limited amenities and infrastructure mean families need to plan carefully.
The Marshall Islands are a scattered chain of atolls and islands in the central Pacific, known for crystal-clear lagoons, WWII history, and a deep connection to the sea. Majuro, the capital, is a narrow strip of land with homes, churches, and local markets hugging the coastline. Bikini Atoll, once a nuclear test site, is now a hauntingly beautiful dive destination with sunken warships and coral-covered ruins. Traditional Marshallese culture remains strong, centered on navigation, fishing, and family. With few tourists and vast stretches of ocean between communities, the Marshall Islands offer quiet, authenticity, and a powerful link to the ocean’s rhythm.
The Marshall Islands, officially known as the Republic of the Marshall Islands, is a country of atolls and islands located in the central Pacific Ocean. Comprising 29 atolls and 5 isolated islands, the nation is part of the larger island group of Micronesia. The capital city, Majuro, is located on the Majuro Atoll. Known for its clear blue waters, coral reefs, and World War II history, the Marshall Islands offer a unique travel experience.
Most visitors stay on Majuro, the capital atoll, which is narrow, low-lying, and densely populated. It’s a place of colorful homes, lagoon views, and laid-back daily life. The outer atolls, like Arno, Bikini, and Aur, are rarely visited but offer pristine reefs, traditional village culture, and stark reminders of Cold War history. Bikini Atoll, though uninhabited, is famous (and infamous) as the site of U.S. nuclear tests, and now a ghostly, world-renowned dive site filled with sunken battleships.
While the claims continue and some of the islands remain out-of-bounds due to nuclear residue, you shouldn’t let this put you off anymore than the islands’ position on the edge of the ‘typhoon belt’. Kwajalein, famously a WWII battleground, has changed little, with the land now conveniently a US missile testing ground. Most of the population lives on Majuro and Ebeye, with tourists not advised to venture to the outer islands, where you may be questioned by the US military faster than you can say ‘yokwe’ (hello).
Tourists are drawn to the Marshall Islands for its beaches, world-class diving and snorkeling spots, and historical World War II sites. Key highlights include the Bikini Atoll, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its underwater shipwrecks, the cultural experiences in Majuro, and the abundant marine life in the surrounding coral reefs.
The Marshall Islands are situated in the central Pacific Ocean, roughly halfway between Hawaii and Australia. The country consists of two parallel chains of atolls and islands: the Ratak (sunrise) chain and the Ralik (sunset) chain. The atolls are low-lying coral formations with an average elevation of just 2 meters above sea level. The climate is tropical, with a wet season from May to November and a dry season from December to April.
Travel to the Marshall Islands is expensive and logistically complex, mostly due to limited flight routes and the vast distances between atolls. Flights are available to Majuro and Kwajalein, but reaching outer islands requires domestic hops on Air Marshall Islands or slow inter-island boats. Accommodation on Majuro ranges from basic hotels and guesthouses to a few modestly comfortable stays. Outside Majuro, it’s mostly homestays or community-run bungalows, often without running water or electricity. Meals are simple, fish, breadfruit, rice, ramen, and coconut, and supplies are limited, especially on remote atolls.
Getting around Majuro is straightforward, just one road, running the length of the atoll, served by taxis and pickup trucks. There’s no public transport system, but rides are cheap and frequent. English and Marshallese are both official languages, and English is widely spoken. The Marshall Islands are generally safe, with low crime and friendly locals, though infrastructure is basic, and services (like hospitals and internet) are limited.
- Capital: Majuro
- Population: ~42,000 (Density: ~295 people per km², ~764 per mi²)
- Area: 181 km² (70 mi²)
- Official Language: Marshallese, English
- Common Languages: Some Japanese and other Pacific Island languages
- Currency: United States Dollar (USD)
- Time Zone: UTC+12
- Electricity: Plug Type A, B (120V, 60Hz)
- Emergency Contacts: Police 625-8666, Ambulance 625-4142, Fire 625-8666 (no 911 system)
- Drives On: Right
- Religions: Christianity ~97% (United Church of Christ, Assembly of God, Catholic), Other ~3%
- Government: Unitary Parliamentary Republic in Free Association with the United States
- Map Links: Google Maps | Apple Maps
- Coordinates (for GPS): 7.1315, 171.1845
Why Go to the Marshall Islands?
- Bikini Atoll’s Nuclear Ghost Town: Dive WWII wrecks sunk during U.S. nuclear testing, including aircraft carriers and submarines, accessible only to a few.
- Traditional Village Life on Outer Atolls: Visit remote islands like Arno to experience a way of life deeply connected to the sea and sky.
- Majuro Atoll’s Lagoon & Reefs: Explore the main island’s lagoon by kayak or boat, snorkel in nearby coral patches, or watch daily life along the seawall.
- Wartime History & Culture: Learn about U.S. military legacy, nuclear testing, and the enduring effects of Cold War geopolitics on small island communities.
- Fishing & Ocean Adventures: Catch tuna, mahi-mahi, and other big fish, fishing is a way of life here, not just a sport.
- Warm Hospitality & Slow Travel: Stay with local families, eat what’s caught that day, and adapt to island time.
- Climate Change Frontline: Witness how rising seas, saltwater intrusion, and erosion are already shaping the future of a low-lying Pacific nation.
Who Might Not Enjoy the Marshall Islands?
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Travelers Expecting Modern Tourist Infrastructure: The Marshall Islands are very remote and underdeveloped in terms of tourism. Accommodations are basic, restaurants are few, and public services like transportation and healthcare are minimal outside Majuro.
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Luxury or Resort-Focused Tourists: There are no large resorts, spas, or fine-dining establishments. Lodging tends to be functional rather than stylish, and service can be informal or inconsistent.
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Visitors Without a Marine Activity Focus: The islands are best known for diving, snorkeling, and fishing. If you’re not into ocean-based experiences, there’s little in the way of alternative attractions or organized tours.
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Travelers Wanting Cultural Tourism or Historic Sites: While there is some WWII history and local culture, there are few museums, guided heritage experiences, or structured cultural programs.
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Cruise Passengers Expecting Big Excursions or Shopping: The Marshall Islands are not cruise-oriented. Excursions are limited, and shopping is restricted to small local markets or basic stores with imported goods.
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Those Sensitive to Heat, Humidity, or Limited Infrastructure: The climate is tropical and hot, and many places lack air conditioning. Power outages, water shortages, and basic plumbing are not uncommon.
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Vegetarians or Vegans: Local cuisine relies heavily on fish, rice, and canned or imported goods. Fresh vegetables are scarce, and options for plant-based diets are very limited.
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Travelers Looking for Nightlife or Social Entertainment: There’s virtually no nightlife scene, no clubs, few bars, and very limited after-hours activity even in Majuro.
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People Needing Medical Access or Strong Connectivity: Health services are basic and often under-resourced, and internet can be slow or unavailable in many areas. Anyone with serious medical or digital needs may find it unsuitable.
What’s Cool
Pristine beaches, beautiful coral reefs, excellent diving and snorkeling, rich World War II history, traditional Marshallese culture, warm and friendly locals, unique atoll landscapes, and opportunities for eco-tourism.
What’s Not
Being a former atomic bomb site, ;imited tourist infrastructure, remote location with long travel times, occasional travel challenges, language barriers (primarily Marshallese), high cost of imported goods, potential for tropical storms, and the impact of rising sea levels.
The Marshall Islands are a Micronesian island country in the central Pacific Ocean, northeast of Papua New Guinea and just west of the International Date Line. The nation consists of 29 coral atolls and 5 isolated islands, grouped into two parallel chains: the Ratak (Sunrise) Chain to the east and the Ralik (Sunset) Chain to the west. The capital is Majuro, located on an atoll of the same name.
The Marshall Islands are made up of low-lying coral atolls and islands, most just a few meters above sea level. They are built on ancient submerged volcanoes and are encircled by lagoons and coral reefs. There are no rivers or mountains, and fresh water comes from rain catchment or desalination. The country’s tropical climate is hot, humid, and prone to droughts and occasional typhoons. Rising sea levels present a long-term threat.
Each atoll typically consists of a narrow ring of islets surrounding a central lagoon. While Majuro and Kwajalein are hubs of government and development, many outer islands remain remote and traditional, with subsistence fishing and agriculture.
Tourism is limited but appeals to divers, WWII history buffs, researchers, and those seeking remote island experiences.
Most visitors arrive via Amata Kabua International Airport in Majuro, with flights from Hawaii, Guam, and Fiji on United Airlines and Nauru Airlines. Domestic travel is possible by air (Air Marshall Islands) or passenger freighters, but service is limited and often disrupted. Few islands have formal roads, and inter-islet transport is usually by small boat or walking.
Ratak Chain (Eastern Chain)
The more populated and developed side of the country, with government, services, and international access.
- Majuro Atoll: The capital atoll and most developed area, with government buildings, schools, hotels, and a lagoon filled with boats.
- Delap-Uliga-Djarrit (D-U-D): The urban center of Majuro, offering guesthouses, markets, and basic restaurants.
- Arno Atoll: Close to Majuro and accessible by boat, known for traditional culture, outer-island village life, and beautiful lagoon islets.
- Mili Atoll: Historic WWII site with abandoned bunkers and airstrips, rarely visited today.
- Likiep Atoll: Known for German colonial history, peaceful beaches, and coconut plantations.
Ralik Chain (Western Chain)
Less developed but with key historical and military significance.
- Kwajalein Atoll: One of the largest atolls in the world, used as a U.S. military base; access is restricted.
- Ebeye Island: A crowded islet on Kwajalein Atoll, home to thousands of Marshallese living in dense conditions.
- Jaluit Atoll: Once the administrative capital during the German and Japanese eras, now known for WWII ruins and a quiet atmosphere.
- Enewetak Atoll: Site of U.S. nuclear testing in the 1940s and 1950s, now partially resettled but environmentally damaged.
- Bikini Atoll: Another nuclear test site, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and open to a few divers each year under special arrangements.
Remote Islands and Diving Areas
Ideal for marine biologists, researchers, and advanced divers seeking unexplored sites.
- Ailinglaplap: A large atoll with village communities, handicrafts, and outer-island calm.
- Wotho Atoll: Very sparsely inhabited, offering pristine reef systems and lagoon islets.
- Ujae Atoll: Remote and rarely visited, with basic subsistence lifestyle.
- Bikar Atoll: Uninhabited and ecologically sensitive, a haven for seabirds and nesting turtles.
- Namdrik Atoll: Home to eco-education programs and traditional canoe construction.
Highlights
- Bikini Atoll: A UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its underwater shipwrecks from World War II and exceptional diving opportunities.
- Majuro: The capital and largest city, offering cultural experiences, local markets, and beautiful lagoon views.
- Arno Atoll: Known for its pristine beaches, clear waters, and traditional Marshallese lifestyle.
- Kwajalein Atoll: The largest coral atoll in the world, featuring historical World War II sites and beautiful beaches.
- Jaluit Atoll: Historically significant as the former administrative center during the German and Japanese occupations, with traditional villages and beautiful scenery.
Regions
Ratak Chain
- Majuro: The capital atoll, offering a mix of urban and traditional experiences, including local markets, cultural centers, and beautiful lagoon views.
- Arno Atoll: A nearby atoll known for its pristine beaches, clear waters, and opportunities for snorkeling and fishing.
Ralik Chain
- Bikini Atoll: Famous for its underwater shipwrecks and as a former nuclear testing site, now a top diving destination.
- Kwajalein Atoll: Known for its large lagoon, historical World War II sites, and significant US military presence.
- Jaluit Atoll: Offers historical insights, traditional Marshallese culture, and stunning natural beauty.
Top Cities
- Majuro: The capital and most developed area in the Marshall Islands, offering basic amenities, cultural attractions, and administrative facilities.
- Ebeye: Located on Kwajalein Atoll, known for its dense population and as the second most populated area after Majuro.
Islands & Beaches
- Bikini Atoll: Known for its underwater shipwrecks, vibrant coral reefs, and historical significance.
- Arno Atoll: Offers pristine beaches, clear waters, and traditional Marshallese villages.
- Kwajalein Atoll: Features historical World War II sites, beautiful beaches, and a large lagoon.
National Parks
- Bikini Atoll Marine Sanctuary: Protects the rich marine biodiversity and historical shipwrecks within the atoll.
The dry season (December to April) is the best time to visit the Marshall Islands, with sunny weather and minimal rainfall, ideal for outdoor activities, beach visits, and water sports.
- Dry Season (December to April): Best time to visit with sunny weather and minimal rainfall, perfect for outdoor activities and water sports.
- Wet Season (May to November): Higher chance of rain and potential travel disruptions, but the landscape is lush and green.
Cultural Experiences
- Exploring Traditional Villages: Visit villages on Arno and Jaluit atolls to experience local customs, crafts, and daily life in the Marshall Islands.
- Local Markets: Shop for traditional handicrafts, fresh produce, and local delicacies at markets in Majuro.
- Historical Tours: Explore World War II relics and historical sites, particularly on Bikini and Kwajalein atolls.
Natural Experiences
- Diving and Snorkeling: Discover the beautiful coral reefs and marine life, with top spots including Bikini Atoll and Arno Atoll.
- Fishing: Enjoy deep-sea and lagoon fishing, with opportunities to catch a variety of fish species.
- Beach Activities: Relax on the pristine beaches of Bikini, Arno, and Kwajalein atolls, enjoying the clear waters and serene environment.
Urban Experiences
- Exploring Majuro: Visit cultural centers, local markets, and historical landmarks in the capital.
- Ebeye: Discover the unique lifestyle on this densely populated island within Kwajalein Atoll.
Unique Experiences
- Island Hopping: Take boat trips to explore the various atolls and islands of the Marshall Islands, each offering unique landscapes and attractions.
- Eco-Tourism: Participate in eco-tourism activities focused on conservation and sustainable tourism, particularly in the Bikini Atoll Marine Sanctuary.
Direct flights from Hawaii, Guam, and other Pacific destinations to Amata Kabua International Airport in Majuro and Bucholz Army Airfield in Kwajalein.
Major Airports
- Amata Kabua International Airport (MAJ), Majuro: The main international gateway to the Marshall Islands, with flights from Hawaii, Guam, and other Pacific destinations.
- Bucholz Army Airfield (KWA), Kwajalein: Serves Kwajalein Atoll, with flights primarily for military and contractor personnel.
Domestic Flights
- Air Marshall Islands: Operates flights between the main atolls and islands, providing a convenient way to travel within the country.
Ferries
- Inter-Atoll Ferries: Ferries and boats connect various atolls and islands, with schedules that can vary depending on weather conditions.
Local Transportation
- Taxis and Buses: Available in Majuro and some other larger atolls, offering basic transportation within the towns.
- Bicycles and Motorbikes: Renting bicycles or motorbikes is a popular way to explore the atolls at your own pace.
- Capital: Majuro
- Currency: United States Dollar (USD)
- Population: Approximately 58,000
- Electricity: 120V, 60Hz
- Country Code: +692
- Time Zone: Marshall Islands Time (GMT+12)
- Government: Presidential republic in free association with the United States
Scams & Petty Crime
Generally low, but always be cautious with your belongings and avoid isolated areas after dark.
Political Unrest
The Marshall Islands is generally stable, but always check current travel advisories and avoid any areas with reported unrest.
Diseases
Ensure vaccinations are up-to-date, including hepatitis A and B, typhoid, and tetanus. There is no malaria risk, but take precautions against mosquito bites to avoid dengue fever.
Road Conditions
Roads can be in poor condition, especially in rural areas. Travel during the wet season can be challenging due to potential flooding and erosion.
Nature’s Fury
The region can experience tropical storms, especially during the wet season. Stay informed about weather conditions and follow local advice.
Sexual Harassment
Incidents are rare, but as with any travel, dress modestly and respect local customs to avoid unwanted attention.