Marine Life & Environment
Nearly every inch of the sloping benthic environment is draped in an abundant and diverse layer of coral growth. A healthy sprinkling ofanemones provides Kosraes most reliable attraction.
Clownfish and their host anemones can be seen on every dive. The three species most commonly found here include the tomato clownfish (Amphiprion melanopus), Clarks clownfish (Amphiprion clarkii) and pink clownfish (Amphiprion peridaraion). Small reef fish are usually best shot with a macro lens, but the clownfish here are so friendly they make for stunning wide-angle reefscape subjects as well. You can also wander a bit to find a lionfish (Pterois volitans), giant Pacific grouper (Epinephelus lanceolatus) or venture a bit deeper to play with the current-swept crinoids.
Much of Micronesia is known for bigger animals, and in this aspect, Kosrae is similar. The shallows are patrolled by a vigilant regiment of blacktip reef sharks (Carcharhinus melanopterus) that keep just to the edge of visibility. Sites such as Hiroshi have a high probability of encounters with circling gray reef sharks (Carcharhinus amblyrhynchos) playing in the current. Three species of stingrays and regular turtle sightings round out the larger reef animals. Keep your eyes to the blue, as encounters with larger pelagics like dogtooth tuna (Gymnosarda unicolor) can steal the show.
Diving Conditions
- Water Temperatures: The average surface and water temperatures are both about 80 degrees.
- Visibility: Can reach beyond 100ft (30m)
- Distance to Dive Sites: Varies between 5 - 30 minutes, dependant on what dock you depart from and what dive site your heading to.
Top Dive Sites
- Walung Drop-Off: Wall dive with schools of barracuda, reef sharks, hammerheads, turtles and more. Can have fast currents
- Shark Island: Schools of barracuda, dogtooth tuna, eagle rays, and reef sharks can be commonly seen here. It can also be a great night dive location when the currents are low.
How To Get There
Visitors from the U.S. usually fly to Kosrae International Airport (KSA) via Honolulu – Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL). Another option is to take a direct flight to Tokyo (NRT or HND) and then travel via Guam – Antonio B. Won Pat International Airport (GUM).
How To Dive Kosrae
There are dive resorts available in Kosrae, with Kosrae Nautilus being the most popular one.
Best Time To Dive
Diving is done year round, but split to basically two different seasons. June - Oct the currents are typically calmer allowing easier diving, while Nov - May hold stronger currents but higher chances for large pelagics.
Topside & Non-Diving Activities
Kosrae is a wonderful island for history, culture, and environment. All local activities orient around those three aspects. Either Kayak through the mangrove channels, take aneco-hike through jungles and mountains, or enjoy some of the cultural traditions still practiced today like canoe building, weaving, woodcarving, and farming/fishing.
Practical Information
- Currency: US Dollar (USD)
- Electricity: 120V with A & B plug type
- Language: The native language is Kosraean. But most people speak sufficient English
- Time Zone: UTC+10
- Entry Requirements: US citizens only need a valid passport for entry. Nationals of other countries must have a valid passport and a 30-day tourist permit may be obtained upon entry from immigration officials, with extensions up to 90 days available.
