Kosrae

Federated_States_of_Micronesia

Kosrae is one of the four states of the Federated States of Micronesia.

Kosrae is unlike most Micronesian islands that have other nearby islands that can be easily traveled to by boat in one to two hours. Kosrae is hundreds of miles from the nearest island, so a day trip to an outer island is out of the question.

Kosraean is the native language, but most people speak at sufficient English to understand visitors. It is a requirement of all government staff to be able to speak and write English, and the staff at hotels, restaurants and rental car companies speak English.

  • Kosrae Nautilus Divers, P.O. Box 135, Kosrae, Micronesia (Located at Kosrae Nautilus Resort, +691 370 3567. A full service NAUI dive operation with purpose built dive boats, powerful 4-stroke engines, oxygen on-board, full length canopies and a maximum of 6 divers ensure an enjoyable days diving on some of the planets most pristine coral reefs. A 2-tank boat dive including tanks, weights and lunch is US$125.

Take a 2-hour outrigger canoe trip through the Utwe/Walung Biosphere Marine Reserve. This tour can be booked through most hotels and is a must-do when visiting Kosrae. The guide has an 8-hp engine on the canoe that has been made by hand from a local breadfruit tree, so you don't even need to paddle, just sit back and take in the amazing scenery. At $25 per person (max 4 guests), it's great value for money.

  • Kosrae Village Ecolodge & Dive Resort, P.O. Box 399 (between Tofol and Malem Village, +691 370 3483.

    A photographer’s paradise, Kosrae Island is stunningly beautiful, with a mountainous interior, lush rain forest, and pristine hard coral reefs. The traditional cottages, within 50 feet of the ocean, incorporate modern amenities. Explore Kosrae; cultural tours, excursions to ancient ruins, outrigger canoe or kayak trips through the oldest mangroves in the Pacific, rainforest hiking and climbing as well as snorkeling and Scuba diving with local guides. The PADI 5 Star Dive Center offers a complete range of Scuba classes, Nitrox and Technical Diving. The dive boats are outfitted with full shade canopies and safety equipment, including oxygen. An onsite offers local and Pacific Rim cuisine as well as vegetarian and international dishes.

  • Micronesia Eco Divers, Lelu (Pacific Treelodge Resort, +691 3707856. PADI Green Star dive shop

Kosrae Nautilus Divers, P.O. Box 135, Kosrae, Micronesia (Located at Kosrae Nautilus Resort, +691 370 3567. A full service NAUI dive operation with purpose built dive boats, powerful 4-stroke engines, oxygen on-board, full length canopies and a maximum of 6 divers ensure an enjoyable days diving on some of the planets most pristine coral reefs. A 2-tank boat dive including tanks, weights and lunch is US$125.

Kosrae Village Ecolodge & Dive Resort, P.O. Box 399 (between Tofol and Malem Village, +691 370 3483.

A photographer’s paradise, Kosrae Island is stunningly beautiful, with a mountainous interior, lush rain forest, and pristine hard coral reefs. The traditional cottages, within 50 feet of the ocean, incorporate modern amenities. Explore Kosrae; cultural tours, excursions to ancient ruins, outrigger canoe or kayak trips through the oldest mangroves in the Pacific, rainforest hiking and climbing as well as snorkeling and Scuba diving with local guides. The PADI 5 Star Dive Center offers a complete range of Scuba classes, Nitrox and Technical Diving. The dive boats are outfitted with full shade canopies and safety equipment, including oxygen. An onsite offers local and Pacific Rim cuisine as well as vegetarian and international dishes.

Micronesia Eco Divers, Lelu (Pacific Treelodge Resort, +691 3707856. PADI Green Star dive shop

  • Kosrae Village Resort (above).
  • Kosrae Nautilus Resort, +691 3703567. Facing east to the ocean, and adjacent to the Lelu causeway. This licenced restaurant offers diners the option of an ocean view in air-conditioned comfort, or outside dining by the swimming pool. Feast on the freshest local seafood, and some of the best sashimi you'll find anywhere.
  • Bully's Restaurant, Lelu (Pacific Treelodge Resort. On the water, hidden by the forest famous for lobsters and crabs

Kosrae Village Resort (above).

Kosrae Nautilus Resort, +691 3703567. Facing east to the ocean, and adjacent to the Lelu causeway. This licenced restaurant offers diners the option of an ocean view in air-conditioned comfort, or outside dining by the swimming pool. Feast on the freshest local seafood, and some of the best sashimi you'll find anywhere.

Bully's Restaurant, Lelu (Pacific Treelodge Resort. On the water, hidden by the forest famous for lobsters and crabs

There are three licensed restaurants on Kosrae where anyone 21 or older can buy a drink. Due to strong church influences, consumption of alcohol on Sundays is prohibited. Do not drink water straight from taps or streams. Bottled water is widely available.

Kosrae is generally safe, and crime is uncommon.

At 5 degrees above the equator it rarely experiences winds above 20 knots. It does receive a lot of rain when a tropical depression forms north of the island that will head east north-east and turn into a typhoon about a week later somewhere near Guam, Japan or The Philippines.

There are no snakes, crocodiles or any other nasty animals on the island.

Kosrae is like a pin coming up from the rather deep ocean floor, and because of this, it is believed that tsunamis pass right on by it without being noticed, as there is nowhere for the energy to build up.