Marshall Islands Travel Information

The Marshall Islands are a remote and pristine archipelago located in the Pacific Ocean, offering a unique and unspoiled destination for travelers. From breathtaking natural wonders to rich cultural experiences, the Marshall Islands offer a diverse range of activities and attractions. Here are the top 10 things to do in the Marshall Islands.

1. Explore the Majuro Atoll

Take a scenic tour of the Majuro Atoll, the capital of the Marshall Islands and a hub for business, culture, and recreation. Admire the vibrant coral reefs, explore the bustling marketplaces, and enjoy the stunning beaches and lagoons.

2. Visit the Bikini Atoll

Dive or snorkel in the famous Bikini Atoll, a historic site of nuclear testing and now a protected marine reserve. Discover a thriving underwater ecosystem, including shipwrecks, vibrant coral gardens, and an abundance of marine life.

3. Learn about Marshallese Culture

Discover the rich cultural heritage of the Marshallese people, including traditional dance and music, weaving, and storytelling. Visit local museums, attend cultural festivals, and interact with the friendly and welcoming Marshallese community.

4. Swim with Manta Rays

Experience the thrill of swimming with giant manta rays, which gather in large numbers in the shallow waters around the Marshall Islands.

5. Hike in the Ralik Chain

Explore the stunning natural beauty of the Ralik Chain, a remote and pristine chain of atolls offering incredible hiking and trekking opportunities. Admire the lush vegetation, crystal-clear lagoons, and scenic beaches.

6. Go Surfing

Take advantage of the excellent surf conditions in the Marshall Islands and catch some waves in some of the world's best surf spots.

7. Visit the WWII Battle Sites

Discover the historic battle sites from World War II, including military installations, bunkers, and airplane wrecks. Learn about the fascinating history of the Pacific War and its impact on the Marshallese people.

8. Kayak and Snorkel in the Lagoon

Take a kayaking or snorkeling tour of the stunning lagoon surrounding the main islands, admiring the incredible underwater ecosystem and diverse marine life.

9. Visit the Local Villages

Explore the local villages and get a glimpse into the traditional way of life in the Marshall Islands. Visit local craftsmen, learn about traditional fishing and agriculture, and enjoy the warm hospitality of the Marshallese people.

10. Go Fishing

Enjoy the world-class fishing opportunities in the Marshall Islands, including deep-sea fishing, reef fishing, and sport fishing. Whether you're a seasoned angler or a beginner, the Marshall Islands offer excellent opportunities for a great fishing experience.

Climate

• The climate in the Marshall Islands is tropical and warm year-round.
• The average temperature ranges from 82°F to 86°F (28°C to 30°C).
• The wet season is from May to November.

Best Time to Visit

• The best time to visit the Marshall Islands is from December to April, during the dry season.
• During this time, temperatures are warm, skies are clear, and rain is scarce.
• This is also the peak tourist season, so book your accommodations in advance.

Here are some general travel tips regarding entry requirements that apply across all countries:

Passport

Make sure that your passport is valid for at least six months from the date of your arrival in the country you are visiting. Some countries will not allow you to enter if your passport is set to expire within a certain period of time.

Visa

Check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting to see if you need a visa. Some countries require a visa for entry, while others do not. Make sure to apply for a visa well in advance of your trip as the process can take several weeks. Check the latest Visa requirements and if necessary get an online Visa with our partner iVisa.

Health Requirements and COVID-19 Rules

Check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting to see if there are any health requirements for entry. Some countries require vaccinations or proof of medical insurance. Check the latest health requirements and if necessary get an online Visa with our partner iVisa.

Travel Insurance

Consider purchasing travel insurance, especially if you are traveling internationally. Travel insurance can cover you in the event of trip cancellation, medical emergencies, and other unexpected events. Our travel insurance partner is SafetyWing. For dangerous activities and/or countries consider a rescue service like those offered by our partner, Global Rescue.

Customs

Be familiar with the customs and laws of the country you are visiting. Some countries have strict laws regarding drug possession, alcohol consumption, and dress codes.

Currency

Check the currency exchange rate and make sure you have enough local currency for your trip. Some countries may not accept credit cards or travelers cheques, so it is always good to have some cash on hand. At WhereNext we recommend use a Wise debit card, which provides low cost currency conversions and ATM withdrawals.

Research the country

Research about the culture, customs and laws of the country you are visiting. It will help you to understand the place more and also prepare you better for the trip.

Contact Information

Make a copy of your passport and keep it in a separate place from your passport. Also, leave a copy of your itinerary and contact information with a friend or family member at home.

Hotels

There are several hotels and resorts in the Marshall Islands, ranging from budget-friendly to luxurious. Popular options include the Marshall Islands Resort, Hotel K1, and Eneko Island Resort.

Guesthouses and Homestays

For a more authentic experience, consider staying in a local guesthouse or homestay. These accommodations offer the opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture and meet locals. Availability is limited, so be sure to book in advance.

Camping

There are also several camping grounds in the Marshall Islands where you can set up a tent and experience nature. These options are ideal for travelers who are looking for a low-cost and outdoor-oriented experience.

Air Travel

The main international airport in the Marshall Islands is the Amata Kabua International Airport. There are regular flights to and from the Marshall Islands and other Pacific Island nations. Major airlines, such as United Airlines, offer flights from Honolulu, Hawaii to the Marshall Islands.

Boat and Ferry

There are also several inter-island ferries and boats that operate in the Marshall Islands. These services are a convenient way to travel between the atolls and islands of the country. Some boats also offer scenic tours and trips to nearby islands and atolls.

Car and Motorcycle Rental

If you prefer to explore the islands on your own, consider renting a car or motorcycle. There are several car and motorcycle rental companies in the Marshall Islands. Make sure you have a valid driver's license and take necessary safety precautions while driving.

Money Tips for Travel

• Research the currency and exchange rates of your destination before you depart.
• Notify your bank and credit card companies of your travel plans to avoid any potential issues with international transactions.
• Bring a mix of cash, credit, and debit cards--and possibly a travel money card.
• Be aware of the fees associated with withdrawing money from ATMs and using credit cards abroad.
• Make sure to have a backup option for accessing money in case your primary method doesn't work.
• Consider using a card with no foreign transaction fees.
• Be aware of the local customs and etiquette when it comes to paying.
• Keep an eye on the exchange rate throughout your trip and try to make large purchases or withdraw large sums of money when the rate is favorable.
• NEVER accept currency conversion at ATMs! Always get your home bank to convert at much better rates.
• Think about getting a Wise or other travel debit card; these can provide much better rates and some free ATM withdrawals.

ATM and Credit Cards

• Research the availability of ATMs and credit card acceptance at your destination before you depart.
• Keep your ATM card in a safe place and be mindful of your surroundings when using it.
• Try to stick to using ATMs that are affiliated with major banks.
• Keep your credit card information safe and secure, and be aware of potential scams.
• Make sure your cards have the necessary security features, such as chip and pin.
• Be aware of the fees associated with withdrawing money from ATMs and using credit cards abroad.

Exchange Rates

• Research the currency and exchange rates of your destination before you depart.
• Consider using a card with no foreign transaction fees.
• Be aware of the local customs and etiquette when it comes to paying.
• Keep an eye on the exchange rate throughout your trip and try to make large purchases or withdraw large sums of money when the rate is favorable.
• Be careful of places that may offer to exchange money at rates that seem too good to be true.

Travel insurance can provide financial protection and peace of mind for travellers in the event of unexpected situations or emergencies. It covers a wide range of needs--even some you might not expect!

Medical Coverage

Travel insurance can provide coverage for medical expenses if you become ill or injured while traveling. This can include coverage for doctor visits, hospital stays, and emergency medical transportation. It's also a good idea to ensure that your travel insurance covers COVID-19 related illness and delays!

Trip Cancellation and Interruption

Travel insurance can provide coverage if you need to cancel or interrupt your trip due to unexpected events such as illness, weather, or travel bans. It can also provide coverage if your trip is delayed or if your travel provider goes out of business.

Lost or Stolen Luggage

Travel insurance can provide coverage for lost or stolen luggage, as well as personal items such as passports and electronic devices.

Emergency Assistance and Evacuation

Many travel insurance plans offer emergency assistance services, such as providing information on local hospitals and doctors, assistance with replacing lost or stolen documents, and help with arranging transportation in the event of an emergency. At WhereNext we have partnered with Global Rescue for evacuation services, which are highly recommended if you are undertaking dangerous activities or are travelling to dangerous parts of the world.

Liability coverage

Travel insurance can also provide liability coverage in case you cause an accident or harm someone while you are traveling.

Travel insurance can provide financial protection and peace of mind for travellers in the event of unexpected situations or emergencies. It can help cover the costs of medical expenses, trip cancellations, lost or stolen luggage, and more. It's always a good idea to review the coverage and compare the different options available before making a decision. At WhereNext we both use and have partnered with Safety Wing for general travel insurance.

When traveling, getting mobile access is very important these days. If you are working remotely, wanting to update social media, or need to access your banks SMS authentication messages having a reliable service is a must. At WhereNext we recommend:

eSIM

Services such as those offered by our partner, Airalo, allow you to easily order and install an eSIM for different countries or regions that you are traveling in.

Dual SIM phone

If you have a phone that supports dual SIM's then you can get a SIM on arrival for each country, this is probably better done at a telco store rather than at the airport.

Extend your home plan

Depending on where you live and your mobile service provider you may be able to extend your plan to cover mobile roaming at reasonable rates.

Keep your primary SIM

With the amount of accounts we all have that require two factor authentication via SMS, keeping a constant number for these accounts is a must.

There are several online communities and platforms that you can use to meet people while traveling, both for making new friends or for networking professionally. Some popular options include:

Facebook groups

There are many Facebook groups dedicated to connecting people while traveling, from expat groups and travel communities to groups specific to certain cities or regions of the country. You can search for groups based on your interests or location and connect with others who share similar interests.

Meetup

Meetup is a platform that allows you to find groups of people that share your interests in your local area. There are Meetup groups all around the world, and they cover a wide range of topics, such as language exchange, sports, and cultural activities.

Internations

Internations is a social network for people who live or work abroad. It has a large community of expats and organizes regular events, activities and gatherings that allow members to connect and socialize.

Couchsurfing

Couchsurfing is a platform that connects travelers with local hosts, who offer free accommodation and a chance to experience the local culture. It's a great way to meet locals and make friends!

Reddit

Reddit has a large community, and there are several subreddits dedicated to connecting expats and travelers. You can use it to ask questions, get advice, and connect with others who are also living or traveling in the country.

Linkedin

LinkedIn is primarily a professional network, but you can also use it to connect with people who work in the same industry or have similar backgrounds. It can be useful to connect with people before you arrive and establish a few professional contacts to help you get started.

At WhereNext, we use Nomad List as a global community and then research more local ones for our destination. These are just a few examples of online communities you can use to meet people; please suggest any others that you think are appropriate for this destination.