Explore: Smaller Outer Islands (FSM)
General Info
The larger outer islands of Yap (Lamotrek and Ifalik) are the usual stopovers for most yachts, but there are also several other excellent anchorages in the smaller atolls.
At the inhabited islands, there is usually a small anchorage fee and custom dictates a gift for the chief. Old sails will be greatly appreciated at all the islands.
Docking
SOROL
Position: 8° 8.019’N 140° 22.092’E
Sorol is uninhabited with an abandoned small village and school on the largest island. Entrance to the atoll is wide and deep. The C-map chart is not very accurate but the entrance to the atoll is wide and deep and easily identifiable.
The anchorage is well protected from the NE.
OLIMARAO
Position: 7° 40.612’N 145° 52.436’E
Uninhabited with signs of temporary fishing activities of nearby atolls. The entrance to the lagoon is easily identifiable and straightforward. Protection from the NE close to the largest island.
ELATO
Position: 7° 29.672’N 146° 9.660’E
This place is a true gem with an appreciative and generous community. The island is beautiful, the water is clean and the insects are minimal. Elato has just over 100 inhabitants and is usually bypassed because most yachts stop at Lamotrek just 10 miles off. The chief is John, who doesn’t speak much English, but the whole population is very welcoming.
The entrance to the lagoon is easily identifiable and there are buoys inside the lagoon marking two shallow spots. Anchorage is protected from the NE.
