Marshall Islands - Facts

RMI FAQs

RMI Facts for Sailors

• The Marshall Islands (RMI) is an independent country near the Equator in the Pacific Ocean, slightly west of the International Date Line. It shares maritime boundaries with Wake Island to the north, Kiribati to the southeast, Nauru to the south and Federated States of Micronesia to the west.
• The Marshall Islands is made up of 29 atolls, 5 islands and 1,225 islets which form two major islands chains: The eastern Ratak (‘towards dawn’) and the western Ralik (‘towards sunset’) island chain.
• Majuro Atoll is the political, economic and yachting centre of the Marshall Islands.
• Ranked the fourth-least visited country in the world, the Marshall Islands is perhaps the last frontier of yachting with pristine vibrant ecosystems.
• Over 250 species of reef fish, 180 species of coral, 27 species of marine mammals and all 5 species of turtles can be observed throughout the archipelago. It is also the largest shark sanctuary in the world.
• Traditional sailing canoes are still used for inter-lagoon travels and Ailuk Atoll is known as the “Island of Sails” with many canoes being visibly sailed at any one time.
• Fantastic World War II wreck diving and snorkelling opportunities can be had at Bikini, Wotje, Mili, Jaluit and Maloelap Atolls. See Outer Islands.
• Nuclear testing at Bikini and Enewetak Atolls from 1946 to 1958 subjected many Marshallese to serious health problems, however, the four affected atolls (Bikini, Enewetak, Utrik and Rongelap) are now safe to visit. Kwajalein continues to be a missile defence test site.
• The majority of yachts which call at the Marshalls arrive from the South Pacific via Samoa, Fiji or Vanuatu.
• See the MBYC website for much useful advice about the islands.