This is the largest atoll in the Marshall Islands with one of the largest lagoons in the world. Located in the Ralik (Western) chain, Kwajalien has 97 islets and is an active U.S. military base that conducts missile tests.
The only island you may visit in this atoll is Ebeye, which offers the only anchorage available to visiting yachts. Yachts are not allowed to anchor anywhere else. This anchorage is intended for yachts clearing into or out of the country.
Kwajalein can be a challenge to visit unless you are clearing in or out of the country. This is because any person or yacht wishing to visit the island of Kwajalein must be sponsored by someone living or working on the island. Cruisers visiting early 2025 report that only 3 yachts in the last 8 years have been granted a permit.
Although the rules change often, currently (December 2024), yachts wishing to clear in or out may do so in Ebeye without a permit.
Ebeye has a population of about 14,000 and provides access to some of the world's best wreck diving. Kwajalein lagoon has numerous wrecks from World War II and earlier, including the famous Prinz Eugen, the escort ship to Germany's Bismark.
Entrance Notes or Cautions:
The Gea pass on the west side of the atoll is very deep, open, well buoyed and in the lee of the atoll. This is the preferable pass to enter. It is also the pass the military vessels use, so keep a good lookout. The eastern pass can get very rough.
There is an arrival fee and daily anchoring fee here.
The neighbouring island of Kwajalein is off limits to all but US military personnel and their permitted visitors.
Kwajalein continues to be a missile defence test site. To find out about any testing that may be going on in Kwajalein Atoll, listen on SSB frequency 2716. At the top of each hour, a broadcast should be heard with range test information. You can contact Kwaj Range Control on this frequency at any time. Have a pencil ready as the coordinates of any closed area are given in a long group of lat/long positions. You can also check out: www.facebook.com/USArmyKwajaleinAtoll
See Communications for details of local cruisers' nets.
Cruiser Highlights:
A good place to clear out of the Marshall Islands. Limited provisions, water and fuel available.
See this report from SY Alice who visited in May 2023: Marshall Islands: Cruising through History
Position:
08° 46.77'N, 167° 44.02'E (off the town)
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