Outer Islands (Marshall islands) - General Info
The Marshalls Outer Islands
The Marshall Islands consists of two main island chains: Ratak (also known as Sunrise) to the East and Ralik (or Sunset) to the west. There are 29 coral atolls and five main islands spread across these two island chains.
A permit is needed to visit each of the outer islands. See Clearance for permit details.
You will find amazing WWII remnants on Maloelap and Wotje and will experience fantastic diving on WWII wrecks in Bikini, Maloelap, Wotje, Mili, and Jaluit. Ailuk is famous for its continued use of the authentic sailing canoes which are great to watch zipping up and down the atoll. Likiep has an incredibly unique European history and some of the friendliest and most welcoming people in the country.
Kwajalein can be a challenge to visit, unless you are clearing in or out of the country. The only island you may visit in this atoll is Ebeye. Kwajalein continues to be a missile defence test site. See Kwajalein port page for more details.
Nuclear testing conducted between 1946 to 1958 subjected many Marshallese to serious health problems. However, the four most affected atolls (Bikini, Enewetak, Utrik, and Rongelap) are now considered safe to visit.
Arno Atoll is the closest atoll to Majuro at 15NM.
See the Docking section for further details on the majority of the Outer Islands.
Cruiser Highlights
Very peaceful, beautiful beaches, friendly locals, small medical clinic on Arno.
- Useful report by SY Alice who visited many of the atolls and islands during a 2023 cruise: Marshall Islands: Cruising through History
- Latest updates in the Marshall Islands Compendium, hosted by SV Soggy Paws.
Position:
07° 07.03’N, 171° 41.05’E (Arno pass)
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Outer Islands (Marshall islands) was last updated 6 months ago.
Related to following destinations: Marshall Islands, Outer Islands (Marshall Islands)
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As of May 2018, there is some good news for cruising the outer atolls. RO water is now available at Wotje and Rongelap at their respective town docks no charge at this time. Fuel might be available in both those locations in an emergency from the local power station.