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Kosrae's waters have gained
an international reputation as a diver's paradise,
with seasoned divers regularly saying that they
have never seen such a diversity of healthy hard
corals. The island has some of the most pristine
reefs in Micronesia and is perfect for photography,
coral viewing and spectacular marine life. Underwater
photographers will be amazed at the water clarity
and diversity of the reef’s ecosystem. Below
are some of Kosrae's best dive sites:
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Hiroshi
Point
Located at buoy 15, this site offers divers huge
coral heads — estimated to be more than 2,000
years old — and large numbers of Christmas tree
worms and invertebrates. A diverse variety of marine
life, including eagle rays, schools of huge parrot
fish, reef sharks, barracuda and squid can be seen.
It is one of the few dive sites that has a partial
sandy bottom. Divers have surfaced from this site
saying that they felt like they were diving in an
huge aquarium, and asked to do their next dive there
again. Great for snorkeling, too. |
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Lelu
Current
Located at buoy 54, and formerly known as D'Urville
Point, this site is on a wide reef shelf and has
many low-growing corals. It can be subject to rough
water during winter and can have strong currents;
boat entry only. Divers have reported sailfish in
the area. The point is a popular fishing spot. |
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Walung
Coral Shelf
Located at buoy 32, the Walung Coral Shelf is a spectacular
dive that includes a great variety of fish and healthy
coral. The current can be strong, so it is more suited
to experienced divers. The water is a little colder
than usual, which is possibly the reason why the
fish are so numerous and large. |
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Walung
Drop-Off
Located at buoys 28 and 29, the drop-off is one of
the most popular dive spots in Kosrae. Incredible
sheer walls are home to schools of barracuda. All
types of marine life have been seen here: small hammerhead
and reef sharks, turtles, giant puffers, numerous
small invertebrates. The current can be strong. Buoy
28 is located in shallow water and is a great snorkel
spot; buoy 29 is on the outer reef. |
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Malem
Reef Shelf
Located at buoys 8-10 on the windward side of the
island, the site contains a wide reef shelf and is
profusely covered with low-growing coral. A variety
of fish can be seen here. Juvenile whale sharks have
been spotted in the past. |
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Blue
Hole
Located across from Kosrae Nautilus Resort, this
site is accessible even in stormy weather. Within
the reef (maximum depth is 60 feet), you can see
resident sting rays, large numbers of juvenile fish,
huge puffers, and whatever else comes over the reef
at high tide. Visibility varies. Walk or swim over
the reef flat for entry. |
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Yela
Harbor and Wall
Located at buoy 36, this deep wall site is home to
many corals and scribbled file fish that are so curious
and friendly that they'll follow divers around. |
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Shark
Island
Located at buoys 39 and 40, this is considered an
excellent dive site with many species of fish and
invertebrates. Schools of Eagle Rays and Barracuda
are often seen, along with Dog Tooth Tuna, Black
and White Tipped Reef Sharks. If there is no current,
Shark Island is a great night dive, but only one
of many. Visibility here can sometimes appear to
exceed several hundred feet. |
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Cowans |
Eagle
Ray Wall
Located at bouy 44, if the currents are moving this
can be an excellent dive to see Spotted Eagle Rays
gracefully playing off the edge of the steeply sloping
coral walls. Our divers have reported seeing up to
16 on a single dive! Lobsters can often be seen hiding
under ledges and in crevices, along with plenty
of other marine species just waiting to be viewed
in their natural habitat. |
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Mooring Buoy Reef Relief
Kosrae's fringing coral reef is a fragile ecosystem
significant to Kosraean life. The coral reef
protects the island from damaging waves and erosion,
provides a livelihood for fishermen, and offers
a wide range of recreational activities such
as snorkeling and diving. Many of the corals
take up to 200 years or more to reach maturity.
During that life span, diverse species of fish
and other reef animals who make the coral their
home live and die in the never-ending cycle of
life.
There is a problem the people
of Kosrae have recognized: Boat anchors damage
the reef by breaking and killing coral. Once dead,
the coral can no longer sustain the underwater
ecosystem. The solution to protect Kosrae's rich
marine environment is the ongoing Kosrae Mooring
Buoy Project.
In over 50 locations along Kosrae's
coast, the Kosrae Marine Resources and community
volunteers including Kosrae Nautilus Resort installed
and continue to maintain mooring buoys to provide
a safe anchorage for any marine activity.
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ABOUT KOSRAE