Marshall Islands

Getting there & away

Sea

If you are coming to the Marshalls by yacht, check out www.miecobeachyc.com before you leave home. Don't be put off by stories of how hard it is to get around the islands: there is always a right way and a wrong way to get things done.

On arrival, yachties must check in with Majuro's Port Authority (625 8269), which issues a US$50 entrance fee, and obtain a permit from the Ministry of Internal Affairs (625 8240).

The only atolls with 'real' docks are Jaluit, Likiep, Bikini and Rongelap. Along with Arno, Mili, Ailinglaplap, Namu, Aur, Maloelap and Wotho, they all have safe passages for entry into the lagoon. Some charge entrance fees (up to US$100); check with Hilton Kendal (625 8298) at the Ministry of Internal Affairs in Uliga. Order a copy of the CD On the Move in the Marshall Islands from yachtseal@hotmail.com - it has detailed nautical charts and information for yachties about each island.

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Air

Continental Airlines (625 3209; www.continental.com) includes Kwajalein and Majuro as stopovers on the 'Circle Micronesia' island-hopper route between Honolulu and Guam. The return fare is around US$1000.

Japan Airlines (www.jal.com) may start operating from Saipan to Majuro; check the website for current information.

The demise of Air Nauru (625 3409; www.airnauru.com.au) in late 2005 means that the route it used to fly (Australia to Majuro via the Solomons and Nauru and on to Kiribati and Fiji) is no longer available. The airline may be revived in the future.

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