Outer Islands (Marshall islands) - Docking
Marshalls Outer Atolls
The Marshall Islands Compendium – by SV Soggy Paws and updated by cruisers – has good information on the outer atolls, last updated 2024. It also has details on the smaller outer atolls which are not included here, including Erikub, Mejit, Enewetak, Ujae, Lae, Lib, Namu, Jabat/Jabwot, Alinglaplap,Kili, Namorik/Namdrick and Ebon.
An Inter-Island Permit is needed to visit the outer atolls. See Clearance for details on how to apply for a permit. Our thanks to SV Sugar Shack who sent in additional information about the Outer Islands.
- Ailuk is best known for still using and building traditional sailing outriggers. They make a beautiful sight as they skim across the water at 10 to 12kts as the Islanders visit their copra islands or go fishing in the lagoon. There are approximately 57 islets around the atoll and there are about 235 people living here.
- Alinginae has 25 islets and a few small villages. Very few people visit this tiny atoll which is known for its beauty and pristine conditions.
- Arno is the closes atoll to Majuro – 15NM away – with approximately 1,100 people. There are 133 islets around Arno. It has two airstrips and the pass into the main lagoon for Arno atoll lies on the eastern side. See website www.infomarshallislands.com/atolls-a-l/arno-atoll for more information.
- Aur is north of Majuro and has about 500 people, equally divided between Tobal and Aur islands. The other islands in the atoll are mostly uninhabited, though they’re used for copra cultivation. The island specialises in making model canoes and large wall hangings. The lovely lagoon provides excellent snorkelling, and there’s a good variety of tropical fish and coral.
- Bikar is rich in bird-life and has a large population of green sea turtles.
- Bikini was the site of a series of 23 nuclear detonations by the United States between 1946 and 1958. Cruisers who have visited advise not eating any coconuts, pandanus or breadfruits from the area as the radiation is still too high but lobster and fish are OK to consume. The atoll is no longer open for divers, they forbid diving throughout the atoll. The Enyu pass is big and there are no problems entering. There are 23 islets around the Bikini atoll and approximately 10-12 workers living on the island at any given time.
- Jaluit has 91 islets and about 1400 people living on the island. There is a small hotel, several markets and a fuel station. There is some interesting dives on shipwrecks and several drift dives through the passes. There are several anchoring spots next to islets across the atoll.
- Kwajalien is the largest atoll with one of the largest lagoons in the world and has it’s own port page.
- Likiep is full of the most welcoming and friendly people! The anchorage is beautiful and well protected off the main island. Likiep is the only atoll owned by Europeans and has a very unique history and culture.
- Majuro is the industrial hub for the Marshall Islands. You will find supermarkets, fuel, propane, restaurants, bars, hardware stores, hospital, post office, foreign embassies, and more on the main island. There are two main, very large anchorages. The majority of the population live here and Kwajalien (Ebeye). See Majuro port page for more details.
- Maloelap was the main Japanese airbase in the Marshall Islands during WWII and most visitors come to see the remaining fascinating remnants including bunkers, ammunition depots, anti-aircraft and defense guns, airplanes, and so much more. Walking around the island is like walking through the history books. There are several calm, beautiful anchorages around Maloelap atoll.
- Mejit is a single, tiny coral island, with no protective lagoon. The population is about 450. It’s a beautiful island of lush taro patches, and coconut, breadfruit and pandanus trees. Unusually, it has a small freshwater lake. California Beach, on the NW side of the island, is good for swimming and snorkelling, and unlike the other Marshalls, there no poisonous fish here. The island is also known for its pandanus-leaf mats, woven by the Mejit women.
- Mili has friendly people and beautiful beaches along with some WWII remnants. It has 92 islets and a population of 500 people.
- Rongerik has about 17 islets and is an uninhabited atoll. It is a beautiful atoll with fascinating diving opportunities. It is an unspoiled atoll with fun beachcombing across several islands.
- Rongelap has approximately 61 islets and a few small villages. This atoll was one of the affected areas by the hydrogen bomb tests in 1954. It is still considered a beautiful, isolated and unspoiled area due to the remote location and limited number of people living here.
- Taongi (Bokaak) is rich in bird-life and possibly the only example of a completely natural, unaltered, semi-arid atoll ecosystem remaining in the world today.
- Toke (or Taka) is one of these places you will really enjoy if you have a liking for undisturbed wildlife. Asked for permission in Utirik to visit this uninhabited atoll. Anchor in the sand in about 50ft.
- Utrick is fortunate in having 6 kinds of cucumber present in the lagoon which the islanders harvest and dry for the Asian market. There is no pass as such, but just an area of deeper water over the reef. The anchorage is off the village of Utrick but beware of shallow patches, also the coral heads when crossing the lagoon.
- Wotho has 13 islets and approximately 100 people living on the island. The beach is beautiful and the waters are clear turquoise.
- Wotje has 75 islets and is the home to 800 people. This was a major Japanese military base during WWII and several WWII remnants are located here including bunkers, guns, and scattered equipment. Not as much as Maloelap, but certainly impressive. There are several intriguing dive sites on WWII shipwrecks and airplanes in the lagoon as well. Wotje is home to the Northern island high school and has been provided with solar, water, and Starlink. RO water is now available at Wotje at the town dock for free. Fuel might be available in an emergency from the local power station. There is a wifi antenna next to the power station (the Northern dock) so internet access is possible with an NTA card obtainable in Majuro. Take your laptop and sit next to the antenna at the power station building.
Last updated: December 2024
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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.