Day-by-Day Itinerary
Arrive at Pohnpei International Airport, settle into your accommodation, and get your first taste of island life with a gentle orientation.
Morning
Arrival & Transfer
Land at Pohnpei International Airport (PNI). Complete immigration formalities, exchange some currency, and take a pre-arranged taxi to your hotel in Kolonia, the main town.
2 hours
$20-30
Confirm hotel transfer in advance. Taxis are readily available but unmetered; agree on a price before departing.
Lunch
The Village Hotel Restaurant
Local & American
Mid-range
Afternoon
Kolonia Town Orientation
Take a leisurely stroll through Kolonia. Visit the Spanish Wall ruins, browse the Pohnpei Market for local crafts and produce, and get oriented at the Pohnpei Visitors Center.
2-3 hours
$10 (for souvenirs)
Evening
Welcome Dinner & Sunset
Enjoy a relaxed dinner at Joy Hotel's restaurant, known for its fresh local fish, followed by a sunset view from the Kolonia Town Dock.
Where to Stay Tonight
Kolonia (The Village Hotel)
Central location in the main town, convenient for arranging tours and accessing restaurants for your first days.
Buy a local SIM card from the FSM Telecom office in Kolonia for better connectivity during your stay.
Day 1 Budget: $180
A full-day exploration of the awe-inspiring, UNESCO-listed ancient city of Nan Madol, built entirely on a coral reef.
Morning
Boat Journey to Nan Madol
Take a guided boat tour from Kolonia to the archaeological site. Your guide will explain the history and legends of the Saudeleur dynasty as you approach the imposing islets.
3-4 hours
$50-70
Book a tour through your hotel or a reputable operator like Pohnpei Surf Club. A guide is mandatory and provides essential context.
Lunch
Packed Lunch
Picnic
Budget
Afternoon
Exploring Nan Madol
Disembark and explore the main ceremonial center, including the royal mortuary islet of Nandauwas. See the massive basalt logs and feel the profound history of this sacred place.
2-3 hours
Included in tour
Wear sturdy water shoes or sandals with grip, as you will be walking on wet, uneven stones.
Evening
Local Storytelling & Dinner
Dine at Rusty Anchor Restaurant for seafood, then see if your hotel can arrange an informal chat with a local elder about Pohnpeian legends.
Where to Stay Tonight
Kolonia (The Village Hotel)
Returning to the same base after a long, active day is convenient.
Apply strong insect repellent before your Nan Madol visit; the mangroves can have mosquitoes.
Day 2 Budget: $150
Hike to a impressive jungle waterfall and learn about the traditional process of making sakau (kava).
Morning
Hike to Kepirohi Waterfall
Take a guided hike through lush rainforest to the magnificent Kepirohi Waterfall. Enjoy a refreshing swim in the pristine pool beneath the 20-meter cascade.
3 hours
$30 (guide fee)
Your hotel can arrange a guide. The trail can be muddy; wear shoes with good traction.
Lunch
Cliffside Restaurant
Local & International
Mid-range
Afternoon
Sakau (Kava) Preparation Tour
Visit a local sakau market and then a nakamal (sakau bar) to witness the traditional preparation of this ceremonial drink. You may choose to respectfully partake in this important cultural ritual.
2 hours
$10-15
Go with a local guide who can explain the etiquette. It's a social, not a party, experience.
Evening
Low-Key Dinner
Enjoy a simple, hearty meal at Mrs. Shiny's Cafe, a local favorite for its homestyle cooking.
Where to Stay Tonight
Kolonia (The Village Hotel)
Final night in Pohnpei before flying to the next island.
Sakau is a potent relaxant. If you try it, plan for a very quiet evening afterwards.
Day 3 Budget: $120
Fly to Chuuk Lagoon, check into your dive resort, and begin acclimating to this world-well-known underwater museum.
Morning
Flight to Chuuk
Take an early morning United Airlines flight from Pohnpei (PNI) to Chuuk (TKK). The flight is short, offering aerial views of the atolls.
1.5 hours (flight + transfer)
$250-300
Book inter-island flights well in advance as seats are limited. Check baggage allowances carefully.
Lunch
Resort buffet
Mid-range
Afternoon
Resort Orientation & Lagoon View
Check into your dive resort on Weno Island. Attend a mandatory dive briefing about the lagoon's history and preservation rules. Relax by the water and visit the on-site Truk Lagoon Dive Center.
2 hours
$0
Evening
Documentary Night
After dinner at the resort, watch the classic documentary 'The Ghosts of the Truk Lagoon' to understand the profound history you'll be diving tomorrow.
Where to Stay Tonight
Weno Island, Chuuk (Blue Lagoon Resort)
This is the primary and most convenient dive resort, with its own professional dive operation directly on the lagoon.
Ensure your dive certification card and logbook are easily accessible for the dive center check-in.
Day 4 Budget: $400
Your first awe-inspiring dives into Chuuk Lagoon, exploring one of its most famous and accessible wrecks.
Morning
Two-Tank Dive: Fujikawa Maru
Dive the 'Fujikawa Maru,' a aircraft ferry known as the 'Crown Jewel of Truk Lagoon.' Explore its holds filled with Zero fighter planes, engine parts, and artifacts in crystal-clear water.
4-5 hours (including boat time)
$140 (for two dives, tank/weights)
Book all diving as a package with your resort. Nitrox is recommended for longer bottom times.
Lunch
Packed lunch on the dive boat
Sandwiches & fruit
Budget
Afternoon
Surface Interval & Relaxation
Mandatory surface interval back at the resort. Relax by the pool, review your dive photos, or take a nap. Stay hydrated.
2-3 hours
$0
Evening
Diver's Tales & Dinner
Share stories with fellow divers over a buffet dinner at the resort. The bar is a great place to exchange dive site tips.
Where to Stay Tonight
Weno Island, Chuuk (Blue Lagoon Resort)
Essential for a multi-day dive package; the boats depart directly from the resort dock.
Bring a dive light, even for day dives, to peer into the darker interiors of the wrecks and see the colors come alive.
Day 5 Budget: $200
Dive two iconic wrecks: a deep 'million-dollar' wreck and a coral-encrusted beauty teeming with life.
Morning
Two-Tank Dive: San Francisco Maru
Dive the 'San Francisco Maru,' a deep wreck (40m+ deck) known for its cargo of mines, trucks, and bombs. This is an advanced dive due to depth; perfect for Nitrox.
4-5 hours
$140
This dive requires advanced certification and look at specialty or proven experience. Discuss with your dive master.
Lunch
Packed lunch on the dive boat
Picnic
Budget
Afternoon
Optional Third Dive: Shinkoku Maru
For those with energy, an optional afternoon dive on the 'Shinkoku Maru,' a impressive wreck covered in soft corals, anemones, and home to a large population of fish.
2 hours
$70
Only do this if you are well-rested and within your personal dive limits.
Evening
Low-Key Evening
Enjoy a casual pizza night at the resort or a simple meal at Truk Stop Hotel's cafe nearby.
Where to Stay Tonight
Weno Island, Chuuk (Blue Lagoon Resort)
Continuity for the dive package.
The bow of the Shinkoku Maru is one of the most photographed spots in the lagoon—don't forget your underwater camera.
Day 6 Budget: $250
A cultural morning on Weno Island before catching your flight to the untouched island of Kosrae.
Morning
Cultural Tour of Weno
Visit the Tonata Guns and Caves, Japanese WWII relics. Then, stop at the Catholic Mission and the local community meeting house to see traditional craftsmanship.
3 hours
$40 (guide & transport)
Arrange this tour through your resort. Be respectful when visiting war sites.
Lunch
Truk Stop Hotel Restaurant
Local & Japanese
Mid-range
Afternoon
Flight to Kosrae
Transfer to Chuuk Airport for your United Airlines flight to Kosrae (KSA). Upon arrival, transfer to your resort on the lush, sparsely populated island.
3 hours (flight + transfer)
$250-300
Flights between islands often run only a few times a week; plan your itinerary around these schedules.
Evening
Seaside Arrival Dinner
Have a welcome dinner at Kosrae Nautilus Resort, listening to the waves on this quiet, peaceful island.
Where to Stay Tonight
Lelu Municipality, Kosrae (Kosrae Nautilus Resort)
Beautiful beachfront location with easy access to the island's best snorkeling and kayaking.
Kosrae is a 'dry' island (no alcohol sold). Embrace the focus on nature and tranquility.
Day 7 Budget: $400
Hike through pristine mangrove forests and visit the ancient Lelu Ruins, Kosrae's answer to Nan Madol.
Morning
Mangrove Boardwalk Hike
Explore the Yela Valley Ka Forest, home to the world's largest stand of ka (terminalia carolinesis) trees. Walk the boardwalk through serene mangrove channels, spotting birds and marine life.
2-3 hours
$10 (donation)
A local guide is recommended and can be arranged through your resort. They'll point out unique flora and fauna.
Lunch
Bully's Restaurant
Local seafood & burgers
Budget
Afternoon
Lelu Ruins Exploration
Visit the extensive Lelu Ruins, a complex of stone walls, canals, and tombs built for Kosraean royalty. It's quieter than Nan Madol, allowing for peaceful exploration.
2 hours
$5 (permit)
Wear good walking shoes. The site is large; a guide can explain the history of different compounds.
Evening
Sunset & Stargazing
Enjoy the incredible night sky from the beach at your resort. With minimal light pollution, the stars are impressive.
Where to Stay Tonight
Lelu Municipality, Kosrae (Kosrae Nautilus Resort)
Central location for exploring the island's east coast attractions.
Look for the 'sleeping lady' mountain silhouette from the Lelu Ruins—it's a famous Kosrae landmark.
Day 8 Budget: $120
Snorkel in a spectacular marine environment and enjoy a relaxed afternoon experiencing true island pace.
Morning
Snorkeling at the Blue Hole
Take a boat to the famous Blue Hole, a impressive coral formation in the fringing reef. Snorkel among dynamic fish, giant clams, and possibly sea turtles in this protected area.
3 hours
$50 (boat & guide)
Book through your resort. Conditions are best at high tide. Reef-safe sunscreen is a must.
Lunch
Kosrae Village Ecolodge
Organic local fare
Mid-range
Afternoon
Relaxation & Kayaking
Enjoy the slow pace of Kosrae. Kayak in the calm lagoon from your resort, read a book in a hammock, or take a walk along the empty beaches.
2-3 hours
$0 (if using resort kayaks)
Evening
Local Community Dinner
If available, arrange a 'family dinner' experience through your resort to eat a traditional Kosraean meal in a local home.
Where to Stay Tonight
Lelu Municipality, Kosrae (Kosrae Nautilus Resort)
Perfect base for water-based activities with gear available on-site.
Try the fresh, sweet Kosrae bananas—they are considered some of the best in the world.
Day 9 Budget: $130
Fly to Yap, a island steeped in powerful tradition, and begin your cultural immersion.
Morning
Flight to Yap
Take a United Airlines flight from Kosrae (KSA) to Yap (YAP), with a likely stop in Chuuk. Arrive in Yap, known for its stone money banks and strong customs.
4 hours (with layover)
$300-350
This is a longer travel day due to connections. Pack snacks and a book.
Lunch
Manta Ray Bay Hotel Restaurant
International & Local
Mid-range
Afternoon
Cultural Orientation & Stone Money Banks
Check into your hotel and take a guided tour to the stone money banks (rai) in Colonia. Learn about their history, value, and the treacherous voyages to
Palau to quarry them.
2 hours
$30 (guide)
A guide is essential to understand the cultural significance and to ensure you view the money respectfully.
Evening
Welcome to Yap
Enjoy dinner at the hotel and attend a cultural briefing about Yapese customs, including proper dress codes and behavior in villages.
Where to Stay Tonight
Colonia, Yap (Manta Ray Bay Hotel)
This is Yap's premier dive and cultural hotel, with an excellent on-site dive shop (Yap Divers) and a central location in the main town.
Never step on or over stone money. It is considered highly disrespectful, akin to walking on someone's wealth.
Day 10 Budget: $420
Experience one of the world's most reliable and thrilling manta ray encounters in the clear channels of Yap.
Morning
Manta Ray Dive/Snorkel at 'Manta Ridge'
Dive or snorkel at a famous cleaning station where majestic manta rays come daily. Watch them glide and somersault as cleaner fish attend to them. An memorable wildlife spectacle.
3-4 hours
$120 (for two-tank dive); $70 (snorkel trip)
Book with Yap Divers at your hotel. Snorkelers can often see the mantas from the surface. Follow the guide's instructions carefully to avoid disturbing the rays.
Lunch
Packed lunch on the boat
Sandwiches
Budget
Afternoon
Traditional Village Visit
Visit a traditional Yapese village like Balabat with a guide. See the men's house (faluw), stone platforms (dayif), and observe the thatched-roof architecture. Witness the wearing of thu'us (grass skirts) and lava-lavas.
2-3 hours
$40 (guide & donation)
Always visit with a guide who can arrange permission and translate. Dress modestly (covered shoulders, knees).
Evening
Dinner with a View
Dine at the Manta Ray Bay Hotel's restaurant, which has a superb view of the harbor.
Where to Stay Tonight
Colonia, Yap (Manta Ray Bay Hotel)
The hotel is designed for divers and is the operational base for the manta ray trips.
Manta season is year-round in Yap, but sightings are most consistent from December to April.
Day 11 Budget: $230
Dive with sharks in the morning and explore Yap's historical layers in the afternoon.
Morning
Shark Dive at 'Vertigo'
For certified divers, experience an adrenaline-filled dive at a site known for sightings of gray reef sharks, white tip reef sharks, and sometimes hammerheads in the blue.
3-4 hours
$120
This is an advanced dive due to currents. Discuss your comfort level with the dive master.
Lunch
ESA Bayview Restaurant
Chinese & Local
Budget
Afternoon
Historical Tour & Mangrove Kayak
Visit the Yap Living History Museum and the Japanese WWII Communication Center. Then, take a peaceful kayak trip through the tranquil mangrove forests of the Tarang (Tamil) area.
3 hours
$25 (kayak rental)
Rent kayaks from the Manta Ray Bay Hotel. Go at high tide for easier paddling in the mangroves.
Evening
Farewell to Yap Dinner
Enjoy a final Yapese feast, perhaps trying local specialties like taro, breadfruit, and fresh tuna at a restaurant like O'Keefe's Waterfront.
Where to Stay Tonight
Colonia, Yap (Manta Ray Bay Hotel)
Final night in Yap before the long journey home.
At the Japanese Communication Center, look for the bullet holes in the walls—a stark reminder of the island's WWII history.
Day 12 Budget: $200
Fly back to Pohnpei, your regional hub, for a final afternoon of shopping and reflection.
Morning
Flight to Pohnpei
Take a morning flight from Yap (YAP) back to Pohnpei (PNI). This journey often involves a connection in Chuuk.
4 hours (with layover)
$300-350
Use this travel day to rest and organize your photos and memories from the trip.
Lunch
The Sizzler
Steak & Grill
Mid-range
Afternoon
Last-Minute Souvenirs & Relaxation
Return to the Pohnpei Market for any final handicrafts, like woven baskets or wood carvings. Spend your last afternoon relaxing by the pool at your hotel or taking a final walk along the seawall.
2-3 hours
$20-50
Evening
Farewell Feast
Splurge on a celebratory dinner at The Village Hotel's restaurant, reminiscing about the cultural and underwater wonders you've experienced.
Where to Stay Tonight
Kolonia, Pohnpei (The Village Hotel)
Convenient for your final night before the international departure the next day.
If you bought any wood carvings, pack them in your check-in luggage, not carry-on, to avoid issues with agricultural inspections.
Day 13 Budget: $450
Enjoy a final island breakfast before transferring to the airport for your international flight home.
Morning
Breakfast & Airport Transfer
Enjoy a leisurely final breakfast. Check out of your hotel and take a pre-arranged taxi to Pohnpei International Airport for your departing flight. Allow ample time for check-in and security.
3 hours
$20
Confirm your international flight time and be at the airport at least 2.5 hours before departure.
Lunch
Airport snack bar or on the plane
Light snacks
Budget
Afternoon
International Departure
Board your flight, carrying with you memories of ancient ruins, dynamic reefs, majestic mantas, and the warm hospitality of Micronesia.
N/A
$0
Where to Stay Tonight
N/A (N/A)
Departure day.
Double-check that you haven't packed any fresh fruit, seeds, or plants in your luggage, as these will be confiscated at agricultural inspection.
Day 14 Budget: $50