Micronesia
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Why Micronesia?
See cruises in the Pacific Islands
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Brochures can be ordered in print or downloaded in digital format.
Discover the destination
See cruises in the Pacific Islands

Brochures can be ordered in print or downloaded in digital format.
Discover the destination
To find them, you have to head off the coast of the Philippines and north of Papua New Guinea. The islands of Micronesia, divided into several states, are as many small paradises nestled in the waters of the Pacific Ocean. Traditions with diverse influences and remnants of World War II are part of a rich heritage, at the crossroads of maritime routes and cultures.
Discovered by Magellan in 1521, the island of Guam was claimed by the Spanish as early as 1565. In the main city of the Micronesian archipelago, Agana, some buildings and monuments such as the fort Nuestra Senora de la Soledad or Skinner's Plaza still bear witness to this colonial past. Today, the largest of the Micronesian islands is under American administration. Appreciated for its long beaches lined with clear water, the island is also the cradle of the Chamorro civilization, inhabitants of the area long before the Europeans. Skilled artisans, they are renowned especially for weaving colorful mats.
Considered one of the best diving spots in the world, the Chuuk Lagoon is especially renowned for its true underwater museum of shipwrecks. No less than a hundred ships, tankers, submarines, and airplanes from World War II bear witness to the conflict between Japan and the United States in the Pacific. The wrecks are easily accessible from 15 to 40 meters deep in particularly well-sheltered waters. It is possible to observe a multitude of objects, ranging from weapons to tableware, carried by these vessels before they were sunk. Over the years, the wrecks have become true artificial reefs where corals and accompanying marine life thrive.
Pulap, Satawal, Gaferut... These three isolated atolls offer both idyllic navigation between splendid islands and surprising discoveries. Underwater, numerous shipwrecks dating back to World War II delight divers. The shores alternate between fine sandy beaches and coastlines lined with mangroves. The few villagers warmly welcome visitors and share their traditions through dance demonstrations in particular. The Satawal atoll is known for the expertise of its inhabitants in navigation based on astronomical knowledge.
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Hundreds of scattered confetti in the ocean, often forgotten. Micronesia is sometimes quite unknown compared to distant neighbors like Hawaii and Polynesia. However, its arts and traditions bear witness to a culture just as interesting. Here is more information about these Pacific archipelagos.
Best practices
To do Micronesians are very attached to their traditions and to respecting their environment. They are sensitive to the protection of the ocean. Therefore, they expect visitors to show absolute respect for good behavior on the beaches and during scuba diving. To avoid It is very shocking to show one's thighs outside of the beach, whether one is a woman or a man. It is better to opt for clothing that reaches below the knee.
Unusual
The latte stone is a symbol of the Mariana Islands and Guam. In the Chamorro language, the ancestral civilization of Micronesia, "latte" refers to stone pillars topped with a round capital. They are used as the foundation of Chamorro structures. Their cultural significance is such that they are depicted on the flag of the Northern Mariana Islands and on the coins of Guam Island.
Essential vocabulary
Hello / good evening: Bonjour / bonsoir Goodbye: Au revoir Welcome: Bienvenue Excuse me / please: Excusez-moi / s’il vous plaît Thank you: Merci Yes / No: Oui / non How are you?: Comment allez-vous? Fine, thank you, and you?: Très bien, merci, et vous My name is...: Je m’appelle...
Gourmandise
Traditional Micronesian cuisine is rather simple. It often consists of grilled fish or mangrove crabs, plantains, breadfruit, or yams. In some islands, Japanese influences can be felt, especially in the preparation of raw tuna.
We're talking about it.
An archipelago of 500 islands that is part of the Federated States of Micronesia, Palau (or Palaos) is the first country in the world to have banned certain sunscreens since January 1, 2020, notably due to their components known to be harmful to corals and marine life. Only sunscreens labeled as "reef-safe" are now allowed. The archipelago aims to protect a marine ecosystem recognized worldwide. Anyone violating this law will have their sunscreen confiscated and may face legal action.
Culture
Book Passionate Parisian art dealer of Oceanic art, Jean-Edouard Carlier published "Micronesia and Para-micronesia" in 2007, a book in which he pays tribute to a region "that has produced the most perfect works in the face of extremely limited natural resources," he writes. Music Dance and song hold a special importance in Micronesia, with each archipelago having its own language and traditions. They are particularly involved in oral transmission.
The number: 607
Around 607 islands spread over 2,860 km make up the Federated States of Micronesia.