Pohnpei State dive sites

Yes, Ant Atoll is accessible from Pohnpei via a 45-minute to one-hour boat ride from Kolonia. Dive operators on Pohnpei run day trips to the atoll when weather permits, typically during the calmer months from December through April. The outer wall dives require intermediate to advanced skills due to potential currents and depths exceeding 30 metres, while the lagoon sites are suitable for all levels. A special permit is required to enter Ant Atoll as it is a protected marine sanctuary.

Ant Atoll has been protected as a marine sanctuary for decades, with restricted access and fishing limitations enforced by the Pohnpei state government and local traditional authorities. The atoll is uninhabited, and the lack of human pressure combined with active protection has allowed reef ecosystems to flourish. Coral cover on the outer walls and lagoon reefs is among the healthiest in Micronesia, and fish populations, particularly sharks and large pelagics, are noticeably more abundant than at unprotected sites in the region.

Ant Atoll is exposed to open ocean swells, and the boat crossing from Pohnpei can be rough during the wet season from May through November. The dry season from December to April typically offers calmer seas, better visibility, and more reliable boat access. Even during the best months, trip cancellations due to weather are possible, so divers should plan multiple dive days to account for potential weather windows. Water temperatures remain warm year-round at 27 to 30 degrees Celsius.