Nature Activities in Micronesia!
Island Trek
The FSM offers an amazingly diverse range of natural ecosystems, from the world’s lowest elevation cloud forests, tropical rain forests, agro-forests, freshwater “Redwood” wetlands, giant taro swamps, large and varied mangrove tracts, to some of the world’s most pristine coral reefs, sea-grass meadows and estuaries and lagoons. Local guides can take you through a unique island adventure through one or several of these equatorial wonders in a single day due to the relatively compacted nature of these ecosystems, from waterfall to reef. Trails, such as the ancient stone walking paths of Yap, are readily accessible. Awesome mountain vistas to the cavernous bowels of ancient banyan trees await. The lack of any predatory animals, or of snakes, allows the whole family to enjoy these activities on land. Due to the nearly constant presence of both sun and rain, the shimmering greenery and foliage of the islands in FSM are unsurpassed. It is truly vibrant and alive. You have to see it to believe the actual splendor of the Caroline Islands.
Note: Many trails, lands, beaches and reef areas are private. When entering these areas, please follow the designation of a local guide.
Bird and Flora watching
The islands are blessed with many indigenous bird species: the nightingale reed-warbler, the Truk monarch, the blue-faced parrot finch, the Pohnpei Lori, the Kosrae greater white-eye, to name just a few. The island of Chuuk in particular has become a mecca for the bird-watching enthusiast. In addition, each of the FSM States hosts indigenous and extremely rare flying fox (fruit bats) populations. Guides can bring the intrepid visitor to flying fox colonies where hundreds of bats sleep and congregate during the day, before this keystone species disperses across the islands at night. A profusion of tropical shrubs, flowers and trees numbering more than six hundred species of higher plants are found in the FSM States. Hibiscus, Hong Kong orchid, ironwood, eucalyptus, Honduras mahogany, papaya, banana, coconut and plumeria trees can be found just about everywhere.
Note: Many trails, lands, beaches and reef areas are private. When entering these areas, please follow the designation of a local guide.
