island – Page 4 – Pohnpei Eco-Adventure Guide

Uninhabited little Dekehmwahu (“good island”) is located just east of Nahpali in Madolenihmw Municipality. It’s a rough oval with a couple of small, sandy beaches and a few places to pitch a tent. The best beach is at the northwestern end, while the most practical camp site is on the southeast coast. Mangroves skirt most of the western coast. With a few exceptions, the surrounding ocean is shallow and covered with beds of seagrass, but good snorkeling can be found not far to the south at the Namwen Na Stingray Sanctuary (a short swim away). Surrounding shallow reefs make the island difficult to reach by boat, except at the highest tides, but it’s a great place for kayakers to visit. Currents can be extremely strong in the area at certain times.

To obtain permission for overnight stays, call McKenzie Senda at +691.320.8682 / 7147 / 4062.

Pohnpei Adventures >> Islands >> Dekehmwahu Island

Dahu Reirei (“long channel”) is a long, narrow, man-made islet constructed on a shallow reef with several huts for picnickers and campers and lots of pleasant swimming and snorkeling nearby. The tiny place can get uncomfortably crowded on weekends and holidays, but is wonderful at other times. One of Dahu Reirei‘s biggest draws is its namesake — the crystal-clear channel along the west side, which is host to many varieties of staghorn coral and swarms of reef fish; it’s a magical place to swim. The reef walls north of the island, however, are better for snorkeling (follow the reef as it curves east and north). Note that Dahu Reirei is really about being IN the water as the island itself isn’t much of anything. And in the water is exactly where you’ll want to be when the temperatures soar (there is little shade) and when the land shrinks at high tide (the island is hardly a meter above sea level). The family of the owner lives in a stilt-hut at the north end of the island.

To make reservations for day visits or overnight stays and to arrange boat transport from Ninleu, call +691.924.2229. There is an admission fee for the island so be sure to ask for quote if you would like to book a trip.

Pohnpei Adventures >> Islands >> Dau Reirei Island