Micronesia Eco Lodges – Located in a Hidden Gem in the Pacific

Escape to a hidden gem of the Pacific with a stay in one of the enchanting Micronesia Eco Lodges! This island paradise offers untouched coral reefs, ancient ruins, lush jungles, and a vibrant ocean culture perfect for ecotourists. Whether you’re diving with manta rays, exploring mangrove forests, or learning from local communities, Micronesia promises unforgettable, low-impact adventures. Micronesia Eco Lodges provide the ideal base for discovering the region’s natural wonders while supporting sustainable tourism and conservation. Paradise awaits—naturally!

Micronesia Eco Lodges and resorts

Micronesia Ecotourism

Micronesia consists of hundreds of small islands spread across four independent states: Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), Palau, Marshall Islands and parts of Kiribati. The region is rich in unspoiled nature, traditional cultures and biodiversity. Ecotourism in Micronesia is small but growing, and focuses on:

• Sustainable diving and snorkeling (especially in Chuuk, for wreck diving and Palau/locally known as Belau).
• Community-based tourism: staying in villages or with families.
• Walking in rainforests and along waterfalls.
• Wildlife tours (such as turtle spotting or bird watching).

My time in Micronesia – by the Founder

Micronesia has some of the best world class diving in the world! I know from personal experience as I lived on Guam for a number of years and visited other islands.  If you’re a diver, you can’t miss Micronesia. Make a point of diving Palau, an island country, for the sharks and other fish, and walls, of reefs, that go way down. I was amazed at the huge fish, giant clams and colorful reefs. I once dove close to around 16 black tip sharks circling below me near the wall. An incredible thrill! I did turn around and scuba back the way I had come!

On land I was able to buy an incredible wooden story board at the local prison in Palau. The prisoners were all working outside and you were able to walk among them. I’ve heard this is still possible. This was in the 1980’s. Chuuk, another island country, is another world class dive site for it’s incredible wreck diving. The wrecks are mainly from WWII. Many of the wrecks are really deep so be prepared. I was fortunate that I am/was a Divemaster and had most of the instructor training, so felt well qualified. I lived on Guam for around 4 years in the 1980’s.
By Lise Tyrrell, Founder and now partner. You can read more about me on the about Us page.

Flora and Fauna in Micronesia

Flora
• Tropical rainforest: on islands such as Pohnpei and Kosrae, you’ll find lush jungles full of ferns, orchids, wild ginger, and pandanus trees.
• Mangroves and swamps: these ecosystems are important for biodiversity and coastal richness.
• Coastal vegetation: coconut palms, breadfruit trees, banana plants, and taro dominate many islands.
• Medicinal plants: indigenous knowledge of plant use is still very much alive, especially in the outer islands. Some of these are Noni (Morinda citrifolia), Kava (Piper methusticum), and Turmeric (Curcuma longa).

Fauna
Although land animals are limited by the size of the island, the region is biologically unique:
Birds
• White-fronted ground dove, Chuuk monarch, Micronesian imperial pigeon, Micronesia myzomela, Pohnpei flycatcher, and Chuuk flycatcher. These are all endemic species. As well as the Pohnpei lorikeet, Palau fruit dove, and Kosrae starling. As well as a number of migratory birds.

Reptiles and amphibians
• Lizards include the emerald tree skink, monitor lizards, an introduced species. There are many kinds of geckos including the Mourning Gecko, Pacific Dtella, and Asian House Gecko. Some skinks can also be found, including Pacific Bluetail Skink and Boettger’ Emo Skink.
• Sea turtles include the Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas) and hawksbills.  

Marine life
• Coral reefs are among the richest in the world, with thousands of species of fish, sharks, rays, turtles, and marine mammals.
• Chuuk Lagoon is a top destination for wreck diving, what it’s primarily known for, in a reef-rich environment.
• Palau is an incredibly rich reef environment to dive, as well as a rich marine life environment.

Top Ecotourism Destinations in Micronesia

Palau
• Eco-label: Palau Pledge (sustainable tourism policy).   I love the school kid’s pledge
• Activities: kayaking, snorkeling, sea turtle projects, and cultural village visits.

Pohnpei (FSM)
• Must-see: Nan Madol (UNESCO), Kepirohi Waterfall, rainforest.
• Community-based ecotourism.  
• Activities: hiking, birdwatching, and experiencing cultural traditions.

Kosrae (FSM)
• Must-see: Lelu Ruins, Menke Forest Trail, Blue Hole.
• Sustainable diving and coral conservation.  
• Activities: wreck diving and mangrove excursions.  

Scuba Diving is a great way to see under the waters of Micronesia. Below is a Manta Ray.

Suggestion for a 2-week Sustainable Itinerary in Micronesia

Week 1
Day 1–5: Palau
• Day 1: arrive in Koror, near the airport – stay at one of the Micronesia Eco Lodges.  
• Day 2: kayak through the mangroves and Rock Islands.
• Day 3: snorkeling in Jellyfish Lake and Long Beach. I did that, it was pretty awesome!
• Day 4: visit Ngardmau Waterfall and traditional villages.

• Day 5: free day – optional: diving, eco-touring or birdwatching.
Flight from Palau to Pohnpei. Nauru Airlines offers a direct flight or you can do a stopover  via Guam or Yap on United Airlines.

Week 2

Day 6–10: Pohnpei (Federated States of Micronesia)
• Day 6: arrive and relax at one of the Micronesia Eco Lodges.
• Day 7: visit Nan Madol – historical ruins.
• Day 8: hike to Kepirohi and Liduduhniap waterfalls.

• Day 9: traditional cultural experience in a local village.
• Day 10: snorkeling and sustainable fishing with local guides.
Domestic flight to Kosrae (FSM).

Day 11–14: Kosrae
• Day 11: arrive and stay at one of the Micronesia Eco Lodges.
• Day 12: dive or snorkel in the Blue Hole, famous dive spot or enjoy the reef.
• Day 13: hike in the Menke Forest and visit Lelu Ruins.
• Day 14: relax on the beach.

Visit our Micronesia Eco Lodges-Hotels here: Eco Lodging and Tours.

Ecological Threats in Micronesia

Micronesia faces several ecological challenges, despite its remote location:

Climate change and sea level rise
• Many islands are low-lying – a direct threat to villages, coastal ecosystems and agriculture.
• Salinization of agricultural land and drinking water is becoming more common.

Coral bleaching and ocean acidification
• Higher Sea temperatures are bleaching reefs and causing marine life to lose their habitat.
• Pollution and destructive fishing practices such as blast fishing also threaten the reefs.

Invasive species
• Rats, snakes and non-native plants disrupt local ecosystems, threatening birds and agriculture.
• This is especially a problem on islands with endemic species (such as Kosrae and Yap).

Uncontrolled tourism development
• Although tourism is relatively small-scale, any development puts pressure on ecosystems such as mangroves, reefs and freshwater sources.

Sustainability Policy and Ecotourism of Micronesian Government

Joint regional initiatives between the four independent states:
• Micronesia Challenge (2006): ambition to effectively protect 30% of coral reefs and 20% of forest areas. Supported by local governments and international partners.
• Blue Prosperity Micronesia: focuses on sustainable fisheries, maritime management and ecotourism.

Palau:
• Palau Pledge: mandatory promise from tourists to respect nature.
• Ban on reef-damaging sunscreens.
• Large areas of the ocean are protected as marine reserves.

FSM (incl. Pohnpei, Kosrae, Chuuk, Yap):
• Ecotourism is actively promoted.
• Emphasis on community-based ecotourism, such as guides and homestays.
• Local regulations for fisheries management and conservation.

Small-scale Conservation Projects in Micronesia

Palau Conservation Society (PCS
• Works with communities on marine conservation, sustainable tourism and environmental education.

Yap Community Action Program (YapCAP)
• Manages mangrove and coastal ecosystems together with villagers.
• Also focuses on traditional agriculture and food security.

Kosrae Conservation and Safety Organization (KCSO)
• Manages protected fishing areas, works on reforestation and ecotourism guide training.

Pohnpei Watershed Conservation
• Projects with a focus on reforestation.
• Protection of drinking water sources like surface water, groundwater, and rainwater.  For example the watersheds of Nanpil and Enipein are crucial for (drinking) water supply.
• Incorporation of indigenous knowledge in rainforest conservation.

Sustainable Travel Tips Specific for Micronesia

• Consider community-based homestays (especially in Yap, Kosrae and the Outer Islands).
• In restaurants choose lionfish (invasive species, so do your bit and eat it up!) or locally caught fish over imported or endangered species.
• Learn from the culture and ecology. Micronesian cultures are deeply connected to nature.
• Sign the Palau Pledge upon arrival (mandatory promise to respect nature).
• Take a workshop on traditional navigation, ecological fishing, basket weaving or local medicinal plant use.
• Always ask permission when entering a village or nature reserve.
• On our Sustainable Travel Tips page you will find lots of other travel tips to reduce your ecological footprint.

Micronesia Eco Lodges and Travel Safety

Check in advance about the safety in Micronesia and in the places you plan to visit. You can also consult your country’s official government websites. For American citizens, this is the US Dept. Of State’s page on Micronesia.