The tiny, lush Pacific island of Kosrae is a closely guarded treasure among scuba divers from around the world. Located halfway between Hawaii and Guam, the island -- once a favorite haunt of the famed pirate Bully Hayes -- is fringed with a thriving coral reef system kept that way in part by a volunteer-driven coral reef monitoring program.  No crowds, interesting sea creatures, incredible coral formations, and clear 80-degree waters coupled with experienced dive operators make diving on Kosrae totally sublime.

Local diving experts have vetted more than 50 dive spots around the island. Kosrae’s top-rated dive spots include:

Hiroshi Point- Large coral heads, estimated to be more than 2,000 years old are found at Hiroshi Point. Along with a rich variety of marine life, from eagle rays and schools of parrot fish to reef sharks and barracudas.

Walung Coral Shelf- Due to the cold water temperatures, the colorful fish around Walung Coral Shelf tend to come in large numbers and large in size.

Walung Drop-Off- The Drop-Off is one of Kosrae’s most popular dive sites, magnificent sheet walls are home to whole schools of barracuda. All types of marine life have been seen here, small hammerhead and reef sharks, turtles, giant puffers and numerous small invertebrates.

Malem Reef Shelf- Blanketed with low-growing coral, Malem Reef Shelf is home to a variety of fish, including whale shark youngsters.

Blue Hole- At Blue Hole’s reef, stingrays have taken up residence along with many types of juvenile fish, huge puffers and whatever else high tides may bring over.

And then there’s Kosrae’s own pirate ship, The Leonora- Notorious 19th-century American pirate and trader Bully Hayes would often use Kosrae as a stopover location during his pirating adventures. In 1874, a typhoon sunk his ship, named in honor of one of his twin daughters, Leonora. Discovered 110 years later, the last remnants of the Leonora rest 30 feet under water in Utwe Harbor.

Among divers from North America to Japan to Europe and beyond, Kosrae’s waters have earned a reputation as a true underwater paradise. To find a dive operator on island or to learn more about diving in Kosrae, visit www.kosrae.com. 

Photos: Colorful fish and aerial view of Kosrae Island courtesy of Katrina Adams. Pink Anemone fish taking refuge in its balled up Anemone courtesy of Kosrae Nautilus Resort.