Micronesia’s diving paradise now just a flight away thanks to new Pacific Island hopper service

A largely untouched island oasis and diving mecca just hours from Australia is about to become much more accessible with the launch of new flights from Brisbane.

Nauru Airlines has begun a Pacific Island hopper service to take Australians to remote diving locations. Picture: Supplied

A largely untouched island oasis just hours from Australia is about to become much more accessible with the launch of new flights from Brisbane next month.

Nauru Airlines is planning a new island hopper service to take travellers through Micronesia with stops at Tarawa, Majuro, Pohnpei and Palau, as well as Nauru.

Starting on November 30, the weekly flights are expected to be popular with divers, nature lovers and travellers seeking a new experience.

Nauru Airlines CEO Brett Gebers said the Republic of Palau had been dubbed “the underwater Serengeti” by divers.

“Known for its diverse marine life, Lonely Planet describes Palau as an overwhelming natural wonder of pristine limestone and volcanic islands, blanketed in emerald forest, surrounded by a shimmering turquoise lagoon,” Mr Gebers said.

Tarawa in Kiribati is also renowned for its diving, and is the first place on Earth to see in the New Year.

“Sitting right on the International Date Line, the island of Kiritimati is a unique spot to celebrate December 31 and helps make Kiribati an enchanting destination from Nauru en route to Pohnpei, Majuro or Palau,” Mr Gebers said.

Majuro is the capital of the Marshall Islands and offers World War II wrecks housing exotic species of fish, while Pohnpei is home to one of the Pacific’s historic archaeological sites, Nan Madol.

The Nan Madol ruins on Pohnpei island, Micronesia.

“These islands attract hikers, divers, birdwatchers, fishing lovers and those looking to visit somewhere no-one they know has been,” Mr Gebers said.

“We recommend that tourists choose one or two destinations along the route as their base and stay for one week in each and immerse themselves in each location and its surrounds.”

The expansion of Nauru Airlines’ network marks a milestone for the airline and is in line with its commitment to provide essential air links to the Pacific region.

Nauru Airlines’ chairman, Kieren Keke, said collaboration among governments all along the island hopper route had been instrumental in bringing the flights to life.

“This is a great example of the Pacific family supporting one another,” Dr Keke said.

“This cooperative effort underscores the strategic role of air transportation in the sustainable development of island economies, and especially through the promotion of trade, commerce, and tourism.”

Boeing 737-300s and 737-700s will operate the flights, which go on sale from Friday, with return economy fares starting at $2711 including taxes and charges.

Australian Travel Industry Association CEO Dean Long welcomed the announcement from Nauru Airlines, and said it was further evidence of the “renaissance” of the Indo-Pacific region.

“Fiji is one of the few markets that’s exceeded pre-pandemic levels in terms of visitors and I think that’s helped the confidence of the Pacific Islands in their appeal to tourists,” Mr Long said.

“Micronesia is an emerging destination. It doesn’t sound like it will be for everybody but it’s a different part of the Pacific and that’s great.”

The flight to Nauru is about 4.5 hours, with the entire “island hop” journey to Palau taking just over 13 hours.

Originally published as Micronesia’s diving paradise now just a flight away thanks to new Pacific Island hopper service