The rain forest houses 40 species of birds, several kinds of reptiles and even deer. Of interest is an ancient Venice-like "city" thought to be over 700 years old. Pohnpei was first settled in the first or second century A.D. but construction of the 92 islets of Nan Madol did not begin until much later. Ponape
|
Yap Kayak the mangrove swamps with Patricia Acker of Planet Blue Kayak Tours. “If you are lucky, you might even get a chance to observe the Archerfish as it spits jets of water several feet into the overhanging vegetation to knock down insects,” says Patricia who was born and raised on Yap and is well acquainted with the birds, marine life and folklore. Palau Visit Jelly Fish Lake, a magical stretch of water trapped inside a Rock Island that is fed by rainwater. It is home to thousands of jellyfish that have mutated from a salt to a fresh water habitat and who have lost their sting. Snorkelling with them is a fascinating surreal experience. The land-locked lagoon has stalactite-filled caves, giant undersea tunnels as well as gorgonian fans that stand up to 3 metres tall. “Jellyfish Lake holds two kinds of jellyfish, mastigias, orange jellyfish and Aurelia, white jellyfish. In late 1998, the orange jellyfish population suddenly and dramatically declined. Although there were still orange jellyfish buds at the bottom of the lake, they were dying before they could grow. Most environmental observers attribute this to El Niño, and its sidekick, La Niña, phenomena, which noticeably increased the lake’s water temperature and salinity. In Spring of 1999, many tour operators had temporarily and voluntarily cut their tours to Jellyfish Lake to allow the jellyfish to recover” (Lonely Planet 335). Three nutrient rich ocean currents merge in the vicinity of Palau giving rise to an abundant diversity of marine life. Palau is home to Ocean Hunter, a 60’ steel hulled motor sailer designed from the outset as a no holds barred dive boat. Ocean Hunter is a family concern that caters to serious divers. During WWII, Palau was a major Japanese military base. On March 30-31, 1944, US Navy bombers and fighter planes air raided the Japanese fleet and sunk more than 60 ships and seaplanes in and around the lagoon. Covered by lush marine growth and protected by law from salvagers, divers recently discovered the beauty and diversity of Palau’s wrecks. Covered by lush marine growth and protected by law from salvagers, divers recently discovered the beauty and diversity of Palau's wrecks. |