Outer islands of Pohnpei

Has anyone any info on transport to and/or staying at the outer islands of Pohnpei such as Langer, Black Coral, Ant Atoll etc.?

It appears that there are a number of islets just off Pohnpei (and in the Cooks and French Polynesia those were the prettiest spots),

To get to Ant you hire a boats man to take you out. I am not sure about Langer or Black Coral- not sure how far out they are but Ant is quite nearby. To get to the real outer isalnds as far down as Kapingamarngi, you have to take the field ship. It is about a 10 day trip out and back, you stop at some very very outer islands, and it is an amazing experience to places almost never visited. Ant is tiny, we say some great eagle rays, and spent a couple of nights there if I remember correctly. Tent and sleeping bag and bring everything with you- it is very very tiny- as in walk around it in about 8 minutes. there was also a trip around Pohnpei which went through the mangroves and over to Nan Midol. I don't remember where the trips were offered- the tourist office maybe?

Hm...I think Langer is the one we used to go out to to spend the afternoon at a beach- there was a boat you could take out there- again, not very far out.

I think that The Village can organize trips to Ant and Nan Madol for $$.

Black Coral has recently been redone by the Adams family with small bungalows (unfurnished), a bathroom, and a small kitchen. The Adams family own it and you can contact them either at Ace Hardware or Ace Office Supply in order to set up either a day trip or an overnight.

The Village books tours to Ant, but also so does Pohnpei Surf Club. www.pohnpeisurfclub.com Contact Allois there. Ant doesn't have any of the amenities that Black Coral has so you'll definitely be camping out there.

Langer isn't that great. It's a small picnic island that's fairly easy to get to from town (maybe a 5-10 minute boat ride), but it does have some interesting WWII items there. However, if you're doing a day trip or even an overnight, I would recommend Ant or Black Coral.

Is there any place on Pohnpei where I could possbily rent or puchase a camping stove or obtain canister fuel for my pocket rocket stove?

Ace Hardware?

I know this is last minute, but we're heading to Ant Atoll for a day trip in a couple of hours with the Pohnpei Surf Club if you'd like to join. We'll be at the dock at 8:30 am Sunday morning.

Who is that directed to? Not sure any of us but you are on island- I haven't been there for years. But if there I'd love to- last time at Ant we spent the weekend and saw eagle rays- cutest things! Hope you had a great time. Or maybe you and lala are both onisland? Do any of you know Mideon? If so- pm me I'd love to send him a message. (A nice one- one of our favorite people).

Thanks # 7 but I'm not there yet. Do tell about the trip - is this something that you privately arranged or is a regular Sunday trip by the PSC? Is Ant nice?

@5Waldos, I'm currently on Pohnpei main island, heading to the southern islands in a couple of days. I am not familiar with M.

@Silvanocat, I enjoyed Ant, though I thought it was a little pricey. For me it was a great getaway: nice sandy beach, beautiful clear water, and some fun snorkeling with okay fish (the Red Sea has really spoiled me). I've been working hard (am in Pohnpei for work) and was okay with the price. And this beats sitting in my somewhat nasty hotel room. However, had I been on a backpacking trip and on a tight budget I'm not sure I'd do it first and foremost because I do think the price is high, albeit an honest price as gas is expensive and it is a trip out of the lagoon. But I have also been to more beautiful beaches, most recently San Blas in Panama. So more than anything I think that it depends on your state of mind and pocket! I am a strong believer in if it's a once in a lifetime thing then just do it! Therefore, no regrets whatsover.

How far down are you going? Are you taking the field ship? down to Kapinga? Wonderful wonderful trip- enjoy! Sorry you don't know M but not like Palau where everyone knows everyone.

I would agree about Ant- as long as we are talking about the same place. Tiny little island with nothing on it but some trees and brush? Nothing that much to say for itself- it was fun camping out with the kids, but otherwise..... In fact, there are no great beaches in Pohnpei at all. Although I understand that they have carved out a swimming place that has lots of fish and turtles. That is new, as is the PSC, since we were there.

Kapinga was great! My #1 of all the outer islands!