The Budget & Backpacking Guide to the Marshall Islands

What is the best way to get to the Marshall Islands? The country can be accessed by international flight, cruise ship or private sailing yacht. But if you’re visiting the Marshall Islands on a budget, then we’re guessing you’re coming via the most economical option: by international flight, so let’s start with that.

Flying to the Marshall Islands

International flights to the Marshall Islands are limited, with the main connections operating through Honolulu, Guam, Tarawa, Pohnpei, Nauru and other central Pacific hubs.

United Airlines connects the Marshall Islands with Honolulu and Guam through its Island Hopper service, while Nauru Airlines provides another island-hopping route from destinations such as Tarawa and Pohnpei. Travellers coming from Australia, New Zealand and Fiji will usually need at least two connecting flights (this is remote-island travel, after all).

See our guide, Which Airlines Fly Directly to the Marshall Islands?, for more advice.

Most international visitors land at Amata Kabua International Airport (MAJ), also known as Marshall Islands International Airport, on Majuro Atoll. International flights also call at Kwajalein, although access arrangements there are more specialised.

Find out more about the airport and what to expect in Arriving in the Marshall Islands: Airport Customs, Biosecurity & Arrival Process.

How to Get Cheaper Flights to the Marshall Islands

Want to know how to save some dough on a flight? Here are some quick tips that are worth trying:

• Compare both major routes, including connections through Honolulu or Guam with United Airlines and central Pacific connections with Nauru Airlines
• Check fares from different departure hubs, as positioning yourself in Honolulu, Brisbane, Nadi or another regional hub can sometimes reduce the total fare
• Compare through-tickets with separate tickets, but allow plenty of time between unprotected connections
• Check the total journey cost, including overnight accommodation, airport transfers and baggage fees
• Avoid booking at the last minute, as the limited number of flights means cheaper seats can disappear quickly
• Be flexible with your travel dates, as changing your departure by a few days may reveal a better connection or fare.

Cruises to the Marshall Islands

The Marshall Islands is not a regular stop on most Pacific cruise itineraries. Some expedition cruises, grand voyages and round-the-world cruises visit, usually calling at Majuro, while specialist expeditions may reach outer atolls such as Mili and Jaluit.

A cruise is unlikely to be the cheapest way to visit solely for the Marshall Islands, but it may offer value when included in a longer Pacific itinerary. Find out which cruise lines visit in The Best Cruises That Go to the Marshall Islands.

You can also learn what to expect ashore in The Complete Guide to the Ports of Call in the Marshall Islands.

Sailing to the Marshall Islands

The Marshall Islands makes a useful stop for yachts travelling between Hawai‘i, Micronesia, Kiribati, Fiji and other Pacific cruising grounds. Majuro is the main yachting hub, offering lagoon anchorages, basic marine services, provisioning and access to the government offices needed for clearance.

Overseas yachts must enter through Majuro or Ebeye and complete immigration, customs and port formalities before travelling elsewhere. A 72-hour pre-arrival notification is required, while separate permits may be needed before visiting individual outer atolls.

Learn about entry procedures, permits and anchorages in our Sailing Guide to the Marshall Islands: Tips for Yachting in the Marshall Islands.

A Note on Customs Declarations

The Marshall Islands has biosecurity rules designed to prevent unwanted pests and diseases from entering the country. Travellers should declare risk items such as packaged snacks, fresh food, meat, plants, shells, wooden handicrafts and outdoor equipment carrying soil.

There are also prohibited goods, including e-cigarettes, that are worth knowing about before you travel. When in doubt, declare it, as an unexpected fine is not the most satisfying way to begin a budget holiday.

Be sure to read Arriving in the Marshall Islands: Airport Customs, Biosecurity & Arrival Process so you are prepared.

Check out our complete guide on Getting Here: How to Get to the Marshall Islands? for even more tips on making your way to the islands.

The Marshall Islands is a tropical country with consistently warm temperatures and high humidity throughout the year. It has two main seasons: a dry season with steadier tradewinds and a wet season with heavier, more frequent rainfall.

Learn more about the climate in Marshall Islands Weather, Seasons & Climate + Weather by Month.

Dry Season (December to April)

The dry season is the most popular time to visit the Marshall Islands, with temperatures of around 77-86°F (25-30°C) and average monthly rainfall of 5.5-10.7 in (140-273 mm).

This is the main season for surfing, kitesports, scuba diving and fishing for mahimahi. However, popular remote resorts and limited accommodation options may book out earlier, leaving budget travellers with fewer affordable choices.

Wet Season (May to November)

The wet season remains hot and humid, with temperatures of around 77-86°F (25-30°C) and average monthly rainfall of 9.8-12.1 in (248-307 mm).

This period overlaps with the North Pacific tropical storm season, so there is a risk of typhoons. It is also a quieter time to travel, although some remote resorts and tour operators reduce their services or close.

Learn how to prepare in Typhoon Safety in the Marshall Islands: How to Prepare for a Typhoon in the Marshall Islands.

The Cheapest Time to Visit the Marshall Islands

Accommodation and car rental rates do not change dramatically throughout the year, so international flights are likely to make the biggest difference to your budget.

For United Airlines flights from Honolulu, February tends to offer some of the lowest fares, while June and the Christmas and New Year period can be more expensive.

For travellers using Nauru Airlines from Brisbane, Nadi or other South Pacific destinations, cheaper fares are more likely to appear from August to October.

Flights operate only a few times per week, so the cheapest seats can disappear quickly. Book early, compare several travel dates and check the total cost of any overnight connections before deciding which fare is genuinely cheaper.

Still can’t decide when to travel? Check out The Best Time to Visit the Marshall Islands: A Month-by-Month Guide, which dives much deeper into the subject.

The main thing you need to keep in mind when packing for the Marshall Islands is having a tropical wardrobe that includes some more modest items of clothing. Budget travellers should also favour lightweight, quick-dry pieces that can be washed and worn again rather than packing half the wardrobe.

A packing list for the Marshall Islands might look a little something like this:

• 4 Singlets/T-Shirts
• 2 Blouses/Shirts to protect your shoulders from the sun
• 2 Shorts/Skirts which are not too short
• 1 Dress/Skirt below the knee for church. We recommend light fabrics such as the sustainable bamboo dresses and skirts by Moso Morrow
• 1 Sarong (nuknuk) will be your best friend for hitting the beach and covering your swimwear in between swimming.
• 1 or 2 Light sleepwear if you're against sleeping in your undies
• 1 Light Cardigan/Pashmina/Poncho for windy/rainy days or to cover shoulders at church
• 1 Sports shorts/Leggings for active activities
• 1 Sports T-shirt/Singlet for active activities
• 1 Outfit to travel between the Marshall Islands and home
• 3 Bras including strapless, sports and comfortable bras
• 6 Underwear
• 4 Socks
• 1 Bikini (make sure to leave the "Miami-style" bikini at home)
• 1 One-piece for more active watersports
• 2 Boardshorts
• 2 Rash vests (we like sustainable Sharkskin rashies)
• Sunhat
• Sunglasses
• Light shirt to cover arms and back
• Light rain jacket
• Flip-flops/Sandals
• Walking shoes/Sneakers
• Reef shoes/Water shoes
• Mask and snorkel (optional but better to bring your own).

Quick-dry clothing is especially handy in the humid climate, while bringing your own mask, snorkel and water shoes lets you enjoy free snorkelling spots without repeatedly hiring equipment. A small amount of travel detergent can also stretch a compact wardrobe much further.

And that’s just the clothes! For a full packing list of everything to take, including accessories, toiletries and electronics, check out What to Pack for the Marshall Islands: The Marshall Islands Packing List.

Health Products

With high UV levels and the presence of mosquitoes, certain health products are essential to take to the Marshall Islands. The country also has a fragile marine ecosystem, so reef-safe sunscreen and insect repellent are a must.

Bring enough for your entire trip, particularly if you are travelling beyond Majuro, where specialist products can be harder to find. Buying these essentials before departure also prevents your carefully planned budget from being ambushed by an emergency supermarket run.

A reusable water purification bottle is preferable to repeatedly buying bottled water. Large bottles can also be refilled at drinking-water stations for a small price.

Pack a basic first-aid kit and enough prescription medication for your stay. See What Medication to Pack in Your First Aid Kit for the Marshall Islands for the complete list.

Currency

The Marshall Islands uses the US dollar, and cash is still the safest way to pay. Cards are accepted at many hotels, restaurants and supermarkets in Majuro, but taxis, markets, small businesses and most services on the outer atolls expect cash.

Bring US dollars from home in a mix of smaller denominations. Foreign currency cannot generally be exchanged after arrival, while Majuro’s limited ATMs are better treated as backup than as your entire financial plan.

Card payments may also come with extra fees, so paying in cash can help budget travellers avoid unnecessary charges. Take enough money with you before travelling beyond Majuro, where ATMs and card facilities largely disappear.

Read What Is the Best Way to Pay in the Marshall Islands? for ATM locations, card fees and more money tips.

Travel Documents and Paperwork

Visitors need a passport valid for at least six months after their intended departure date, as well as a confirmed return or onward ticket. Visa requirements depend on nationality, with many travellers qualifying for visa-free entry or a visa on arrival.

There may be other current entry requirements, which we keep up to date in What Documents Do I Need to Travel to the Marshall Islands?

The Marshall Islands might make an idyllic tropical getaway to simply relax for a few days, and that’s fine; we all need a little R&R from time to time. More intrepid travellers will find that the country is also rewarding for lagoon trips, atoll-hopping and experiencing life beyond Majuro.

We’d recommend the minimum number of days to spend in the Marshall Islands is five days if you are only visiting Majuro. However, seven to 14 days is the recommended amount of time for a more satisfying trip, especially if you include Arno Atoll or spend time experiencing the country’s slower outer-atoll rhythm.

For budget travellers, five to seven days often provides the best balance. You have enough time to make the international airfare worthwhile without adding too many nights of accommodation, meals and transport.

For those of you who want to explore, here’s what you can achieve in certain timeframes… (And don’t worry, we’ll get onto the destinations in the next few sections).

3 Days / A Long Weekend in the Marshall Islands

Over three days or a long weekend, you have enough time to explore Majuro’s main sights, enjoy local food and perhaps take a lagoon trip, provided the weather and boat operators cooperate.

This is the cheapest option once you arrive, but it does not leave much room for delayed flights, rain or cancelled boat trips. Check out Majuro Itinerary: 3 Days in the Marshall Islands for a complete itinerary.

5 Days in the Marshall Islands

Five days gives you enough time to explore Majuro at a more comfortable pace, visit the western end of the atoll and spend at least one day swimming, snorkelling or cruising on the lagoon.

Allowing at least five days also gives you some breathing room for rain, cancelled boat trips and operators who are not available exactly when your spreadsheet says they should be. See Majuro Itinerary: 5 Days in the Marshall Islands for trip ideas.

7 Days / 1 Week in the Marshall Islands

Some travellers will find that seven days is ideal for a mix of sightseeing, lagoon adventures and relaxation around Majuro. More intrepid travellers might also want to squeeze in an overnight stay or day trip to Arno Atoll.

A week also lets budget travellers spread paid activities across several days while filling the rest of the itinerary with beaches, historical sites, snorkelling and other free or inexpensive experiences.

Get some inspiration from Majuro & Marshall Islands Itinerary: 7 Days / 1 Week.

10 Days in the Marshall Islands

10 days is a comfortable amount of time to enjoy both Majuro and Arno Atoll without having to plan every boat, taxi and meal down to the minute.

The longer stay costs more overall, but it can offer better value than rushing between several expensive outer atolls. Check out Marshall Islands Itinerary: 10 Days (Majuro & Arno) for a complete recommended itinerary.

14 Days / 2 Weeks in the Marshall Islands

Find the perfect balance of sightseeing, lagoon adventures and relaxation or simply enjoy Majuro and Arno Atoll for longer. Two weeks also gives you more flexibility when working around domestic transport, weather and the wonderfully relaxed pace of island life.

Budget travellers should remember that outer-atoll flights, boats and accommodation can quickly increase costs. Spending longer in fewer places is usually kinder to the wallet than trying to collect atolls like passport stamps.

See Marshall Islands Itinerary: 14 Days / 2 Weeks (Majuro & Arno) for a complete itinerary.

The Marshall Islands is made up of 29 coral atolls and five isolated coral islands divided between the Ratak Chain in the east and the Rālik Chain in the west. Even though it is cheaper to stay on just one atoll, we recommend adding nearby Arno Atoll if your budget and schedule allow.

The most visited, most populated and easiest atoll to reach is Majuro Atoll, while Arno is the nearest and most accessible outer atoll. Travelling farther afield usually requires domestic flights, irregular passenger boats and considerably more flexibility.

Compare the most popular destinations in The Atolls of the Marshall Islands & The Best to Visit. Otherwise, here’s a quick rundown of where to go.

Majuro Atoll

As the country’s international gateway and main transport hub, Majuro is the easiest choice for budget travellers and our top pick for a first trip to the Marshall Islands. It has the widest range of affordable accommodation, supermarkets, casual food stops, shared taxis and visitor services.

You can fill much of your itinerary with inexpensive experiences, including museums, historical sites, local markets, roadside food stops and beaches. Shared taxis keep short journeys affordable, while hiring a car for only one day is usually enough to explore the western end of the atoll.

Majuro also makes the most practical base for lagoon trips to islands such as Eneko and Enemanit. These boat excursions add to the budget, but they are worthwhile splurges for beaches, swimming and snorkelling away from the urban districts.

Find more affordable trip ideas in The Complete Travel Guide to Majuro and 30 Best Things to Do on Majuro.

Arno Atoll

Just a 45-minute to 1 hr 30 mins boat journey from Majuro, Arno is the easiest outer atoll to add to a budget itinerary. It offers quiet fishing villages, coconut palms, empty beaches and clear lagoon water without the cost of a domestic flight.

There are only two visitor accommodations, so book ahead and confirm exactly what is included. Shops sell only basic supplies, so stock up on food, drinking water, toiletries and cash in Majuro before boarding the boat.

Arno works best for budget travellers who want a simple outer-atoll experience rather than organised luxury. Beaches, village walks, swimming and snorkelling can keep daily activity costs low, although boat transfers and accommodation will still increase the overall price of your trip.

Learn more in Majuro to Arno Atoll by Boat: Fares, Schedules & Tips.

Further Afield

Travelling beyond Majuro and Arno takes more planning and considerably more money. Domestic flights and inter-atoll boats are limited, accommodation choices are scarce and delays may add unexpected nights to your itinerary.

Wotje Atoll and Mili Atoll combine traditional communities with extensive Japanese Second World War ruins, while Jaluit Atoll offers colonial history and lagoon scenery. Likiep Atoll is known for its historic wooden buildings, while Ailinglaplap Atoll offers traditional canoe-building and strong Marshallese culture.

These destinations are rewarding, but they are better suited to travellers with flexible schedules and a larger transport budget. Bring enough cash, food, toiletries and medication, then leave a generous buffer before your international flight, as the timetable may occasionally become more of an optimistic suggestion.

For a strict budget trip, concentrate on Majuro and add Arno if funds allow. You will experience city life, lagoon islands and a traditional outer atoll without paying for several domestic flights.

Getting around the Marshall Islands takes planning, especially on a budget. The distances between atolls are vast, domestic flights are expensive and passenger boats rarely follow the frequent timetables you might expect elsewhere.

For budget travellers, the key is to spend carefully on the transport you actually need. Shared taxis, scooters and bicycles keep costs down around Majuro, while boats and domestic flights become necessary when you want to reach lagoon islands or outer atolls.

For the full rundown, see the Marshall Islands Transport Guide: 15 Best Ways to Get Around the Marshall Islands.

Boat Transport

Local boats are the main way to reach nearby lagoon islands such as Eneko and Enemanit, as well as neighbouring Arno Atoll. Transfers are usually arranged through accommodation hosts, tour operators or local boat owners.

The passenger boat between Majuro and Arno costs around US$20 per person one way, making it one of the cheapest ways to experience an outer atoll. Private-island transfers generally cost around US$20-$30 per person one way, while private charters can cost considerably more.

Inter-atoll passenger vessels also connect Majuro with some outer atolls, but departures depend on weather, cargo, maintenance and passenger numbers. They can be cheaper than flying, but only choose this option when your itinerary has plenty of flexibility.

Learn more in A Guide to Boat Transfers & Charters in the Marshall Islands.

Domestic Flights

Domestic flights are the fastest and sometimes only practical way to reach many outer atolls. Air Marshall Islands operates services from Majuro to airstrips across the Ratak and Rālik island chains.

One-way fares from Majuro generally cost around US$185-$270 per person, so visiting several atolls can quickly send a backpacker budget into orbit. Save money by choosing one outer atoll rather than attempting an ambitious island-hopping itinerary.

Find schedules, fares and baggage information in Domestic Flights in the Marshall Islands: Your Guide to Interisland Flights.

Taxis

Taxis are one of the easiest and cheapest ways to get around Majuro, particularly through Delap, Uliga and Djarrit. Most operate as shared public transport, so drivers may collect other passengers travelling in the same direction.

Short journeys around town usually cost around US$3 per person. Airport transfers, private journeys and trips to Laura cost more, so agree on the fare before setting off on a longer ride.

For most budget travellers making only a few journeys each day, shared taxis work out much cheaper than hiring a car and paying for fuel.

See Taxis in Majuro & the Marshall Islands: Taxi Fares, How to Use & More for more advice.

Scooter Rental

Scooter rental is an affordable way for solo travellers to explore Majuro with more freedom than taxis provide. Automatic scooters generally cost around US$20-$30 per day, which is considerably cheaper than renting a car.

Helmets are included and delivery to your accommodation may be available. Riders must be at least 18 and carry a valid home-country driving licence, which visitors can generally use for up to 30 days after entering the country.

Scooters have limited storage, so carry only a small bag and take extra care around traffic, pedestrians, dogs and flooded sections of road.

See Scooter Hire in the Marshall Islands: Where to Rent, Cost & More for rental details and riding advice.

Bicycle Rental

Bicycle rental is one of the cheapest ways to make short journeys around Majuro. Adult and children’s bicycles are available, helmets are included, and collection or delivery may be offered.

Majuro’s mostly flat terrain makes cycling practical around Delap, Uliga and Djarrit. However, there are no dedicated cycle lanes, traffic can be heavy, and the tropical heat makes longer journeys feel far more ambitious than they looked on the map.

Check the brakes, gears and tyres before leaving, then carry plenty of drinking water and sun protection. Payment is generally cash only.

Find rental information, suggested routes and safety tips in The Ultimate Guide to Cycling in the Marshall Islands.

Whilst those are the main budget-friendly ways to get around the Marshall Islands, you can compare all of your options in the Marshall Islands Transport Guide: 13 Best Ways to Get Around the Marshall Islands.

The Marshall Islands has a small and fairly simple accommodation scene, so budget travellers should not expect hostels, backpacker dorms or a wide choice of cheap hotels. Instead, the best value comes from practical lodges, a compact guesthouse and the economy room categories offered by larger hotels.

Accommodation standards vary, but that is part of travelling somewhere this remote. Some stays provide shared bathrooms and communal kitchens, while others offer private facilities, restaurants and traveller services without the price tag of a private-island resort.

For the complete list, check out the 5 Best Budget Accommodations in Majuro & the Marshall Islands.

Lodges

Lodges offer some of the most distinctive budget stays in the Marshall Islands. One is found on a small island in northern Majuro Atoll, where simple rooms, a communal kitchen and excellent lagoon-side snorkelling create an affordable private-island experience.

Bring all of your own food and drinks, as there is no restaurant, hot water or guaranteed WiFi. A caretaker remains on the island, while the boat transfer from Majuro takes around 20 minutes.

Further afield, Wotje Atoll has a no-frills lodge offering single and twin rooms charged by the bed. Shared facilities include a kitchenette and communal dining area, while the location within walking distance of the airstrip makes it a practical base for exploring the atoll’s villages, beaches and Second World War sites.

Guesthouses

Guesthouses provide some of the best value in Majuro, particularly for solo travellers and backpackers who do not mind compact rooms and shared bathrooms.

The main budget guesthouse has single and bunk-bed rooms, a fully equipped communal kitchen, a drinking-water dispenser, shared refrigerator, fast WiFi and coin-operated laundry facilities. Its location near a large supermarket also makes self-catering pleasantly straightforward.

Guesthouses are ideal for travellers who would rather spend their money on lagoon trips than on a private bathroom. Browse the options in the 5 Best Budget Accommodations in Majuro & the Marshall Islands.

Budget Hotels

Majuro’s larger hotels offer affordable "Economy Rooms" alongside their standard rooms, suites and bungalows. These are useful for travellers who want a central location and hotel services without paying for a higher room category.

The cheapest economy rooms may use shared bathrooms, while slightly more expensive options provide private or ensuite facilities. Depending on the hotel, guests may also have access to WiFi, restaurants, bars, laundry services, airport transfers, car hire and help arranging lagoon excursions.

Budget hotels usually cost more than the guesthouse or outer-atoll lodge options, but their facilities can save money on separate transport, WiFi and other practical expenses.

Compare the complete range in the 5 Best Budget Accommodations in Majuro & the Marshall Islands.

© MarshallIslandsPocketGuide.com

What Is the Best Budget Accommodation in the Marshall Islands?

If you're not a fan of decision fatigue, here are a couple of our favourite stays to help you out.

Eneko Island Getaway (Majuro)

A private-island experience without the private-island price tag, Eneko Island Getaway is just a 20-minute boat ride from Majuro.

The island has three simple standard rooms in one cottage and a standalone beachfront cottage, each with beds, a fan, shower and sink. There is also a communal kitchen, so bring all of your own food and drinks to keep costs firmly under control.

The lagoon-side snorkelling is right out front, while evenings become especially peaceful once the day-trippers have returned to Majuro. Standard rooms cost around US$45, making this one of the best-value island escapes in the country.

Discover more and plan your stay through Eneko Island Getaway.

Economy Rooms at Hotel Robert Reimers (Majuro)

For a central stay with practical hotel facilities, the Economy Rooms at Hotel Robert Reimers are difficult to beat.

The rooms are available with either shared or private bathrooms, allowing budget travellers to choose how much comfort they are willing to pay for. Paid WiFi and same-day laundry services cover the essentials, while the central Majuro location keeps taxis and other transport costs down.

There is also an on-site restaurant and lounge, plus car rental and trips to Eneko Island available through the hotel. It is a particularly convenient choice for travellers who want affordable accommodation without giving up easy access to the capital.

Learn more about the Economy Rooms at Hotel Robert Reimers.

See more details in Where to Stay in the Marshall Islands: 15 Best Accommodations.

Contrary to popular belief, there’s more to do in the Marshall Islands than sit beside the lagoon and watch the coconut palms! Better yet, many cultural attractions, historical sites and everyday island experiences are either free or pleasantly affordable.

The more expensive activities tend to involve boats, specialist equipment or transport to remote atolls. Mix one or two of these splurges with the free experiences below and your activity budget should remain comfortably afloat.

Free and Cheap Things to Do in the Marshall Islands

• Discover Marshallese history at the Alele Museum in Majuro, where admission is free or by donation
• Visit WAAN Aelõñ in Majel, browse its free canoe museum and ask about affordable traditional lagoon sailing
• Make your own jewellery at Elefa Handicraft, with inexpensive workshops using shells, coconut and other local materials
• Follow Majuro’s street-art trail, spotting colourful murals inspired by marine life, Marshallese legends and island culture
• Visit historical sites along Lagoon Road, including LiModrel’s Well, Jikin Jekjek Wa Eṇ, Jikin Keepen and Bōkjānwūt
• Search for Second World War relics, including bunkers and abandoned Japanese defences around Majuro and the outer atolls
• Relax at Chihaya Park, a free lagoon-side park with space to walk, watch local sports or simply escape the traffic
• Browse the MIMRA Fish Market, where seeing the day’s catch costs nothing, although resisting a seafood snack may prove harder
• Spend time at Laura Beach, one of Majuro’s most attractive swimming spots, for only a small entrance fee
• Try inexpensive Marshallese snacks, such as bōbshake, jekaro and tōñut, from roadside shops, markets and community gatherings
• Bring your own snorkelling gear and explore accessible lagoon sites without paying repeated equipment-hire fees
• Walk through outer-atoll villages and beaches, where the surroundings, local conversations and sunsets provide most of the entertainment.

Find even more wallet-friendly ideas in 15 Free & Cheap Things to Do in the Marshall Islands.

Other Things to Do in the Marshall Islands

• Boat tours - Cruise to remote lagoon islands for beaches, swimming, snorkelling and picnics
• Scuba diving - Explore coral walls, sunken aircraft and Second World War shipwrecks
• Fishing - Join a charter targeting tuna, mahimahi, marlin, sailfish and reef fish
• Kayaking and paddleboarding - Explore calm lagoon water and palm-covered islets at your own pace
• Traditional canoe sailing - Experience the navigation and sailing skills that have connected Marshallese communities for generations
• Surfing - Reach uncrowded reef breaks around remote atolls
• Island tours - Visit villages, churches, beaches and historical sites with a local guide
• Beach excursions - Escape to the northern islands of Majuro Atoll or the quiet shores of Arno Atoll
• Outer-atoll trips - Fly or sail farther afield for traditional communities, wartime ruins and some of the country’s most remote lagoons.

Boat tours, diving and fishing are among the pricier experiences, so choose the one that matters most to you rather than trying to do everything. Sharing a boat charter with other travellers can also reduce the cost considerably.

For the broader activity overview, head to the 101 Best Things to Do in the Marshall Islands: The Ultimate List. Or, if you’re just visiting Majuro, check out the 30 Best Things to Do on Majuro.

Food is an important part of Marshallese culture. Although dining options are limited outside Majuro, accommodation hosts usually provide home-cooked meals, self-catering facilities or full-board dining.

For budget travellers, the winning formula is simple: eat local, prepare some of your own meals and confirm what food is included before travelling to an outer atoll. Everything else is covered in The Food Guide to the Marshall Islands: Places to Eat & Food Tours.

Restaurants and Cafés

Majuro has the country’s widest choice of restaurants, cafés and takeaways, serving Marshallese, American, Asian and Filipino dishes. Look beyond hotel restaurants and you will find bakeries, roadside barbecues, supermarket deli counters, food trucks and casual diners offering filling meals for less than US$15.

The classic budget option is the US$5 plate lunch, usually combining rice with yellowfin tuna, chicken or barbecued turkey tails and sometimes a vegetable side. In the US$5-$10 range, you can find ramen, sandwiches, burgers, Filipino meals, fresh tuna and local platters.

With US$10-$15, you can usually sit down for a full restaurant meal of chicken, pork, seafood, noodles, curry or barbecue. Portions at some Chinese and Filipino restaurants are also large enough to share, which is excellent news for both your appetite and your bank balance.

Find specific recommendations in The Top Cheap Eats in Majuro & the Marshall Islands.

Outside Majuro, restaurants are rare and meals are generally prepared by lodges, resorts or local hosts. Confirm the meal price and what is included before travelling, as discovering that dinner was not part of the arrangement after the last boat has departed is less than ideal.

Self-Catering

Self-catering is entirely possible in Majuro, especially when staying somewhere with a communal kitchen or kitchenette. Supermarkets, convenience stores and produce stalls sell imported groceries, fresh produce, snacks and ready-to-eat meals.

Even preparing breakfast and one additional meal each day can noticeably reduce your food costs. Check your accommodation facilities carefully, though, as "self-catering" can mean anything from a complete kitchen to one rather lonely microwave.

Learn more in A Guide to Supermarkets & Food Shopping in the Marshall Islands.

Self-catering is less practical on the outer atolls, where shops carry only basic supplies and stock depends on shipping. Buy groceries, drinking water and essential snacks in Majuro before boarding your boat or domestic flight.

Be sure to check the rules for bringing food into the country in Arriving in the Marshall Islands: Airport Customs, Biosecurity & Arrival Process.

Special Diets

Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free travellers will find the best choice in Majuro, although menus still rely heavily on fish, meat, rice and imported staples. Larger supermarkets may stock dairy-free milk, beans, cereals and specialist groceries, but availability depends on recent shipments.

Tell accommodation hosts about dietary requirements before travelling to an outer atoll. Bringing suitable snacks and choosing self-catering accommodation are the safest options, as last-minute alternatives may be difficult to find and expensive.

See Marshall Islands for Vegans & Vegetarians + 10 Best Restaurants and The Gluten-Free Guide to the Marshall Islands for more advice.

What Food to Try

Fresh fish is one of the most accessible and best-value foods to try in the Marshall Islands. Also look out for mā, or breadfruit, banke rice porridge, coconut-rich jāibo and warm tōñut doughnuts.

Another inexpensive local snack is namonamo, a hotdog wrapped in slightly sweet pancake-style bread. Drinks worth trying include pandanus bōbshakes and sweet coconut-sap jekaro, while Bōb Whisky offers a rather stronger introduction to pandanus.

Local snacks are often found in bakeries, convenience stores, petrol stations, roadside shops and community gatherings rather than formal restaurants. Ask what has been prepared that day, as availability is unpredictable but that is often where the most memorable and affordable food turns up.

Discover more in Traditional Marshallese Food & Drink: 10 Foods to Try and 10 Best Foodie Experiences in the Marshall Islands.

We all travel very differently. Therefore, making a precise budget for everyone is an impossible task. Nevertheless, you can work out your own needs, thus budget, by simply looking at the typical prices listed below or in our article, Marshall Islands Travel Budget: How Much Does a Trip to the Marshall Islands Cost?

The Cost of Accommodation

• Basic hotel room with shared bathroom/night - US$50-$90
• Economy hotel room with ensuite/night - US$90-$100
• Standard hotel room with ensuite/night - US$110-$145
• Mid-range hotel room or suite/night - US$125-$265
• Self-catering apartment/night - US$250
• Outer-island basic room/night - US$45
• Outer-island cottage or bungalow/night - US$150-$350
• Luxury private-island accommodation/night - US$860-$1,250

The Cost of Food

• Street food or barbecue plate - US$3-$8
• Main breakfast meal - US$5-$18
• Main lunch meal - US$6-$16
• Main dinner meal - US$8-$35
• Small coffee - US$1-$4.50
• Bottle of beer - US$2.75-$5.50
• Cocktail - US$7-$12
• Bottled water - US$1.50-$2.

See Marshall Islands Travel Budget: How Much Does a Trip to the Marshall Islands Cost? for more food prices.

The Cost of Transport

• Shared taxi around Delap, Uliga and Djarrit/person/one-way - US$3
• Taxi between town and the airport/person/one-way - US$8-US$15
• Scooter rental/day - US$20-$30
• Compact car or sedan rental/day - US$65-$75
• Private-island boat transfer/person/one-way - US$20-US$30
• Majuro-Arno passenger boat/person/one-way - US$20
• Domestic flight from Majuro/person/one-way - US$185-$270.

The Cost of Activities

• Museum entry - Free, donations appreciated
• Laura Beach/adult/child - US$2/$1
• Snorkelling gear rental/day - US$15
• Traditional canoe ride/person - US$20
• Eneko Island day trip/person - US$40
• Group sightseeing tour/person - US$45
• Snorkelling trip aboard a dive boat/person - US$100
• Two-tank dive with equipment/person - US$230
• Full-day fishing charter/boat - US$900-$1,250

For more low-cost fun, check out the 15 Free & Cheap Things to Do in the Marshall Islands.

Spending Money for the Marshall Islands

Here are a few averages for a daily budget for the Marshall Islands. These include food, activities, transport and miscellaneous expenses. Each price is per person per day:

• Budget daily budget: US$50
• Mid-range daily budget: US$230
• Luxury daily budget: US$620+

We break down the budgets further in Marshall Islands Travel Budget: How Much Does a Trip to the Marshall Islands Cost?