Everything You Need to Know About Planning a Trip to the Marshall Islands

From the air, the Marshall Islands looks almost impossible. A necklace of palm-covered islets curls around enormous blue lagoons, tiny islets appear to float on the Pacific and Majuro Atoll stretches into the distance with barely enough space between ocean and reef for a road.

On the ground, things feel just as extraordinary. This is not a destination polished for mass tourism, but a place of shared taxis, quiet beaches, roadside barbecues, weathered hotels, warm hospitality and everyday island life unfolding right in front of you.

Majuro might be the country’s capital and international gateway, but take a boat to its northern islands or nearby Arno Atoll and the city quickly disappears. Beyond them lie some of the Pacific’s most remote communities, immense lagoons, traditional canoe routes, abandoned World War Two defences and shipwrecks that have become world-class dive sites.

The history is impossible to ignore. The Marshall Islands has been shaped by ocean voyaging, colonial powers, war, nuclear testing and the modern struggle to protect a low-lying island nation, yet Marshallese culture remains proud, generous and deeply connected to the sea.

Travelling here is not easy to say the least. Flights change, boats follow their own rhythm and the weather occasionally looks at your carefully organised itinerary and laughs.

But that is also what makes the Marshall Islands so rewarding. Few destinations still feel this remote, this surprising or this far removed from the usual South Pacific holiday.

In this complete travel guide to the Marshall Islands, we have squeezed in everything we know about getting there, travelling between atolls, choosing accommodation, finding the best things to do and preparing for a journey where flexibility is just as important as sunscreen.

Welcome to the Marshall Islands. Your greatest challenge will not be finding something unforgettable, but deciding how far beyond Majuro you are willing to go.

This article is based on real on-the-ground research, not on AI scraping old content from the internet. Learn how we use AI!

An Intro to the Marshall Islands

Location: The Marshall Islands is an island nation in the central Pacific Ocean, forming part of Micronesia in Oceania. It lies approximately 2,300 mi (3,700 km) southwest of Hawai'i and 500 mi (800 km) north of the Equator, with Kiribati, Nauru and the Federated States of Micronesia among its nearest Pacific neighbours. Find out more in Where Is the Marshall Islands Located?

Size: The Marshall Islands has a total land area of approximately 70 mi² (181 km²). The country consists of 29 coral atolls and five isolated islands divided between two island chains, the Ratak Chain in the east and the Rālik Chain in the west. Learn more about it in The Atolls of the Marshall Islands & The Best to Visit.

Climate: Temperature – 30°C (86°F), yearly average rainfall – 2,975 mm (117.1 in), and year-round high humidity.
Find out more in our guide to Marshall Islands Weather, Seasons & Climate.

Time zone: UTC/GMT +12.
Find out more in What Is the Marshall Islands Time Zone?

Population: 42,418.
Find out more in Who Are the People of the Marshall Islands?

Languages: Marshallese and English.
Find out more in What is the Marshall Islands Language?

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How to Get to the Marshall Islands

What is the best way to get to the Marshall Islands? The country can be reached by international flight, cruise ship or private sailing yacht. Flying is by far the most common option, so let’s start there.

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 famous "Island Hopper" service, while Nauru Airlines provides another island-hopping service from destinations such as Tarawa and Pohnpei. Travellers coming from Australia, New Zealand and even 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 services also call at Kwajalein, although access arrangements there are more specialised.

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

Cruises to the Marshall Islands

The Marshall Islands are not a regular stop on most Pacific cruise itineraries, but some expedition cruises, grand voyages and round-the-world cruises visit the country. Most cruise ships call at Majuro, while specialist expeditions may also reach outer atolls such as Mili and Jaluit.

Cruises generally visit as part of longer Pacific crossings from places such as Fiji, the United States or other regional hubs. Port calls are uncommon and itineraries can change, so check the latest schedule carefully before booking.

Find out which cruise lines visit and where they stop 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 make 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, and 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 even some prohibited goods, like e-cigarettes, that are worth knowing about.

When in doubt, declare it. Declaring an item does not necessarily mean it will be confiscated, but discovering the rules beside the baggage scanner is rarely the tropical welcome anyone has in mind.

Be sure to read Arriving in the Marshall Islands: Airport Customs, Biosecurity & Arrival Process before packing.

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

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When to Visit the Marshall Islands

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

Learn more about the climate in our guide, 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, not only for temperatures of around 77-86°F (25-30°C) but also for the lower (although not exactly low) rainfall per month at an average of 5.5-10.7 in (140-273 mm).

The dry season is also the main time for surfing and kitesports, enjoying more convenient scuba diving conditions, fishing for mahimahi and staying at some of the country’s remote watersports resorts.

Wet Season (May to November)

The wet season remains hot and humid, with temperatures around 77-86°F (25-30°C) and average monthly rainfall of 9.8-12.1 in (248-307 mm). This period also overlaps with the North Pacific tropical storm season, which means there is a risk of typhoons (but only a risk, which you can learn more about in Typhoon Safety in the Marshall Islands: How to Prepare for a Typhoon in the Marshall Islands).

The wet season is also the time for fishing for sailfish, experiencing major celebrations such as Constitution Day and Fisherman’s Day and travelling when visitor numbers are especially low. Note, however, that some remote resorts and tour operators reduce their services or close during this period.

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

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What to Pack for the Marshall Islands

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. 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
  • 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
  • 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).

And that’s just the clothes! For a full packing list of everything to take, including accessories and toiletries, 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.

On a similar note, a reusable water purification bottle is preferable to buying bottled water for obvious environmental reasons. However, if you have large water bottles, these can be refilled at drinking water stations for a small price.

See our health essentials packing list in What Medication to Pack in Your First Aid Kit for the Marshall Islands, as well as tips for protecting the health of the environment in 25 Ways to Travel More Sustainably in the Marshall Islands.

Currency

The currency in the Marshall Islands is the US dollar. Cash is the safest and most widely accepted way to pay, so having enough with you while exploring the islands is essential.

Cards are accepted at many hotels, restaurants and supermarkets in Majuro, but taxis, market stalls, small businesses and almost everything on the outer atolls expect cash. Visitors cannot exchange foreign currency after arrival, so bring US dollars from home and treat Majuro’s three ATMs as a backup.

Get more money tips in What is the Best Way to Pay in the Marshall Islands?

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?

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How Long to Spend in the Marshall Islands

The Marshall Islands might make for 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, which most who are travelling this far off the beaten track are, 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 are the recommended number of days for a more satisfying trip, especially if you include Arno Atoll or spend time experiencing the country’s slower outer-atoll rhythm.

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.

Check out Majuro Itinerary: 3 Days in the Marshall Islands for a complete itinerary.

5 Days in the Marshall Islands

Five days give 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.

We have met travellers staying for only three days who never managed to get in the water because the weather had other ideas. Allowing at least five days 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.

Get some inspiration on what to do and where to go 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.

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.

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

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Which Atolls to Visit in the Marshall Islands

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. The most visited, most populated and easiest atoll to reach is Majuro Atoll, while Arno Atoll is the nearest and most accessible outer atoll.

Compare the most popular atolls to visit, as well as some of the country’s more remote destinations, in The Atolls of the Marshall Islands & The Best to Visit. Otherwise, here’s a quick rundown of where to go.

Majuro Atoll

Home to the country’s international airport, capital and main port of entry, Majuro Atoll is where almost every trip to the Marshall Islands begins. The urban districts offer restaurants, shops, museums and most of the country’s visitor services, but the real magic begins when you leave the roadside settlements behind.

A trip to the quieter northern lagoon islets is an absolute must. Often called the “picnic islands” by locals, islands such as Eneko and Enemanit offer beaches, clear lagoon water, snorkelling and the tropical scenery many travellers imagine before arriving.

Find out all you need to know about planning a trip in The Complete Travel Guide to Majuro, as well as more lagoon adventures in 30 Best Things to Do on Majuro.

Arno Atoll

Just a 45-minute to 1 hr 30 mins boat journey from Majuro, Arno Atoll is the easiest outer atoll to add to your trip. Despite being so close to the capital, it feels wonderfully remote, with quiet fishing villages, coconut palms, empty beaches and clear lagoon waters.

There are only two visitor accommodations, so booking ahead and confirming your boat transport are essential. Facilities are simple, but Arno offers one of the easiest ways to experience traditional outer-atoll life without relying on an unpredictable domestic flight.

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

Further Afield

Travelling beyond Majuro and Arno takes more planning, but it is definitely worth it for travellers who want to experience the Marshall Islands at its most remote and rewarding.

Wotje Atoll and Mili Atoll combine traditional communities with extensive Japanese Second World War ruins, while Jaluit Atoll offers colonial history, lagoon scenery and a slower pace of life. Likiep Atoll is especially appealing for its historic wooden buildings, while Ailinglaplap Atoll is known for traditional canoe-building, strong Marshallese culture and its exclusive surf, dive and kitesports resort.

Flights and boats can be irregular, accommodation is limited, and you will need to bring cash, toiletries, medication and other essential supplies. Allow plenty of flexibility around your international flights because, out here, the timetable is sometimes more of a hopeful suggestion.

Again, be sure to check out The Atolls of the Marshall Islands & The Best to Visit for more comparisons and to discover the country’s lesser-visited atolls.

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How to Get Around the Marshall Islands

The distances between atolls in the Marshall Islands are vast, making domestic flights and inter-atoll boats the main options for travelling beyond Majuro. Once you have arrived on your atoll of choice, getting around usually involves taxis, rental vehicles, bicycles or local boat transfers.

Ferries and Boat Transport

Inter-atoll passenger vessels connect Majuro with some outer atolls, but they do not operate to the frequent, fixed timetables you might expect elsewhere. Departures can depend on cargo, weather, maintenance and enough passengers turning up, so flexibility is essential.

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

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

Domestic Flights

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

Reconfirm your booking at least 24 hours before departure and leave a generous buffer before your international flight. Find out more in Domestic Flights in the Marshall Islands: Your Guide to Interisland Flights.

Taxis

Taxis are abundant around Majuro’s main districts and are one of the easiest ways to get around. Most operate as shared public transport, so drivers may pick up other passengers travelling in the same direction.

Short trips around town usually cost around US$3 per person, while airport journeys, private rides and trips to Laura cost more. Ask about a driver’s daily rate for sightseeing and agree on the fare before setting off on a longer journey.

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

Car Rental

Renting a car is one of the most convenient ways to explore Majuro, particularly for travelling west to Laura and stopping at attractions along the atoll’s only main road.

Visitors can generally drive with a valid overseas driver’s licence for up to 30 days, although rental companies have their own minimum-age and document requirements. Find out everything you need to know in What You Need to Hire a Car in the Marshall Islands.

While those are the main ways to get around the Marshall Islands, you can dive into all of your options, including airport transfers, inter-atoll boats and yacht travel, in the Marshall Islands Transport Guide: 15 Best Ways to Get Around the Marshall Islands.

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Where to Stay: Accommodation in the Marshall Islands

The Marshall Islands has a small but varied selection of holiday accommodation, from familiar hotels on Majuro Atoll to secluded island resorts, basic outer-atoll lodges and self-contained holiday homes.

As the Marshall Islands is a remote island country, accommodation standards and facilities might not always be as high as you are used to. Availability is also limited outside Majuro, so booking ahead and reconfirming meals, transfers and room facilities is essential.

Take a look at accommodation styles across the country in Where to Stay in the Marshall Islands: 15 Best Accommodations.

Hotels

Hotels are primarily found around Delap-Uliga-Djarrit and Rairok on Majuro. They range from conventional hotel rooms to apartment-style units, usually with private bathrooms, air-conditioning, a fridge or drink-making facilities, a TV and either free or paid WiFi.

The larger hotels provide communal facilities such as restaurants, bars, laundry services and airport transfers. Some also have dive operators, car rental and rooms with cooking facilities, while smaller hotel-apartment properties might provide kitchens and laundry facilities but no restaurant.

Compare the main options in the 10 Best Resorts & Hotels in the Marshall Islands.

Resorts

Resorts provide the most memorable tropical accommodation experience, usually on private islets around Majuro Lagoon or further afield on Ailinglaplap Atoll. Accommodation ranges from overwater bungalows to self-contained beach houses with private bathrooms, hot water, ceiling fans, WiFi and, in some rooms, air-conditioning.

Meals, drinks, boat transfers and watersports equipment may be included, particularly at the more remote resorts. However, not every island has a full restaurant, shop or reliable phone connection, so some properties require guests to bring their own food, drinks and personal supplies.

Compare the country’s private-island stays in the 10 Best Resorts & Hotels in the Marshall Islands.

Lodges and Budget Accommodation

Making up much of the remaining accommodation scene is a miscellaneous category of guesthouses, island getaways and simple outer-atoll lodges. These are found in Majuro, on nearby lagoon islands and as far away as Wotje Atoll.

Facilities vary considerably. Some guesthouses provide compact private rooms, air-conditioning, hot water and fast WiFi, while simpler island stays might offer little more than a bed, fan, shower and shared kitchen. Outer-atoll lodges may have shared bathrooms, dining areas and kitchenettes but no restaurant, reception desk or daily housekeeping.

At the most remote stays, guests should expect limited hot water, unreliable WiFi and few nearby shops. Bring food, drinking water and essential supplies when requested, as room service is unlikely to paddle over after you arrive.

Compare affordable stays in the 5 Best Budget Accommodations in Majuro & the Marshall Islands.

Holiday Homes and Airbnbs

Holiday homes and apartment rentals are mainly found around Ajeltake and other quieter parts of Majuro. These are particularly useful for families, groups and longer stays, providing more privacy and space than a conventional hotel room.

Facilities usually include one or more bedrooms, a private bathroom, air-conditioning, hot water, WiFi and a full kitchen with living and dining areas. Some also have large TVs, laundry facilities, furnished decks and direct access to the lagoon or beach.

Unlike hotels, holiday homes generally do not have a restaurant, reception, daily housekeeping or organised activities. You may also need a rental car or regular taxis, while stocking up on groceries before leaving town is highly recommended (an empty self-catering fridge is not especially good at catering).

See more spacious stays in the 10 Best Family Accommodations in Majuro & the Marshall Islands.

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What is the Best Accommodation in the Marshall Islands?

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

Bokanbotin Island Resort

Escape to a private island in the northern lagoon at Bokanbotin Island Resort, home to just three modern overwater bungalows.

The bungalows include WiFi and easy access to excellent snorkelling, while the surrounding marine protected area is home to coral, tropical fish and giant clams. Guests can also explore the short island trail or relax at the overwater gazebo.

Boat charters can be arranged for fishing, snorkelling, trips to Arno Atoll and night lobstering. Airport transfers are also available, including a 15-minute boat ride directly to the airport.

Note that the resort does not currently have a full restaurant. A small shop sells basic supplies, but guests should bring enough food and drinks for their stay.

Dream over photos and even book your stay at Book Bokanbotin Island Resort on Booking.com.

Ajeltake Beach House

Enjoy a spacious self-catering stay beside the lagoon at Ajeltake Beach House, one of the best options for families, groups and longer holidays on Majuro Atoll.

The property consists of four private units with kitchens, dining areas, lounges, large-screen TVs, air-conditioning, hot water and 24-hour WiFi. Bed linen and towels are provided, although guests need to bring their own food and drinks.

The larger "Rushing Water One" and "Rushing Water Two" units sleep up to six people, while "Patio View" offers an elevated outlook. The compact "Penthouse" sits above the lagoon at the end of a private walkway.

An on-site caretaker lives next door, providing assistance while still allowing guests plenty of privacy.

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

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Things to Do in the Marshall Islands

Contrary to popular belief, there’s more to do in the Marshall Islands than sit beside the lagoon and watch the coconut palms! The country excels in adventure, sightseeing, culture and relaxation, providing a generous mix of water and land experiences.

There’s so much to do that we could hardly fit it all into our 101 Best Things to Do in the Marshall Islands: The Ultimate List!

Water Activities in the Marshall Islands

  • Snorkelling - Explore colourful lagoon reefs, coral gardens and giant clam sanctuaries
  • Scuba diving - Dive among coral walls, sunken aircraft and Second World War shipwrecks
  • Boat tours - Cruise to remote lagoon islands for snorkelling, swimming and beach picnics
  • Fishing - Cast for tuna, mahimahi, marlin, sailfish and reef fish
  • Surfing - Ride uncrowded reef breaks around the outer atolls
  • Kayaking and paddleboarding - Paddle across calm lagoons and around palm-covered islets
  • Traditional canoe sailing - Experience the sailing skills that have connected Marshallese communities for generations
  • Beach days - Escape to the northern islands of Majuro Atoll or the peaceful shores of Arno Atoll.

Land Activities in the Marshall Islands

  • Cultural experiences - Learn about navigation, canoe-building, weaving and traditional food
  • Island tours - Explore villages, beaches, churches and historical sites with a local guide
  • Museums - Discover Marshallese history, culture and the country’s nuclear legacy
  • Historical sites - See Japanese bunkers, aircraft remains, coastal defences and colonial buildings
  • Handicraft shopping - Browse woven baskets, mats, fans, jewellery and wall decorations
  • Handicraft workshops - Learn how to braid and make your own souvenir
  • Nature and wildlife - Look for seabirds, turtles and marine life around remote islands
  • Markets - Sample local produce, fresh seafood and prepared Marshallese food
  • Restaurants - Try fresh tuna, reef fish, breadfruit, pandanus and generous island-style meals.

Again, start making your bucket list with 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.

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Food in the Marshall Islands

Food is an integral part of Marshallese culture. Despite there being limited dining options outside of the main centre of Majuro, accommodation hosts will ensure you won’t go hungry by providing home-cooked meals, self-catering facilities or full-board dining - just make sure to confirm if food is provided before you get on the boat.

Everything you need to know about food in the Marshall Islands can be found in The Food Guide to the Marshall Islands: Places to Eat & Food Tours.

Restaurants and Cafés

Restaurants and cafés come with plenty of choices in Majuro, serving international favourites including American, Asian, Filipino and Marshallese dishes. You’ll find everything from fresh seafood and barbecue plates to noodles, burgers, bakeries, food trucks and waterfront dining.

Outside of Majuro, restaurants are rare and meals are usually provided by resorts, lodges or local hosts. Take a look at The Food Guide to Majuro: Places to Eat & Food Tours, while our favourites are listed in the 15 Best Restaurants in Majuro & the Marshall Islands.

Self-Catering

Self-catering is totally viable in Majuro but much less practical on the outer atolls. Although there are supermarkets and convenience stores across the capital, cooking facilities vary from complete kitchens to a rather lonely microwave sitting in the corner.

As self-catering is such a big topic to cover, we have a separate guide in A Guide to Supermarkets & Food Shopping in the Marshall Islands.

You also might like to know about bringing food into the country, particularly when travelling to the outer atolls. Read up on customs and biosecurity rules in Arriving in the Marshall Islands: Airport Customs, Biosecurity & Arrival Process.

Special Diets

With fish, meat, rice and imported staples appearing on many menus, vegan and gluten-free diners may struggle to find creative dishes outside of Majuro. The capital’s larger supermarkets carry products such as dairy-free milk, beans, cereals and specialist groceries, although availability depends on recent shipments.

Nevertheless, as long as you let your accommodation hosts know about any dietary requirements before you arrive, they may be able to prepare suitable meals. Self-catering and bringing essential snacks are the safest options when travelling further afield.

Check out Marshall Islands for Vegans & Vegetarians + 10 Best Restaurants, as well as The Gluten-Free Guide to the Marshall Islands, for more advice.

What Food to Try

And what are the foods worth trying in the Marshall Islands? With a range of local snacks, dishes and beverages, from creamy jāibo to warm tōñut, trying Marshallese staples is one of the best ways to experience the culture.

Look out for fresh fish, or breadfruit, banke rice porridge, coconut-rich jāibo, tōñut doughnuts and namonamo, a hotdog wrapped in slightly sweet pancake-style bread. Drinks worth trying include pandanus bōbshakes, sweet coconut-sap jekaro and Bōb Whisky, which is distilled from fermented pandanus juice.

Look out for the items listed in Traditional Marshallese Food & Drink: 10 Foods to Try and 10 Best Foodie Experiences in the Marshall Islands.

Food and Water Safety

Tourist accommodation in the Marshall Islands may provide safe drinking water through water dispensers and bottled water refills in your room, but tap water is generally not safe to drink. See Is the Water Safe to Drink in the Marshall Islands? for more advice.

Food at established restaurants and accommodation is generally prepared for visitors, but take the usual precautions with raw seafood, unrefrigerated food and produce that cannot be peeled or washed safely. Check out Marshall Islands Safety Tips: Is It Safe to Travel to the Marshall Islands? for precautions to take.

For all things food in the Marshall Islands, including markets to visit, foodie experiences, restaurant recommendations and more, head to The Food Guide to the Marshall Islands: Places to Eat & Food Tours.

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Typical Costs for a Trip to 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

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

The Cost of Activities

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?

Marshall Islands Travel Guides: Plan a Marshall Islands Trip According to Your Travel Style

Finally, this wouldn't be the best travel guide to the Marshall Islands without taking into account that everyone likes to holiday differently. Here at Marshall Islands Pocket Guide, we have travel guides for all styles of travel, including budget travellers, honeymooners, families and foodies. If one of these fits your style, then jump ahead to the appropriate travel guide:

And if you simply can't get enough Marshall Islands wisdom, head over to the 30 Tips for Travelling in the Marshall Islands.

Happy travels, and thanks for checking out this travel guide to the Marshall Islands!