Satawal Island, Yap, Micronesia

Satawal is a solitary coral island in the Caroline Islands in the Federated States of Micronesia, the easternmost island in the Yap island group. It is 2 km long northeast-southwest, and up to 800 m wide. As there are no anchorages for large boats, Satawal is seldom visited by outsiders.

The Satawalese primarily subsist on fishing and some agriculture (coconuts, breadfruit, taro). They build small thatch houses for sleeping and use the trunks of breadfruit trees for boat-building. Cultural forms primarily revolve around dance and story-telling, and an alcoholic beverage known as tuba is brewed from fermented coconut milk.

The island is best known for its preservation of traditional navigational techniques without the use of instruments, based on indigenous astronomical and maritime concepts. Despite its small population, Satawal has continued to produce ocean-going canoes and expert navigators versed in these traditions.

Things to see and do

* Kayaking
* Diving and snorkeling
* Island exploration
* Village visit

Cruise Season – Jan - Dec
Currency – United States dollar (USD)
Language – English, Satawalese
Land Area – 1.3 km²
Population – 500 approx
Electricity – 2 angled flat pins and 1 round pin centred below Australian style
Time – GMT plus ten hours
International Country Telephone Code – + 691

Transport Links – Yap International Airport receives service from Continental Micronesia, a subsidiary of Continental Airlines.