Top 5 Wake Island Outdoor Adventures: Your Ultimate Guide

Wake Island, very remote and having a history, is, apparently, much more than just a blip on the map, it’s also a surprisingly cool place for outdoor trips. Seriously, there are many, very unique things about it, that also draw you in, such as its location in the Pacific and being tied to WWII. We might as well check out all the best things you could see and do if you ever find yourself near Wake, or planning your visit. In some respects, here’s your go-to list of the top 5 outdoor activities you shouldn’t miss, offering helpful suggestions so you could definitely plan the trip.

1. Exploring Wake Island’s WWII History

Now, history buffs, this one’s definitely for you. Wake Island actually became rather well-known following its location within a key WWII battle. A bit of a walk to places just like the Battle of Wake Island Monument and the Japanese bunkers kind of lets you be right there experiencing what it must have been like, seemingly getting right close to parts of history, too. You might want to take one of the guided tours of the historical sites which usually give you really vivid insights from folks who truly understand that place. Anyway, a good tour will really deepen the total trip while adding extra perspective.

Consider this example of some insight I remember well: The Battle of Wake Island took place in December 1941, when the Japanese assaulted the atoll not very long after Pearl Harbor. The U.S. forces initially repelled the invasion but ultimately were beat soon afterwards. This battle is very memorable due to how fiercely the Americans defended it as they were heavily outnumbered. It showed the determination of Americans in the opening parts of World War 2, similarly to how we can still be awed as that bit of information makes the trip even richer. This will be on display and you could reflect with some amount of humility to truly comprehend the site’s meaning.

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2. Diving and Snorkeling in Wake’s Clear Waters

So, if you are the kind who really likes seeing things from under the ocean, Wake Island is one of the best places to give it a shot. Being in that isolated spot brings very clear water together, a large amount of sea life, plus remains of shipwrecks – which, I mean, is actually pretty awesome for a diving/snorkeling day out. Very often the visibility goes out past 100 feet, allowing you to watch the amazing corals along with schools related to exotic fish very closely, more or less. What adds a touch that is spooky, and kind of breathtaking at the same time, happens when exploring old war wrecks under the sea – a constant memory concerning what occurred during that era.

It just may be great regardless of if you’re very practiced at it, or beginning to learn. Local diving outfits offer guided diving journeys and equipment to rent in the case that bringing everything is far too difficult. This could even be the most amazing story once you get back: “Yeah, the very first place I ever saw the wreck of a boat happened to be close to Wake Island.”

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3. Bird Watching Around Wake Island

Typically Wake Island winds up as a haven for bird watchers; that is probably what the Audubon Society would say about this, right? Quite a number of migrating species stop on that island, turning that location into an incredibly desirable area, even more or less for anyone that likes watching birds, too. Seemingly, several types can be spotted, such as albatrosses, terns, plus frigatebirds, making every birdwatcher feel they were in on a huge adventure the time these species migrate here.

Bring a decent set of binoculars as well as a notebook; then try seeing for yourself the species that show up right there. That may be enjoyable regardless of if you’re experienced, but additionally very satisfying, mainly because it feels quite educational. Some swear they never guessed they might see many wild birds far away from most land masses. Clearly that’s part of that charm that comes from traveling somewhere very, very remote.

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4. Hiking and Nature Walks

And naturally, for individuals who prefer keeping the feet solid when walking near Mother Nature, a bunch of places on Wake Island are terrific for hiking, actually. Though its landscape is primarily flat, but even then, areas do exist that have attractive shoreline landscapes as well as interesting flora, almost, very similar to one long, big hiking trail. As you are out taking nature walks, be mindful to stay attentive to the environmental surroundings as well as, of course, drink some water!

You may want to try hiking alongside the beaches on the northern edges around the island because of the more stunning panoramas, generally. So too its inner paths, where certain kinds of the island’s unusual vegetation can sometimes be seen near old military positions – which, when you are just there wandering about by yourself, give you just a slightly creepy sensation concerning the battles that have already occurred here.

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5. Stargazing on Wake Island

And if perhaps the daytime hours aren’t enough to hold your attention, after dark, Wake Island apparently puts upon itself the persona regarding stargazing paradise because of hardly any light pollution from major cities, that may often make stargazing anywhere difficult. Because it’s distant far away in that area of the Pacific Ocean, it offers up excellent perspectives relating to night sky situations. As I was saying, on clear nights a person can view the Milky Way without requiring advanced gear, something rarely seen now!

Remembering exactly where constellations are generally is advisable before one heads out. Or simply just using some kind of stargazing software on any cellular phone might help greatly locate stars overhead, too! Anyway this can add an entirely silent, even memorable, touch to virtually any outdoor journey right over to Wake Island.

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