Kolonia - Docking
The channel leading into the inner harbour is poorly marked, so local help may be needed. Do not attempt to enter at night.
The anchorage off the abandoned yacht club is convenient, but not the most pleasant due to lack of breeze and many bugs.
The east side of the island provides a protected spot but is more exposed to the trade winds.
There are now a few moorings available in the harbour (check with the owner of the South Park Hotel if his dinghy operator does not contact you when you come in to anchor).
Sokehs Harbour
There is no longer any water available at the old Rumors Dock in Sokehs Harbour. The dock really no longer exists, as it is crumbling into the lagoon. Cruisers need to exercise great care when coming ashore. The boat ramp is extremely slippery, though cruisers do use the area with care.
Although there is plenty of room to anchor in Kolonia’s harbour, the Mangrove Bay Marina in Sokehs Harbour – a new enterprise built by local businessman/fisherman Kumer – is a pleasant alternative.
Shopping is within walking distance and includes an excellent NAPA motor parts store, enormous Ace Hardware, well stocked True Value Hardware and more. Groceries are available from a variety of supermarkets and roadside stores. Taxis are readily available and cost $1 per person per trip. WIFI is available free from the nearby Rusty Anchor Restaurant, or by buying a card from Telecom and using the FSM Telecom signal.
Last updated: February 2013
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Related to following destinations: Federated States of Micronesia, Kolonia, Pohnpei
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Glen McConchie says:
Sep 05, 2018 05:09 AM
Glen here a Kiwi who is an offshore sailor but living on the island of Yap for the last 5 years, Just a quick note to tell all that it is VERY IMPORTANT to have a valid cruising permit before entering FSM, here in Yap.
I have seen several boats be fined $1000 USD each for not having one, even after showing proof of having applied but not received one. If a serious bit of revenue collecting is to be avoided I recommend you get it sorted in advance.
The problem lies with head office in Pohnpei, I was witness to and tried to help a Korean sailor who lost everything he owned on the outer reef here at night after falling asleep and landing on the reef.
The boat was a total loss and it still cost him $1000 for not having a cruising permit and a bucket load of other fees on top of that for hitting the reef and getting picked up by the local police.
He was lucky that a lot of his good gear was taken from the ship with the pickup but unlucky most of it disappeared and the rest was confiscated. Still a great place to visit just be sure to have all in order BEFORE arrival.
There has been a change in the location of the Bank of Guam’s second ATM. It has moved from Palm Terrace Store to Telecom.
Having just arrived in Pohnpei last week, I was told that I should have used Channel 10 on VHF, not 16 to notify our arrival at the port. On 16, there was no response.
It is not clear at all where you should berth for clearance once you have made it to the commercial harbour. We were invited to come alongside a private fishing fleet servicing vessel berthed just beyond the commercial wharf (not suitable for yachts) and behind the FSM police/fisheries vessels.
The relevant officials then came aboard across the deck of the vessel we had tied to. The clearance process was pleasant and professional.
Jim Patek
SY Let’s Go!
Made a mistake in the 04 February post. I should have written, make sure you keep the green to starboard, red to port, and don’t get close to the buoys. Sorry about that.
Long range planning. There will be an SSCA GAM at Mangrove Bay Marina on 26 December this year. We’ll celebrate Boxing Day with a great party with all yachts in the anchorage.
Port authorities have recently place channel buoys from the main commercial dock into Sokeh’s yacht harbor. Make sure to keep green to port and don’t get too close to the bouys. The approach is much easier now.