Ebeye Island (Kwajalein Atoll) - General Info
Description:
Kwajalien has 97 islets and is an active U.S. military base that conducts missile tests. This is the largest atoll in the Marshall Islands with one of the largest lagoons in the world.
The only island you may visit in this atoll is Ebeye, which offers the only anchorage available to visiting yachts. Yachts are not allowed to anchor anywhere else. This anchorage is intended for yachts clearing into or out of the country.
Kwajalein can be a challenge to visit unless you are clearing in or out of the country. This is because any person or yacht wishing to visit the island of Kwajalein must be sponsored by someone living or working on the island. Although the rules change often, currently (December 2024) yachts wishing to clear in or out may do so in Ebeye without a permit.
Ebeye has a population of about 14,000 and provides access to some of the world’s best wreck diving. Kwajalein lagoon has numerous wrecks from World War II and earlier, including the famous Prinz Eugen, the escort ship to Germany’s Bismark.
Entrance Notes or Cautions:
The Gea pass on the west side of the atoll is very deep and well buoyed. It is also the pass the military vessels use, so keep a good lookout.
The neighbouring island of Kwajalein is off limits to all but US military personnel and their permitted visitors.
Kwajalein continues to be a missile defence test site. To find out about any testing that may be going on in Kwajalein Atoll, listen on SSB frequency 2716. At the top of each hour, a broadcast should be heard with range test information. You can contact Kwaj Range Control on this frequency at any time. Have a pencil ready as the coordinates of any closed area are given in a long group of lat/long positions. You can also check out: www.facebook.com/USArmyKwajaleinAtoll
See Communications for details of local cruisers’ nets.
Cruiser Highlights:
A good place to clear out of the Marshall Islands. Limited provisions and water available but no fuel.
See this report from SY Alice who visited in May 2023: Marshall Islands: Cruising through History
Position:
08° 46.77’N, 167° 44.02’E (off the town)
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Clearing out of the Marshalls from Ebeye is very easy and straightforward. Anchor and dinghy to the small boat marina. Head directly to Customs, (near NTA) Immigration is two doors down. After the C and I, paperwork is complete a Customs inspector may want to inspect your boat.
You will transport him to your dinghy. A Port Clearance will be issued after the inspection. As of January 2019, no fees were required.
New rules for 2018 yachts intending to visit Kwajalein Atoll. Yachts are no longer allowed to anchor or approach the US Military Islands of Roi-Namur or Kwajalein Island. For many years visiting yachts were allowed to anchor at Roi-Namur and use the services of the small boat marina, including fuel, store & laundry outside the security zone, but no more. Only Pre-approved, sponsored yachts can approach and anchor.
Fuel is no longer sold to even approved yachts. But is available in Ebeye. These rules seem to change with every new Base Commander, so inquire before relying on old published information. To visit the US Bases every individual will need an employee of the base to sponsor them, after a full background check. Allow a month for submission, check and approval. FYI it is unlikely any Non-USA passport holders will be approved.