Bikar Atoll, Reef and atoll in the Ratak Chain, Marshall Islands
Bikar Atoll is a diamond-shaped coral reef system in the Ratak Chain, with six small islets surrounded by a continuous reef belt. The central lagoon is accessible through a narrow western pass and features crystal-clear tropical waters.
The atoll was annexed by the German Empire in 1885 and subsequently transferred to the Jaluit Company, reflecting German expansion in the South Pacific. This administrative period marked a significant chapter in European colonial history of the region.
The atoll stands as one of two remaining unaltered semi-arid atoll ecosystems on Earth, supporting 23 species of nesting seabirds and green turtles.
Visiting requires a boat, as the atoll is only accessible from the sea with no regular connections. Travelers should prepare for remote conditions, limited supplies, and dependence on favorable weather for safe passage.
The atoll is one of the last intact semi-arid ecosystems in the world, with unusually dry conditions for a tropical coral reef system. Its elevation of just a few meters above sea level makes it a rare example of extreme environmental conditions in this region.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
