© iStock/CharlesWhiting Diving in Ralik Chain Two island groups make up The Marshall Islands: the Ratak chain and Ralik chain. Ratak means sunshine, and this chain is located on the east, while Ralik means sunset, and this chain is located on the west. These parallel island chains have 29 coral atolls, thousands of tiny islets, and hundreds of small low-lying islands. One interesting fact is that no Marshall island exceeds 20 feet (6 meters) above the sea level. The Marshall Islands is a group of idyllic islands and a world-famous destination with plenty of white sandy beaches, tall palm trees, and turquoise lagoons. Diving in the Ralik chain, you will find the largest coral atoll on the planet, the Kwajalein Atoll. Keep in mind that the Kwajalein Atoll is rented out to the U.S. Military as a missile testing range, so it’s off limits for non-military personnel. The Ralik Chain is one of the places with the best diving in the Marshall Islands. Another must-visit site is Rongelap, which used to be a U.S. atomic bomb testing site around the 1950s, but it’s now open to divers; here, you will find great diving and extensive biodiversity, because of its non-fishing status. Another important dive site in the Ralik Chain is Bikini Atoll, where you will find historical shipwreck diving as it once used as a U.S. Navy ship graveyard following WWII. The Ralik Chain has it all, from astounding fish populations and dive sites for the beginners, to world-class wreck diving for the adventurers. Featured places to go in Ralik Chain © MaresBikini AtollThe best wreck diving destination in the Marshall Islands is Bikini Atoll; some people even consider it the best place for wreck diving in the world.Learn more © MaresRongelap AtollRongelap atoll offers spectacular dive sites with reefs that are in immaculate condition and that are home to an astounding fish population.Learn more © ScubaproKwajalein AtollKwajalein atoll is famous for the ’airplane graveyard’ - over 100 airplanes are resting in the sand here.Learn more Dive Sites in Ralik Chain Discover the wonders of the deep with SSI's blog Join us on an exciting journey of discovery and learn more about exhilarating diving adventures, dedicated conservation initiatives, and innovative educational opportunities that will help you illuminate the extraordinary beauty of the underwater world. Let's explore the underwater world together and delve into the hidden wonders beneath the gentle waves.