Kwajalein Warnings Or Dangers

Sun - We're not far from the equator and the UV is intense. Sunscreen, sunglasses, and hats are highly recommended. The time between getting a little red and total immolation out here is 6.3 seconds, so don't say you weren't warned.

Sharks - You go diving or snorkeling, you're gonna see sharks. Get used to the idea. Most are innocuous. I don't know of there ever having been a true shark attack here. If they start getting interested in you, get out of the water.

Morays - They are pretty mellow despite their fierce appearance. Don't bother them and they won't bother you. I would not suggest trying to hand feed them.

Sea Urchins - Most have sharp spines, so don't handle. If you're walking on the reef, wear sturdy tennis shoes and watch where you step.

Stonefish - The most poisonous fish in the world lives here. Their camouflage is unbelievably good. I have had a fellow diver pointing one out to me and it still took a minute or two before I could spot it. If you're walking in shallow water, sturdy shoes are your best protection because you are not going to see this nearly invisible rascal. Don't try to handle or play around with them, it's not worth a medevac to Hono.

Coconut crabs - Very few of these on Kwaj now, but lots are still on other islands like Roi-Namur. They are ugly but delicious. Don't try to hand-catch them unless you know what you're doing! If you want some idea of how strong their claws are, consider that their name comes from the fact that coconut meat is part of their diet...you ever try to open up a coconut?

Poison Cone Shells - It is unlikely you'll ever see one unless you are actively looking for them to collect. Don't handle. The dangerous ones here are the marble cone, tulip cone, geographer cone, striated cone, and textile (or cloth-of-gold) cone.

UXO - This was a big battlefield during WWII, and we find unexploded ordnance all the time. If you see something that looks out of place, don't mess with it, let someone know and we'll call Explosive Ordnance Disposal to take a look at it.