Palmyra – 05°52.00'N, 162°05.00'W

Palmyra is one of the Northern Line Islands (southeast of Kingman Reef). Both are administered by the USA but there are no local officials
1) INFORMATION SUBMITTED BY Christopher Robinson - Rising Star
2) DATE 1988 & 1992
3) HARBOUR OR AREA COVERED Palmyra 5º52 'N 162º05 'W
4) SUITABILITY AND ATTRACTION FOR YACHTS Palmyra, technically part of the Hawaiian Group, and which is privately owned, was until 1992, uninhabited and visiting yachts unrestricted. There have been developments recently and it is recommended that inquiries are made in Honolulu before sailing. Birds - boobies, frigate birds and gulls, dominate the islands. Beware of eating fish from the lagoon; there is good diving in the pass and fishing outside the reefs. Palmyra is 1000 miles due south of the Hawaiian islands and therefore geographically close to the other Line Islands.
5) MARINAS, BERTHING OR ANCHORAGE The anchorage is opposite the pass close to shore either side of the old seaplane ramp and the dinghy dock. The chart shows a coral head at the end of the pass so beware. You should stay north of the two islands before turning for the anchorage. The water is very deep and you will have to anchor in at least 50ft or more.
6) ENTRY PORTS Not an official entry port
7) FORMAL REQUIREMENTS FOR YACHTS ENTERING/DEPARTING a) from/to same country N/A b) from/to abroad N/A c) visa requirements N/A
8) LOCATION/EXISTENCE OF a) harbour master N/A b) customs/immigration N/A c) health authorities N/A
9) CONTROL OF FOREIGN YACHTS None in 1992, except that you should get permission to go to Palmyra from the owners: - Savio Development Co. Inc., 931 University Avenue, Suite 2020, Honolulu, Hawaii 96826, Tel. 808 943 6400, Fax 808 942 2721. A charge per day is made.
10) ATTITUDE OF OFFICIALS TO VISITING YACHTSMEN N/A
11) REPAIR/HAULING FACILITIES None
12) SAILING DIRECTIONS OR CHARTS BA 2867
13) PORT RADIO SERVICES None
14) WEATHER FORECASTS None
15) YACHT CLUB(S) None
16) OTHER FACILITIES - a) drinking water There are some tanks ashore b) fuel No c) gas (propane)/gaz/ No d) chandlers No e) bank No f) shops/market No g) restaurants/hotels No h) post office/telephones No i) best mailing address None j) showers There is a shower rigged up ashore k) laundry DIY l) transport/air services) None m) hospital None n) anything else The entrance is very tricky and should not be attempted without a chart. It is definitely a fair weather pass for if the wind is blowing hard and the waves are breaking it could be very difficult to find it. When C. Robinson revisited in 1992 he found a new large wreck on the reef to the west of the island near the entrance pass. The charted wreck is hardly visible any more - it is covered in plant life and a tree is growing on it. Do not mistake the new wreck for the charted wreck or you will be on the coral yourself.
17) FIRST HAND RECOMMENDATIONS OR WARNINGS Palmyra was a US military base during WW2 and the remains of abandoned buildings, pillboxes and old rusting machinery can be found everywhere. It has been reported that the old runway is being cleared.