Perhaps you’ve been shore diving on your own, with just a buddy or two for support. Most of us have never had the opportunity to take a truly self-directed adventure; however, if you have the time and available resources to undertake the trip of a lifetime during which you’ll explore pristine reefs and encounter an amazing array of marine life and birds, a trip to Baker Island could be just right for you. With zero infrastructure and an interesting history, this beautiful little island is a world away from everyday cares.
An Uninhabited Paradise
Baker Island is located about 3,100 kilometers southwest of Honolulu, and lies about halfway between the Hawaiian Islands and Australia. It is a completely uninhabited atoll that lies just north of the equator, and it is a possession of the United States. Though unincorporated and unorganized, Baker Island is a National Wildlife Refuge; it is administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, who visit once every two years.
Baker Island was discovered in 1818 when a whaling ship called the Equator visited; later, Captain Michael Baker, for whom the island is named, claimed it as his territory. In 1855, Baker sold his interest in the island to a group that later became known as the American Guano Company. The United States then took possession of the island under the Guano Islands Act of 1856; guano mining was prevalent here until about 1891.
In 1935, American colonists arrived on board the US Coast Guard Cutter Itasca; they built a lighthouse and a number of other buildings; they also attempted to grow plants without much success. All civilians were evacuated by 1942, and Baker Island was occupied by the US Military during the Second World War. By 1944, the entire base was abandoned; it is now mostly in ruins. An old cemetery, what’s left of the lighthouse, settlement remains, and lots of debris remaining from the days of military occupation are about all you’ll find topside, though there is a Baker Island National Wildlife Refuge sign that reads “No Trespassing” in several languages. Birds such as the masked booby can also be seen, and hermit crabs have taken over the shady areas created by day beacons on the island.
Baker Island National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1974 and expanded in 2009 to include all submerged lands within 12 nautical miles of the island’s perimeter. Public entry is tightly controlled and is allowed via permit only, though recreation is allowed offshore. Most people who visit the island do so under the auspices of scientific expeditions.
Underwater, you may be fortunate enough to find the remains of landing craft lost in the surf during the Second World War, as well as wrecked aircraft and other artifacts that date back to the island’s use as a military base. Corals are abundant here, and although some illegal offshore fishing has been reported, tropical fish, sharks, and even rare Hawaiian monk seals call the waters around Baker Island home. Green sea turtles nest on the island’s beaches and are abundant throughout the fringing reefs surrounding it.
Getting to Baker Island might prove to be tricky, however if you want to volunteer with a scientific expedition, you may find that this is a trip that doesn’t cost a lot in terms of money. While you might be put to work counting fish, birds, or turtles, there are definitely worse ways to spend your time – and the opportunity to dive in a far-flung paradise is one that doesn’t arise often!