The boats to and from Arno run on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday every week. We could have gone today and returned on Friday, but since we were flying out on Saturday, I wanted to keep a buffer day in between. If the Friday boat had been cancelled for any reason, we would not have made it back for our return flights. So, we decided to make a day trip today to see a little bit of Arno.
We took a taxi to Hotel Robert Reimers for USD 2 per person. The boat was scheduled to leave from the dock nearby at around 10:00 AM. It is the only public transport between the islands and is used by both passengers and cargo. While private charters are available, they are much more expensive. This trip cost us USD 15 per person each way, and we paid in cash.
The boat only had locals on board, and we were the only tourists. There were a few other passengers like us, however—locals making a quick trip there and back. The captain’s wife kindly offered us a couple of bottles of water and some cakes to eat.
Our journey took us toward the Majuro Bridge, the highest point on the Majuro Atoll. Until this point, our boat remained in the calm waters of the lagoon. The Majuro Bridge, often referred to as the Japan-Marshall Bridge, connects the islets of Delap and Uliga and separates the Majuro Lagoon from the Pacific Ocean.
Once we passed under the bridge and reached the open ocean, the water became much choppier. We could feel the power of the waves as our boat cut across the Pacific.
The trip took about 45 minutes, and we soon began to see the palm-lined coast of Arno Atoll in the distance. As we drew closer to the shore, the water transitioned from a deep royal blue to a shimmering, transparent turquoise.
We walked from the Arno dock on the Pacific side to the beach on the other side, which faced the internal Arno lagoon.
It was more beautiful than words can describe—it almost seemed unreal.
We enjoyed strolling along the soft white sand, and the water was perfect for a quick swim.
I wish we could have spent more time at Arno, but even a short visit was better than not seeing this paradise at all. We boarded the boat once again and headed back out into the ocean, leaving Arno behind as we made our way toward Majuro.
After returning to Majuro, we had a late lunch at the Tide Table Restaurant & Lounge at Hotel Robert Reimers. We then headed back to our Airbnb to relax for a while.
We stepped out again in the evening for a walk. Knowing there were few late-night dining options nearby, we decided to eat early. The Enra Restaurant at the Marshall Islands Resort was close by, and since we enjoyed the food there yesterday, we returned for dinner.
🍽️ Tide Table Restaurant & Lounge at Hotel Robert Reimers
🍽️ Enra Restaurant at the Marshall Islands Resort
🛏️ Airbnb - Room in Marshall Islands