411 REFERENCE · Wikibooks
A Traveler's Guide to the World of Pokémon/Johto/Whirl Islands
Reference material by Wikibooks contributors. This retains its source identity and is not 411 news reporting.
Whirl Islands [fill in] [fill in] Whirlislemap.PNG Johto Route 40 (North)Cianwood City (West)
In the Pokémon world, the Whirl Islands are a place between Olivine City and Cianwood City in the Johto region on Route 40. It is the only place a Lugia can be obtained.
In the video games, the Whirl Islands are rock formations that allow access to a underground cave. The islands can only be reached when players have obtained the HM Whirlpool, which they can use to clear out the swirling whirlpools, and enter the caves. If it is the trainer's first time going to Cianwood City, he or she must pass through to reach Cainwood City. Once inside with the Silver Wing, the pokemon Lugia can be found.
In the anime
In the anime, they are much larger and populated. They took up the first 14 episodes of the "Master Quest" season. The first episode, entitled "Around the Whirlpool" introduces the main three themes of the side-story:
Misty decides she wants a Corsola, (which eventually leads to her capturing one a few episodes later.)
The Whirl Cup, (a tournament using only Water Pokémon that Ash and Misty enter.)
A Mystery Pokémon, (Most of their time in the Whirl Islands is spent wondering what it is, and when they find out, they are soon caught up in a rescue mission with their old friend, Richie.)