Dive Truk Lagoon: One of the Most Iconic WWII Wreck Destination!
Overall Rating
Hello, feedback on this rather tumultuous diving trip, as it was canceled by the provider and rebooked with another one (thanks Isabelle). Anyway, I'll give you my opinion in three points. The main idea is that you should only go if you're a fan of military history and wrecks, otherwise... 1/ It's far: whether you're coming from Europe or the South Pacific like me, it's long, with stops at every port of call, whether via Tokyo or Hawaii... in short, it takes at least 60 to 72 hours to reach the spot. 2/ It's expensive! Combining plane tickets (UA is the only line between Guam and Chuuk, at $750 USD for foreigners and $75 USD for locals...), hotel rooms, please don't stay in Chuuk. Guam is great, Chuuk is the worst of my life after that... damn, I can't say. Meals, taxis, etc., and of course the diving cruise, which, based on the initial price before negotiations, is almost USD 3,000...!!!... That's a real shock, because there's little travel on site except by dinghy, spots are 15 minutes max, boats are all in average condition, and I think we got the best of them, the equipment is aging, to put it mildly, you immediately notice that no investment has been made for a very long time. The food? I asked for a higher portion because I was on the verge of hypothermia... I'm not exaggerating that much, but the breakfast was very nice, made-to-order. 3/ Diving, yes: as a history and wreck fan, it's quite remarkable. Even if there are few "military" wrecks, 90% are cargo ships, a few planes, a submarine, etc. The DM was nice; I even managed to make him smile on the third day. A real challenge, but he was a good, discreet, and efficient guy. There were three of us, very good, but I can't imagine it with 16 of us... really. Regarding the dives, I regret not having gone earlier because the wrecks, aptly named, 79 years after Operation Hailstone, it's understandable that not everything is obvious. But it's a real pleasure to slip inside after a comprehensive overview on the way down. In conclusion, a good week, for me... I repeat, it's far away, it's expensive, and if it's not a childhood dream, there are other things to do. On the other hand, in my case, as I've described, no regrets. See you underwater Thierry
Why We Love It
Halfway between the Philippines and Hawaii, Truk Lagoon has an unparalleled density of WWII wrecks! During Operation Hailstone in February 1944 and Operation Inmate - a small assault conducted by British and Canadian forces in June 1945 - several Japanese planes and more than 50 ships were sunk by the American Army. These days, scuba divers can explore a variety of vessels: armed cargo ships, huge tankers, small destroyers, submarines, etc., all covered in healthy coral reefs and teeming with wildlife.
Conservation
Truk Lagoon harbors some of this world’s finest coraline and aquatic displays, especially in an around numerous artifacts lying on its floors from a previous global conflict. Resources here come under protection of the Federated States of Micronesia Government Marine Resources sector with strict rules to safeguard all in this Marine Park as so designated.
Who Is It For?
With all wrecks between 15 and 40 meters, the dive sites are accessible to Level 2 (Advanced Open Water) and above divers. A Deep and a Wreck Specialties are recommended. Be prepared for a harduous trip as flights from Guam are often rescheduled. Once in Weno, there's nothing much to see or do. You can check-in on liveaboard any day. It is a floating hotel in a very remote area, expect simple meals and basic comfort.
Prices and Dates
Loading...
Dive Briefing!
Marine Life
- Truk Lagoon is home to over a thousand fish species and 500 coral species.
- Truk's wrecks are covered with colorful hard and soft corals, forming stunning artificial reefs.
- It's common to see some eagle rays passing by, some marble rays and shovelnose rays, some dolphins, and plenty of fish: groupers, parrotfish, snappers, large schools of glassfish, and some macro life too!
- Grey reef sharks and leopard sharks are also commonly sighted.
Dive Conditions
- Season: It's possible to dive in Truk Lagoon year-round. As it is an equatorial destination, there will be rain. The driest months are from January to April, while the wettest months are from July to September.
- Currents: Little
- Visibility: 12 to 20 m (39 to 66 ft)
- Water Temperature: 27° to 30°C (81° to 86°F)
- Depth: Shallow and deep dives
Dive Sites
- Unlike in Bikini Atoll, you can dive Truk Lagoon wrecks even if you're not a tec diver, as the sites are shallower than in Bikini Atoll.
- Common wreck dive sites: the Fujikawa Maru, the Shinkoku Maru, the Suzuki Destroyer, the Nippo Maru, the Heian Maru, the San Francisco Maru, Hoki Maru, Rio de Janeiro Maru, the Bombers, Fighters, and Flying Boats.
- You may also dive at Shark Island, a popular shark cleaning station.
The Team
- Dive operator in the area since 1969
- Languages on board: English, Chuukese, and a little bit of Spanish and French
- A maximum of 6 divers per guide
Safety Information
- Equipment Recommended: A 3 to 5 mm wetsuit and the usual diving equipment. All can be rented on board.
- Insurance: Both dive insurance and travel insurance are mandatory. We recommend DAN Europe which has plans to cover both - ask us for a quote.
- Nearest Hyperbaric Chamber: At the U.S. Navy Dive Locker in Guam, which requires a low-altitude flight.
Visas, Flights, and More!
Visa Requirements
- If transiting via Guam and Hawaii, non-US citizens need to apply for an ESTA under the Visa Waiver Program or acquire a USA visa before traveling.
- Passport holders from most western countries are issued a 30 days tourist visa on arrival and the duration of stay is authorized for the number of days requested.
- Your passport should be valid for a minimum period of 4 months from the date of entry into Chuuk. You are also required to show a confirmed ticket to leave Chuuk or any country you are transiting through, before boarding your flight.
- For further information regarding visas please visit the Federated States of Micronesia website
How to Get There
- Book your ticket to Chuuk International Airport (TKK) on Weno Island.
- The liveaboard arranges transfers based on United Airlines flight schedules from Guam (GUM) to Chuuk (TKK)
More...
- Bring reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, mosquito repellent, and a rain jacket.
- The average air temperature is 28° (82°F) with intermittent rain.
Destinations
Right Season
Dive Operators
Booking Fees
