Truk Lagoon (Chuuk) is the happiest place on earth for wreck divers – when are you going?
In February of 1944, more than 500 planes were launched from U.S. aircraft carriers. They inflicted significant damage on the Japanese merchant fleet, sinking nearly ships in Micronesia’s Truk Lagoon (Chuuk).
No one would have guessed then, but today, over 70 years later, this disaster site is one of the top wreck-diving locations in the world.
Truk Lagoon (Chuuk) offers diving unlike anything you’ve ever experienced before. Over 50 shipwrecks, plane wrecks, abundant sea life, and historical significance make Truk Lagoon one of the most unique dive sites in the world – and a wreck divers paradise!
If it isn’t already, here’s why Truk Lagoon (Chuuk) should be at the top of every diver’s bucket list:
World Class Wreck Diving
Truk Lagoon (Chuuk) is well known in the dive community for being one of the BEST wreck diving spots in the world. It is home to over 50 ship and aircraft wrecks, reasonably close to each other. This makes it easy to see multiple wrecks in one day. Each dive site has its own unique story to be uncovered, and the wrecks have been well preserved so you’ll be able to find historical artifacts like nautical equipment, munitions, deck guns, and airplane fuselages still in good condition. But the best diving is now, as the structural integrity of many of these underwater museums is deteriorating and some are no longer penetrable.
Suitable for Most Divers
Truk Lagoon (Chuuk) is a playground for tec divers, with some exciting wrecks such as the “Million Dollar Wreck”, known for being filled with expensive cargo. It sits in 165+ feet of water, beyond recreational dive limits. While there are plenty of deep wrecks for tec divers to explore, the wrecks in Truk Lagoon range in depth from 45 feet to 220 feet, with 70% of the wrecks being within recreational dive limits. Recreational divers holding a deep diver certification can still explore most of the dive sites and the calm, clear, sheltered lagoon makes for an even better dive experience for all skill levels, with excellent dive conditions year-round.
Luxury Liveaboard Accommodation
The best way to experience Truk Lagoon (Chuuk) is diving from the Odyssey, a luxury dive liveaboard. The 132-foot vessel has been guiding divers to these wrecks since 1992. It can host up to 16 passengers in its beautiful, spacious staterooms and provides divers with some incredible amenities such as private seats for gear set up, a protected dive locker, and free Nitrox for those certified to use it. They are also rebreather and mixed gas friendly.
Magnificent Marine Life
While the wrecks are definitely the highlight of a trip to Truk Lagoon (Chuuk), the marine life that calls the wrecks “home” is just as spectacular! The wrecks act as giant artificial reefs. On any given dive, you can see the expected anemone fish, large coral heads, giant sea fans, schools of sharks and nudibranchs. You’ll also see a few species you’ve likely never seen before. Plus, the colours of the soft corals that adorn the railings and superstructures are truly an unparalleled sight that make every safety stop something to look forward to.
Historical Significance
Above water, Truk Lagoon (Chuuk) is peaceful and tranquil, but diving down below, it’s easy to envision the chaos that once consumed this remote paradise. These dive sites all have a deep, rich history and the preserved underwater carnage and experienced guides will transport you back in time to one of the largest aircraft carrier based raids in history. Removing items from the dive sites is prohibited, so all of these wrecks are well-persevered, creating a stunning museum of World War 2 history.
Whether you’re a tec diver, an experienced wreck diver, or just achieved your deep diver certification, diving at Truk Lagoon (Chuuk) is sure to be one of your most memorable dive experiences!
Ready to dive in for the trip of a lifetime?
Float N’ Flag is guiding a dive trip to Truk Lagoon from March 28 – April 4, 2020.
Book now to reserve your place!
Reserve your spot here
Photo Credits: Jenn Strang (Kerr).
