Chuuk Atoll, (also Known as Truk) in the Caroline Islands is infamous for its giant lagoon. The lagoon is the final resting place for more than 100 ships, planes and submarines – the legacy of a fierce World War II battle between the Imperial Japanese Fleet and Allied carrier planes. The lagoon has been declared an underwater museum. Souvenir taking of relics from the area are prohibited by law.
Nowhere else in the world are there so many wrecks in close proximity, situated in shallow clear water. Many of the wrecks are visible while snorkelling and there are many on-shore wartime locations to visit.
The majority of the wrecks lie off DubIon, Eten, Fefan and Uman Islands and represent the largest naval loss in history. Their cargoes of tanks, trucks, airplanes, mines, bombs, machine gun bullets and thousands of other artefacts including beautiful china are there still to be explored.
The warm, tropical waters and prolific marine life has transformed the wrecks into artificial reefs and beautiful coral gardens. The main island of Weno (formerly Moen) is the capital and commercial centre. For the best views of the lagoon, climb the old Sapuk Lighthouse, built during the Japanese occupation.
There are many fascinating and historic sites to visit in and around Chuuk. Snorkel or scuba dive in this maritime museum, spend the night on a small island, go on a fishing expedition with experienced local guides, or simply relax on a sandy beach or rent a kayak to get a view of life in Chuuk.
Truk is indisputably a Diver’s Mecca, suitable for both novice and experienced divers. The calm, clear, sheltered lagoon is one of the largest in the world and being relatively free of currents, providing safe, easy diving conditions.
Some of the most popular wrecks in Truk are:
Fujikawa Maru: A 132m (436 feet) armed aircraft ferry with six holds, four of which are open. One of the most fascinating dives in Truk Lagoon. There are incomplete zero fighters in the number 2 hold large deck guns on the bow and stern. Depth to deck is only 15 meters.
Submarine 1-169: Lying on its port side in about 38 meters of water, it is 104.7m (343½ feet) long. During the April air raid the submarine submerged to avoid damage. Unfortunately the valves were not closed during this manoeuvre and the sub sunk.
Shinkoku Maru: One of the most colourful and spectacular dives. This vessel is well preserved. Small guns are mounted fore and aft. The ship is upright in about 38 metres of water, 12 metres to the top of the bridge and 20 meters to the main deck.
Susuki Maru: Destroyer, subchaser lying on its port side. Bow in 3 meters of water, stern with propellers in 15 meters. Gas masks and depth charges still scattered on the deck.
Rio De Janeiro Maru: A 141 m (463 feet) cargo vessel converted from a luxury passenger liner. The holds contain supplies ranging from beer bottles to guns and other military supplies. The ship is lying on its starboard side with it’s deck only 15 meters from the surface.
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Included:
Return flights Cairns – Guam – Truk – (flying with United Airlines)
6 Nights twin share Accommodation at Blue Lagoon Resort in Truk
Return airport transfers in Truk
11 boat dives in Truk including tanks, weights, belts & dive guide services
Use of dive locker & use of kayak
Complimentary lunch on the last day of diving – Truk Lagoon
Truk Lagoon Dive permit
Australian Departure taxes & fuel levies (approx $215 & subject to change)
Services of a Tour Leader
Not Included:
Truk Departure Tax USD 20 (payable upon departure in Truk)
Travel Insurance
Meals other than specified
Pre-extension upgrade (10 night trip)
Extra 4 nights Blue Lagoon Resort – Truk Lagoon (twin share)
Extra 8 boat dives including tanks, weights, belts and guide
Note: Pre extension trip departs Cairns 09 June 2013
We recommend:
A minimum of advanced diver certification, though if you would like to explore some of the most famous wrecks beyond 30m you will need Deep certification. Technical diving certifications are ideal for this trip. A wreck course may be combined with this trip on request.
It is strongly recommend that divers have current Divers Alert Network (DAN) membership in addition to travel insurance.
*Conditions Apply – Prices are subject to change due to fluctuations in USD & Euro exchange rates
*A non refundable deposit of $300 is required to secure a spot on this trip *
*Airfares subject to change and availability at time of booking *
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Truk Lagoon 2014 Trip Flier | 348 Kb |
Truk Lagoon 2014 Itinerary | 1,166 Kb |