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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.
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| Scuba Diving in Truk |
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.
There are also a number of liveaboard dive
vessels at Truk that move divers between the
popular sites.
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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| Hotels and Resorts in Truk |
Blue Lagoon Resort
 Blue Lagoon Resort is located on a palm
fringed point of Moen Island with breathtaking
views of the largest lagoon in the world.
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Accommodation: The resorts guest rooms
all have individual balconies and features a
tropic theme capturing the properties
surrounding natural beauty. Each
air-conditioned room has private facilities
Amenities: The hotel boasts an
excellent restaurant and coffee shop. Located
on the grounds of the Blue Lagoon Dive Resort
is the local dive operator, Blue Lagoon Dive
Centre. The dive shop is air-conditioned and
provides sales, service & classes.
Activities: As scuba diving is the main
activity in Truk, Blue Lagoon Dive Centre
offers a fleet of fast dive boats and
knowledgeable guides provide easy access to
the wrecks and allows divers the freedom to
dive in small, personal groups. For family
members or friends who are non-divers, the
World War II history filled island has taxi
service and private tour buses that offer
visits to historic and cultural sites. There
are also kayak rentals available & the hotel
can arrange visits to the distant atolls for
snorkelling & fishing trips.
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Truk Stop Hotel
 Located centrally in the township on the world
most famous lagoon is the Truk Stop Hotel. It
was designed and built with the scuba diver,
business and leisure traveller in mind.
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Accommodation: The 23 rooms include 13
standard rooms, 6 oceanview rooms, 2 executive
suites and 2 presidential suites. Each room is
air conditioned with private facilities and
some have a private balcony overlooking the
Lagoon, where tired divers or tired business
people can relax and enjoy the view.
Amenities: The hotel’s restaurant
features an outdoor eating area and offers an
extensive menu. At the Patio Bar guests can
enjoy a fine view overlooking the water. The
resident dive operator, Truk Lagoon Dive, is
conveniently located only metres away from the
hotel.
Activities: The town’s market and
stores are only a short walk from the hotel.
Truk Stop Hotel's staff can also arrange a
variety of cultural and Island sightseeing
tours with local tour operators. On site car
rental agency can provide transportation for
those who like to explore on their own.
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| Liveaboards in Truk |
| S.S. Thorfinn |
| S.S. Thorfinn is a 170’ foot steam powered liveaboard
vessel. It can accommodate up to 22 guests in
11 air-conditioned staterooms with multi
system TV/VCR, queen beds and private bathroom
facilities. The ship offers comfort in the
large salon, relaxation in the open air lounge
deck, spa & sundecks, tempting food delights,
safety equipment and experienced dive guides.
Diving is from 4 dive tenders carrying a
maximum of 6 divers per dive, to different
sites. An E6 processing lab, slide and video
units and dive gear service centre available
on board. |
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| M.V. Odyssey |
| M.V. Odyssey is a 132’ motor vessel,
accommodating up to 16 guests in 9
air-conditioned staterooms with private
facilities. A large dining area and separate
entertainment lounge with TV, DVD, VCR stereo
& library. Diving is from the mother ship and
offers nitrox for nitrox
certified divers. The Odyssey will also go to
the reefs outside the lagoon and has onboard
kayaks for recreation between dives. |
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