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.
The many islands within this huge atoll are crowned with natural beauty. The outer barrier reef is punctuated with idyllic sand spits dotted with coconut palms. The high volcanic islands in the central lagoon rise into the blue island skies. Many of the islands offer fertile soils, abundant water and lush vegetation that harbours rare and migratory birdlife. Wild orchids and other flora are found in the scenic and sometimes rugged terrain of the islands
.
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 or scooter to get a view of life in Chuuk. For the best views of the lagoon, climb the old Sapuk Lighthouse, built during the Japanese occupation.
Chuuk's tropical oceanic climate is consistently warm and humid, with some of the most uniform year-round temperatures in the world. Most days it is around 27°C. Some days it gets up to 32°C and sometimes the temperature may drop to 21°C. It is a little drier, cooler and breezier between December and April. The wettest months are October and November. Typhoon season is between August and December but Chuuk rarely gets a direct hit from a typhoon.
The sheltered waters of Truk Lagoon provide a most comfortable dive location with the water temperature normally between 28-29°C, no thermoclines or currents and good visibility between 12 - 30 metres.
![]() |
Truk Master |
Budget: $$$ Length: 37 metres Max # of guests:16 No. Cabins:8 |
Approx dives per day: up to 4 dives Nitrox: Yes (extra cost) Tech Dive: Yes + rebreather diving |
![]() |
M.V. Odyssey |
Budget: $$$ Length: 40 metres Max # of guests:16 No. Cabins:9 |
Approx dives per day: up to 5 dives Nitrox:Yes (complimentary) Tech Dive: Yes |
![]() |
S.S. Thorfinn |
Budget: $$ Length:58 metres Max # of guests:22 No. Cabins: 11 |
Approx dives per day: up to 5 dives Nitrox:Yes (estra cost) Tech Dive: Yes + rebreather diving |
![]() |
Blue Lagoon Resort 30 mins drive from the airport |
Budget: $$ Pool: No Beach/Beachfront: Yes Bar: 2 Restaurant: 1 |
Wifi: in public areas Onsite Shop: Yes Gym: No Spa: No Onsite Dive Centre: Yes |
![]() |
Truk Stop Hotel 15 mins drive from the airport |
Budget: $$ Pool: No Beach/Beachfront: No Bar: 2 Restaurant: 1 |
Wifi: in public areas Onsite Shop: Yes Gym: No Spa: Yes Onsite Dive Centre: Yes |
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.