Chuuk Lagoon formerly known as Truk Lagoon is Micronesia’s incredible undersea phenomena and the finest wreck diving destination in the World.
Located in between Hawaii and the Philippines, Micronesia consists of over 2000 tiny tropical islands covering over 3 million square miles of the Pacific Ocean. Micronesia is the collective name for the 8 island groups- Guam, Republic of Palau, the Marianas, Pohnpei, Yap, the Marshalls, Kosrae and Truk (Chuuk). Unarguably Micronesia is unrivaled as being one of the best dive destinations in the World and Truk (Chuuk) Lagoon the ultimate wreck diving destination of them all.
The heart of the World War 2 activities between America and Japan, the Japanese set their naval base in Micronesia’s Truk Lagoon with often more than 1,000 merchant and war ships moored there ready for deployment. The venue of many fierce encounters during the WW2, now more than 100 ships, planes and submarines rest in the crystal clear lagoon waters of the Chuuk Atolls.
In the 56 years since an entire Japanese fleet sank to the lagoon floor, representing the largest naval loss in history, the warm tropical waters, prolific marine life and ocean currents have transformed the wrecks into breathtakingly beautiful coral gardens and artificial reefs. A Mecca to Scuba divers all over the world, nowhere else can you witness so many wrecks in close proximity brimming with exotic marine animals and fish. In waters so shallow and clear you can snorkel and see them, some of these wrecks remained upright, some intact and some in pieces full of their cargo, each with its own history and unique structure.
* Above photos by mattk1979, chemanyulo on flickr
Here’s a look at some wrecks considered among the best wreck dives in Chuuk Lagoon and around the World:
Fujikawa Maru
* Photo by: mmichishiro on flickr
Of the many wrecks to choose from the 7,000 ton freighter Fujukawa Maru is notable as one of the best and even makes it on our list of the World’s Top 10 Wreck Dives. This specific wreck stands upright in shallow water, making the 437 ft wreck pretty accessible. Ranging from a depth of 30- 112ft (9-34 m), the bow & stern guns very photogenic. The bridge area with sake bottles, the engine room and wings in the hold is covered in soft coral and is frequently circled by grey reef makes this a exciting wreck to dive.
Shinkoku Maru
* photo by amell on flickr
Another wreck high on the best wrecks list is the Shinkoku Maru. Built as a commercial tanker, but converted to fleet oiler in 1941, this is one of the prettiest wrecks in Truk with the most colorful soft corals adorning the wreck. Upright in about 38 meters of water, 12 meters to the top of the bridge and 20 meters to the main deck, the Shinkoku Maru makes a great night dive site with all the coral even growing on the masts that go up nearly to the surface. Of this well preserved vessel, the bridge and engine room are very interesting heavily encrusted with life. The ship has a bow and stern gun which are intact and a torpedo hole on the Port Side through which the engine room is accessible.
Sankisan Maru
* photo by mattk1979 on flickr.
A freighter that contained aircraft engines, medical supplies & several trucks, the Sankisan Maru is a popular and frequently visited dive site. Even though the aft of the ship had a huge amount of damage, the stern stands upright and sits 200m away from the rest of the ship. The masts are covered in pretty coral and fish with large anemones anchored to debris on the deck. Not a very deep site ranging between 50-80 feet makes it easily accessible for all levels of divers and it’s location in the lagoon protects it from bad weather.The Holds contain zero engines, bullets, a few medicine bottles and assorted spare parts. The remains of lorries are also seen on deck.
Rio De Janeiro Maru
* Photo by: mmichishiro on flickr
A luxury passenger liner later converted to cargo vessel, Th Rio De Janeiro Maru was 141 m (463 feet) long and held supplies ranging from beer bottles to guns and other military supplies. The ship now lies on its starboard side with its deck only 15 meters from the surface. It’s twin engines, the screws & rudder offer an excellent photo opportunity, as does the large 6 in/15 cm stern gun.
