Aquaviews - SCUBA Blog » Micronesia diving

Dive Chuuk the Wreck Diving Capital of the World

Nevin — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 17:00:02 +0000

Chuuk, (formerly known as Truk till 1990) is an island group in the south western Pacific Ocean, and is one of the four states that make up the Island Republic of Micronesia.

Chuuk has perhaps one of the most diverse and interesting histories for an Island of its size. Being colonized originally by the Spanish, then German and finally the Japanese before finally being liberated but under US administration after World War 2, Micronesia is a diverse blend of different cultural influences.

During World War II, Truk Lagoon (Chuuk) was the Empire of Japan’s main base in the South Pacific theatre. A significant portion of the Japanese naval fleet was based here. In 1944 during World War –II, the United States executed Operation Hailstorm that was one of the most important naval battles of the war at Truk. Twelve Japanese warships, thirty-two merchant ships and 249 aircraft were destroyed, in the fighting that ensued, converting the pristine waters of Truk Lagoon into a war ship wreck graveyard overnight.

With over 40 divable wrecks, rich in history and fascinating stories, Chuuk is known by Scuba Divers as the Wreck Diving capital of the world. Most of the wrecks are within recreational Scuba diving depths and several are penetrable. There are periscopes, jeeps, WWII Airplanes, cargo crates and all kinds of artifacts strewn about or tucked away inside the cargo holds of these vessels. Some wrecks still contain live ammunition, bombs and torpedoes, and the Micronesia government has strict policies preventing the removal of any of the artifacts from the wrecks and has declared the area and underwater museum. Eight airplane wrecks of Japanese Zeros, as well as other aircraft that were ditched or crash-landed into the sea are now fascinating dive sites. Though the soft coral has taken hold of most of these aircraft and ship wrecks, most of the wrecks are quite intact and well preserved.

The Fujikawa Maru, an armed aircraft cargo ferry, is perhaps one of the most beautiful wrecks in Chuuk . This 433 foot vessel was struck by several torpedoes mid-ship in 1944, and sunk in 112ft (34m) of water with its superstructure just 30ft (9m) from the surface. The Fujikawa Maru is a site that will require multiple dives to truly experience. There are several A6M Zero aircraft completely intact alongside guns and ammunition inside its cargo holds, that didn’t get destroyed when it sunk. The ship is covered with an abundant growth of soft & hard corals, as well as anemones that cover the ship’s bow & stern guns.

The best way to experience Chuuk is by Liveaboard, and the Truk Odyssey is perhaps Chuuk’s finest Liveaboard. Leisurepro Travel has a great Dive Holiday package for Scuba Divers wishing to experience the wrecks of Chuuk, onboard the Odyssey and Includes 7 nights accommodations aboard Truk Odyssey transfers to and from airport, up to 5 dives daily. The Odyssey geared for both recreational as well as technical diving, covers all of the best diving sites of Chuuk, and will give you an unforgettable experience of diving the wrecks of this lagoon.

photos from LeisurePro Travel & flickr by: mattk1979

Snorkel With a Million Jellyfish In a Palau Lake

Noreen — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 18:28:07 +0000

Of the 8 islands that make up Micronesia, Palau just like Chuuk Lagoon is famous for it’s World class Scuba diving. However, the 70 odd marine lakes scattered throughout the limestone “rock islands” of the southern portion of the main Palau archipelago are a great way for non-divers to get a glimpse of some interesting underwater life by just snorkeling on the surface. One lake in particular, draws a lot of attention as being unique- The Jellyfish Lake also known as Ongeim’l Tketau in Palauan.

In a freak incident of nature over 12,000 years ago, a submerged reef rose from the sea creating a landlocked saltwater lake containing some Jellyfish. These intelligent creatures over the years adapted into the Scyphozoa class of jellyfish called ‘Golden Jellyfish’ and ‘Moon Jellyfish’, they lost their sting and thrived in the new environment. In a matter of years the lake was home to millions of golden and moon jellyfish along with some sea anemone. The jellyfish nurture a symbiotic relationship with algae that live in their tissues in exchange for nutrition and capture zooplankton for more. This algae requires plenty of sunlight to grow and the jellyfish ferry across the lake twice daily from one side to the other providing their internal algae with the sunlight it needs. At night, the jellyfish swim to lower depths where the water is rich in nitrogen that helps sustain the algae population. The jellyfish keep away from their lone predator in this lake, the sea anemone that is capable of stinging, trapping and killing them.

The Jellyfish Lake in Palau, Micronesia attracts a lot of tourists to snorkel in it’s jellyfish infested waters. Tour operators in Koror offer trips to the lake on Eil Malk island which is approximately a 45 minute boat ride from Koror. Described as “swimming in a lava lamp with gelatinous blobs floating all around you, bouncing off your arms, head and feet”, it’s an experience unlike anything you will ever have elsewhere. Scuba diving here is prohibited as the bubbles from scuba regulators tend to collect beneath the bell of the jellyfish, harming them. Wearing fins too is not allowed as a simple fin blade could slice the fragile jellyfish in two with little effort. Another reason for the ban on Scuba diving here is that the bottom portion of the 30 m (100 ft) lake has a giant layer of hydrogen sulfide.

A refreshing experience to anyone who has the privilege of visiting beautiful Palau, the Jellyfish lake is guaranteed to be one of the most astounding moments of your life. Snorkeling in the Jellysfish Lake is a must-do for any water lover!!

* Photo Credits: photos by tobze, aSIMULAtor, anthonioo on flickr

Best Wreck Diving in the World: Truk (Chuuk) Lagoon, Micronesia

Noreen — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 17:23:34 +0000

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.