Join Big Squid for some of the best wreck diving in the world, in Truk Lagoon.
2nd-16th October 2016
32 dives including up to 5 night dives £5199.00
After WWI, Japan was given control of Truk (Chuuk) and fortified the lagoon into becoming one of their largest naval bases. It was from here that the Japanese fleet launched their attack on the US’ Pearl Harbor in 1941.The ensuing retaliation of “Operation Hailstorm” in 1944 resulted in the loss of 61 ships, mostly “Maru” or merchant vessels which had been left at anchor whilst some 200 other vessels were safely evacuated to Palau.
The result has been a collection of shipwrecks of closely packed into a coral lagoon, many of which are with easy reach of recreational divers.Over the course of our itinerary we will explore many of these wreckages along with reef dives in the inner lagoon.
Dive Sites
Fujikawa Maru – a signature dive of Truk Lagoon, this 132m (436ft) armed cargo ship sits perfectly upright on the sandy bottom at a depth of 34m (120ft) whilst the forward king post reaches up to 5m(15ft). The “Fuji” offers 6 holds, 4 of which are open, in which can be found parts of Zero Fighter Aircraft from engine parts, propeller blades and fuel cells. Deeper inside the wreckage Mitsubishi A5m Claude & A6M parts can be discovered. The bow gun is encrusted with corals and the outer wreckage supports sea fans, soft corals & anemones. Diving the “Fuji” is suitable for divers of all levels however deeper penetration into the engine room will only be permitted to certified tec / wreck divers.
Fumitsuki – A 97m (300ft) long Japanese Destroyer. She sits upright in 38m (130ft) of water rising up to 21m (75ft). Covered in marine life she is a pleasure to dive.
Submarine 1.169 – Quickly submerging during the attack to avoid damage, the submarine unfortunately failed to close her valves, allowing for water to enter and as she descended she came to rest on her port side at a depth of 38m (140ft).
Yamigari Maru – Resting on her port side, though almost completely intact despite repeated bombings, the Yamigari freighter still contains many artillery shells and ammunition.
Shinkoku Maru – A large oil tanker, now rests upright on the bottom encrusted with corals, sponges & hydroids. From the bridge you can see into the engine room whilst the galley still holds many utensils on the large stove. Small guns, mounted fore and aft are also covered with corals making this one of the most colourful and spectacular wrecks to be found in Truk.
Nippo Maru – At a depth of 50m (160ft) the Nippo is an intriguing dive site best suited to tec divers. The holds contain antitank guns and 5inch guns, mines and a tank, whilst the bridge, helm and superstructure have attracted a plethora of silver sweepers.
Heian Maru – The largest ship in the lagoon, the Heian, originally used as a cargo ship, is 165m (510ft) in length and lies on her port side in 34m (150ft) of water. Within her holds you may find torpedoes, shells and even the occasional periscope.
Susuki Destroyer – best known for its engine room, this patrol boat once boasted an array of gas masks and other fascinating artifacts, many of which have since been removed. However some can still be found scattered about the deck and it remains a stunning wreck dive site. The bow is in just 3m (10ft) of water, shallow enough to see whilst snorkeling, with the stern propeller at 15m (50ft).
San Francisco Maru – The passenger & cargo ship, weighing 5,831 tons, lays upright at a depth of 63m (195ft). Here divers can see the remains of many well preserved war-relics including three large tanks which rest on the deck at between 46-55m (150-175ft).
Hoki Maru – This 30m (100ft) long freighter lies upright from 53m (160ft) and is only partially intact. The aft hold carries trucks and road supplies whilst sake bottles can be found here too. The superstructure is awe-inspiring and covered with brightly coloured sponges.
Gosei Maru – A submarine tender carrying torpedoes starts in just 3m (10ft) and drops to 33m (120ft) within which can be found many personal artifacts, serving as a reminder of those who lost their lives during the battle.
Rio de Janeiro Maru– 140m (430ft) long she lays on her port side in 34m (120ft). Once a luxury passenger vessel she was converted to a cargo vessel in wartime. Exploration of her holds turns up a range of supplies from beer bottles to guns. The upper deck reaches to an easily diveable depth of 10m (30ft).
Betty Bomber – a long –range aircraft lies on the seabed at 20m (80ft) and is surrounded by schooling fish.
Shark Island – possibly the most famous reef dive in Truk, is a fantastic cleaning station for reef sharks and at just 18m (60ft) is perfect for some “off-gassing” in the afternoon after a morning of wreck diving.
Recreational and Technical
The majority of shipwrecks within Truk Lagoon are deemed suitable for recreational divers and offer varying depths for multi-level profiles. Some sites do however lie beyond or have interesting features deeper than the recognised recreational diving depth limit of 40m (130ft) and are therefore more suited to divers with deep diver or technical diving qualifications.
Our Cruise Director and dive guides will offer guided recreational dives, with simple wreck penetration within the bounds of your own training and experience.
The S/Y Truk Siren provides equipment and facilities for deep, technical and re breather diving with a “Deco-bar” situated under the yacht for your convenience. All divers who wish to go beyond recognised recreational depth limits, plan to make deep wreck penetration or decompression dives must show proof of qualification and experience upon boarding and will be requested to sign an additional liability waiver.
Prior to each dive our guides will give an in-depth briefing for all our guests which will include a detailed site map with entries/exits, points of interest, hazardous objects and special considerations for the dive to enable you to plan appropriately. Our on board dive team are unable to provide a decompression plan for you.
Guests are responsible for their own dive profiles and for obtaining suitable dive insurance. We respectfully request our divers stay within the bounds of their training, follow dive computer guidelines and make decompression stops where necessary.
When planning deep dives or dives with extended bottom times, please bear in mind that re compression facilities in the region are limited, therefore we recommend you dive conservatively.
SY Truck Siren
Built on the Indonesian Island of Sulawesi, she is a traditional “gaft-rigged Phinisi” handcrafted from ironwood and teak. Built by divers for divers, the S/Y Truk Siren is a modern and spacious diving liveaboard.
The 40 metre S/Y Truk Siren luxury diving liveaboard, built in 2009, will be refitted in 2014 to offer our guests Tec-diving facilities. She offers ample room for 16 guests in 8 cabins which are either fixed double or twin bed, however we wish to offer flexibility therefore 3 cabins have the option to be converted from twin to double. There are also 2 triple bed cabins which may be used for full charter trips to suit the needs of our guests.
The outdoor dining area offers a superb setting for all your meals and the dive deck is spacious with individual set up stations, storage drawers for all your personal items and large rinse tanks for camera gear and torches.
The facilities for underwater photographers and videographers have also been improved, providing both indoor and outdoor designated areas for charging and preparation of your camera and video equipment.
The vessel will also benefit from 2 high-powered Zodiacs, Kayaks, laundry and massage services and FREE equipment hire and nitrox.
Aboard the S/Y Truk Siren we shall welcome up to a maximum of 16 divers on each trip ensuring abundant space for all guests.
Included
- All meals & accommodations during the cruise
- Tea, fresh coffee from our espresso machine, fruit juice, soft drinks & beer
- Up to 32 dives, including up to 5 night dives
- Free Nitrox fills for those who are certified Nitrox divers*
- Free use of standard dive equipment (except dive computer & underwater torch).**
- Transfer between Chuuk International Airport or local hotel and the S/Y Truk Siren on the day of embarkation.
- Transfer between S/Y Truk Siren and Chuuk International Airport or local hotel the on the day of disembarkation.
Not Included
- Port, park and tax fees: approx 200 Euro
- Massage
- Laundry
- Tips
Payment Plan
- Deposit 1 £200
- Deposit 2 due 02/08/15 £470
- Deposit 3 due 02/10/15 £500
- Deposit 4 due 02/03/16 £950
- Balance due 09/07/16 £3079