Where's the best liveaboard diving in Truk Lagoon
Located in the northern Pacific Ocean Chuuk Lagoon - known to divers worldwide as Truk Lagoon - consists of 11 mangrove fringed islands. There is also a further series of 14 outlying atolls and low islands.
Part of Micronesia, it is the main lagoon that cements Truk’s status as the world’s finest wreck diving destination, and shipwreck capital of the world. Your liveaboard adventure will focus on the incredible World War II wrecks found here, all belonging to a Japanese Fleet sunk in February 1944 by American warplanes in Operation Hailstorm.
There are over 100 ship and plane wrecks in total, each with their own stories, cargo, weaponry and artifacts. All of them have also become thriving artificial reefs over the years. Even people who are not wreck enthusiasts will find it quite cool to see bicycles, pick-up trucks, tanks, torpedoes, guns, airplanes and much more, all from World War II – underwater! Your Truk liveaboard will focus on those offering the finest diving opportunities.
Highlights for wreck diving aficionados include the British made Fujikawa Maru with her coral encrusted gun at the bow and fascinating cargo holds, the huge Heian Maru and, for technical divers, San Fransico Maru.
In addition to the wrecks, incredible corals in a kaleidoscope of colours and shapes add to the appeal. Schooling tropical fish smother the ships, with grey reef sharks, common octopus, spotted eagle rays, Pacific blue-fin tuna and black-tip reef sharks. Excellent coral pinnacles and deep channels with schooling pelagics can be dived too.
The History of Truk Lagoon’s Wrecks
During World War II, Truk Lagoon was the Imperial Japanese Navy’s most important stronghold in the Pacific. Serving as the forward base for the Combined Fleet, it was often referred to as Japan’s equivalent of Pearl Harbour. The lagoon’s strategic location made it a critical hub for naval operations, with vast fleets of warships, aircraft carriers, submarines, and supply vessels stationed there. By the early 1940s, Truk was heavily fortified with airstrips, seaplane bases, torpedo boat stations, and defensive gun emplacements, making it a formidable stronghold. However, as the tide of war turned, the Allies set their sights on neutralising this key base.
On 17–18 February 1944, the United States launched Operation Hailstone, a devastating aerial assault. Over the course of two days, American carrier-based aircraft relentlessly bombed and torpedoed the Japanese fleet and its supporting infrastructure. More than 40 ships were sunk—including cargo vessels, tankers, and destroyers—along with hundreds of aircraft. The attack crippled Japan’s ability to project naval power in the Pacific and effectively turned Truk into a graveyard of war. Today, the wrecks of Truk Lagoon remain as haunting reminders of this pivotal battle, now transformed into some of the world’s most extraordinary dive sites, where history and marine life intertwine in a breathtaking underwater museum.
Popular wreck dives in Truk Lagoon
Fujikawa Maru
One of Truk’s most famous wrecks, the Fujikawa Maru is a 132-metre-long armed cargo ship now teeming with marine life. Inside, divers can explore aircraft fuselages, machine guns, and a still-intact engine room. The coral growth on the superstructure is stunning.
Shinkoku Maru
A former oil tanker, the Shinkoku Maru is now a thriving artificial reef covered in colourful corals and sponges. Inside, divers can find an eerie yet fascinating operating theatre, complete with surgical equipment. The engine room is another highlight, and there’s a resident population of reef sharks often cruising around the wreck.
Heian Maru
At 155 metres, the Heian Maru is the largest wreck in Truk Lagoon. Originally a luxury ocean liner converted into a submarine tender, it now rests on its side at around 30 metres. Divers can explore torpedoes, periscopes, and even a captain’s bathtub. The ship’s vast size and historical artefacts make it a must-dive wreck.
Hoki Maru
This wreck is unique because of its incredible cargo—trucks, bulldozers, and even a steamroller are still visible in the holds. The Hoki Maru was originally a New Zealand freighter before being captured by the Japanese, and now it lies in about 50 metres of water. The combination of history and marine life makes this a breathtaking dive.
Nippo Maru
If you’re fascinated by wartime relics, the Nippo Maru won’t disappoint. It’s home to an anti-aircraft gun on the deck, artillery shells, and even a field gun inside one of the holds. Sitting at around 30-45 metres, it’s an accessible yet exciting wreck, with ghostly remains of the war and stunning soft corals.
San Francisco Maru
Nicknamed the ‘Million Dollar Wreck’ due to its incredible cargo, the San Francisco Maru sits deep at around 50-65 metres. It’s packed with wartime relics, including three tanks still resting on the deck, trucks in the holds, and stacks of ammunition. This is a deep, advanced dive but an unforgettable one for technical divers.
Gosei Maru
A smaller but fascinating wreck, the Gosei Maru is a shallow dive at around 20-30 metres. The most striking feature is its cargo of torpedoes, some still stacked neatly in the hold. The wreck’s open structure makes it easy to explore, and its depth means plenty of ambient light for fantastic photography.
Itineraries
Please note that liveaboard itineraries can change without notice. The itinerary will depend on several LOCAL factors including, but not limited to, weather, diving ability of guests & the number of other boats already present at the various dive sites. All dive sites visited are subject to weather conditions and are at the discretion of your dive guides and vessel captain.
