Truk Lagoon is unquestionably the world's best
shipwreck diving destination. Protected from wind and ocean swells,
this lagoon has often been described as a placid lake in the middle
of the Pacific Ocean.
Truk Lagoon offers the greatest concentration of
wrecks anywhere in the world. The number, variety and size of the
wrecks and the spectacular marine life that grows on them are
unequaled. Truk Lagoon's sunken fleet has become the standard by
which all other wreck dives are measured.
In February of 1944, Japan's
fortress of Truk Lagoon was attacked by Task Force 58 - a group of
nine aircraft carriers and related cruisers, destroyers and subs.
During two days and one night, planes from these aircraft carriers
conducted continuous bombing, strafing and torpedo runs on ships
anchored in the lagoon. More than 400 Japanese planes were wiped
out and some 50-60 ships were believed sunk. Those two days of
devastating air assault created what is today known as the "Ghost
Fleet of Truk Lagoon.''
During the past 50 years, these wrecks remained
undisturbed on the bottom of the lagoon. A combination of unusually
warm tropical water, prolific marine life and lagoon currents have
served as a natural incubator - transforming these lifeless hulks
into magnificently beautiful artificial reefs. Some of these
shipwrecks have greater concentrations of soft corals, hard corals,
sponges and marine life than the neighboring coral reefs. These
wrecks are truly the most beautiful in the world.
While other Pacific Islands offer great
concentrations of historic worlds War II shipwrecks, none can match
the marine life that grows on Truk's flowering wrecks. It is this
stellar beauty that sets this lagoon apart.
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Plane Wrecks of Truk Lagoon
Truk Lagoon is by no means limited to just sunken ships. Although the shipwrecks
are the main attraction, there are also numerous war planes sitting on the bottom,
most are in comparatively shallow depths, abundant with marine life and coral.
Betty Bomber
This twin engine bomber lies upright in 50 feet of water on a sand
bottom. She was a Mitsubishi G4M1 attack bomber with the Allied
code name "Betty." She is 65 feet long with an 82 foot
wingspan.
Emily Flying Boat
A huge four engine seaplane lies upside down on the lagoon bottom
in just 50 feet of water. She was a Kawanishi H8K1 naval
reconnaissance seaplane. She is 92 feet long with a 125 foot
wingspan.
Climate
The climate is tropical marine (generally warm and humid) and is moderated by northeast trade winds.
The dry season is from January to June. The rainy season is from July to December; however, there
is little seasonal temperature variation, and water temps are between 82-84 degrees year round.
Passport and/or Visa Requirements
A valid passport with 6 months validity remaining is required. Other required items include a return ticket.
Electricity, Telephone and Internet Access
Electricity in Guam, Yap & Palau is 110 Volts, alternating at 60 cycles per second. Telephone and
Internet Access is available at a cost.
Time
Truk Standard Time is 10 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+10). Truk does not observe Daylight Saving Time.
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