Truk Lagoon Wreck Diving aboard the SS Thorfinn In Micronesia

Does the Thorfinn Liveaboard dive boat move from wreck site to wreck site - or is the Thorfinn anchored in one spot and use tender boats to move divers to wreck sites?

We operate three 24 ft. twin engined dive launches and 2 X 30 foot RIBs from the Thorfinn while she is located at various central anchorages within Truk Lagoon.

We specialize in 'mobility' and are by far the most mobile operation at Truk, taking small groups to a different wreck site on every dive with a personal dive guide to see them safely through every dive, and only repeating those requested to again view.

This provides up to 30 different wreck sites per one week's stay of 7 days, with an actual 7 days of diving instead of other's 5 1/2 days.

This requires larger crews and expense, but guests view close to 3 times more than from other facilities.

With larger groups the ship is moving to 2 or 3 different anchorages for nearby access, and with lighter numbers positions in central sites handy to everything with no more than 5 -10 minutes by speedy launches.

How is the weather at Truk Lagoon, and is there a 'Best' time of the year to dive?

Truk's mid ocean location at 7 degrees North latitude is clear of continental monsoons and most tropical typhoons. Little predictable weather change assures a comfortable year round destination.

'Best time' is 'anytime'. Daily temperatures range from 80 - 90 deg. F ( 25 - 31 C ).

Rainfall averages 4 - 6 inches per month. NE trades bring 10 - 15 knot breezes from December through April, with weak and variable doldrum conditions for balance of year.

Links to regional tourism websites:

Australian Embassy - Pohnpei, FSM

CNMI Guide

Continental Airlines

Facts and Stats - FSM

FSM - Lonely Planet Guide

FSM Telecommunications

Magnificent Micronesia

My Micronesia

South Pacific Organizer

US Embassy - Pohnpei, FSM

Visit FSM

What are the diving conditions in Truk, and is a wet suit advisable there?

You will enjoy easy and comfortable diving conditions at Truk Lagoon. Constant lagoon temperatures of 84 - 85 deg F ( 29 C ) without thermoclines or currents ensure this comfort to any depth within the lagoon.

Light conditions are usually good with a white sand bottom reflecting sunlight, and assuring positive light conditions at most depths for photography and viewing.

Visibility ranges from 40 - 100 ft ( 18 - 34m ) depending on local conditions and position. Light skin suits are recommended for coral or wreck protection and light thermal gear is employed by some after a few dives due to a gradual body cooling in making five days per day.

An experienced local guide for each six person dive group assures added safety and professional assistance to best enjoy each site.

How many dives and different wrecks can I experience during a week's stay aboard Thorfinn?

Five dives are available on most days while enjoying the comforts aboard Thorfinn.

We do not anchor or moor directly to wrecks to avoid damaging them by this practice. Four durable twin-engined 24 ft dive boats provide uncrowded 6 diver maximums on any dive without impairment of large groups 'silting' the sites.

Our system provides the ability to explore a different site on each dive or return easily to a favorite. Diving will commence within two hours of a daylight arrival, creating the opportunity of diving up to 30 different wrecks during a seven day visit.

I hear that various wrecks are deep, and some operators do not dive them. I am an experienced diver and I'd like to know if I'll get to dive deeper sites such as the San Francisco Maru, Aikoku Maru and Fujisan Maru, while on the Thorfinn?

We regularly dive the deepest wrecks with those divers appearing comfortable and exhibiting good air control at depth.

Our regular practice of non decompression by computer diving provides safe parameters to visit all of these sites comfortably and enjoy their more pristine attractions.

Visits to the San Francisco Maru, Shotan Maru, Amagisan Maru, Aikoku Maru, Hokuyo Maru, and others are always offered late in a week's events.

Additionally, whenever possible, shallower sites will be offered from alternate boats for those guests not wishing to venture down to deeper sites.

How is TECHNICAL DIVING catered to aboard ship?

Technical divers receive any blend of Nitrox desired, from on board blending stations. Technical diving has increased dramatically, and many desired items aboard include double tank bands and manifolds, Nitrox ponies, and O2 rich staged bottles.

Custom dispatched dive launches and crew serve differing schedules for extended deep diving. A Nitrox trained and certified dive crew blend breathing quality Oxygen, that is also available to rebreather equipped divers.

Technical training and EANx provisos, can be arranged with our capable onboard Master/Instructor. Aspects of current operations are illustrated at this web site, along with a Virtual Dive Tour.

This flexible system of multi dive launches permits technical diving at any time without designation of a costly 'deep week'.

Divers should note many wrecks with constricted passages and weakened structures are unsuited to deep penetrations with bulk of multi-tank setups.

When I arrive at Truk, how will I get to the ship?

Ground transportation to and from ship is always provided and included in your package. Our friendly van driver will greet you at airport and transport you to a nearby pier for transfer by our waiting dive tender to Thorfinn.

I am staying on Truk before my trip on the Thorfinn and won't be at the airport - or after my Thorfinn trip I need transportation to a Truk location. How will I get there?

Just let us know and we'll see you are picked up or dropped off from other Truk locations such as (although we know you'll wish you stayed with us for your entire trip):

Blue Lagoon Dive Shop

I am a single female traveler and would like the guarantee of a stateroom to myself. How much extra will it cost?

Our quoted weekly rates are based on double occupancy rooms, meaning a shared room with another guest.

A guaranteed single room requires a 50% supplemental fee over booking price. Please note that as space permits, single guests will be provided private rooms whenever possible without extra charge.

I do not have various pieces of dive equipment with me...is rental gear available?

Complete sets of dive gear except suits are available for rent as supplies exist at any particular time.

Advance reservations for gear with your booking is advisable to assure certain items are available on arrival.

Check out these websites for equipment:

Diver Emporium

Frugal Dive

What methods of payment are acceptable for onboard purchases? Are credit cards suitable?

All onboard accounts can be paid with US cash, traveler's checks, and Visa or MasterCard credit cards.

Credit cards should be presented early in week at least 3 days prior to your departure, to obtain a suitable authorization during bank hours and avoid long distance charges.

I have some special dietary requirements...is it possible to have them met without additional charges?

Our chef will prepare requested vegetarian meals, or omit certain meats, fish, or poultry items from our daily menu. The ability to obtain some special food items may be limited at this remote site. It may be wise to bring any unusual needs with you.

Will I be able to call, fax or e-mail my home or office while aboard ship?

Our ship is fitted with telephone, fax, and e-mail equipment. Associated fees for these services are serviced through onboard accounts.

I will be visiting several islands on my vacation to Micronesia, and will not be able to spend a full 7 days at Truk. Is it possible to shorten my stay on Thorfinn to less than a week?

Visits of less than one week are usually regretted after divers learn the intriguing attractions at Truk, but provisos are in place for this request on an 'Off Weekly' rate basis at a slight premium over weekly rates.

My wife and I plan to bring a teen aged son on our vacation to Truk. He is a certified diver, and we'd like to know if there are any restrictions against minors aboard Thorfinn, and any extra charges involved?

There are no minimum age requirements for guests aboard Thorfinn, but 'Day Care' provisos are not available. Minors are charged as adults while aboard.

Do you have O2 available onboard the ship for emergencies?

O2 is always available on board, as supplied to ship from a shore side plant. Emergency setups at onboard medical section are ready for any needs or symptoms that may arise.

Our system of unrestricted depths on basic non deco diving profiles has produced a long history of one of sport diving's safest records during 18 years operation at this location.

Can I book my trip directly with you or do I need a travel or tour agent?

Our friendly Truk office staff accepts bookings and provides any information and details you require. Contact us at seaward@mail.fm

Some other travel agents and tour operators that book Truk Lagoon wreck diving adventures aboard the SS Thorfinn are:

Crusader Travel - UK

Divequest - UK

Dive Adventures

Dive World Wide - UK

Flyingfish Travels / Flygfisken Resor

Hideaway Holidays

Monique Walker Dive Expeditions

Reefcomber Tours

Schoener Tauchen