Exploring the Ghost Fleet: Top Wreck Dives in Truk Lagoon for All Skill Levels

Truk Lagoon, also known as Chuuk Lagoon, is an underwater time capsule holding some of the most impressive and historically significant shipwrecks in the world. Located in Micronesia, this tropical paradise has become a bucket-list destination for divers of all skill levels who are captivated by the eerie beauty of sunken warships and aircraft from World War II. Known as the “Ghost Fleet of Truk Lagoon,” these wrecks provide not only a glimpse into a pivotal moment in history but also an unparalleled diving experience.

With dozens of wrecks scattered across the lagoon, choosing where to dive can be daunting. This guide will help you explore some of the top wreck dives in Truk Lagoon, categorized by difficulty level, to suit everyone from beginners to advanced divers.

Wreck Dives for Beginner Divers

Truk Lagoon offers several wreck dives that are accessible to beginner divers or those new to wreck diving. These sites are relatively shallow, have good visibility, and offer safe environments to explore the beauty of sunken history.

1. Fujikawa Maru
   One of the most popular wrecks in Truk Lagoon, the Fujikawa Maru, is a great dive site for beginners. This 437-foot-long cargo ship rests at a manageable depth of 15 to 33 meters (50 to 110 feet), making it accessible to those with Open Water certification. The upper decks and cargo holds are home to an array of colorful corals and schools of reef fish. Divers can explore the forward cargo hold, which still contains Japanese fighter planes, and swim through the photogenic engine room. The clear visibility and abundant marine life make it an ideal introduction to wreck diving in Truk Lagoon.
2. Shinkoku Maru
   Another excellent choice for beginners, the Shinkoku Maru is a former oil tanker lying upright in about 12 to 40 meters (40 to 130 feet) of water. This wreck is famous for its soft coral formations that blanket the deck and hull, creating a beautiful underwater garden. The ship’s superstructure is relatively intact, providing easy swim-throughs without the need for advanced wreck penetration skills. Look out for vibrant coral, sponges, and schools of fish that make this wreck a living reef.
3. Hoyo Maru
   For those looking for a shallower dive, the Hoyo Maru is a good option. This wreck sits at a depth of 12 to 24 meters (40 to 80 feet) and is perfect for novice divers who want to experience wreck diving without descending too deep. The Hoyo Maru was a large oil tanker that now lies upside down, creating an intriguing underwater landscape. The marine life here is thriving, with plenty of hard and soft corals, as well as smaller reef fish, nudibranchs, and the occasional turtle.

Wreck Dives for Intermediate Divers

Intermediate divers who have a bit more experience under their belts and are comfortable diving to greater depths will find several wrecks in Truk Lagoon that offer more challenge and excitement.

4. San Francisco Maru
   Known as the “Million Dollar Wreck,” the San Francisco Maru is one of the most famous dives in Truk Lagoon. However, it is best suited for intermediate to advanced divers due to its depth, lying between 30 to 65 meters (100 to 210 feet). This Japanese cargo ship is a treasure trove of WWII relics, including tanks, trucks, mines, and ammunition, still visible in its holds. Divers can explore the deck and bow area, which are covered in coral growth, and marvel at the well-preserved wartime artifacts. Due to the depth, Nitrox or technical diving certifications are recommended for extended bottom time.
5. Heian Maru
   As the largest wreck in Truk Lagoon, the Heian Maru is a must-dive for those looking to explore a massive underwater structure. This former submarine tender rests on its port side in about 18 to 35 meters (60 to 115 feet) of water. The wreck is known for its fascinating interior compartments, including large engine rooms, cargo holds filled with periscopes, torpedoes, and other naval artifacts. Divers can swim through the massive propellers and explore the ship’s bridge, which is heavily encrusted with marine life.
6. Nippo Maru
   The Nippo Maru is another favorite for intermediate divers, lying upright at depths ranging from 15 to 50 meters (50 to 165 feet). The wreck is renowned for its well-preserved cargo, which includes tanks, trucks, artillery pieces, and even an intact light tank sitting on the deck. Divers can venture into the wheelhouse, engine room, and cargo holds, discovering a blend of history and nature. The coral growth and schools of fish add to the appeal, making it a photographer’s dream.

Wreck Dives for Advanced Divers

For experienced divers, Truk Lagoon presents some deeper, more challenging wrecks that demand technical diving skills and experience. These dives offer thrilling opportunities to explore well-preserved relics and navigate complex wreck structures.

7. Aikoku Maru
   The Aikoku Maru is a challenging dive due to its depth, ranging from 30 to 64 meters (100 to 210 feet), and its partially collapsed structure. This former armed merchant cruiser was sunk by an explosion, and the force of the blast left its interior in a twisted, debris-strewn state. Despite this, it remains a fascinating wreck to explore, with numerous artifacts, including artillery shells and gas masks. Advanced wreck divers can navigate through the collapsed areas, but caution is advised due to the potential for entanglement.
8. Oite Destroyer
   Sitting at a depth of 58 meters (190 feet), the Oite Destroyer is one of the deeper and more advanced dives in Truk Lagoon. This ship was sunk in a single torpedo attack, causing it to break in two. The site is scattered with wreckage, providing an intense and eerie diving experience. The currents can be strong here, and the dive requires careful planning and good buoyancy control. Divers will find plenty of ammunition, depth charges, and torpedoes, as well as sections of the hull teeming with marine life.
9. Hoki Maru
   The Hoki Maru offers a deep and captivating dive experience for technical divers. Lying between 30 and 51 meters (100 to 170 feet), this cargo ship still contains trucks, heavy equipment, and even a bulldozer within its holds. The massive explosion that sunk the Hoki Maru created an unusual and dramatic wreck site. Due to its depth and overhead environments, this wreck is best explored by advanced divers with technical certifications.

Truk Lagoon is truly a diver’s paradise, offering a variety of wrecks that cater to all levels of diving expertise. From the colorful coral-covered decks of the Fujikawa Maru to the challenging depths of the Oite Destroyer, the Ghost Fleet of Truk Lagoon provides a unique blend of history, marine life, and adventure. Whether you’re a beginner looking to explore shallow wrecks or an advanced diver seeking the thrill of deep, technical dives, Truk Lagoon has something for everyone.

Be sure to dive with experienced operators who understand the complexities of these historic sites and can provide the guidance needed for safe and rewarding dives. With careful planning and respect for these underwater relics, divers can uncover the hidden stories of Truk Lagoon’s Ghost Fleet and create memories that will last a lifetime.