Top 5 Recreational Wreck Dives in Truk Lagoon

A Diver’s Guide to Exploring History with Thorfinn

Truk Lagoon, nestled within the vast expanse of Micronesia, is a mecca for wreck diving enthusiasts. With over 60 shipwrecks scattered across its azure waters, it offers an unparalleled underwater adventure for divers. While many of the lagoon’s wrecks cater to technical divers, several can be explored at recreational depths, making them accessible to a broader range of divers. This guide highlights the top five recreational wreck dives in Truk Lagoon, each offering a unique glimpse into the past and an unforgettable diving experience.

1. Fujikawa Maru: A Journey Through History

The Fujikawa Maru is arguably the most famous wreck in Truk Lagoon, and for good reason. This former Japanese aircraft transport ship rests at a depth of 60 to 110 feet, making it accessible to most recreational divers. The ship is renowned for its well-preserved condition and the abundance of marine life that now calls it home.

What to Expect:

• The Bow: Divers often start their exploration at the bow of the Fujikawa Maru, where the deck is covered in soft corals and schools of tropical fish. The bow gun, still intact, is a poignant reminder of the ship’s wartime past.
• Aircraft Hold: The ship’s cargo holds are a treasure trove of relics, including the remains of Mitsubishi Zero fighter planes. These planes, now encrusted with corals, offer a haunting yet fascinating sight.
• Engine Room: For those comfortable with penetration dives, the engine room is a highlight. It’s a well-preserved space where divers can see the inner workings of the ship, now covered in marine growth.

Marine Life: The Fujikawa Maru is a vibrant ecosystem, with an array of marine life including batfish, lionfish, and nudibranchs. The ship’s structure provides shelter for these species, making it a hotspot for underwater photography.

2. Shinkoku Maru: A Coral-Encrusted Beauty

The Shinkoku Maru, a large oil tanker, is another must-visit wreck in Truk Lagoon. Resting at depths of 40 to 120 feet, it offers a range of exploration opportunities for recreational divers. The ship is particularly noted for its stunning coral growth, which has transformed it into a living reef.

What to Expect:

• The Bridge: The ship’s bridge is one of the most picturesque parts of the dive, covered in colorful corals and sponges. Divers can explore the wheelhouse and other parts of the superstructure, all adorned with marine life.
• Medical Bay: One of the most intriguing features of the Shinkoku Maru is its medical bay, where divers can still see porcelain basins and other medical equipment. This area serves as a poignant reminder of the ship’s history.
• Engine Room: Like the Fujikawa Maru, the Shinkoku Maru’s engine room is accessible to those with penetration diving experience. It’s a dark, mysterious space filled with relics from the past.

Marine Life: The Shinkoku Maru is teeming with life, from large schools of fish to macro critters like nudibranchs and shrimp. The coral-covered structure attracts a variety of species, making it a vibrant dive site.

3. Rio de Janeiro Maru: Exploring a Floating Fortress

The Rio de Janeiro Maru, a large passenger-cargo ship, is one of the deeper recreational dives in Truk Lagoon, with depths ranging from 60 to 130 feet. This massive ship, over 450 feet long, offers a wealth of exploration opportunities for divers, from its towering superstructure to its cavernous holds.

What to Expect:

• The Bow: The ship’s bow is one of the most striking features, with its anchor chains and massive deck gun still in place. The area is richly adorned with soft corals, creating a beautiful contrast against the steel structure.
• Cargo Holds: Divers can explore the cargo holds, which are filled with an array of relics, including trucks, aircraft parts, and other wartime supplies. These artifacts provide a fascinating insight into the ship’s history.
• Propeller: At the stern, the ship’s enormous propeller is a popular spot for divers, often surrounded by schools of fish. The propeller, still intact, adds to the awe-inspiring scale of the wreck.

Marine Life: The Rio de Janeiro Maru is a haven for marine life, with large schools of fish, including barracudas and jacks, often seen patrolling the wreck. The ship’s structure also provides plenty of nooks and crannies for smaller species like gobies and blennies.

4. Heian Maru: A Diver’s Playground

The Heian Maru, the largest wreck in Truk Lagoon, is a former submarine tender that lies on its port side at depths ranging from 40 to 110 feet. This massive vessel offers a variety of dive experiences, from exploring its expansive deck to venturing inside its cavernous holds.

What to Expect:

• The Deck: The ship’s deck is a highlight, covered in soft corals and sponges. Divers can explore the ship’s massive cranes, now encrusted with marine life, and the large deck guns that remain in place.
• Submarine Parts: The cargo holds of the Heian Maru are filled with submarine parts, including torpedoes and periscopes. These relics are a reminder of the ship’s role during the war, providing support to Japan’s submarine fleet.
• Engine Room: For those with penetration diving skills, the engine room is a fascinating area to explore. It’s a dark, eerie space filled with remnants of the ship’s machinery.

Marine Life: The Heian Maru is home to a diverse array of marine life, including schools of trevallies, lionfish, and the occasional reef shark. The ship’s massive size and extensive coral growth make it a thriving underwater habitat.

5. Sankisan Maru: A Photographer’s Dream

The Sankisan Maru, a smaller freighter, is one of the shallower wrecks in Truk Lagoon, with depths ranging from 20 to 100 feet. This wreck is particularly popular among underwater photographers due to its colorful coral growth and abundant marine life.

What to Expect:

• The Deck: The ship’s deck is covered in vibrant soft corals and sponges, creating a kaleidoscope of colors that make it a favorite spot for photographers. The deck is also home to several large deck guns, which add to the visual appeal of the wreck.
• Cargo Holds: The holds of the Sankisan Maru contain an array of military supplies, including munitions and vehicles. These artifacts, now encrusted with marine life, provide a fascinating subject for photography.
• The Bow: The ship’s bow is one of the most photogenic areas, with its coral-covered structure and large anchor chains creating a dramatic underwater scene.

Marine Life: The Sankisan Maru is a haven for macro enthusiasts, with a variety of critters, including nudibranchs, shrimp, and frogfish, often spotted among the corals. The ship’s shallow depth also attracts a variety of fish species, from small reef fish to larger pelagic species.

Dive into History with Thorfinn

Truk Lagoon is a treasure trove of wrecks, each offering a unique blend of history, marine life, and underwater adventure. For recreational divers, these five wrecks provide an accessible and unforgettable diving experience. Whether you’re exploring the coral-encrusted decks of the Fujikawa Maru or photographing the vibrant marine life of the Sankisan Maru, each dive in Truk Lagoon is a journey through time.

For those looking to explore these wrecks in style, the Thorfinn offers the perfect base. This floating resort provides easy access to Truk Lagoon’s top dive sites, with expert guides and comfortable accommodations ensuring an unparalleled diving experience. With Thorfinn as your home away from home, you’ll be perfectly positioned to discover the underwater wonders of Truk Lagoon and create memories that will last a lifetime.