CHUUK
GHOST FLEET OF TRUK LAGOON
May 2023 • 8 DAYS • 12 GUESTS - Scuba Divers Only
Dive into World War II history and explore the Ghost Fleet of Truk Lagoon in Micronesia. Over 60of the worlds’ most pristine wrecks are scattered in the protected inner lagoon, the legacy of a fierce WWII battle between the Imperial Japanese naval fleet and Allied Carrier planes. Ranging from supply vessels, and planes to submarines, these pristine wrecks are all tightly packed into a beautiful shallow coral reef lagoon and are host to numerous artifacts and an oasis for coral and fish life. When not diving this underwater museum, explore the colorful reefs and drop-offs filled with tropical reef fish, sharks, turtles and dolphins. With clear warm tropical waters, vivid and prolific marine life, this expedition promises to be a unique adventure that should be on every Scuba divers ‘Bucket list’.
During World War II, Truk Lagoon (now Chuuk Atoll) in the Caroline Islands, was Japan’s main base and a staging point for attacks on the Allied forces. The whole lagoon was a heavily fortified base for Japanese naval operations against Allied forces in New Guinea and the Solomon Islands, serving as the forward anchorage for the Japanese Imperial Fleet. February 1944, Truk was devastated in one of the most important naval attacks of the war during “Operation Hailstone”, which resulted in the loss of many lives and 61 war ships, representing the single largest naval loss in history. The result of this attack is a collection of some of the world’s most pristine shipwrecks closely packed into a coral lagoon, a diver’s playground.
Resting at the bottom of the shallow lagoon for more than 70 years, the wrecks are littered with anemones, colorful reef fish, nudibranchs, moray eels and juvenile fish using the wrecks as shelter.
Sharks patrol the waters of Chuuk Lagoon and you are likely to encounter them whilst enjoying the wreck dives. On the outer reefs, sharks are even more plentiful with many sightings of whitetip, blacktip and grey reef sharks. Other pelagic fish like trevally, barracuda and tuna also frequent the reefs and wrecks. Covered in rainbow-colored sponges, soft and hard coral the ships are still largely intact, and you can clearly see telegraph poles, steering columns and mounted guns. Penetrate wrecks and discover torpedoes, engine rooms, zero airplanes, artillery guns and even tanks, trucks and ammunition. Superb coral reefs, steep walls busy with pelagic marine life surround the lagoon protecting the wrecks from strong currents.
Combine this exciting trip with our Palau Expedition for the Ultimate Micronesian dive adventure!
HIGHLIGHTS
World-class wreck diving.
Explore ship, plane and submarine wrecks covered in coral and fish life.
Stay at the Blue Lagoon Resort set amidst a tropical island paradise
Dive coral gardens, channels and steep drop-offs teeming with fish and sharks.
ENQUIRIES
Love this itinerary and wondering when we are returning? Don't hesitate to contact us today.
“What will always bring me back to go places with Wild Earth Expeditions is the extra mile they go to find that special place, that unique experience... the very perfect guide for that particular adventure they have in mind... travelling with you and your totally engrossing, enthusiastic and knowledgeable attitude to the earth and its creatures is, for me, a life enhancing, life changing experience and I thank you for that.”
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ITINERARY OVERVIEW
GHOST FLEET OF TRUK LAGOON - Scuba Divers Only
MAY 2023 – 08 DAYS – 12 GUESTS
Day 01 | Depart Home / En route to Chuuk
Day 02 | Arrive at Blue Lagoon Resort / Check out dive / Welcome Cocktails & Dinner
Day 03 - 06 | Dive the WWII Wrecks and reefs of Truk Lagoon
Day 07 | Land tour / Fly home or continue to Palau
Day 08 | Arrive home
COMBINE for the ULTIMATE EXPERIENCE
PALAU
MAY 2023 – 15 DAYS – 14 GUESTS
An exceptional expedition through the archipelago of Palau, a tropical island paradise showcasing incredible marine biodiversity with over 1500 fish species, an abundance of pelagic animals and a plethora of soft and hard corals.
WILD EARTH LEADER
PHOTO CREDIT © Thomas & Natalia Baechtold, Ron Leidich & Adobe Stock