Destination: Chuuk (Truk Lagoon)
Introduction
Chuuk — formerly known as Truk — is home to one of the most astonishing underwater environments on Earth. In February 1944, US Operation Hailstone struck the Imperial Japanese Navy's major Pacific base here, sinking over 60 ships and 275 aircraft in a devastating two-day assault. The lagoon became a vast cemetery of warships, tankers, submarine chasers, and aircraft that now lie in 15–60 m of water, draped in soft coral and home to enormous schools of fish. Divers from around the world come specifically to explore the Fujikawa Maru, San Francisco Maru, and Nippo Maru — some of the most intact WWII wrecks anywhere. For the sailing visitor, Chuuk Lagoon itself is a magnificent natural harbour: a barrier reef 225 km in circumference enclosing a lagoon roughly 80 km across, dotted with high volcanic islands rising to over 400 m. Facilities are limited and the infrastructure basic, but what Chuuk lacks in amenities it more than compensates with history, marine life, and raw Pacific remoteness.
GPS Coordinates
7° 26' 50.640"N 151° 50' 49.920"E
7 26 50.640N 151 50 49.920E
Protected Anchorages
The main anchorage for visiting yachts is off Weno Island (formerly Moen), the administrative centre of Chuuk State. Anchor in the bay southwest of Weno town in 5–15 m over mud — reasonable holding, sheltered from easterly trades. The Blue Lagoon Resort on Weno (formerly Blue Lagoon Dive Resort) has mooring buoys available for dive guests and visiting yachts; call on VHF 16 or arrange ashore. The Continental Micronesia pier area is the commercial wharf — give it a wide berth. Dive resort moorings are scattered near the key wreck sites: the Fujikawa Maru lies in the north lagoon in about 30 m; the San Francisco Maru in the northwest at 60 m. Anchoring near wrecks is prohibited to protect the sites — use moorings where provided. Fuel (diesel) is available via jerrycan from fuel stations in Weno town; no dedicated fuel dock for yachts. Water available at the town dock by arrangement. The lagoon's barrier reef passes — North Pass is most commonly used — are straightforward in good visibility but care is needed with currents on the ebb.
Customs Protocols for Visiting Yachts
Chuuk is a State of the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM). The FSM Customs, Immigration, and Quarantine office is at the commercial port on Weno Island. Check in immediately on arrival; flying the Q flag is required. FSM allows visa-free entry for most nationalities for up to 30 days, extendable to 90 days. A single FSM entry covers all four states (Yap, Chuuk, Pohnpei, Kosrae). A cruising permit from the FSM National Government is recommended for inter-island cruising within the lagoon and to the outer islands. Biosecurity regulations apply — declare all foodstuffs. The FSM is generally welcoming and the clearance process uncomplicated for properly prepared vessels.
Yacht Clubs and Marinas in the Vicinity
- There is no yacht club or marina in Chuuk. The Blue Lagoon Resort (Weno Island) is the best point of contact for visiting sailors, offering mooring buoys, meals, hot showers, and access to the dive operations. VHF 16. Truk Stop Hotel in Weno is another diver-friendly base with basic amenities. Fuel, water, and provisions must all be sourced from Weno town — plan ahead, as stocks of specialised items are limited.
Renowned Attractions
- Fujikawa Maru — the most celebrated wreck in Chuuk Lagoon; a 133 m Japanese aircraft ferry lying at 12–34 m with Zero fighters in the hold, anti-aircraft guns on deck, and extraordinary coral growth; the definitive Chuuk dive
- San Francisco Maru — the 'Mount Everest of wreck diving'; 137 m freighter with three Type 95 light tanks chained to the bow deck lying at 60 m; for technical divers only
- Nippo Maru — 114 m cargo ship in 40 m with a driveable tank, field guns, ammunition, and a gas mask room; remarkably intact
- Shinkoku Maru — 152 m tanker in 35–40 m; the most coral-encrusted wreck in the lagoon, with soft corals covering every surface and enormous schools of fish
- Betty Bomber (G4M) — several Mitsubishi G4M torpedo bombers lie in the shallow lagoon at 15–20 m; photogenic and accessible to recreational divers
- Zero fighters — multiple A6M Zero fighters lie in 15–25 m at various sites around the lagoon; haunting reminders of the air battle above
- Weno market — the island's main market and town; basic provisions, fresh fruit and vegetables when available; a window into contemporary Chuukese life
Currency and Exchange Rate
Currency: US Dollar
Exchange Rate to USD
Nearby Yachting Destinations
Summary
Chuuk Lagoon is the greatest wreck diving destination on Earth — over 60 Japanese WWII ships rest on the lagoon floor, now draped in coral and teeming with life. For the sailor-diver it is an unmissable pilgrimage, combining the drama of Pacific history with world-class diving in an enormous and beautiful natural lagoon.