CHUUK LAGOON — 2028

The Ghost Fleet of Micronesia

Deep in the heart of Micronesia lies Chuuk Lagoon (formerly Truk Lagoon) — widely regarded as the single greatest wreck diving destination on Earth. On February 17–18, 1944, the United States launched Operation Hailstone, a devastating aerial attack on Japan’s most fortified Pacific naval stronghold. In just two days, over 60 ships and hundreds of aircraft were sent to the bottom of the lagoon, creating an underwater museum unlike anything else in the world.

Today, those wrecks are encrusted in vivid soft corals and teeming with marine life — you’ll find Zero fighter planes, battle tanks, artillery shells, gas masks, ship’s telegraphs, and even personal artifacts from 80 years ago, all preserved in the lagoon’s warm, clear water. Scuba Shack is planning a liveaboard expedition to explore this bucket-list destination in 2028. Details are still being confirmed — express your interest below to be notified first.

Why a Liveaboard?

With over 60 diveable wrecks spread across the lagoon, a liveaboard is the only way to experience Chuuk properly. Staying aboard puts you on the water around the clock — first in the water at sunrise, night dives over eerie decks, and the flexibility to dive the same wreck multiple times to truly explore it. No wasted time on transfers from shore. Just diving.

The Wrecks

Chuuk has something for every certification level. Recreational divers explore the iconic Fujikawa Maru (rated a top 10 wreck dive in the world by The Times) — its holds still contain disassembled Zero fighter planes. The Hoki Maru is packed with trucks, tractors, and bulldozers still in its cargo holds. The Nippo Maru features an intact Japanese battle tank sitting on the deck and a stunning wheelhouse with telegraphs and helm. For technical divers, deeper wrecks like the San Francisco Maru and Aikoku Maru await at 60m.

What to Expect

Expect 4–5 dives per day across a variety of wrecks — drift dives, penetration dives into holds and engine rooms, and atmospheric night dives over rusting decks. The water is warm (83–86°F) and visibility is typically 60–80 feet. This trip is suitable for certified recreational divers; many of the best wrecks sit at 30–60 feet. Technical divers can push deeper. A nitrox certification is recommended to extend bottom time on the shallower wrecks.