Truk Lagoon

Truk Lagoon is a wreck diver’s paradise steeped in World War II history and is a unique destination.

During World War II the atoll of Truk, in the south‐west Pacific, was the forward base for the Japanese Imperial Navy. On the 17th and 18th February 1944 the Americans laid siege to Truk Lagoon, executing a destructive aerial bombardment known as ‘Operation Hailstone’. Around 30 waves of American bombers destroyed 250 Japanese planes, an estimated 60 vessels, as well as thousands of Japanese and Chuukese citizens. ‘Operation Hailstone’ set a World War II record of destruction, with over 180,000 tons of shipping being sunk in just two days.

Today, dozens of Japanese ships and artefacts can be seen in the clear Lagoon waters. The average depth for the majority of wrecks is between 28m ‐ 45m and the diving is often in little, or no, current.

Diving on these ships captures a historic moment in time. Their guns remain facing the sky, still armed with spent ammunition shells strewn across their decks, and holds are packed full of military hardware and explosives. Truk Lagoon is a ‘must’ for any discerning diver.

How to get there

Truk Lagoon is most easily reached through Manila, in the Philippines. There are many airlines operating flights to Manila from the UK and you would need to take a night’s accommodation there prior to continuing your journey to Truk the next day. From Manila, there are flights to Truk Lagoon operating two times per week, travelling on United Airlines via Guam. Flight time from Manila to Truk is just eight hours, although the flight times can be at very unsociable hours.

Stay a bit a longer

Truk Lagoon has so much to offer it is likely that you may not be looking to add any other destination to your trip, but there are several options to consider. In Truk itself, you can take a day off diving and head into the island to see historical sites and visit many World War II relics.

You can also consider extending your trip by exploring more of the Philippines. Or, if you fancy more diving, then you could combine Truk Lagoon with a stay in either Yap or Palau. United Airlines service all these areas, with flights to Yap and Palau operating via Guam.

Whichever option you fancy, we will be happy to guide you and assist with all your travel needs.