Bikini Atoll diving future?

[nadwidny]

Looks like Master Liveaboards (currently the only operation going to Bikini) has cancelled all 2027 trips to the atoll and the Pacific Master will be staying in Truk for all of 2027. I wonder if this means the end (again) for Bikini diving or if some other charter op is looking at taking their place?

 

[Eric Sedletzky]

When I saw the title I thought we were going to get some hot pics!

 

[nadwidny]

When I saw the title I thought we were going to get some hot pics!

LOL. Fixed it!

 

[bakodiver391]

All I know is that Indies Trader Marine Adventures has lost interest in running trips, despite 9 seasons of successful operations. Due to the remote location and difficult logistics it is extremely challenging to execute great trips and make a profit doing it. Bikini Atoll local government is bankrupt so I don't see them investing in a shore-based operation either. It sucks, but those of us who dived at Bikini in her halcyon days can only be thankful for the privilege.

 

[nadwidny]

All I know is that Indies Trader Marine Adventures has lost interest in running trips, despite 9 seasons of successful operations. Due to the remote location and difficult logistics it is extremely challenging to execute great trips and make a profit doing it. Bikini Atoll local government is bankrupt so I don't see them investing in a shore-based operation either. It sucks, but those of us who dived at Bikini in her halcyon days can only be thankful for the privilege.

On my trip earlier this month the boat only had 7 divers (8 if you include Aron from Dirty Dozen). 15 crew. No doubt this trip didn't make any money. And I see that other trips this summer are not sold out.

 

[rhwestfall]

These are costly trips, and disposable income is waning for many...

 

[makar0n]

On my trip earlier this month the boat only had 7 divers (8 if you include Aron from Dirty Dozen). 15 crew. No doubt this trip didn't make any money. And I see that other trips this summer are not sold out.

I wonder if the flight cost is not something that contributed to the overall picture - I was actually looking at the very same trip (or so I suspect - Dirty Dozen one, was an awesome deal last minute). Then looked at flights - Frankfurt - Hawai, 800-1000. Great. Hawai - Kwajalein - 3000+... (weren't those in 1k range before?) That has cured my liveaboard itch pretty fast as flights would effectively cost more than the boat trip ;/ And don't you dare to book the flights together (i.e. under one booking) as then United quotes you about 8-10k for the privilege. And with separate bookings potential for something going wrong is even greater.

 

[broncobowsher]

Just got back last week. Started off as a sold out trip, few backed out, another was picked up. Should have been 13 of 16 bunks filled. Airline issues left 2 people without flights in time. So we were 11 of 16 bunks. Be sure to have your trip insurance for this one.

What we heard was the same as the OP. 2026 is the last year.

I don't think this is the end, forever. I think there will be an occasional trip/season. How that happens, don't know? Not only is it for those with disposable income, roughly 2X the cost of Truk, it is for those who have time. My trip needed 3 weeks off work. It was almost a week just to get there. Travel is 2 days to get to Kwaj, 2 days on Ebeye (those that tried to skip this step missed the trip, and some of the delayed luggage actually arrived during this waiting period). A day diving in Kwaj, a day of motoring to Bikini. Now you are diving in Bikini. That's a lot of time not spent diving in Bikini. I really wish the land operation stayed alive.