I lived in Truk Lagoon for about 4 months and thought I share a few thoughts with potential divers of this area.
The legal name of the country is Chuuk, Micronesia. Truk Lagoon is the name known by most Americans and most divers around the world. Weno is the only island with hotels and diving operations. The airport is there of course.
I am not a history buff but Truk Lagoon is full of history and I'll leave it to other to discuss it. You certainly can't ignore and you may get hooked on it once you are there even if that's not the reason you went.
The shallower wrecks have some incredible lush soft and hard corals growing on them. I'm not sure why this is so seldom mentioned. I enjoyed the outsides of the wrecks every bit as much as the insides. The best coral is on the shallower wrecks. While there isn't the amount of soft coral seen in places like Fiji, the colors and size are unbelievable on some wrecks.
A huge myth is that you have to dive deep (depends upons your definition of course) to enjoy Truk Lagoon. A large number of dives can be enjoyed at 100 feet or less and some at 70 feet or less with the best coral being on the shallower wrecks of course. Wreck penetration is definately not required to enjoy your visit. While the diving is deeper than some places it is relatively easy as there is seldom any current. Good buoyancy control in open water is very helpful and probably the skill I'd recommend most though many wrecks have lines and some operations provide them as well for the safety stops.
I would not go to Chuuk if I was the only diver in a group that didn't want to dive beyond my comfortable limits. You could easily get left on the outside of a wreck while the rest of the group did a penetration. I don't think being alone at 80 feet for several minutes is a great idea. Just make sure you have a buddy at all times.
One thing I found was that some divers ended up in deco situations - many for the first time. This is not necessary and you don't have to do deco dives to enjoy most of the wrecks. Some operations allow deco diving even if you aren't trained and I think that's a terrible idea. Keep an eye on your computer and you'll be fine. (Don't even think about diving there without a computer) Yes the dive times are shorter but the dives are worth it.
One thing some operations don't stress enough is that Truk Lagoon is a giant burial ground. This area is frequenly visited by Japanese relatives of the dead. Many do not dive but they come because their relatives died there. There was a significant diplomatic problem during the time I was there because some dive guides were moving relics around. All operations were warned of a potential international incident taken to the highest levels of government. Nearly every picture you see of a gas mask, or stacked bottles has been staged. Those relics were buried under debris but brought out to impress divers in hope of a tip later. Do not encourage this practice. Do not touch anything and don't move things around just for a picture. It is disrespectful. No one would want this to happen at a loved ones burial site.
Chuuk is extremely poor and highly disfunctional. As a diver you'll probably not be effected by this however. I'd certainly suggest you stay at your chosen facility during your stay. It's not dangerous at all but there is little reason to leave. There are a few stores but few authentic crafts and they can be purchased at your hotel or resort. If you shop for food, beware of the expiration dates on packages. This is often a problem. You can save between 50% AND 80% on your beer however by purchasing that at a local store if you have a way to keep it cold. Unfortunately, the most popular resort, Blue Lagoon, is a couple of miles or more from a real grocery store. Truk Stop Hotel is almost in town so this isn't a problem.
If you chose to do an island tour, just make sure you'll actually get to see the things you want to see. Many of the best artifacts are on private land and can't be seen easily or without extra cost.
One last thought. If you can afford to dive this area of the world, try to take the extra time to visit Palua or Yap. You'll be glad you did.
The legal name of the country is Chuuk, Micronesia. Truk Lagoon is the name known by most Americans and most divers around the world. Weno is the only island with hotels and diving operations. The airport is there of course.
I am not a history buff but Truk Lagoon is full of history and I'll leave it to other to discuss it. You certainly can't ignore and you may get hooked on it once you are there even if that's not the reason you went.
The shallower wrecks have some incredible lush soft and hard corals growing on them. I'm not sure why this is so seldom mentioned. I enjoyed the outsides of the wrecks every bit as much as the insides. The best coral is on the shallower wrecks. While there isn't the amount of soft coral seen in places like Fiji, the colors and size are unbelievable on some wrecks.
A huge myth is that you have to dive deep (depends upons your definition of course) to enjoy Truk Lagoon. A large number of dives can be enjoyed at 100 feet or less and some at 70 feet or less with the best coral being on the shallower wrecks of course. Wreck penetration is definately not required to enjoy your visit. While the diving is deeper than some places it is relatively easy as there is seldom any current. Good buoyancy control in open water is very helpful and probably the skill I'd recommend most though many wrecks have lines and some operations provide them as well for the safety stops.
I would not go to Chuuk if I was the only diver in a group that didn't want to dive beyond my comfortable limits. You could easily get left on the outside of a wreck while the rest of the group did a penetration. I don't think being alone at 80 feet for several minutes is a great idea. Just make sure you have a buddy at all times.
One thing I found was that some divers ended up in deco situations - many for the first time. This is not necessary and you don't have to do deco dives to enjoy most of the wrecks. Some operations allow deco diving even if you aren't trained and I think that's a terrible idea. Keep an eye on your computer and you'll be fine. (Don't even think about diving there without a computer) Yes the dive times are shorter but the dives are worth it.
One thing some operations don't stress enough is that Truk Lagoon is a giant burial ground. This area is frequenly visited by Japanese relatives of the dead. Many do not dive but they come because their relatives died there. There was a significant diplomatic problem during the time I was there because some dive guides were moving relics around. All operations were warned of a potential international incident taken to the highest levels of government. Nearly every picture you see of a gas mask, or stacked bottles has been staged. Those relics were buried under debris but brought out to impress divers in hope of a tip later. Do not encourage this practice. Do not touch anything and don't move things around just for a picture. It is disrespectful. No one would want this to happen at a loved ones burial site.
Chuuk is extremely poor and highly disfunctional. As a diver you'll probably not be effected by this however. I'd certainly suggest you stay at your chosen facility during your stay. It's not dangerous at all but there is little reason to leave. There are a few stores but few authentic crafts and they can be purchased at your hotel or resort. If you shop for food, beware of the expiration dates on packages. This is often a problem. You can save between 50% AND 80% on your beer however by purchasing that at a local store if you have a way to keep it cold. Unfortunately, the most popular resort, Blue Lagoon, is a couple of miles or more from a real grocery store. Truk Stop Hotel is almost in town so this isn't a problem.
If you chose to do an island tour, just make sure you'll actually get to see the things you want to see. Many of the best artifacts are on private land and can't be seen easily or without extra cost.
One last thought. If you can afford to dive this area of the world, try to take the extra time to visit Palua or Yap. You'll be glad you did.
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