TRUK, MICRONESIA

Year:2005

The ultimate in wreck diving

Season: Year-round diving

Visibility: 20-40 metres

Water temperature: 28-30°C

Seven degrees north of the equator lies the famous Truk (or Chuuk) Lagoon. Truk has long been acknowledged as the world's ultimate wreck site' for, amazing as it seems, almost 70 charted wrecks lie inside the lagoon! The calm waters hold the remains of the Japanese fleet that was targeted by Operation Hailstone in February 1944 during World War II. The resulting battles led to the numerous wrecks now found within the lagoon. Some 275 Japanese planes were downed and over 60 ships were sunk! These amazing wrecks, which have been protected from plunder and still contain the remains of those who died in them, are now enrobed in coral. Truk is most certainly a grim reminder of the violence of war but also a tribute to nature's ability to turn horror and death into beauty and life. Famous wrecks include the 7,000 tons Fujikawa Maru , a large freighter that was transporting aircraft and ammunition, and the 4,800 tons Sankisan Maru with its cargo of lorries and machine guns, but these are just a small sample of the fabulous experiences to be had in this wreck-diver's paradise.

The beautiful Fujikawa Maru is often one of the first wrecks to be explored by divers visiting Truk. Today, only one of its masts pokes out of the water, but below the water the bow and forecastle are still well preserved, as are the bow and stern guns. The bow is heavy with soft corals and seafans while the bow gun is a cleaning station and a home to some large Napoleon Wrasse. The superstructure lies at 15 metres and four Japanese fighter planes can be found in hold No. 2 by swimming through two deck levels. Staggeringly, the control columns and certain other controls are still moveable! It is even possible to climb into the cockpit of some of the planes if great care is taken. This No. 2 hold goes down to a depth of 27 metres. A total of six holds contain a variety of debris and relics, including some live ammunition. No. 4 hold is where a torpedo struck the boat and it is possible to swim through the gaping hole in the vessel's side.

At 42 metes to the bridge, the San Francisco Maru is a very deep dive, but for some divers well worth it. This has been named as one of the best wrecks in Truk in terms of the contents of its holds and the war relics on its deck. No. 1 hold is almost full of live hemispherical beach mines. The spectacular contents of hold No. 2 include three Japanese Ha-Go light tanks, a high velocity anti-aircraft gun and a staff car. Other holds contain torpedoes, the remains of some lorries, and much ammunition. The ship's propeller and rudder have not been explored due to their excessive depth.

At the Sankisan Maru it is 24 metres to the seabed and consequently well within sport divers' limits. This medium-sized freighter now rests upright on a slope. As one descends the shot line to the deck, the cargo immediately appears, for the remains of Toyota and Isuzu trucks lie exposed. The contents of hold No. 1 are a diminishing collection of small arms, some in wooden crates and boxes and some scattered loose. Coral growth all over the deck makes this a very pretty wreck. At 3 metres the foremast and its crosstree make a fascinating safety stop with oysters, sea squirts, tube sponges and lots of damselfish to examine.

Although best known for its wreck diving, Truk has some spectacular reef diving, particularly on the outer walls of the lagoon. The passes and drop-offs in particular boast prolific fish life and some sites have such clear water that it is essential to monitor depth to make sure that you do not descend too far!

TRUK BLUE LAGOON RESORT

Located in a lush tropical setting among tall coconut palms, the Truk Blue Lagoon Resort (the only resort hotel on Moen Island) offers a breathtaking view of the famous Truk Lagoon. This middle-sized hotel offers a reasonable standard of accommodation, but is not luxurious. The hotel's low two storey design, with 56 spacious rooms, blends with the island's tropical atmosphere. The restaurant offers local seafood dishes as well as International and Asian cuisine. A beach bar and cocktail lounge provide the perfect setting for a relaxing drink after diving. Wander through the palm-shaded gardens or take a refreshing swim in the lagoon.

The famous Blue Lagoon Dive Shop , Truk's premier dive centre, is our choice for the finest shore-based diving. Blue Lagoon Dive Shop was owned by the late Kimiuo Aisek, who witnessed the battles as a youth and subsequently charted many of the lost' wrecks, and is now run by his son Gradvin. Divers are collected from the dock outside the Truk Blue Lagoon Resort each day by the fast wooden dive boat from Blue Lagoon Dive Shop.

£653 (non-divers: £329) for 7 nights

£762 (non-divers: £365) for 8 nights

Includes:

" Airport transfers.

" 7 or 8 nights room-only accommodation on a twin/share basis at the Truk Blue Lagoon Resort.

" 6 or 7 days diving (2 boat dives per day), dive guide, cylinders and weights.

Please note : A Chuuk State Dive Permit fee, currently US$35 per person, is payable locally.

Supplement for Nitrox package: £37 per day (includes breakfast, lunch and dinner on diving days).

Supplement for 3 boat dives: £35 per day.

Supplement for 4 boat dives: £70 per day (but only £48 for those on Nitrox package, who also receive one free night dive per week).

Additional Nights: £109 (without diving: £46).

Important: those making short stays at the Truk Blue Lagoon Resort in connection with a Truk Aggressor or Thorfinn cruise will be charged the additional night price for each night spent at the hotel, plus £7 for each airport transfer.

Single Occupancy Supplement: £36 per night

Deposit: £100 per person.

THORFINN

In one week on the famous SS Thorfinn it is possible to explore more than 30 of the 60 magnificent shipwrecks of Japan's Imperial 4th Fleet. Condemned to a watery grave more than 50 years ago by the US naval air attack in Operation Hailstone during World War II, these beautiful wrecks lie within the 822 square mile lagoon. Beyond the wrecks lies the stunning reef wall encrusted with coral and guarded by sharks.

The newly refurbished Thorfinn is the largest and also one of the best-regarded liveaboard vessels in the Pacific, with no less than 21 crew for a maximum of 22-24 passengers. Eleven fully air-conditioned staterooms each have a vanity unit, TV, VCR and large window. Eight staterooms feature queen-sized beds and private bathrooms with head and shower. The remainder have two single beds and shared bathroom facilities. (An additional cabin is pressed into service at peak periods.)The crew of Thorfinn are dedicated to cater to your every need. The salon features a full bar, large ocean aquarium, an entertainment centre with video, large screen TV and a splendid video library. The open air lounge has a sun deck with loungers and a shaded area where one can enjoy a cool drink or a tasty snack between dives or simply enjoy the splendid views from the boat. The eight-seater hot tub on deck is a popular spot to relax after dives!

Once you have set up your gear on the first day the crew will look after it for the rest of the week, leaving you free to enjoy what you have come for  so just roll back into the water. Twin-engined aluminium tenders each carry a maximum of 6 divers and a dive guide from the mother ship to the dive sites, so there is plenty of time to explore the wonders of each wreck without any possibility of overcrowding. Underwater photographers have special facilities on board Thorfinn . There is daily E-6 processing, light tables in the salon and cameras and videos for rental. The dive deck has a photography table for storage and servicing photographic equipment and there is a specially stabilized charging station. Separate rinse tanks are designated as camera-exclusive.

Thorfinn is anchored off Weno Harbour on the island of Moen and offers 7 nights packages commencing every Sunday throughout the year. The ship stays at anchor and all diving is by tender. Stays of different durations may be possible but are on request.

£1042 with 3 dives per day

£1166 with up to 5 dives per day

Includes:

" Airport transfers if arriving/departing on Sundays.

" 7 nights on Thorfinn on a twin/share basis with full board (including non-alcoholic beverages for all and also beer plus house wine with dinner for those on the up to 5 dives per day package).

" Up to 7 days diving (3 or up to 5 dives per day, including night dives), dive guide, cylinders and weights.

Please note : A Chuuk State Dive Permit fee, currently US$35 per person, will be payable on board.

Supplement for unlimited Nitrox: £190 for unlimited tanks, or £10 per tank. Fills are up to 32%.

Additional Night (on request): £159 (with Nitrox £189) with 3 dives per day; £195 (with unlimited Nitrox £214) with up to 5 dives per day.

Single Occupancy Supplement: If you are travelling alone and are willing to share a twin cabin with a fellow passenger of the same sex you can avoid paying any supplement. If you prefer to have a cabin to yourself a 50% supplement applies.

Deposit: £80 per night

TRUK AGGRESSOR

The Truk Aggressor is a very comfortable liveaboard that carries a maximum of 18 passengers in eight staterooms with air conditioning and private head and shower. Seven Deluxe Staterooms each have a lower double bed and a single upper bed, while the Quad Stateroom has four single beds. Seven crew members make sure that your diving holiday runs smoothly. Between dives guests can relax on the sundeck (either in or out of the shade) or try the amazing hot tub! The salon has an excellent collection of books, videos and music to enjoy.

The dive deck covers the aft third of the main deck. Large gear lockers double as seats and line the rails and centre. Two tanks are mounted at the back of each locker, so it is easy to don your equipment at your seat or ask for the tank to be taken to the dive platform. A large three-tiered camera table has plenty of space for camera assembly or preparation and separate rinse tanks are kept for cameras and videos. The photography department provides rental cameras and accessories as well as the services of the photo pro if you require a model or expert advice. E-6 processing is provided daily. Light tables are always available for slide viewing. A range of PADI and NAUI speciality courses are offered including Nitrox training and facilities. A full range of diving equipment is available for rental by pre-arrangement.

For after the dive there is a freshwater shower and clean towels awaiting, as well as the chef's freshly prepared snacks to appease the after-dive hunger pangs! Delicious barbecues, American and local dishes are served; breads, biscuits and baked snacks come strait from the oven. Most meals are served buffet-style.

Truk Aggressor operates out of the harbour at Truk Blue Lagoon Resort for 7 nights cruises, departing every Sunday throughout the year.

A Truk Aggressor brochure is available from our office on request.

£1355 in a Quad Stateroom

£1478 in a Deluxe Stateroom

Includes:

" Airport transfers if arriving/departing on Sundays.

" 7 nights cruise on Truk Aggressor on a twin/share or quad/share basis with full board (except dinner on the last night), including non-alcoholic and local alcoholic beverages

" 5 full days of diving (up to 4 or 5 dives per day, including night dives) plus one or two dives on the last day, cylinders and weights.

Please note : A cruising tax, currently US$31.50 per person, and a Chuuk State Dive Permit fee, currently US$30 per person, will be collected on Sunday before the boat departs from the dock. Dinner on the last night is not included, but guests will be provided with guidance about good local restaurants.

Non-divers: A £123 reduction applies.

Additional Week: A £123 discount applies.

Single Occupancy Supplement: If you are travelling alone and are willing to share a twin cabin with a fellow passenger of the same sex you can avoid paying any supplement. If you prefer to have a cabin to yourself a 50% supplement applies.

Small Group Incentives: Very attractive discounts or largely free places for group leaders are available for groups of 6 or more. Please contact us for details.

Deposit: £500

FLIGHTS

The airfares shown are the least expensive fare category available at the time of going to press. We will quote you the airfare applicable, based on current fare levels and booking class availability, at the time of booking. The usual airfare deposit is £100.

SINGAPORE AIRLINES

Midday departure on Singapore Airlines from London (Heathrow) on Saturday, Monday, Wednesday or Thursday, arriving at Manila the following afternoon. Continue that evening on Continental Micronesia to Truk via Guam, arriving on Monday, Wednesday, Friday or Saturday morning respectively. Depart from Truk on Tuesday, Thursday or Saturday afternoon, arriving in Manila via Guam in the evening. After an overnight stay at an hotel in Manila, continue on Wednesday, Friday or Sunday morning on a Singapore Airlines afternoon flight to Singapore and connect with an onward flight to London (Heathrow), arriving on Thursday, Saturday or Monday morning. It is also possible to leave London on Friday, overnight in Manila on Saturday night and fly on to Truk on Sunday, arriving in the evening (a good option for those short of time who wish to take Truk Aggressor .

Saturday, Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday flights are also available from Manchester at no extra charge.

£1205 for departures 1 January-30 June (excluding Easter)

£1248 for departures 16 August-9 December

£1311 for departures at Easter, 24-31 December

£1373 for departures at 1 July-15 August

£1455 for departures 10-23 December

Manila-Truk Seasonal Supplement: £102 for departures 1-31 January, 1 April-31 July, 11-31 December

Includes:

" Scheduled flights London (Heathrow)/Singapore/Manila/Singapore/London (Heathrow) by Singapore Airlines.

" Scheduled flights Manila/Guam/Truk/Guam/Manila by Continental Micronesia Airlines.

MALAYSIA AIRLINES

Midday departure on Malaysia Airlines from London (Heathrow) on Saturday, Monday, or Wednesday, arriving at Manila the following afternoon. Continue that evening on Continental Micronesia to Truk via Guam, arriving on Monday, Wednesday or Friday morning respectively. Depart from Truk on Tuesday, Thursday or Saturday afternoon, arriving in Manila via Guam in the evening. After an overnight stay at an hotel in Manila, continue on Wednesday, Friday or Sunday morning on a Malaysia Airlines afternoon flight to Kuala Lumpur and connect with an onward flight to London (Heathrow), arriving on Thursday, Saturday or Monday morning. It is also possible to leave London on Friday, overnight in Manila on Saturday night and fly on to Truk on Sunday, arriving in the evening (a good option for those short of time who wish to take Truk Aggressor .

Flights are also available between Manchester and Manila at no extra charge. Flights depart from Manchester on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays. Return flights leave Manila on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

Concessionary rates are available for connecting flights between Leeds/Bradford, Manchester, Teesside, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Belfast and London. Please contact our office for details.

£1295 for departures 1 January-30 June (excluding Easter), 1 September-9 December

£1370 for departures at Easter, 1-7 July, 18-31 August, 25-31 December

£1482 for departures 8 July-17 August, 10-24 December

Weekend Supplement: £12 each way for departures from London, Manchester or Manila on Fridays, Saturdays or Sundays.

Manila-Truk Seasonal Supplement: £102 for departures 1-31 January, 1 April-31 July, 11-31 December

Includes:

" Scheduled flights London (Heathrow)/Kuala Lumpur/Manila/Kuala Lumpur/London (Heathrow) by Malaysia Airlines.

" Scheduled flights Manila/Guam/Truk/Guam/Manila by Continental Micronesia Airlines.

Business Class Upgrades: These are available on Malaysia Airlines between the UK and Manila at attractive rates. Please contact our office for details.

UNITED AIRLINES

Midday departure on United Airlines from London (Heathrow) on Sunday, Tuesday or Thursday, arriving in Honolulu in the evening, after a change of aircraft in Los Angeles. After an overnight stay in Honolulu depart on Monday, Wednesday or Friday morning for Truk, arriving on Tuesday, Thursday or Saturday afternoon (after having crossed the International Dateline). Return flights leave Truk on Monday, Wednesday or Friday morning, arriving in Honolulu in the early morning of the same day (after re-crossing the International Dateline!). Here you connect with a morning flight to London (Heathrow), arriving at midday on Tuesday, Thursday or Saturday.

Concessionary rates are available for connecting flights between Leeds/Bradford, Manchester, Teesside, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Belfast and London. Please contact our office for details.

£1384 for departures 1 January-31 March (excluding Easter)

£1476 for departures 1-30 April, 1 November-11 December

£1534 for departures 12-16 December, 25-31 December

£1608 for departures at Easter

£1631 for departures 1 May-30 June, 1 September-31 October

£1781 for departures 1-10 July, 22-31 August

£1792 for departures 11 July-21 August, 17-24 December

Weekend Supplement: £12 each way for departures from London or Honolulu on Fridays, Saturdays or Sundays.

Includes:

" Scheduled flights London (Heathrow)/Honolulu/London (Heathrow) by United Airlines.

" Scheduled flights Honolulu/Truk/Honolulu by Continental Micronesia Airlines.

Overnights in Manila: £42 per night at the Hyatt Regency Hotel, a comfortable hotel situated close to Manila Airport, on a twin/share basis with breakfast. A single occupancy supplement of £42 per night applies. Please note: Airport/hotel transfers are not included: local taxis are safe and inexpensive.

Overnights in Honolulu: We can reserve rooms at the Best Western The Plaza Hotel for approximately £51 per night, payable locally in US$, on a twin/share, room-only basis. The hotel is very conveniently situated at the entrance to Honolulu International Airport and has a free shuttle bust service. A single occupancy supplement of £51 per night applies.

Sample Itinerary (Eastbound, including 11 nights hotel/liveaboard in Truk)

Day 1 (Wednesday): Depart London (Heathrow) in the morning.   Day 2 (Thursday): Arrive Singapore or Kuala Lumpur in the morning and Manila in the afternoon, departing Manila in the evening.   Day 3 (Friday): Arrive Guam and then Truk in the morning. Transfer to Blue Lagoon Resort or Thorfinn , or to Truk Aggressor with two nights at Blue Lagoon before cruise and two nights there after cruise, for 11 nights Truk.   Days 4-13 (Saturday-Monday): Up to 10 days diving at Truk.   Day 14 (Tuesday): Depart Truk for Manila via Guam in the afternoon. Overnight at hotel in Manila.   Day 15 (Wednesday): Depart Manila in the morning, arrive Singapore or Kuala Lumpur in afternoon and connect with onward flight in evening.   Day 16 (Thursday): Morning arrival at London (Heathrow).

SINGAPORE STOP-OVERS

Why not take the opportunity to explore Singapore as part of your holiday? Singapore Airlines fly between London and Singapore daily and stop-overs are available at no additional airfare. We can arrange your hotel accommodation: for details please see the Southern Thailand entry in this brochure.

COMBINING TRUK WITH BIKINI, YAP OR PALAU

If you are going all the way to Truk, why not make it the wreck trip of a lifetime and combine Truk with Bikini's incredible warships? You will have paid for most of the airfare already! Alternatively, why not take in Yap with its incredible Manta Rays or Palau's strange and beautiful Rock Islands' with their amazing diving? Please contact us and we can suggest potential itineraries, but bear in mind you need around three weeks holiday for a combination trip.