Truk Lagoon: An Underwater XXL Museum

Imagine a place where a hundred wrecks lie – ships, planes, submarines – witnesses of a fierce battle between the Combined Fleet of the Imperial Japanese Navy and American aircraft carriers during World War II. These wrecks, untouched by metal scavengers, are found at reasonable depths ranging from 30 to 50 meters, making their exploration almost as accessible as a museum visit. Each wreck tells a story, offering a multitude of artifacts to discover. This exploration dream is called: Truk Lagoon.

A forgotten past

Truk (or Chuuk in Micronesian), nicknamed « The Lagoon of Lost Ships » by Commander Cousteau in his 1969 film, was long forgotten. Located in the heart of the Pacific, it lost its strategic importance at the end of the war, sinking into oblivion. Philippe Cousteau and his team spent two months there, discovering many wrecks still intact. These wrecks, now covered in corals, act as natural reefs and are classified among underwater museums where war artifacts are left preserved by law. This makes it a true paradise for wreck enthusiasts.

Despite the need to travel across the planet and change planes several times, making the destination less popular among French-speaking divers, arriving at Truk’s airfield is a true change of scenery. You find yourself transported to the 70s: the country is one of the poorest in the world, with its main resources being dried coconut and tuna canneries, while the population depends on international aid. Diving and exploring the wrecks are the only significant tourist activities.