Choosing where to dive in Truk Lagoon can be overwhelming because there are so many good sites to choose from. We asked Dirty Dozen Expedition Leader and Founder Aron Arngrimsson to give us his top picks for wreck diving in this area. Aron has been leading expeditions to this remote dive location for over 10 years, so he is well-equipped to answer our query.
What makes Truk Lagoon a world-class diving destination?
Simply put, Truk Lagoon has one of the highest of war wrecks on the planet - over 50 of them. It is often referred to as the “Gibraltar of the Pacific” - Truk was packed with naval assets when it was attacked in February 1944. 9/10 wrecks in Truk are merchant vessels mostly lying in recreational depths - meaning they are open and easily accessible. Warm water, no current and good visibility gives you optimal conditions to explore the remnants of Operation Hailstone.
What are some of your favourite wrecks to explore in Truk Lagoon and what makes them standout?
Truk Lagoon is an absolute wreck diver’s paradise. Each wreck has its own “wow” factor — some feature pristine war relics (San Francisco Maru), some are like underwater museums (Fujikawa Maru), and others are dazzling with marine life (Shinkoku Maru). Divers return to these sites again and again because every dive reveals something new.
Some of our favorites are:
Fujikawa Maru Photo by Jill Heinerth
1. Fujikawa Maru
Why it stands out: Arguably the most famous wreck in Truk. Gorgeous coral-encrusted bow guns, easily accessible cargo holds filled with Zero fighter plane parts, and great penetration routes.
Depth: 9–37m/30-121ft, perfect for recreational divers.
Shinkoku Maru Telegraph Photo by Aron Arngrimsson
2. Shinkoku Maru
Why it stands out: Absolutely blanketed in soft corals and anemones — it looks like a living reef. The engine room is spacious and well-lit, making it ideal for penetration and photography.
Depth: 9–39m/30-128ft.
San Francisco Maru Tank Photo by Aron Arngrimsson
3. San Francisco Maru
Why it stands out: Dubbed “the Million Dollar Wreck” because of its cargo — tanks, trucks, mines, shells — all preserved in the holds.
Depth: 37-62m/121-203ft, so it’s a deeper dive for tech divers.
Heian Maru Engine Room Photo by SJ Alice Bennett
4. Heian Maru
Why it stands out: The largest wreck in Truk (163m long), it was a submarine tender. Its scale is impressive, and there are lots of torpedoes in the holds.
Depth: 9–35m/30-115ft.
Nippo Maru Howitzers Photo by Aron Arngrimsson
5. Nippo Maru
Why it stands out: It offers everything — intact guns, tanks, gas masks, shells, and beautiful sponges and corals. The bridge is photogenic, and there are lots of artifacts.
Depth: 21–47m/69-154ft.
Kensho Maru Engine Room Photo by Dirty Dozen
6. Kensho Maru
Why it stands out: Brilliant engineering spaces — you can swim through intact engine rooms with gauges and dials still in place. Also home to plenty of marine life and soft corals.
Depth: 12–38m,39-125ft.
Rio De Janeiro Maru Engine Room Photo by Team Dirty Dozen
7. Rio De Janeiro Maru
Why it stands out: Breathtaking engine room — Big holds reveal interesting points of interest like crates of beer bottles, rifles. The rudder and two propellers are very photogenic.
Depth: 9–35m,30-115ft.
IJN Oite Photo by Jesper Kjoller Photography
8. IJN Oite
Why it stands out: an adventure - a bit of a trek in a skiff to the outskirts of the lagoon. Usually outstanding visibility — Usually only visited by seasoned tec diving visitors of Truk, Oite feels like a virgin wreck when you dive it. The outstanding visibility on the edge of the lagoon really amplifies the experience.
Depth: 40–62m,131-203ft.
Apart from the amazing wrecks, what are some interesting types of marine life that divers may also come across here?
Great question — while the wrecks steal the spotlight, Truk Lagoon is also teeming with vibrant marine life. The warm, plankton-rich waters and coral-encrusted wrecks form artificial reefs that attract all kinds of species.
Some of the most interesting creatures you can encounter include anemonefish and clownfish, butterflyfish, angelfish, and damselfish, and some notable macro such as shrimps, pipefish, gobies, and nudibranchs.
Grey reef sharks and blacktip reef sharks sometimes cruise the deeper wrecks like San Francisco Maru and Nippo Maru while barracudas and trevallies patrol the midwater above some of the wrecks. Hawksbill and green turtles occasionally surprise divers resting on deck or gliding overhead. It’s also not unheard of to glimpse a spotted eagle ray or a stingray foraging near the sandy seabed.
Dirty Dozen's Truk expeditions are as much about history, camaraderie, and skill-building as they are about the wrecks — making the trip an unforgettable adventure.
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Aron Arngrimsson
Aron started diving in 2005 in an attempt to break away from the rat race. Since then, his passion for technical diving exploration has led him to some of the best diving locations in the world. Aron has owned and operated several high profile technical diving operations, written for dive publications and training organizations, developed products with industry leading manufacturers and has regularly helped organizations develop training outlines. Aron has filmed documentaries and commercials along with hosting numerous TV and film productions including National Geographic, Dive Odyssey and Monty Halls and is now the co-founder of our sister company, Dirty Dozen Productions.
One of Aron’s personal highlights was a wreck discovery of the USCGC Alexander Hamilton at 95m/311ft, 20 miles off the coast of Reykjavik in 2011. The team conducted a deep exploration dive and then, after communicating with the US Coast Guard and the families of the fallen men, attached a memorial plaque on the ship in 2013. Aron is a active member of The Explorers Club, where he serves as Chapter Chair for the Middle East Chapter.
