Chuuk Lagoon December 5-12, 2026
The Gibraltar of the Pacific
The Pacific war brought these islands their popularity when on February 16 and 17, 1944, the United States launched a massive air attack against Japanese forces. Forty-five ships were sunk and nearly 300 aircraft destroyed.
The 2026 Expedition is full!
The 2026 expedition is full however we are looking to possibly book a second trip so please sign up if interested.
This once-in-a-lifetime trip is everydivers must do
The Gibraltar of the Pacific
The Pacific war brought these islands their popularity when, on February 16 and 17, 1944, the United States launched a massive air attack against Japanese forces. Forty-five ships were sunk and nearly 300 aircraft destroyed.
In the 1930s and early ’40s, the Japanese had built Chuuk Lagoon into a major sea base. It was known as the “Gibraltar” of the Pacific. The lagoon is 40 miles (64 km) in diameter, with only five navigable passages, all surrounded by volcanic islands. With a maximum depth of 300 feet (91 m), there was enough room for the entire combined Imperial Fleet. With such superb natural defenses, Truk became a very important advanced base for the Japanese military.
In early 1944, additional forces were brought in to thwart the expected American invasion. However, just days before the U.S. aerial assault began, the Japanese commander, Admiral Koga, began moving his carriers, battleships, and cruisers to Palau and other destinations. When the first U.S. attack came on February 16, most of the major combatant ships had already left, leaving a few destroyers and dozens of freighters behind. Much of their cargo was still on board when the first planes came over the horizon. For two days, American air power pummeled the atoll. When the attack was over, hundreds of Japanese sailors and thousands of tons of ships, airplanes, and cargo were lying on the lagoon floor. These are the wrecks that draw divers from all over the world. It is a chance to dive into history and see how these sailors and soldiers lived and died.
Dive Deck
During your stay in Truk Lagoon you will find that the majority of your diving will easily be done directly off the Odyssey while we are moored over the dive site. Once you arrive and set up your gear in your own private seat and protected dive locker, you won't have to take your gear apart until you prepare to go home. Your tank (air or Nitrox) will be conveniently filled at your seat.
You'll find that the spacious dive platform (13’ x 6’) has plenty of room for two divers plus a divemaster. One 7’ ladder and an in-water elevator to help you out of the water where you can step up to the convenient freshwater shower to rinse off with. Just 4 steps to the dive deck and you'll find the camera rinse tanks (one on either side of the boat). Past the camera rinse tanks are the gear rinse tanks.
For our photographers, we have a large, sturdy, 3-tiered, carpeted photo table for all your working needs.
There's plenty of space to hang your wetsuit on the bar just in front of the protected fan blowing warm air out of the engine room! Ahhh!
Sun Deck
We haven't forgotten about you sun worshippers! Just behind the dining area we have a nice size sun deck with lounge chairs and deck chairs. There is also a covered section where you can still be outside, but not in direct sun.
The Odyssey, a 132’ air-conditioned live-aboard vessel has spacious rooms, private ensuite facilities, and a large entertainment lounge. All meals and beverages are included and so is the nitrox. With small groups of only 16 guests, you’ll make friends quickly and forever.
LOUNGE
The comfortable lounge is where you'll find a variety of ways to entertain yourself. We have a well stocked fridge to quench your thirst while you settle in for a good movie (with over 500 titles to choose from — even current ones). You can also find a good book to read in the library, or look through our various fish identification books. Odyssey also has a well-stocked boutique located in the lounge.
About Chuuk
Also known as Truk, but was changed to its original name in 1986 when the Compact of Free Association went into effect. The compact is a political relationship with the United States that started in October 1986.
Chuuk state consists of seven major island groups lying within the Eastern Caroline Islands, about 617 miles (1028 km) southeast of Guam and 3,262 miles (5,436 km) southwest of Hawaii. The total land mass of Chuuk state, including the outer islands, is approximately 77 square miles (128 km)
Location: 7 degrees North, 149 degrees East
Native Inhabitants: Chuukese
Official Language: Chuukese and English
Currency: US Dollar Time: Greenwich Mean
Time +10
Telecommunications: International telephone, telex, and facsimile service is available through the larger hotels and the FSM Telecommunications Center. The country code for telephone and facsimile service is 691, and the telex code is 729.
Postal System: US Postal Service
Electricity: 110 volts/60 cycles
Climate: Between 70-90 degrees Fahrenheit (26-30 degrees Celsius); averaging 81 degrees Fahrenheit (28 degrees Celsius)
Water temperature: 82-84 degrees
Seasons: Dry season between December and April; Rainy season, April to December.
Rainfall: Annual average is approximately 115 inches
Getting there: United Airlines with routings through Guam and Honolulu.
Flying time: 5 hours from Los Angeles to Honolulu, 7 hours from Honolulu to Guam, 2 hours from Guam to Chuuk – all figures are approximate.
Departure tax: $30 US cash collected at the airport prior to departure
Entry requirements: U.S. citizens must provide proof of citizenship. Citizens of other countries must have a passport valid for at least 120 days beyond the date of entry and a return or onward ticket. However, please verify requirements with the appropriate embassy.
Medical: The government-operated hospital on Weno is adequate to meet all normal needs. Please remember to bring enough prescription medication you may need for the entire length of your stay.
Clothing: Summer clothing is worn year-round. On the island, women favor cotton dresses, muumuus, Bermuda shorts, loafers, or sandals. Short shorts and mini skirts are inappropriate attire, especially in more traditional areas. Men wear lightweight slacks or shorts, sport shirts, comfortable shoes or sandals. Sunglasses are recommended.
Dining Area
The most striking room on the Odyssey, attractive Fijian teak tables that can easily seat a full boat and her crew. Full-service wet bar made out of coconut wood.
The Odyssey salon is fully air-conditioned with full windows running down both sides. All meals are buffet-style. Breakfast includes hot breakfast items, cereals, and fruits; hot lunches and snacks throughout the day; and a hearty hot dinner with dessert every night.
STATEROOMS
Te Odyssey boasts Seven large staterooms all fully cartpeted with individual air conditioning, windows with large portholes full private bathroom with shower/sink/toilet the rooms are easilly equipped to accomodate two single passengers with twin single beds