Chuuk Lagoon

In a former colonial territory where tradition reaches its highest peak, the enchanting blue crystal clear waters hide the signs of damage in their abyss. The ''mountain'' island Chuuk formerly known as Truk was made famous in the 60's when oceanographer Jacques Cousteau made a documentary about the World War II wrecks discovered here. The underwater ship graveyard starred in the documentary ''Ghost Fleet of Truk Lagoon'' and ever since it is a divine destination for those who choose the deep blue over the terrestrial. The ghostly appearance of war combines perfectly with the rich sea world of more than 260 species of fish culminating with the rare sight of the Acropora Pictoni coral.

Many Names, Same Alluring Lagoon

Chuuk Lagoon translated as ''mountain lagoon'' in Chuukese language was formerly known through many other names among which Truk, Ruk, Hogoleu, Tores, Ugulat or Lugus. The most used of all Truk was used till the 1990. Chuuk is now the name of a large archipelago comprising 11 major islands and as many as 46 smaller ones.

The scuba paradise is located in the South West side of the Pacific Ocean and is one of the four Federated States of Micronesia. Chuuk is the most populous among the Micronesian states and is also included in the Caroline Islands group. Believed to have been firstly inhabited 2000 years ago, the alluring lagoon is divided into two major divisions, Faichuuk (West) and Namoneas (East). Throughout history Chuuk was part of powerful empires like the Spanish, German or Japanese empire.

A Special History Museum

Functioning as the main base in the Southern Pacific for the Japanese, Chuuk Lagoon played a major part in history. Nowadays, the evidence of war lays sunken transforming the crystal clear waters of Chuuk into a rare monument. The ship wrecks are located mainly around the islands Dublon, Eten, Fefan, Uman and their beauty is enhanced by the tropical marine life present here. Diving to the coral encrusted museum, visitors can observe all kind of war relics: aircraft, tanks, torpedoes, bombs. One of the highlights is the Submarine 1-169 as this took part in the Pearl Harbor attack.

Sea of Comfort and Relaxation and More

Even though Chuuk Lagoon is famous for its amazing underwater living museum, there are many various way to enjoy this destination. Climb the highest mountain Iras (229 meters) which probably gave the island group its name, inspect the mysterious Nefo Cave or celebrate along with the locals on Chuuk Liberation Day (23rd of September) and Chuuk Constitution Day (1st of October).

Chuuk Lagoon is a spot of heaven and a reminder of horror at the same time. Admire the real ''Ghost Fleet of Truk Lagoon'' and turn your vacation into one which includes more than a sea of comfort and relaxation.