Bikini Atoll

Lying in the northern reaches of the Marshall Islands, Bikini Atoll needs little introduction for wreck divers and technical diving enthusiasts. This remote lagoon lays claim to possibly the finest wreck diving in the world, known as the Ghost Fleet.

After the Second World War, the US Navy gathered a mock fleet to embark on Operation Crossroads, amassing ships from both the Japanese and American fleets. The location they chose for this highly controversial endeavour was Bikini Lagoon.

Dropping two nuclear bombs, one from the air and one underwater, the vast explosions sunk 21 mighty vessels. More than seven decades on, the site of this mayhem is now a mecca for serious scuba divers, with liveaboard expeditions now offered to suitably qualified divers on an annual basis.

A highlight of any expedition and a wreck that holds almost mythical status is the USS Saratoga. This vast aircraft carrier is the shallowest wreck in the lagoon and allows multiple penetration dives. Another highlight is the 250 metre long HIJMS Nagato. This magnificent wreck was of the most significant ships in the Japanese fleet. Legend has it, the Pearl Harbour attack was instigated from her bridge. Other shipwrecks include the USS Arkansas, and American destroyer, along with multiple smaller destroyers such as the USS Anderson and USS Lamson.

While wreck dives are the focus of any expedition to Bikini Lagoon, the area also represents a nursery for numerous species of shark including tiger shark and grey reef shark.

Please note that all the wreck dives in Bikini Lagoon lie beyond recreational diving limits and this location is only suitable for those with technical diving experience. Due to the testing of nuclear weapons in the area, trace levels of radiation still remain. The region is now considered safe to dive, however you do so at your own risk.

Find out more about our Bikini Atoll liveaboard trip.

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