Things to Do in Chuuk Lagoon

Chuuk Lagoon holds the world's largest ship graveyard. This vast natural aquarium in Micronesia's heart hides over 60 Japanese vessels and aircraft beneath crystal-clear waters, all sunk during Operation Hailstone in 1944. Total underwater museum. The lagoon spans roughly 40 miles across, dotted with small islands and coral reefs that have spent decades reclaiming these wartime relics. Decades of coral growth transformed instruments of war into thriving artificial reefs teeming with marine life. History meets nature here. You'll find Zero fighters, merchant vessels, and submarines that now serve as underwater cathedrals draped in soft corals and patrolled by schools of tropical fish.

The dining scene focuses on fresh seafood and local Micronesian dishes but won't win awards for variety. Most visitors eat at their hotel or dive resort, which serve American-style dishes mixed with local fish preparations. Limited but functional. You'll find a few local restaurants in Weno's main town serving traditional dishes like breadfruit, taro, and whatever fish was caught that day. Japanese influence shows in local cooking techniques and ingredients. The seafood is genuinely fresh and local preparations can be quite good—just align your expectations with the remote setting.

December through April delivers the best diving conditions with calmer seas, better visibility, and less rainfall. This peak season means higher prices and advance booking requirements you can't ignore. Weather matters here. May through November brings more rain and potentially rougher seas, but fewer crowds and better accommodation deals. Water temperature stays consistently warm at 80-84°F year-round. Typhoon season runs roughly June through December, though direct hits rarely occur—still worth considering when planning.