Travel Guides And Tips: World's Best Dive Sites

Although not strictly a specific dive site, Chuuk Lagoon is arguably one of the finest locations for scuba diving to be found anywhere in the world.

When considering what dive sites should be considered amongst the worlds best, we are really looking for those few dive sites which consistently deliver a 'unique and special diving experience.' Without doubt, Chuuk Lagoon sits comfortably amongst a list of the world's best dive sites.

Whilst its volcanic origins have brought about an abundance of marine life and fauna to Chuuk Lagoon, what really elevates it from other decent dive sites are the 48 shipwrecks which are scattered across the seabed of the lagoon. These shipwrecks are a result of a fierce battle called Operation Hailstone, which took place during the Second World War in February 1944. During this two day battle, the US Naval forces launched a major assault on the Japanese Fleet which had made its base in Chuuk Lagoon, and by the end of the assault, three cruisers, six destroyers, three other warships and over 30 merchant ships had been sunk. In total over 220,000 tonnes of shipping in just over two days.

Today, these wrecks form the basis of what has become one of the world's best wreck diving sites, and over the course of the past 50 years the wrecks at Chuuk Lagoon have gradually become encrusted with a wide variety of coral formations, becoming home to a stunning array of marine life.

There are a number of excellent wreck dives within Chuuk Lagoon including the Nippo Maru, the Hoki Maru and the Shinkoku Maru; however it is the wreck of the Fujikawa Maru which is widely considered to be the best wreck dive in Chuuk Lagoon.

There are a number of excellent dive operators who offer diving in the Lagoon, and they are typically well equipped, with extensive knowledge of the various wrecks. For fans of liveaboard diving, there are also a number of liveaboards who visit Chuuk Lagoon as a integral part of their itinerary. Diving is possible year round at the Lagoon, although the best time to visit is during the dry period between January to March. Visibility can also be severely reduced by run off during the monsoon period which runs from July through to October.

If you are looking for that extra special dive location, then Chuuk Lagoon ticks many of the boxes, and although for the majority of people of divers it is a long journey, the standard of the diving makes it all worthwhile.

Mark Burns is Director of Scubaworld.tv, a large scuba diving holidays website, and comprehensive source of information on scuba diving in Chuuk Lagoon.

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Mark J Burns - EzineArticles Expert Author