Chuuk Lagoon is a sea dive destination known as the Ghost Fleet of Truk Lagoon, where more than 60 World War II Japanese ships and aircraft were sunk during Operation Hailstone in February 1944. The wrecks form the Chuuk Lagoon State Monument and the Truk Lagoon Underwater Fleet, listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. Divers must obtain a permit from a licensed dive shop and buy an annual $50 dive permit, and may not remove, damage or destroy any of the sunken ships or aircraft without written permission of the Governor. Diving is best from October to April and possible year-round. Corals and fans are resident, while manta rays, reef sharks, schooling fish and turtles are occasionally seen.
- Known for
- Ghost Fleet of Truk Lagoon
- Protected area
- Chuuk Lagoon State Monument
- Rules
- All persons diving to the sunken WWII ships and aircraft must first obtain a permit from a licensed dive shop