Dive
Centers & Accommodations
General
Information
Chuuk, known to
most divers as Truk, because of
Truk Lagoon, boasts a vast, shallow,
beautiful lagoon, and is a Mecca
for wreck divers. Known to the
world as the graveyard of the
Pacific, Truk Lagoon is the final
resting place of more than 70
WW II ships and hundreds of aircraft
that fell to the U.S. Forces during
"Operation Hailstone".
Many of these wrecks rest upon
the bottom with trucks, jeeps,
planes and equipment they were
carrying still intact. During
the past 50+ years these huge
artifacts of the past have become
home for a profusion of soft corals
and marine life.
Less dived and spectacular itself
is the outer reef with peaks,
caves and dropoffs with hard and
soft corals in a kaleidoscope
of colors and shapes. Here you
can experience hundreds of species
of fishes and lots of palagics.
Chuuk is part of the Federated
States of Micronesia which also
include Yap, Pohnpei and Kosrae.
Climate: Warm & Humid
Year Round Low to Mid 70's
Night Mid to Upper 80's Day
Water Temperature: 78 - 85F Visibility:
Up to 100+ ft
Getting
There
Travel to Chuuk
Travel to Chuuk is available via
Hawaii (12 hours) or Guam (1 1/2
hours) through Continental Airlines.
Customs, Immigration and Health
Requirements:
Each island airport has its own
customs and immigration officers.
If you plan on visiting several
islands on one trip, you will be
passing through customs and immigration
lines at each stop and filling out
the usual paperwork. U.S. citizens
may enter any FSM state with a U.S.
passport or proof of U.S. citizenship
(birth certificate). Non U.S. citizens
must have a valid passport from
their country of origin. For more
information please see the entry
requirements page.
Vaccination or certification is
not required unless the traveler
comes from an infected area. Plants
and animals must be given prior
approval before entry, and animals
must be quarantined. Importation
of controlled substances or weapons
is strictly prohibited.
Departure Tax:
US $15 for Chuuk.
Travel
Tips
Currency, Credit Cards:
The U.S. dollar is the official
currency. Most major credit cards
are welcome at most visitor-oriented
businesses.
Time:
Chuuk is 10 hours ahead of GMT.
Telecommunications:
Chuuk enjoys modern, reliable telecommunication
links worldwide. TV, FAX and Internet
services are readily available through
the services of the FSM Telecommunications
Corporation.
Medical Facilities:
Chuuk is a healthy place to visit.
There are no tropical diseases and
health care is readily available.
Postal Services:
U.S. Postal rates apply, and there
is a post office. Post office is
open daily during regular business
hours and are closed on week-ends.
What to Wear:
Travel light. It never gets cold,
so only lightweight clothing should
be brought. Attire is very casual
and formal wear is considered unnecessary
and impractical. Hats, sunglasses
and sun screen are recommended when
enjoying the sun.
Language:
English is the official language
of the government and of commerce.
English is commonly spoken and understood.
Many elderly people are fluent in
Japanese.
Media:
Newspapers, government and private,
are available. There are AM and
FM radio stations as well as a cable
station on Chuuk where you can watch
live satellite broadcasts of CNN
and ESPN.
Tipping:
Visitors to Chuuk are guests and
hospitality is an honor in our culture.
Tips are neither expected nor encouraged.
Electricity:
Standard 110 volt and US type outlets
are used.
Transportation:
Taxis are available and can be called
to most locations. Hire and rental
cars, local boats and buses are
also available.
Shopping:
Goods include T-shirts with local
expressions, handy crafts, items
of local manufacture such as jewelry,
carvings and other local products.
All make perfect gifts to remember
your visit.
Business Hours:
Business hours are normally from
8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:00
to 5:00 p.m. Mondays through Fridays.
On weekends most retail outlets
are open with some limiting hours
from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Banks
and Government Offices are closed.
Restaurants and Bars are open until
10:00 p.m. on weekdays and on weekends.
Local Foods:
The staple foods of the island are
taro, yam, breadfruit, sweet potatoes
and coconut. The main source of
protein are fish, crabs, clams and
pork. Restaurants offer local fare
on their menus along with a wide
selection of international dishes.