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
Dive
Centers & Accommodations
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.
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