Bikini Atoll - Bikini Atoll

Black Rock 2, off Bohol, is a site defined by its rock formations, creating interesting swim-throughs and overhangs. We’ve found pygmy seahorses here, tucked into gorgonians, and it’s a good spot for nudibranchs if you go slow. The currents can pick up, so it's better for divers comfortable with drift.

Location
Bikini Atoll, Marshall Islands, Central & South Pacific
Coordinates
11.583300, 165.383300
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
25-50m

Marine Protected Area: Bikini

Best Time to Dive in Bikini Atoll

The warmest water temperatures in Bikini Atoll occur in January, averaging 27.7°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 27.7°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 27.7°C (air: 26.9°C)
  • February: 27.7°C (air: 26.7°C)
  • March: 27.7°C (air: 26.9°C)
  • April: 27.7°C (air: 27.1°C)
  • May: 27.7°C (air: 27.5°C)
  • June: 27.7°C (air: 27.7°C)
  • July: 27.7°C (air: 27.9°C)
  • August: 27.7°C (air: 27.9°C)
  • September: 27.7°C (air: 28.0°C)
  • October: 27.7°C (air: 27.8°C)
  • November: 27.7°C (air: 27.8°C)
  • December: 27.7°C (air: 27.5°C)

Nearby Dive Sites in Bikini Atoll

Marine Life in Bikini Atoll

Home to 268 recorded species including 190 reef fish, 65 hard corals, 3 clams & mussels, 3 sea snails & nudibranchs, 2 sharks & rays, 1 jellyfish.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for Bikini Atoll

Based on average water temperature of 27.7°C.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 28°C water needs minimal exposure protection
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the typical depths and what kind of wrecks can divers expect to see at Bikini Atoll?
Divers at Bikini Atoll can expect to explore a ghost fleet of historically significant warships. These wrecks, including the mighty USS Saratoga aircraft carrier and HIJMS Nagato, rest upright in depths ranging from 25-50m. The gin-clear lagoon water provides exceptional visibility for exploring these incredible underwater museums.
What level of diving certification and experience is required to dive in Bikini Atoll?
Diving at Bikini Atoll is rated as intermediate difficulty, primarily due to the depths involved. Divers should possess advanced certifications and experience with deep diving and wreck penetration to safely explore these historic sites. Proper training and equipment are essential for a rewarding experience.
What are the general diving conditions like in Bikini Atoll, including currents and visibility?
Divers at Bikini Atoll can anticipate exceptional visibility, often described as gin-clear lagoon water. This allows for stunning views of the ghost fleet resting on the seabed. While specific current information isn't provided, the excellent visibility greatly enhances the experience of exploring these deep wrecks.
When is the best time of year to plan a dive trip to Bikini Atoll for optimal conditions?
Unfortunately, the provided data does not specify the best time of year for optimal diving conditions at Bikini Atoll. We recommend checking our When to Dive section or contacting local dive operators for seasonal insights. However, the gin-clear lagoon water generally ensures excellent visibility year-round.
How challenging is the diving at Bikini Atoll, considering the depth and technical requirements?
Diving at Bikini Atoll is categorized as intermediate difficulty, primarily due to the significant depths involved, ranging from 25-50m. Exploring these historic wrecks requires experience with deep diving and potentially advanced equipment and training for safe penetration. Divers should be comfortable with these conditions to fully appreciate the site.
Beyond the historical wrecks, what kind of marine life can divers expect to encounter at Bikini Atoll?
While Bikini Atoll is renowned for its historically significant ghost fleet, the provided data does not detail specific marine life encounters beyond the wrecks themselves. However, as an isolated atoll, it is likely home to a diverse array of Pacific reef inhabitants. For general information on marine species, please consult our wildlife database.