DAI NI HINO MARU - Chuuk (Truk) Lagoon

The Dai Ni Hino Maru, a Japanese cargo ship, rests upright in about 36 metres, a silent monument to Operation Hailstone. What we love about this wreck is the way it’s slowly being consumed by the reef. Down on the main deck, there are still sake bottles scattered amongst the coral, and in the forward holds, you’ll find piles of ammunition alongside trucks and chassis frames. The ambient light at depth here can be quite muted, so good lights are essential for poking around the holds, but it adds to the atmosphere. We’d suggest keeping an eye out for the resident moray eels that have made homes in the superstructure, and there are often schools of fusiliers circling the masts. The stern features a significant gun, draped in soft corals, a truly striking sight. It’s a dive that combines history with vibrant reef life, perfect for experienced wreck divers who appreciate a good penetration, though even outside the holds, there’s plenty to explore.

Location: Chuuk (Truk) Lagoon, Micronesia, Central & South Pacific
Coordinates: 7.303889, 151.862500
Type: wreck
Maximum Depth: 36m

Best Time to Dive in Chuuk (Truk) Lagoon

The warmest water temperatures in Chuuk (Truk) Lagoon occur in January, averaging 28.9°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 28.9°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

January: 28.9°C (air: 27.8°C)
February: 28.9°C (air: 27.7°C)
March: 28.9°C (air: 27.5°C)
April: 28.9°C (air: 27.5°C)
May: 28.9°C (air: 27.7°C)
June: 28.9°C (air: 27.5°C)
July: 28.9°C (air: 27.5°C)
August: 28.9°C (air: 27.7°C)
September: 28.9°C (air: 27.7°C)
October: 28.9°C (air: 27.9°C)
November: 28.9°C (air: 27.9°C)
December: 28.9°C (air: 27.9°C)

Nearest Dive Centres to DAI NI HINO MARU

Marine Life in Chuuk (Truk) Lagoon

Home to 213 recorded species including 133 reef fish, 36 hard corals, 17 sea cucumbers, 12 sea snails & nudibranchs, 5 sharks & rays, 4 clams & mussels.

Notable Species

Bristle-toothed Surgeonfish (Ctenochaetus striatus) - Reef Fish
Bleeker's Parrotfish (Chlorurus bleekeri) - Reef Fish
Bullethead Parrotfish (Chlorurus sordidus) - Reef Fish
Long-nosed Parrotfish (Hipposcarus longiceps) - Reef Fish
Blunt-head Parrotfish (Chlorurus microrhinos) - Reef Fish
Small giant clam (Tridacna maxima) - Clams & Mussels
Saddled Parrotfish (Scarus dimidiatus) - Reef Fish
Clown Tang (Naso lituratus) - Reef Fish
Black sea cucumber (Holothuria atra) - Sea Cucumbers
Greenfish (Stichopus chloronotus) - Sea Cucumbers
Schlegel's Parrotfish (Scarus schlegeli) - Reef Fish
Roundhead Parrotfish (Scarus globiceps) - Reef Fish
Dusky Parrotfish (Scarus niger) - Reef Fish
Blackspotted Sea Cucumber (Pearsonothuria graeffei) - Sea Cucumbers
Batavian Parrotfish (Scarus psittacus) - Reef Fish
Crown of thorns starfish (Acanthaster planci) - Starfish
Sea chub (Kyphosus cinerascens) - Reef Fish
Foxface (Siganus vulpinus) - Reef Fish
Banded maori wrasse (Cheilinus fasciatus) - Reef Fish
Unicornfish (Naso annulatus) - Reef Fish

Recommended Packing List for DAI NI HINO MARU

Based on average water temperature of 28.9°C.

Shorty or Rashguard - warm 29°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