Heian Maru - Chuuk (Truk) Lagoon

The Heian Maru is easily the biggest wreck in Chuuk, a really imposing presence at 150 meters long. We’ve always appreciated how accessible it is, sitting between 9 and 23 meters deep. You can spend a whole dive just exploring the cargo holds, where you’ll find stacks of torpedoes, massive periscopes, and even old china. Look for the engine room; it’s vast and feels like stepping back in time. We think this wreck is perfect for divers who want to get a real sense of scale and history without needing to go too deep.

Location
Chuuk (Truk) Lagoon, Micronesia, Central & South Pacific
Coordinates
7.388300, 151.866700
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
15-40m

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)

Nearby Dive Sites in Chuuk (Truk) Lagoon

Nearest Dive Centres to Heian 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

Recommended Packing List for Heian 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

Frequently Asked Questions

How deep is the Heian Maru wreck and what are the depths of its accessible sections?
The Heian Maru wreck spans depths from 15 to 40 meters (approximately 49 to 131 feet). Many of its accessible sections, including the enormous engine room and areas with scattered torpedoes, are found in the shallower range of 9-23 meters (30-115 feet), making them easily explorable.
What specific artifacts and marine life can divers expect to see when exploring the Heian Maru?
Divers exploring the Heian Maru can expect to discover a wealth of historical artifacts. These include scattered torpedoes, periscopes, China ceramics, telephones, radio equipment, medical kits, and even beer bottles. The ship's enormous engine room is also a significant feature to explore.
What is the diving difficulty level for the Heian Maru, and are there parts suitable for less experienced divers?
The Heian Maru is rated as an intermediate difficulty dive. However, its shallower sections, particularly those between 9-23 meters (30-115 feet), are easily accessible, offering opportunities for less experienced divers to explore parts of this historic wreck.
What is the best time of year to dive the Heian Maru for optimal conditions?
Based on the provided data, specific information regarding the best time of year for optimal diving conditions at the Heian Maru is not available. We recommend consulting local dive operators or a comprehensive when-to-dive guide for Chuuk Lagoon to plan your trip.
What dive certifications are required or recommended to dive the Heian Maru wreck?
The provided data does not specify the exact dive certifications required or recommended for exploring the Heian Maru. Given its intermediate difficulty and depths up to 40 meters (131 feet), advanced open water or wreck diving specialties are generally advisable for such sites. We recommend checking with your dive operator for specific requirements.
What are the typical current conditions and visibility like at the Heian Maru dive site?
Information regarding the typical current conditions and visibility at the Heian Maru dive site is not available in the provided data. Divers should always consult their local dive guide or operator for real-time conditions before planning their dive.