YAMAGIRI MARU - Chuuk (Truk) Lagoon

The Yamagiri Maru, a sizeable freighter, gives you a proper taste of Truk Lagoon. At 30 metres, it’s a dive that needs careful bottom time management, but the rewards are there. We love the forward holds, particularly Hold Number 5, with those massive 14-inch artillery shells scattered about. It’s an eerie feeling, seeing those huge projectiles resting silently, now covered in a fine layer of silt and soft corals. Moving aft, the engine room is accessible, a tight squeeze sometimes, but definitely worth the effort to see the machinery frozen in time. Around the superstructure, we often find schools of fusiliers swirling, and the occasional grey reef shark cruises by in the blue. Keep an eye out for nudibranchs tucked into the crevices on the deck plating. The sheer scale of the Yamagiri, at 134 metres long, means you’ll want to do this one more than once to really take it all in. Our pick for a second dive? Focus on the bow section, the anchor chains are impressive, and the mast provides a great ascent line.

Location
Chuuk (Truk) Lagoon, Micronesia, Central & South Pacific
Coordinates
7.385556, 151.820830
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
30m

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 YAMAGIRI 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 YAMAGIRI 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

What is the maximum depth of the Yamagiri Maru dive site and what are the typical depths for recreational diving on the wreck?
The maximum depth of the Yamagiri Maru dive site is 30 meters. This depth is well within typical recreational diving limits, allowing divers to explore the entirety of this historic wreck.
What unique artifacts and marine life can divers expect to encounter when exploring the Yamagiri Maru?
Based on the provided data, the Yamagiri Maru is described as a motor vessel with an oil engine, sunk in 1944. While the data doesn't specify unique artifacts or marine life, divers can generally expect to find remnants of its operational past as a cargo ship. For more information on marine life in the region, you can visit our wildlife database.
Is the Yamagiri Maru considered an advanced dive, or can recreational divers with less experience safely explore parts of the wreck?
The Yamagiri Maru is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive, making it accessible for recreational divers with appropriate training. As a non-dangerous wreck, it offers a safe environment for those with less experience to explore its exterior.
What is the best time of year to dive the Yamagiri Maru for optimal visibility and calmest conditions?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year for optimal visibility and calmest conditions at the Yamagiri Maru. For general information on diving seasons in Chuuk (Truk) Lagoon, please consult our When to Dive section.
What specific diving certifications are recommended or required for diving the Yamagiri Maru, especially for wreck penetration?
While the Yamagiri Maru is an intermediate dive, specific certifications for wreck penetration are not detailed in the provided data. Generally, for any wreck penetration, advanced certifications like Wreck Diver Specialty are highly recommended to ensure safety and proper technique. Divers should always dive within their certification and experience limits.
What are the typical current and visibility conditions at the Yamagiri Maru dive site in Truk Lagoon?
The provided data does not include specific information regarding typical current and visibility conditions at the Yamagiri Maru dive site. Divers planning a trip to Chuuk (Truk) Lagoon should consult local dive operators for the most current conditions.