Bikini Atoll
The must-see destination for all serious technical wreck divers.
There are very few places in the world where you can truly say ‘there is nothing like this’. Bikini Atoll is, however, one of those places. Bikini Atoll was the site of US atomic bomb testing from the 1940’s and is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. Where else can you see, first hand, what atomic bombs can do to naval hardware.
Following the nuclear explosions that ended the war in The Pacific, the US military gathered a fleet of its vessels that were no longer required. The idea was to test what would happen to a naval fleet when it was subjected to different types of atomic explosions. Two tests, Able and Baker, showed with great clarity the power of these new weapons.
The vessels sunk by the atomic blasts included the 270m-long aircraft carrier, USS Saratoga; for many years the only diveable aircraft carrier in the world. Also sunk was the Japanese Super Dreadnought, Nagato. Nagato was the Imperial Japanese Navy’s only capital warship to survive the war. At 221m-long, Nagato is an awe-inspiring sight.
The American dreadnought USS Arkansas is also impressive, but shorter at a mere 171m in length. Her guns are slightly smaller too, at 12-inches. She served in and survived both World Wars. During the second atomic test, Baker, she was directly within the blast column and sank just 19 minutes after the blast. She is now almost completely upside down on the sandy bottom at 55m.
Submarine USS Apogon found her final resting place completely intact at a depth of 48m. It’s possible to explore the conning tower, viewing binoculars on the bridge, and propellers covered by red sponges. Nowhere in the world will you find a similar collection of sunken historic warships. More than 60 years later, the wrecks are a poignant reminder of the war and the devastation atomic weapons can wreak.
The Atoll also has over 80 species of shark, plentiful reef fish, and other pelagic species.
our bikini itineraries
Bikini Atoll
13 nights
from USD 6845
Bikini Atoll
11 nights
from USD 5495
Bikini Atoll
10 nights
from USD 4635
our vessel
Pacific Master
A custom-designed diving vessel with full tech facilities.
Pacific Master has 12 comfortable cabins, with a choice of twin, double, and single occupancy; accommodating up to 16 guests on our Bikini itineraries. She has a crew of 12 including your dive team, captain, boat crew, and chefs. Inside, there is a huge and comfortable lounge and dining area with DVDs, large TVs, and a dedicated camera area for our photographer guests.
Spend time sharing your photos from your adventure, reading a book from our library, or just hanging out in air-conditioned comfort. Prefer to lounge outside? There are various options: up top, we have a large sun deck complete with loungers where you can catch some sun as the world goes by. On our upper deck, we have an expansive covered seating area where you can just sit back and relax.
The dive deck has toilets, freshwater showers and freshwater rinse bins for equipment. Each station has ample storage for your equipment above and below your station. Two ladders on the dive platform provide easy access to and from the water. Most dives are done directly off the dive deck with a tender in the water for additional safety. Photography facilities are excellent.
vessel specifications
Facilities
Guests
16 (on Bikini itineraries)
Twin Cabins
3
Double Cabins
1
Twin/Double Flexi Cabins
4
Single Cabins
4
En-suite
Upper Deck Only
Air-conditioning
Yes
Towels
Yes
Lounge
Yes
Technical information
Length
30m
Breadth
8m
Engines
x1
Generators
x3
Construction Material
Steel
Desalination Units
x2
Diving Facilities
Equipment Rental
Yes
Nitrox Membrane
Yes
Charging Station
Yes
Photography Friendly
Yes
Compressors
x2
Tenders
x3
Guides
x3
Safety Equipment
First Aid
Yes
First Aiders
Yes
Emergency Oxygen
Yes
Oxygen Administrators
Yes
Life Jackets
Yes
Life Rafts
Yes
Tender Safety Boxes
Yes
VHF Ship to Tender Radios
Yes
Fire Fighting Equipment
Yes
Smoke Detectors
Yes
Life Rings
Yes