Attraction Guide: Bikini Atoll Shipwrecks, Bikini Atoll, Marshall Islands

Bikini Atoll Shipwrecks Guide

Dive into History: The Ghost Fleet of Bikini Atoll Guide

The shipwrecks of Bikini Atoll represent a unique and haunting underwater museum. These vessels, sunk during the U.S. nuclear weapons tests of the 1940s and 50s, now lie at the bottom of the lagoon, transformed into artificial reefs teeming with marine life. Diving these wrecks offers a surreal and unforgettable experience, a chance to explore a pivotal moment in history while witnessing the power of nature to reclaim what was lost. The ships were intentionally sunk as part of "Operation Crossroads," a series of nuclear tests designed to assess the effects of atomic bombs on naval vessels. Among the wrecks are the USS Saratoga, an aircraft carrier; the Japanese battleship Nagato, which participated in the attack on Pearl Harbor; and numerous other battleships, cruisers, and submarines. These vessels, once symbols of naval power, now rest in their watery graves, a testament to the destructive force of nuclear weapons. Today, the shipwrecks are a major draw for experienced divers. The wrecks are remarkably well-preserved due to the lack of strong currents and the absence of salvage operations. Divers can explore the decks, engine rooms, and gun turrets of these historic vessels, encountering a diverse array of marine life that has made the wrecks their home. Diving in Bikini Atoll requires specialized training and certification due to the depth and potential hazards. Culinary options are limited to what is provided by the dive tour operators.