Chuuk Atoll, in the Caroline Islands, part of the Federated States of Micronesia, encompasses 15 large islands, 192 islands, and 80 islets and has one of the largest lagoons in the world. It encloses an area of 822 square miles. The outer barrier reef is punctuated by three main passes (N, NE & S) and its sand spits are dotted with coconut palms. The islands in the central lagoon are high and are rich in bird and plant life.
In the lagoon, there are more than 60 Japanese WW2 ships, encrusted with coral, and lying at various depths. The whole area is a national monument and divers must obtain a permit.
07º 26.64'N, 151º 50.35'E (anchorage)
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We avoided Chuuk and went to Losap 50 miles to the southeast of Chuuk. The chief asked for US $150 to stop. We gave him four bottles of alcohol instead. He was satisfied. We stayed for two weeks.
After two weeks the chief, the chief of police and five other thugs appeared on our boat after letting themselves up. They demanded US $100 per day that we were there. They didn’t care we gave already.
Policeman put handcuffs and baton on my table while me, my wife and our eight-month-old baby looked in disbelief. If we didn’t pay they would take our dinghy.
We ended up giving a large bag of clothes, more alcohol, and other small items. We were basically robbed. They said they would not leave till everyone got something.
Hi all,
We really wanted to go to Chuuk Lagoon to dive, so we went. We arrived on the 7th of November 2016, with our sailing vessel Tamara. We faced the same difficulties with immigration as the other writers here, however, that was the only “bad” experience we had.
We anchored outside Truk Lagoon Dive Center, and we were welcomed by the nicest crew. We have had some of our greatest dive experiences on the wrecks here, and also a really cool sightseeing tour on land.
Taken care of by Truk Lagoon Dive Center, we have had no bad experiences with the people here, and all the boats passing are friendly. We have bought both fruits and lobsters from the passing locals.
Truk Lagoon Dive Center really want to change this places reputation, and they offer help with immigration, customs, and biosecurity. Email Corky Benito at corkstah@hotmail.com, before you arrive, and she will do the paperwork up front.
Gina and Lars-Fredrik on Tamara
http://www.tamaraseiltur.com
Posted on behalf of Jerry Logan:
After a large storm, we were forced into Chuuk in our 55ft Gulfstar Motorsailor. There is no Marina, just a large very high dock for large ships. We docked and asked for water & electric, but there was none available.
Later the warehouse manager came out and offered to fill our tanks at no charge (150 US GALS). We also carried 8 bags of trash, asked and got permission to put our 8 trash bags in the burn drum. We then went shopping for provisions at the local store and were asked to leave our Computer bag with the computer inside at the check out at the front door.
After 45 minutes of shopping, we went to retrieve our computer bag – THE COMPUTER WAS NOT IN THE BAG! ALL attendance said no PC was in the bag! it had gone….walked.
We were very saddened by that theft. We applied for our exit papers and they tried to make us pay for the water & 9 bags of trash.
DONT GO TO CHUUK ISLAND!
We were the only sailboat there?
Don’t go to Chuuk….island or the lagoon. We were forced to the island due to an onboard accident and were treated very badly. They charged US90 to put out our 5 trash bags and wanted $1/gal for non-drinking water!
The official wanted large tips to do any paperwork in and out of the port. This goes on and on…and there is not anything there, just one restaurant, one store. Email me before you go there. jloagnoo5@gmail.com
Many of the FSM islanders are in tribal battles, they also hold land rights to the coral reefs around their islands including spirit resting reefs for their deceased. These areas are marked with triangles and taboo!
The FSM police have little control and the laws of the land not enforced. This is an area of excessive crime and brutality, half caused by the police and officials. This Chuuk lagoon has a reputation for theft and seizing of property (including your boat!).
Contact the FSM visitors bureau directly after clearing in through customs for detailed information. 691-330-4133