Dive Site: Fujikawa Maru

About Fujikawa Maru

The Fujikawa Maru, a 133-meter Japanese cargo and passenger vessel, rests upright in Chuuk Lagoon, offering one of the most celebrated wreck dives globally. Sunk during Operation Hailstone in February 1944, this ship was undergoing repairs when it was struck by a torpedo, joining numerous other Japanese vessels and aircraft at the bottom of the lagoon. The wreck's structure spans depths from 5 meters down to 37 meters, with its deck at 18 meters, making it accessible to a wide range of certified divers. The exterior is adorned with vibrant soft corals, large hard coral formations, and diverse sea sponges, creating a rich ecosystem. Inside, divers can discover a unique cargo of two Mitsubishi A6M 'Zero' fighter aircraft and other military supplies, still visible in its holds. Over the decades, the Fujikawa Maru has transformed into a thriving artificial reef, attracting schools of jacks and barracuda, alongside curious grey reef sharks. Macro enthusiasts will delight in spotting nudibranchs, pygmy seahorses, and ornate ghost pipefish among the coral growth. This blend of historical significance and abundant marine life makes it a premier destination for wreck and reef diving. While the wreck is largely intact, some areas show damage, which paradoxically offers additional access points for exploration. Divers are advised to maintain excellent buoyancy control to avoid disturbing the silt, which can significantly reduce visibility within the wreck's interior.

Dive site facts: Fujikawa Maru

Depth

5–37 m

Typical dive

18–34 m, 50–60 min

Current

Mild to moderate

Visibility

15–30 m

Water temperature

28–30°C

Entry

Boat / controlled descent

Level

Advanced Open Water

Dive type

Wreck, reef

Night dive

Possible

Region / port

Chuuk Lagoon, Micronesia

Coordinates

7.36, 151.845

Conditions & Currents

Currents around the Fujikawa Maru are generally mild, especially within the sheltered confines of Chuuk Lagoon. However, as with any wreck dive, occasional moderate currents can be encountered depending on tidal movements, particularly when closer to the surface or near openings in the wreck. Visibility typically ranges from 15 to 30 meters, though it can be significantly impacted inside the wreck if silt is disturbed. Divers must practice excellent buoyancy control to prevent stirring up the fine silt that has accumulated over decades. Entry is usually a controlled descent from the liveaboard or day boat, with exits made safely after a planned ascent and safety stop. Divers should be mindful of their gas consumption, especially if planning any penetration, to ensure adequate reserves for the dive profile and any potential current.

Marine life & sighting chances

Jacks

common

Barracuda

common

Grey Reef Sharks

occasional

Nudibranchs

common

Pygmy Seahorses

occasional

Ornate Ghost Pipefish

rare

Hard Corals

common

Soft Corals

common

Sea Sponges

common

Giant Clams

occasional

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Your dive on the Fujikawa Maru typically begins with a descent along the mooring line to the mast, which rises to about 12 meters below the surface. From there, you can explore the upper decks, which lie at around 18 meters, adorned with colorful corals and marine life. You'll make your way towards the bow to observe the impressive 6-inch gun. Next, explore the open cargo holds, particularly hold number 2, where the iconic Mitsubishi A6M 'Zero' fighter aircraft are visible. For certified wreck divers, penetrations into the engine room and other storage areas reveal fascinating artifacts. The dive progresses along the ship's length, allowing ample time to observe the diverse marine ecosystem that has claimed the wreck. Your turn point is dictated by gas consumption and no-decompression limits, after which you'll gradually ascend, completing your safety stop along the mast or a dedicated ascent line.

Underwater photography

The Fujikawa Maru offers superb photographic opportunities for both wide-angle and macro enthusiasts. For the expansive shots of the wreck, its bow gun, or the Zero aircraft in the holds, a wide-angle lens is essential to capture the scale and atmospheric beauty. Ensure your strobes are positioned to illuminate large sections without blowing out details, especially when shooting into the holds. For macro photography, explore the coral-encrusted surfaces for nudibranchs, pygmy seahorses, and other small critters. A powerful focus light is beneficial for exploring darker interior sections or for capturing intricate details. Good buoyancy control is critical to avoid stirring up silt, which can ruin visibility for both photos and fellow divers. Respect the historical integrity of the wreck; avoid touching artifacts or marine life.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Yamagiri Maru

  The Yamagiri Maru, a substantial Japanese cargo ship, offers an extraordinary dive into history within Truk Lagoon, Micronesia.

• Shinkoku Maru

  The Shinkoku Maru is one of the iconic dive sites within Truk Lagoon, renowned as the world's premier wreck diving destination.

• Nippo Maru

  The Nippo Maru offers a unique and eerie dive experience within the world-renowned Truk Lagoon, a significant historical site from World…

• San Francisco Maru

  The San Francisco Maru, often dubbed the "Million Dollar Wreck," is among the most celebrated dive sites in Micronesia's Chuuk Lagoon, a…

• Rio de Janeiro Maru

  The Rio de Janeiro Maru, a former luxury passenger-cargo liner, now rests as a prominent wreck in Truk Lagoon, an essential destination for…

• Gosei Maru

  The Gosei Maru is a compelling wreck dive in Truk Lagoon, Micronesia, offering a glimpse into World War II history beneath the waves.

Getting there & logistics

Access to the Fujikawa Maru, located in Chuuk Lagoon, is primarily via Chuuk International Airport (TKK) on Weno. The main international route connects through Guam via United Airlines, often requiring careful planning to avoid lengthy layovers due to limited flight frequencies. Once in Weno, divers can choose between day trips offered by local dive shops or multi-day liveaboard cruises. Liveaboards are particularly popular as they provide comprehensive access to multiple wrecks within the lagoon, optimizing dive time and convenience. Permits for diving within Chuuk Lagoon are typically handled by your chosen dive operator or liveaboard. Given its remote location, booking well in advance, especially for liveaboards, is highly recommended.

Safety & environment

Diving the Fujikawa Maru requires adherence to specific safety protocols due to its depth and wreck environment. All divers should have appropriate certification, with Advanced Open Water and Wreck Diver certifications highly recommended for deeper sections and penetration. Nitrox is also beneficial for extending bottom time. Maintaining excellent buoyancy control is crucial to prevent silt-outs, which can severely reduce visibility and disorient divers within the wreck. Always dive with a reputable guide familiar with the wreck's layout and potential hazards. The nearest recompression chamber is located in Guam, emphasizing the critical importance of observing dive limits and having comprehensive dive insurance that covers emergency medical evacuation. Plan your dives carefully, stay within your training and experience levels, and always dive with a buddy.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Fujikawa Maru FAQ

Liveaboards diving Fujikawa Maru

These liveaboards may visit Fujikawa Maru on selected itineraries — the exact dive sites depend on departure, weather and conditions.

Palau Siren

Micronesia

16 guests

$501/day

Solitude Gaia

Micronesia

18 guests40 m

$310/day

Palau Aggressor II

Micronesia

18 guests32 m

$292/day

Black Pearl

Micronesia

24 guests

$390/day

Ocean Hunter 3

Micronesia

16 guests29 m

$350/day

Pacific Master

Solomon Islands

20 guests30 m

$268/day