Bikini Atoll is a diving destination mainly recommended for experienced divers. Due to its characteristics, this Marshall Islands' destination is usually not recommended for novice divers or even those who do not count with at least 50 dives in their past. It is recommendable that those divers who wish to visit this area learn about it and its diving requirements before doing so.
One of the main attractions this atoll offers is its wrecks. Bikini Atoll waters contain some of the most famous World War II wrecks of the world based on shipwrecks which are spread on different spots such as in Rabaul and Hansa Bay or other areas toward the northeast of the Atoll.
Some of the most visited Bikini Atoll's wrecks are the USS Arkansas battleship, the HIJMS Nagato battleship and the USS Saratoga aircraft carrier. These three wrecks are the largest ones which visitors could find in Bikini's lagoon; their sizes range between 200m and 300m. Some other interesting wrecks to visit in the area are the Agano class cruiser Sakawa, Pilotfish and Apogon among others.
Deep diving is another great attraction for experienced divers who wish to visit Bikini Atoll. Bikini Atoll is characterized by allowing divers to practice deep diving at many different spots in which they could enjoy a great underwater visibility as well. Bikini Atoll’s water temperature usually ranges around the 26º C, providing a visibility which could range from 25 m to 50 m. If you wish to visit this area when its water is calmer, you should do so between March and November.
Visitors who wish to dive in bikini Atoll would usually be able to be part of two dive destinations per day. Night diving is forbidden in the region due to the fact that tiger sharks often visit it during dark hours. This way, all dive practices concentrate during day light and, even though non experienced divers are not recommended to participate at most of this region's activities, there might be a few shallow spots in which they could be allowed to dive if they are sure to have the proper knowledge on how to do it.
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Jakob Jelling is the founder of http://www.divepilot.com. Please visit his website to discover the world of diving!
