Bikini Atoll
for experts
By Jakob Jelling
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 Atolls water temperature usually ranges
around the 26 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.
Jakob Jelling is the founder of
http://www.divepilot.com. Please visit his website to discover the
world of diving!
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