Liveaboard Pacific Master – Bikini Atoll: wreck diving in UNESCO World Heritage Site
Dive into history and explore the world-famous wrecks of Bikini Atoll. An exclusive liveaboard experience for serious wreck divers and tech diverse.
Travel period
Features
Starting from
Dive to world-famous wrecks in Micronesia
Bikini Atoll, located in the remote Republic of the Marshall Islands, is one of the most exclusive wreck diving destinations in the world. With only a few departure dates each year, this trip is always fully booked and a true bucket list experience for serious wreck divers. The atoll, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is home to a unique collection of naval vessels used for atomic bomb tests after World War II during “Operation Crossroads,” among others. Between 1946 and 1958, 67 nuclear tests were carried out here, the consequences of which are still visible in the wrecks that lie at the bottom of the lagoon.
During this 13-day liveaboard diving trip aboard the Pacific Master, you will visit the famous lagoon and discover impressive wrecks, from cruisers and battleships to the iconic aircraft carrier USS Saratoga with its 270-meter-long deck. Surrounded by crystal clear waters and colorful coral reefs, Bikini Atoll offers not only a dip into history, but also a spectacular underwater paradise full of tropical marine life. For lovers of wreck diving, this is a unique opportunity to explore a world-renowned nuclear heritage in comfort and safety.
This trip is specially designed for experienced tech divers who want more than standard wreck diving. The wrecks of Bikini Atoll are located at varying depths and offer challenging dives, from deep cruisers to the majestic aircraft carrier USS Saratoga. Aboard the Pacific Master, you’ll enjoy every comfort as you explore the world-famous ghost fleet, supported by a professional dive team that manages routes, decompression stops and safety protocols in detail. The crystal clear waters and pristine coral reefs surrounding the lagoon make each dive not only historic but visually spectacular, making each dive a combination of adventure, education and breathtaking underwater experience. For tech divers, Bikini Atoll is the ultimate challenge and an unforgettable addition to any wreck diving bucket list.
Best travel time for a diving vacation to Bikini Atoll
This route is sailed only from May to October, when the weather is dry and the sea calm. Underwater visibility is optimal and currents are stable, making diving at the wrecks of Bikini Atoll comfortable, safe and spectacular.
Important to know about this liveaboard
- This trip is fully booked far in advance. Keep in mind that you need to book 1 to 3 years in advance.
- Bikini Atoll is suitable only for divers with technical diving training and experience; the average maximum depth of the wrecks is 45-50 meters.
- All divers must have a minimum of 100 logged dives and deep wreck diving experience.
- It is also possible to take a charter trip of 10, 11 or 12 nights. In this trip, we share the schedule of the 13-night trip.
Average temperatures
Wetsuit advice for diving in Bikini Atoll 
Although the water has a pleasant temperature, we recommend you bring your drysuit. You will be in the water for a long time, making dives of 2 to 2.5 hours.
What will you experience on this diving vacation?
View itinerary here
Day 1 to 4 | The journey to the Marshall Islands & embarkation
The journey begins several days before the boat leaves port. From Europe, you usually fly to Kwajalein Atoll via one or two transfers, such as via Los Angeles, Honolulu or Guam. Total travel time is usually about 24 to 30 hours, excluding transfer and waiting times. It is recommended that you arrive at the atoll 2 days before departure. So you will have 2 travel days, followed by 2 days of slack so you will definitely be in time for the liveaboard. You will stay these days on Ebeye Island. Ebeye is the most populous island in the Kwajalein atoll in the Marshall Islands and the second most populous island in the Marshall Islands. Don’t expect luxury and big hotels, just a small and special island.
On the day of embarkation, you can board the ship in the late afternoon. You will be picked up at your hotel and then go directly on board. That evening there will be a first dinner, getting to know the crew and other travelers, preparing the diving equipment and of course a briefing about the boat and safety on board. No dives will be made on this first day.
Day 5 | First dives and crossing to Bikini Atoll
Today begins the real adventure: the first dives of your trip! The Pacific Master prepares to cross from Ebeye to the world-famous Bikini Atoll, a distance of 406 kilometers that can take 24 to 28 hours depending on the weather.
The cruise director usually plans oneor two morning dives in the Kwajalein atoll, so you can get used to the water and discover the first wrecks. If possible, a dive at the Prinz Eugen, just 30 minutes from Ebeye, is scheduled. Please note that this is subject to any restrictions imposed by the U.S. Navy on Kwajalein.
The choice of morning dives and the number of dives in Kwajalein Atoll will influence the arrival time at Bikini Atoll. Those who arrive early may be able to make their first dive at the famous wrecks of Bikini Atoll as early as noon, a unique introduction to this nuclear underwater heritage.
Day 6 | Arrival at Bikini Atoll
Arrival at Bikini Atoll is usually in the early afternoon. Depending on how long the crossing from Ebeye takes and the exact arrival time, an afternoon dive may be possible, but this is not always guaranteed.
Day 7 to 15 | Diving on the Bikini Atoll
From Day 6, the real wreck diving adventure begins on the world-famous Bikini Atoll. Each day is dedicated to up to 2 dives, with at least 4 hours between dives, giving you plenty of time to relax, take photos and take in the marine life.
Daily schedule:
- Getting up early and having breakfast
- Briefing and dive 1
- Lunch and relaxation on board
- Briefing and dive 2
- Snacks, relax and enjoy the view
- Dinner and evening activity
The dives are varied: some wrecks are at shallow depths, ideal for exploring the details of the ships, while others are deeper and offer challenging tech diving experiences. You’ll dive past legendary ships such as:
- USS Saratoga – the iconic aircraft carrier with a 270-meter-long deck
- USS Arkansas – an imposing battleship wreck
- USS Prinz Eugen – near the starting point, often worth a morning dive
- USS Apogon and USS Lamson – smaller ships full of historical details
- Several cruisers and support ships from the nuclear test period
Halfway through the trip, sometimes only one morning dive is scheduled. After lunch, a land tour is scheduled on Bikini Island , where you can discover the atoll’s history and nuclear test sites, followed by a barbecue on the beach.
The crystal clear waters and colorful coral reefs surrounding the wrecks make each dive a combination of history, adventure and breathtaking underwater experiences. For tech divers, Bikini Atoll offers challenging deep wrecks and unforgettable scenarios, while shallower wrecks are perfect for exploring the unique nuclear ghost fleet in comfort.
Day 16 | Departure from Bikini Atoll
The crossing back to Ebeye Island in Kwajalein Atoll begins in the early morning, before the sun fully rises. This gives you one last chance to quietly enjoy the breathtaking views of the lagoon and wrecks in the soft morning light. As the Pacific Master sets sail for Ebeye, you can relax on deck, let the memories of past wreck dives sink in and possibly preview your photos and videos. Depending on weather conditions, the crossing may take several hours.
Day 17 | Disembarkation and return trip
Disembarkation at the Ebeye pier will take place between 07:00 and 10:30, depending on the schedule of the military ferry and your connecting flight. Upon arrival, you will be escorted from the pier to further transfer points, while you will have the last chance to share your experiences and photos with fellow divers. The moment of disembarkation marks the official end of a special liveaboard experience, returning to civilization, but with memories of wrecks and dives that will last a lifetime.
Highlights of this trip
What can you expect from this liveaboard in the Bikini Atoll?
Dive the USS Saratoga
Experience an unforgettable dive at the iconic aircraft carrier USS Saratoga, the largest wreck on Bikini Atoll. Underwater you will discover not only the imposing 270-meter deck, but also unique details such as a dentist’s chair still present in the wreck. The Saratoga offers challenging depths for tech divers and excellent opportunities for underwater photography. A true bucket list dive, this historic ship lets you experience the history of the nuclear test fleet in a spectacular way.
Historic wrecks
In addition to the Saratoga, Bikini Atoll’s lagoon is home to a unique collection of warships: cruisers, battleships and support ships sunk during nuclear testing. Each dive reveals new details and stories of the nuclear testing period. The combination of historic wrecks and colorful reefs makes it a paradise for tech divers, underwater photographers and adventurers who want to experience history underwater.
Exclusive liveaboard experience
Bikini Atoll is extremely exclusive: only about 200 divers visit this remote atoll each year. On board the Pacific Master you will enjoy personalized service, spacious cabins and luxurious facilities. The crystal clear waters, colorful coral reefs and unique nuclear ghost fleet make for an unforgettable experience you won’t find anywhere else in the world. This is a liveaboard adventure for serious wreck divers who want to combine comfort, exclusivity and history
Pacific Master
The liveaboard and onboard facilities
The Pacific Master is among the top liveaboard diving yachts worldwide, combining comfort, style and personal service at the highest level. This specially designed dive yacht is fully equipped with the latest technologies and facilities, with the needs of divers in mind. With a length of 30 meters and a maximum of 20 guests, the Pacific Master offers an intimate and relaxed liveaboard experience, where personal attention is always paramount.
The spacious cabins have air conditioning, private bathrooms and hot showers. Three freshly prepared meals a day provide energy while diving, while ample charging stations keep your electronics operational at all times. Underwater photographers benefit from a dedicated camera station, and the boat is fully equipped for both tech divers and rebreather users.
When not underwater for a while, you can enjoy the view of the colorful Micronesian reefs from a hammock on the bow, relax in the cool covered saloon or end the day with a drink while admiring the sunset from the sun deck. The Pacific Master thus offers the perfect balance of adventure, relaxation and luxury during a liveaboard diving trip.
Travel costs
What is included
This dive vacation to Bikini Atoll is available from NZD 15.342 per person based on two people in one cabin. The diving trip can be extended as desired. A number of things are included as standard in this travel package.
Prices are subject to price changes, increases or changing exchange rates. Flights are always based on the cheapest possible booking class.
Want to know more about this liveaboard trip to Micronesia? Get in touch with us!
Included in this diving trip, from NZD 15.342 p.p.
- 13 nights in a stateroom
- Accommodation on full board basis
- Water, coffee/tea, fruit juices, soft drinks
- Dive package with 19 dives (2 per day)
- Single cylinder of 11 liters (AL80) with air filling
- Lead, lead belt & DSMB
- Mid-trip visit to Bikini Island
- Return transfers
- VZR & Administration fee
Excluding
- Return flight to Kwajalein NZD 4 p.p.
- Overnight stays on Ebeye Island
- Dive & travel insurance
- ESTA (€35)
- Port & Park Fees (650 USD)
✈︎ The quoted (international) flight prices are indicative prices and based on departures from Europe. However, we can arrange flights from any location worldwide. Booking your own flights is of course also possible.
Optional
- Technical gear (see FAQ at bottom of page)
- Dive computer (200 USD per trip)
- 13L (AL100) cylinder (100 USD per trip)
- Cabin Guarantee (110 USD per trip)
- Cylinders
- Gases (per liter, per fill - must be ordered in advance, payable only on board)
- Sofnolime (the required amount must be ordered in advance. The cost can only be paid on board)
- Alcoholic beverages
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Frequently asked questions about this liveaboard
The liveaboard
The route is sailed only between May and October, with some departures. In 2026, for example, the boat sails out only 11 times.
Yes, you can choose between 10, 11, 12 or 13 nights aboard the Pacific Master. All itineraries fill up quickly.
Diving general
- Bikini Atoll is suitable only for divers with technical diving training and experience; the average maximum depth of the wrecks is 45-50 meters.
- All divers must have a minimum of 100 logged dives and deep wreck diving experience.
- TDI Advanced Nitrox and Decompression Procedures* certifications or equivalent, is a mandatory minimum requirement for Open Circuit divers.
- TDI CCR Air Diluent Decompression and CCR Helitrox Diver – 45 meters* certification, or equivalent, is a mandatory minimum requirement for Rebreather divers. *In order to fully experience the wrecks of Bikini Atoll, we recommend technical certifications that exceed the depth limitation of 45 meters, for example TDI Extended Range Diver.
- Divers wishing to enter one of the wrecks MUST provide proof of technical training and experience in an overhead environment.
During this trip, you will make technical dives deeper than 40 meters. The cruise director plans up to two dives daily in Bikini Atoll, with a minimum surface interval of 4 hours between dives. Depending on the wreck, total dive time usually varies around 2 hours, with 30-40 minutes on the bottom and 1 to 1.5 hours for ascent and decompression. During the surface interval, lunch is served and there is time to relax. In some cases a longer dive may be allowed, but then the day is limited to one dive.
The dive sites are close by. Sometimes you go directly from the yacht, sometimes from a zodiac.
No, the planned dives will be made during the day.
No, this is not possible.
Diving equipment
Yes, there are a number of 15L tanks available. Using these costs €141 for the entire trip. You must pay this amount in advance.
Yes, the cost for using nitrox during the entire trip is €198. You must pay this in advance.
Yes, renting a full set costs €449 for the entire trip. A dive computer is not included in the set. Renting the computer costs €176 for the trip. You must pay this in advance.
You leave your diving equipment on the dive deck of too boat.
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