Dive sites in Marshall Islands

Yes, diving at Bikini Atoll is considered safe. The International Atomic Energy Agency has assessed radiation levels in the lagoon water and found them to be within safe limits for short-term exposure. Divers do not consume local food or water, which are the primary pathways for residual contamination. The main radiation concern is in the soil of the islands, not in the water column. Dive operators monitor conditions and follow safety protocols established in consultation with radiation experts.

The flight deck of the USS Saratoga sits at approximately 27 metres, while the lagoon floor is at 55 metres. Advanced Open Water certification is the minimum, but most operators require trimix or advanced nitrox certification for the deeper penetrations. The ship is enormous at 270 metres long, so even recreational divers can spend meaningful time on the upper decks and superstructure without exceeding recreational limits.

Access to Bikini Atoll is limited and requires advance planning. Liveaboard dive expeditions depart from Kwajalein or Majuro in the Marshall Islands, with the journey to Bikini taking one to two days by sea. Trips are typically run only a few times per year by specialised operators. Divers must arrange their own flights to the Marshall Islands, usually via Honolulu or Guam. Due to the remote location and limited access, Bikini diving trips need to be booked months in advance.

Access to Kwajalein Atoll is restricted due to the US Army Garrison Kwajalein and the Ronald Reagan Ballistic Missile Defense Test Site. Civilian divers cannot independently access Kwajalein Island without military sponsorship. However, the nearby island of Ebeye and the northern islet of Roi-Namur offer access points for visiting divers who arrange trips through local operators. Several Marshallese dive guides based in Ebeye run trips to the outer reef and accessible lagoon wreck sites. Advance planning and coordination are essential as infrastructure is minimal.

Kwajalein Atoll was the site of the 1944 Battle of Kwajalein, and the lagoon contains numerous Japanese military wrecks including aircraft, landing craft, cargo vessels, and a submarine. Many lie in recreational diving depths between 15 and 35 metres. The Prinz Eugen, a German heavy cruiser that survived Bikini nuclear tests, lies capsized in shallow water at the southern end of the lagoon. Wrecks are considered war graves and artifacts must not be removed. The lagoon's calm conditions and good visibility make wreck exploration particularly rewarding.