Truk Blue Lagoon Resort
We have stayed at Blue Lagoon 3 times (Oct. 07,March 08, June 10) and going back next on Aug. 15th. We're going on our 7th year in Micronesia and without a doubt...Truk Lagoon is our favorite dive location.
AIRPORT/ARRIVAL
When arriving/departing visit the "lei ladies" just outside. They make the most beautiful haku lei for just a few dollars. No ATM near the resort, be sure to have cash(small bills) before you arrive. There are banks in town, have your driver stop if you need to use one. You can also stop at a local store if you wish to buy some snacks to keep in your room. There used to be a very small store on the hotel grounds...not sure if it's still in business. They were working on the roads in 2010...let's hope the ride on the bus/mini-van won't be too bumpy.
THE "RESORT"
If you don't want to pay more $$$ for a liveaboard then you stay here or at the Truk Stop Hotel in town. The museum to honor Truk Lagoon diving's founding father, Kimiuo Aisek, is nearing completion. This resort was originally a Japanese seaplane base prior to WWII. The property was developed as a hotel for Air Micronesia, later Continental Micronesia, now United. The hotel is now locally owned and always in need of some maintenance. She's ragged around the edges but the place is always kept very clean and the grounds on the resort are always immaculate. You will have a large container in the bathroom that dispenses drinking water, a refrigerator that might be rusty and air con that chugs along. No cable TV, but you have one in your room, bring DVD's I think they still have players in the office, or you can watch something on your tablet device/computer. You DON'T come here for a fancy room...you come here for the wreck diving. At the end of a day's diving you can sit, relax and watch the sunset and drink a cold beer...this place works just fine.
THE RESTAURANT
The restaurant will be your stop for breakfast, lunch & dinner. The menu is varied, but nothing fancy. Don't expect lots of fresh vegetables unless it's local fare. The fruit plate is going to have LOTS of papaya and banana. Moen donuts were a favorite for my kids, along with the banana pancakes. You also can't go wrong by ordering the local tuna. You will get to know the wait staff by the end of your stay...they are a fine bunch of ladies. Sadly, Julia, the dining room manager and longest serving employee of Blue Lagoon passed away this last April. We remember her fondly. The wifi "should" work in the restaurant...but your best bet is the office/lobby.
DIVING
Many people stay away from Truk thinking it's all about super deep dives & deep wreck penetration. We have dove (dived) here with our 4 children with no issues. No matter what your level of experience, the shop can take care of you. There are PLENTY of dives above 65 feet. Go and enjoy the dense coral growth or explore deep inside the wrecks...you can work it out with your guide. If you're looking for amazing visibility...this isn't the place for you, but the nutrient rich waters provide for amazing soft coral growth. The dive boats are not fancy...wood benches and no rinse tub for camera gear. Boats are small so you should only have 6 divers per boat. Bring small bills for walk-abouts on Parem. This money goes to the local chief. There are some Zeros located in shallow water near the end of the old runway, they may charge a few dollars to snorkel there. You can also arrange for a land tour of Eten. We always bring good quality school supplies & candy for the kids on the outlying islands.
