Operation Flintlock, the American assault on Kwajalein in February 1944, left behind an extraordinary underwater graveyard. Dozens of Japanese and American warships, aircraft, and vehicles lie on the lagoon floor, some in very shallow water, others at recreational diving depths. The lagoon's calm, protected waters and excellent visibility make conditions some of the best for wreck diving anywhere in the Pacific.
Wrecks include Japanese destroyers, cargo vessels, and amphibious equipment, as well as American landing craft. Many are encrusted with coral and inhabited by fish after more than eight decades underwater.
Access depends entirely on your status. Military residents and their guests can arrange dives through the base dive shop. Visiting civilian divers must make arrangements well in advance through specialist dive operators with the necessary permits; this is not a spontaneous visit situation. Independent access is not possible.