Since our first story on
Bikini ran, Underwater Sports World has received numerous requests for information
about the possibility of diving this exciting destination. Until recently this was
virtually impossible, yet within the last month there have been new developments on making
dive travel to Bikini a reality. It has been announced that the Bikini Council has signed
an exclusive three year contract with the largest dive operator in the Marshalls to
conduct a pilot program of dive tourism. This program will study what the pros and cons of
a commercial scuba diving operation will be and what effect it will have on the underwater
park and the local economy. Central Pacific Dive Expedition's, Layne Ballard, who has been
the U.S. representative for the dive operators in the Marshall Islands, will be providing
information and making bookings. According to Ballard, "Bikini's amazing array of
warships and the technical aspect of this site will make this one of the premier dive
destinations in the world. This type of diving certainly isn't for everyone, it is beyond
the scope of many recreational divers. Individuals need to be well trained and in good
physical condition.".
A rich bit of history lies in the waters out there. At present about 90% of the details have been worked out and travel should begin around June 1, 1996. A tentative itinerary starting from Honolulu would be as follows:
Highlights of
diving Bikini include diving the U.S.S. Saratoga whose deck lies at about 100 ft. making
it the only aircraft carrier accessible to divers. The submarine Pilotfish, the battleship
Arkansas, and Admiral Yamamoto's flagship, Nagato, from which he directed the attack on
American forces at Pearl Harbor are accessible as well. These waters also offer
exceptional marine life. Civilization has left the surrounding reefs untouched for 40
years and the amounts of fish and coral are amazing. Accommodations for divers are simple
yet comfortable, the Department of Energy is providing use of their Field Station and
arrangements are being made for private rooms.