Join Dirty Dozen Expeditions as we explore the world-famous wrecks of Bikini Atoll onboard the Pacific Master.

Bikini Atoll is a deep and technical diving location with big challenging wrecks and advanced penetrations. The wrecks are in the Normoxic Trimix range. In contrast to Truk Lagoon, where there are shallower dives, the wrecks in Bikini are usually at the deeper end of the spectrum. It is a minimum prerequisite that you are an OC Extended Range or a CCR Normoxic Trimix diver so that you can fully enjoy these spectacular wrecks.

Watch our latest Bikini Atoll YouTube video for an idea of expedition life

Bikini Atoll or “coconut place” is one of the most remote diving destinations on the planet. Bikini is located just north of the equator in the Pacific Ocean, halfway between Australia and Hawaii, approximately 850km/530mi northwest of Majuro Island. Bikini Atoll is part of the Marshall Islands which is made up of 29 atolls and five islands.

Bikini Atoll and the surrounding islands have basic facilities with very poor infrastructure (even compared to other locations around Micronesia such as Truk Lagoon) which makes operating an expedition about as tough as it can get. But, as you will soon find out, diving the nuclear ghost fleet more than makes up for the logistical hardships we might have to endure to get there.

Diving

Pacific Master will offer guided and unguided dives during this trip on the wrecks that have a permanent mooring. The dive guides in Bikini are just that, guides and not instructors or technical diving gurus.

You are responsible for your own safety and dive planning at all times. There are lots of opportunities to penetrate the wrecks. Some of these penetrations are relatively easy and straightforward, others are quite advanced. Dive guides on Bikini do not run lines on any guided dive. If you want to run your own lines into the wreck then this is, of course, possible but not on a guided dive. The captain, cruise director, and expedition leader will explain the best course of action on each wreck for penetration.

Solo diving is permitted on the outside of the wrecks only.

Environment

Diving conditions in Bikini are excellent - it offers relatively comfortable diving and Bikini is ideal to visit all year round in terms of environmental conditions. The water is a warm and consistent 28-29oC/82-85oF whether you are at 6m/20ft or 60m/200ft, and there are no major thermoclines. While the water is warm enough to dive in shorts and a t-shirt, we recommend a full-length 3 to 5mm wetsuit or a drysuit with light undergarments. Also, bring gloves and a hood for protection, especially if you are planning on penetrating the wrecks. There is sharp metal everywhere and you want to avoid tetanus, infections, or burns from oil, or even worse, aviation fuel. At times, there are occasional blooms of jelly fish, some of which sting.

Tidal patterns within the lagoon can be complex but the tidal range is generally small and any currents encountered on the majority of wrecks are minimal and hardly noticeable. As you are diving inside the lagoon, visibility does vary, but it’s usually excellent at around 30m/98ft clear.

Bikini Atoll is a deep and technical diving location, with big challenging wrecks and advanced penetrations. The wrecks are in the Normoxic Trimix range. In contrast to Truk Lagoon, where there are shallower dives, the wrecks in Bikini are usually at the deeper end of the spectrum. It is a minimum prerequisite that you are an OC Extended Range or CCR Normoxic Trimix diver so that you can fully enjoy these spectacular wrecks.

There is no monsoon or wet and dry seasons as such. Northeast trade winds blow from January and start to fade away after May when the doldrums take over. From July to November Bikini comes under the influence of the Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) when moist southerly winds and short tropical disturbances are most frequent.

The daytime air temperature is normally between 28-31oC/82-88oF all year round. Rain is normal on most days but it normally falls in short sharp showers with hot sunshine in between.

There are no dive shops in Bikini Atoll for the purchase of diving equipment, spares for rebreathers, or OC equipment. Pacific Master will have some basic diving equipment on board for hire, but with different configurations on board it’s crucial that you bring as many spares as possible so you do not miss any dives. If you service your equipment before coming to Bikini, please use it a couple times before traveling to ensure there are no problems. Bring plenty of torches, the bigger the better. You will not regret it in the wrecks!

Cylinders

The following DIN cylinders are available on Pacific Master: 

» Aluminum 12L/80 cu ft Twinsets

» Sidemount Sets 

» 3L/23 cu ft, 2L/15 cu ft Rebreather Cylinders 

» 6-12L/40-80 cu ft Bailout Cylinders

There are no M26 valves or adapters onboard, you must bring your own. Bring your own slings for deco/bailout!  

Please specify the configurations you will dive in when you book.

Gases

Latest oxygen and helium prices can be found on our website.

All Nitrox mixes from 32-94% will be available. O2 is provided at a minimum 94% purity from our Oxygen generator.

As there is no means to bank gasses in Bikini Atoll, all gasses supplied will be charged for, even if they are not used. CCR divers can arrange shared cost, team bailout gasses at the beginning of the expedition. After a brief discussion on the first evening, we can fill some standardized gasses which everybody agrees will work for the entire trip.

OC divers can plan their gas cost by looking at the wreck list and assuming there are two dives on one wreck each day. We think it’s fair for OC divers to budget for around US$300 in oxygen charges, given you’ll be topping up 50% and oxygen every day. But remember, it’s all based on your planning and consumption.

Sofnolime

Molecular Sofnolime 1-2.5mm is available and is sold in 22kg/44lb containers. The latest price can be found on our website.

Scooters

Two DiveXtra BlackTip scooters are available on Pacific Master and can be reserved for $50USD per dive.

Diving Emergencies

The Marshall Islands is an extremely remote diving destination without hyperbaric facilities. The nearest hyperbaric chamber is in either Hawaii or Australia. For follow-up recompression treatment, emergency air evacuation to one of the aforementioned countries is required.

With this in mind, it is mandatory that our guests purchase dive and liveaboard-specific insurance according to their level of certification. This insurance needs to cover air evacuation and the appropriate depths you plan to dive to. We strongly urge that all guests dive well within recognized limits and follow our advice.

Click the following link for more information about our preferred insurance partner:

DiveAssure Insurance

Our expedition vessels are equipped with fully stocked medical first aid kits for treating minor injuries and ailments as well as for assisting trained medical professionals in remote locations. Each yacht has a full complement of medical-grade oxygen which can be administered to divers through DAN kits or unit-specific attachments. You will also find an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) on board. AEDs have been proven to greatly increase survival rates in the eventuality of cardiac fibrillation. Our dive teams are all qualified emergency responders. Should you feel unwell at any point during your cruise, please seek the advice of your cruise director who will be able to assist you.

Medical Treatment

In the Marshall Islands, medical care is very basic with the “best” medical facility in Majuro. Any form of treatment other than the most basic, basic requires evacuation. Ensure you bring any medication you need as there is a strong possibility that it will not be available locally. Normal precautions should be taken with food and it is advisable to drink bottled water only.

Vaccinations

No vaccinations are required before entering the Marshall Islands, however, we recommend consulting with your doctor for updated information prior to departure. If you are traveling from a Yellow Fever area, proof of immunization might be required. It’s recommended that tetanus immunizations are also up to date before traveling to Bikini. Bikini is a malaria-free zone and mosquitoes are not a problem on the boat. But they can be annoying on shore, so consider bringing insect repellent. The Chikungunya, Dengue, and Zika viruses have all been reported in the Marshalls, and are spread by mosquitoes.

The radioactive radiation divers are exposed to on the shipwrecks is negligible since water acts as an excellent insulator. Divers are safe, as long as they do not try to grab souvenirs from the wrecks. Pilfering is forbidden and very hazardous.

Flights

You should book your international flight to and from Kwajalein Airport (KWA), which is served by United Airlines. Flights run three times per week from Honolulu, Hawaii (HNL) and Guam (GUM). We highly recommend arriving into Kwajalein 48-hours prior to embarkation day to allow time for delayed flights, missed connections, and lost baggage.

Ideally, you will arrive in Honolulu or Guam one day prior to your flight to Kwajalein, as this flight departs early in the morning. Keep in mind that you will be crossing the date line when traveling from Honolulu. 

Flying United Airlines is not a choice, it’s the only airline that goes from Guam or Honolulu to Kwajalein. Guam and Kwajalein are US territories, therefore non-US citizens will need permission to enter the US either by Visa or ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization).

Visa

For most visitors, a free 30-day tourist visa is granted on arrival in Kwajalein, this can be extended for up to 90 days. US citizens can stay for one year. Passports should be valid for 6 months after the departure date and guests must have booked onward travel from the Marshal Islands before they arrive. There is a departure tax of US$20, payable in cash, when leaving Kwajalein. It is important that you have the necessary arrangements sorted out before you travel. 

Visitors from countries other than the US should check the Visa requirements for the passport they hold.

Arrival

As Kwajalein is a US Army base, arrival and check-in at the airport can be lengthy, bags are likely to be searched, and a representative from Master Liveaboards cannot meet you due to the high security clearances required. It is of the upmost importance that you stress to the government officials when you land that you want to identify your luggage immediately, before the plane takes off, so it is not forgotten and left on the plane. This has happened before. 

Once you have completed formalities at the airport, a shuttle bus will take you to the Kwajalein ferry terminal where you will board a free Army ferry for Ebeye Island. Once you arrive at Ebeye, you will be met by our staff who will assist you in transferring to our boat which will be anchored a short distance away from the ferry dock.

It is highly recommended that you plan to arrive in Kwajalein several days before the cruise start date to allow time to acclimatize, and in case of flight cancellations or delayed baggage. The only accommodation available is at Hotel Ebeye and we recommend booking well in advance as it does fully book.

The distance from Kwajalein to Bikini is 406 km/215 NM, of which 120 km/65 NM are in the sheltered waters in the lee of Kwajalein Atoll. The remaining 280 km/150 NM of the journey is in open seas from the northerly point of Kwajalein Atoll to Bikini Atoll. On average, the trip takes 25 to 30 hours depending on the weather.

Food

All Master Liveaboards yachts offer a choice of international and local cuisine, served buffet style in the indoor, air-conditioned dining area. We cater to special dietary requirements. Please inform our reservations team prior to your trip to ensure we have plenty of dishes to suit your needs. A range of carbonated soft drinks, fruit juices, black, green, and herbal teas are available, as well as instant and freshly brewed coffee. A selection of fresh fruit is always on hand, as well as some tasty treats in case you feel peckish in between meal times. You may also select beer, wine, or spirits from the cocktail bar for an additional fee.

Clothing

It is recommended that our guests bring casual and comfortable clothes. Think swimwear, shorts, and t-shirts. A sweater is advised for cooler nights, particularly after multiple dives. We request that guests respect others by wearing clothing at all meal times. Most guests prefer to walk barefoot on board our vessel, however, island visits may require sturdy sandals or cross-trainers.

Electricity

Local electricity is 110-volt supplied through American two-pin and three-pin sockets. Onboard Pacific Master we have 220-volt power points supplied through Australian Type-I sockets. There are a number of sockets at the camera tables in the dining area. Pacific Master can provide a limited number of UK, European, and US plug adapters but recommends guests bring their own.

Gratuities

Tipping is a matter of personal choice. Should you feel that your crew has made your expedition extra special, then they will certainly appreciate a tip. Please be advised that the boat can only accept cash tips. An envelope will be provided for your convenience by the cruise director and gratuities are divided equally between all the crew, including the captain and the dive guides. If you would like to tip we recommend approx. 5-10% of the trip price.

Smoking on board is permitted in designated outdoor areas.

This custom-designed liveaboard was built with divers in mind to bring you the very best diving expedition experience possible in Bikini Atoll. Previously sailing the Solomon Islands as Taka, conducting high-level wreck exploration dives like the USS Atlanta, this steel-hulled vessel boasts an experienced boat crew, dive team, gas blenders, and chefs to ensure the highest standards of service.

Accommodation

M/V Pacific Master features 12 cabins allowing comfortable accommodation for up to 18 guests. These are categorized into one en-suite premium double cabin (couples only),  five en-suite classic double/twin cabins, four standard twin cabins with shared bathroom facilities., and four standard single cabins with shared bathroom facilities.

An incredibly spacious lounge and dining area is located on the main deck of the boat providing plenty of air-conditioned space to unwind and enjoy the phenomenal onboard cuisine after an exciting day of diving. This deck also boasts a dedicated camera area for our photography guests as well as an expansive dive deck area which leads perfectly to the dive platform from which much of the diving will be done. Each dive station has plenty of space and storage for your technical diving kit. This space also provides individual toilets, fresh water showers, and rinse tanks for your equipment.

Guest facilities

- 12 twin-bed/double/single-bed A/C and en suite cabins for 18 guests 

- Spacious indoor dining area with a camera station, complete with numerous charging points and storage facilities 

- The dive deck provides individual set up stations, under-bench storage, and a camera table

- Large entry platform to the rear and staff deckhands to assist with entry and exit 

- Booster to fill O2 to 200 bar 

- Oxygen generator 

- Indoor lounge and bar with a plasma screen for planning expedition dives 

- Plenty of space to set up rebreathers and fill scrubbers

- Big rinsing tubs 

- Shaded outdoor relaxation area with lounge chairs 

- Sundeck and captain’s bridge 

- One dive tender for doing exploratory wrecks 

- Brand new, customized expedition tec diving facilities

- Starlink internet (additional charges apply)

Check out what previous guests had to say about their experiences in Bikini Atoll.

Antti Apunen - Co-Founder of Divers Of The Dark and author behind “Diving Into The Unknown” 

“The heavy cruiser Prinz Eugen has always been on the top of my must-dive-wrecks. It is one the biggest warhips to ever sail my home waters, the coast of Finland. Its legendary sortie with Bismarck is one those great naval war history stories that captivated me already as a small boy. When I was offered a chance to dive Prinz Eugen along wrecks with similarly amazing history, such as USS Saratoga and IJN Nagato, I didn't have to think twice. I had high expectations of this expedition as I had visited Truk with Dirty Dozen the year before. 

There was no disappointment: The experience and service was complete five stars again. Aron Arngrimsson and the crew of Truk Master did an absolutely outstanding job to make my trip a memory for a lifetime. Their operations ran like a Swiss watch and covered all aspects of rebreather diving with expertise and safety. I can highly recommend the Dirty Dozen Wxpeditions and Master to anyone thinking about visiting Truk or Bikini for some serious wreck diving. 

Join the Dirty Dozen. Now.”

Geoff Creighton - Underwater Cinematographer, Course Director, and CCR Instructor

"Successful diving expeditions at the highest level require great finesse in terms of the team involved and the logistics. The Dirty Dozen delivers exactly this, with access to a global fleet of vessels, where the onboard facilities and crews have been honed around years of experience in technical diving operations.⁠ ⁠ 

The trip is planned with a small and experienced group of divers - including special guests - allowing a collaborative atmosphere to develop before departure, with online messaging, and while onboard. Limiting the group to a dozen or so also makes for plenty of space on the boat for all the CCRs and camera gear!⁠ ⁠ 

There is something particularly satisfying about sipping a morning coffee on the dive deck of a fully-CCR equipped liveaboard, before casually gearing up and splashing into world-class wreck diving – avoiding all the rigmarole of a land-based operation.⁠ ⁠ 

I have had the pleasure of knowing Aron Arngrimsson for the last decade and know his passion for delivering the best possible experience for his guests on The Dirty Dozen trips. Having enjoyed Truk, Palau and Bikini in this way, I can highly recommend The Dirty Dozen for delivering your trip of a lifetime.⁠"⁠ ⁠ 

Don Labruzzo - CCR Instructor and Dirty Dozen Customer

Bikini 2023 - Don Labruzzo Video Testimonial

Illes Zidane - CCR Diver and Dirty Dozen Customer

Bikini 2023 - Iles Zidane Video Testimonial

Payment Schedule

Booking deposit (non-refundable)                            25% 

Payment 2 - 12 months prior to departure               25%

Balance payment - 6 months prior to departure   50%

Terms & Conditions

All bookings are subject to the provisions in our "Terms and Conditions" and "Payment and Cancellation Terms" found on our website:

Terms & Conditions 

Payment & Cancellation Terms

Booking a Dirty Dozen Expedition offers you a unique and unparalleled experience, distinct from conventional travel offerings. This exclusive expedition is meticulously crafted to cater to technical divers and dive teams, providing an extraordinary journey evolved from thousands of hours of wreck exploration.

At Dirty Dozen Expeditions we understand and respect the effort you will put into your trip of a lifetime, be it the funds and time spent on equipment and training or time away from family and work - we know how much it means to get your trip just right. We pride ourselves in providing first-hand knowledge and experience of technical diving in every destination we book, and so can offer you the very best advice and guidance on all aspects of your journey.

We believe it’s the little things that make the biggest difference, from direct access to company founder, Aron Arngrimsson, to making life-long friends as part of #teamdd. This is what you can expect from your Dirty Dozen Expedition:

• We are available by email or phone whenever you need to ask questions about your trip, from the moment you sign up until well after you return home;
• Our team have visited and dived all the destinations we book, so you are guaranteed the most accurate and experienced guidance;
• Solo travelers are welcomed and supported within our dive team culture, while established groups are given the freedom to dive and explore as they prefer;
• A Dirty Dozen Expeditions Leader onboard every trip will support and assist guests with daily expedition life;
• Safety is at the forefront of every expedition and we pride ourselves on being industry leaders in the use of ’splash checklists’, gas management procedures, and other onboard safety protocols;
• We offer our customers a FREE Human Factors in Diving (Fundamentals) training course with every booking;
• The option to pre-pay for onboard consumables to avoid hefty bills at the end of your trip;
• Access to preferential Trip Insurance rates with our preferred partner, DiveAssure;
• Expedition members are invited to 2 team Zoom meetings before every expedition, one to
  assist with long-term planning and one to answer final queries shortly before departure;
• A team WhatsApp group is set up 12 months before each trip to support planning, answer
  questions, and develop teamwork and camaraderie in the run-up to the expedition;
• Many of our trips feature special guests, certification agencies, or manufacturers, giving you
  the opportunity to meet and dive with some industry greats!
• Every team member receives a complimentary expedition t-shirt and water bottle, as well as
  novelty stickers and postcards as a souvenir of your time with #teamdd;
• Many trips feature a photographer/videographer who will document your time onboard and underwater to provide long-lasting memories.

And this is all on top of the standard trip inclusions listed further down the page!

We believe in transparent pricing with as many inclusions as possible to avoid unexpected charges at the end of your trip. While our trip price may appear higher than some other operators, this should help you plan for the realistic costs of this type of dive expedition and avoid nasty surprises down the road.

We hope you agree that booking with Dirty Dozen Expeditions will provide you with an experience quite unlike any other, and that we are the premier choice when it comes to technical diving expeditions.