IJN Sakawa
Also known as: Sakawa
Best time to dive
June to September; November to April
What you might see
- BarracudaLikely
- Hammerhead sharkLikely
- Tiger sharkLikely
Sightings are seasonal probabilities, not promises - even in peak season nature does its own thing.
Certification & difficulty
Technical - advanced conditions (currents/depth); dive within your training.
Snorkelling
Not a snorkel site - Not applicable/not offered - the wreck lies far too deep (40-61m) for snorkeling; this is a dedicated technical scuba site.
Safety notes
Mandatory decompression obligations (stops frequently exceeding 60 minutes); fine silt causing sudden zero-visibility inside wreck spaces; remote location with limited emergency medical/evacuation access (one trip report notes divers experiencing mild DCS symptoms despite conservative profiles); sharp metal, entanglement and overhead hazards typical of deep wreck penetration.
Permits & fees
Access is controlled by the Bikini Atoll Local Government; historically a Bikinian diver/councilman escort was required aboard. Reported fees vary by source/operator: a liveaboard park fee of roughly $500/diver has been cited (Truk Master), while Bikiniatoll.com/Indies Trader material describes a $5,000 vessel or diver fee under a policy dated February 2017 - confirm current fee structure directly with the operator or the Bikini Atoll liaison office before booking.
Permits and operators change - confirm before booking.
Location
Nearest hub: Bikini Atoll
This profile is desk research, compiled from public sources - not a first-hand dive report. Coordinates are approximate.