All trips will leave from Kwajalein in the Marshall Islands. Because of the nature of this destination people will be coming from all over the world. It is for this reason why we do not include flights in any of our packages. Also more and more people these days have air points at their disposal.

What we can do is advise you (once you let us know where you are flying form) the best route and send you a sample flight itinerary so you can book it with ease either online or with your local travel agent. 

The vessel we will be using – Winward from the Indies Trader fleet,  will meet us in “Kwaj”. Seeing that Kwaj is a US missile testing base, prepare to go through an intensive customs clearance. We will need to get a copy of your passport to speedup up security clearance  

When you clear customs in Kwaj, there is a complementary shuttle service to transport you a short distance away to the ferry terminal to take you to Ebeye island. A 10 minute ride away. Due to American security procedures they will not let us pick you up at the ferry terminal. There will be someone to meet you at the ferry terminal from the boat. From there you will load up on the dive vessel and settle in!

Once we load up the boat, and after both flights have got in and we have all hands on board. After safety briefings, procedures and protocol etc etc, we will start steaming towards Bikini. During the course of the trip over to Bikini we will have a presentation on the history and orientation to the wrecks of Bikini with stunning pictures to get you even more excited about what is in store for you!

On average the trip takes 25-30 hours depending on weather. So it will be a great time for you to get over your jet lag and gently slide into “Bikini Time”

Helldiver plane just off USS Saratoga

Skill assessment and check out dive

If we just steamed directly to Bikini we would arrive late afternoon the next day so what we normally do is stay in Kwajalein for the day and do 2 dives on the Prinz Eugen. This is a perfect opportunity to do a check out dive. This will give us an opportunity to check any gear needs and finetune kit, lead requirements trim etc.

It is really imperative to ensure that you are ready for such a trip before you come so if you have any questions regarding your level of skills and training please contact us. That way when everyone comes on these trips they are all well prepared thus having a great, safe time onboard.

We will get into Bikini in the small hours of the morning - ready for business the next day!! Then we will get up early, have breakfast and head out diving!

This is without a shadow of a doubt the trip of a lifetime. But it does come with a massive warning. This is not a small trip, we are onboard a boat out at sea for 14 days travelling at least 250 miles to and from Bikini each way. We will be in some of the most isolated waters on the planet. There is only Satellite phones and VERY limited sat internet so please think very hard before committing to this trip. You will need to be really comfortable on boats.

What training and experience do I need?

90% of the wrecks are all deep wrecks in the 45-60m range so therefore minimum level of training is Extended Range diver (max depth 50m) or normoxic trimix diver (60m) for dives deeper than 50m. For CCR divers you will need the rating on the unit that you will be diving with plus an up to date log book detailing your experience in these depth areas. 
With taking into regards industry standard max depth on AIR diluent is 50 meters. But your diving will best be remembered on a trimix!!!

If you are Open Circuit and wish to dive on Trimix, then we will need to plan for your Helium gas to arrive well ahead of time. It will need to be shipped from Guam. There are costs associated with this so please contact me about this.

Bridge of the USS Saratoga

How do I get to Kwajalein?

You are probably going to ask yourself “Where the hell is Kwajalein?” so the best thing to do is a google search for Kwajalein and find exactly where it is. There are 2 ways to get to Kwaj. One is through Guam heading East and the other is heading west from Honalulu. Normally if you are coming from the US then you will probably come via Honalulu.
If you are coming from Ozz, UK and Europe then the Guam option might work best for you. Continental/United Airlines is the only flight operator that works the Marshal Island routes. 

Flying in via Guam

If you are coming from England, Ireland, Europe then probably the best route would be Heathrow - Narita in Japan - GUAM and onto Kwaj.  
Flights will come in on a Friday before the official trip starts, this is ok and we have planned for this. If you come from this end you will get into Kwaj at 18:45. This is ok, if there arent any clients from the last trip onboard then you can stay on the vessel. Pending that there is accommodation on Ebeye Island where the boat will be moored in front of.

Continental/United are normally very good with regards to luggage allowance. Recently they underwent a merge with another airline so it may pay to make sure that you know what you are in for before traveling.

We have tried as much as possible to reduce your luggage hassles, by supplying manifolded tanks, breather tanks, sorb, stage deco kits, analyzers, etc etc.

Flying in via Honalulu

Flying from Honolulu has its advantages, as there is only 1 stop (Majuro) taking 6:55hrs to Kwaj. Your flight will only come in on the Saturday at 10:25. So once you clear customs and board the boat we will head off. 
The guys who came via Guam will already be onboard from the night before.

Ex Kwajalein - $6500.00us

“OPEN” Trips are for individual bookings and
“GROUP” Trips are for group bookings

Dates for Bikini Trips

2013

1 sat 15 June - 27 June 2013 (1 SPOT LEFT)
2 sat 29 June - 11 July  2013 ( 4 SPOTS LEFT)
3 sat 13 July - 25 July  2013 FULL
4 sat 27 July - 8 Aug 2013 FULL

2014

1 30 May - 12 June 2014 FULL
2 13 June - 26 June 2014 FULL
3 12 July - 24 July 2014 FULL
4 9 Aug - 21 Aug 2014 FULL
5 22 Aug - 4 Sept 2014 FULL

We are now taking people for 2014 for the waiting list if any dropoffs occur.

2015

1 30 May - 12 June 2015 OPEN for individuals
2 26 June - 9 July 2015 OPEN for FULL CHARTER

Trip Proposed Daily Schedule

The dates start on a sat but if you are coming via Guam then you will arrive on the day before (friday)

Here is a sample idea of what the schedule may look like.

Day 0 (Friday) Guam flight arrives in Kwaj, board the vessel
Day 1 (Sat) Honolulu flight arrives morning, Dive the Prinz Eugen in the morning and afternoon. Steam for Bikini
Day 2 Al day steaming. Arr Bikini lateafternoon/evening
Day 3 DAY 1 FOR DIVING in BIKINI
Day 4 DAY 2 FOR DIVING in BIKINI
Day 5 DAY 3 FOR DIVING in BIKINI
Day 6 DAY 4 FOR DIVING in BIKINI
Day 7 DAY 5 FOR DIVING in BIKINI
Day 8 DAY 6 FOR DIVING in BIKINI
Day 9 DAY 7 FOR DIVING in BIKINI
Day 10 DAY 8 FOR DIVING in BIKINI
Day 11 DAY 9 FOR DIVING in BIKINI leave in the late afternoon
Day 12 Travel back to Kwaj getting back late in the evening
Day 13 (thur) Fly out of Kwaj for Guam flight
Day 14 (fri) Honolulu flight leaves in the afternoon

What you need to take into account is that these dates are all ex Kwajalein in The Marshall Islands.

Whats Included/Excl

INCLUDED

All transits from the airport return
9 days diving
All food and accommodation on board the Winward
Soft drinks, Bottled water
All air fills,
All use of deco stage tanks (with stage clips etc)
Rebreather tanks ( we have 12 sets - 6 x 3l and 6 x 2l fabre steels)
Manifolded twins for open circuit divers

EXTRAS

O2 - $0.06us a litre
Helium - $0.20us a litre
797 8-12mesh sorb (thin stuff) - $15us/kg
797 4-8 mesh sorb (thick stuff) - $15us/kg
Gratuities - This is totally up to you on the trip, what we normally do is put in $200 for crew each. Everyone is dedicated to ensuring that you have the best experience possible!
Sat phone - $1.50us per minute
Internet - $20/mB
Hotel accom if needed at end of trip (if you cant stay onboard for any reason)

I dont want to scare you off, but with trips like this it is really important to really understand the magnitude of such a trip. This is not for everyone and with the sheer isolation of where we are, you really need to make an informed decision on whether you want to come or not.

The biggest thing is to understand that we will be onboard a 23m vessel for 13 days out at sea. 25-30 hours away from the nearest help which is an American Missile Testing Base so they aren’t thrilled that we are going through there in the slightest. There is an Airfield in Bikini where turbo propped planes can land. This will be the only immediate access we have to the outside world if it all turns to custard! 

MEDICAL SUPPORT

Indies Trader has purchased a fully operational 48" twinlock reco chamber which lives onboard the Winward. This is fantastic, but without skilled medical personel (hyperbaric physician) to medically manage a patient and take responsibility for the welfare of that patient, it makes things extremely difficult to manage.

Without medical personnel onsite to manage a sick diver and care for that patient, DAN cannot manage treatment remotely. So with this L4R diving excursions take a Hyperbaric Physician onboard with us on ALL trips with a fully kitted emergency medical kit. It is for your personall safety and well being.

Your DAN insurance is still mandatory incase you need immediate evacuation.

We have emergency procedures in place to speed up this process but it still takes time due to the remoteness of Bikini Atoll. It will be ultimately your decision whether you want to be air lifted or treated onboard. While we have a world renowned Hyperbaric Physician on board and a comprehensive emergency medic kit, there is still a lot of risk associated with diving in this remote location.

Prerequisite Qualifications and Experience

It is so important to ensure that you have the required training, skills and experience for a trip of this magnitude.

With acception to the Saratoga deck which is in 27m of water and the bridge in 14m all of the wrecks are all in the 45-60m depth range so therefore minimum level of training is Extended Range diver (max depth 50m) or normoxic trimix diver (65m).

For CCR divers you will need the rating on the unit that you will be diving with plus an up to date log book detailing your experience in these depth areas.
With taking into regards industry standard max depth on AIR diluent is 50 meters.

When you book onto the trip we will be asking for your latest instructors contact details. Here we will contact them and inquire about you. Please do not be offended by this. This is for EVERYONES enjoyment and safety. If the wrong people with inadequate training and experience, come on these trips it will make things really uncomfortable for all when we cannot allow diving operations to take place for these people because their skills are not up to safe standards.

If you are in question whether you are prepared enough for the diving in Bikini please contact me and I will skype you or call you on the phone. I will gladly spend the time going over some ideas to assist you in your preparations. Its worth it to be prepared. That way we can all have a great time and not worry about unskilled divers and safety problems.

Bow section of the Nagato

How do I secure my spot?

Because of the nature of liveaboards if one person cries off a trip then it puts immense pressure on us financially. With that said, we will need a $1500us deposit to secure your spot. You will be sent a booking form to be filled out which goes over booking and trip conditions.

Then the full amount of the monies is needed 6 months before the trip goes. Now if for some reason you cant make the trip, then contact us as soon as possible. Conditions apply.

Contact Pete for booking forms petemes@ihug.co.nz

USS Lamson loaded Torpedo tubes

Downloads

BIKINI ATOLL L4R BOOKING FORM

BIKINI ATOLL L4R FAQ

The MV Winward is 224 ton, 24meter long Steel Hull vessel specifically set up for diving operations.
With a fuel capacity of 50 thousand litres, cruises at 8 knots. 10 thousand litre fresh water tanks with water maker. Washing machine and dryer. 2 toilets and showers. Accommodation for 12.
Power supply is 230volt with Australian/NZ plug fittings

The dive platform is spacious and stable. Ladder descends 1.75m into the water making exiting hassle free. Entry is done by giant stride off the stern or from the side of the vessel.

There is a deco station with surface supplied O2 pumped down to the 6m bar. The Ship is moored onto the dive site, a travel line is set up for easy transiting to the descent line.

There is a 48" twin lock hyperbaric chamber onboard, prepped and ready to do.

On ALL Lust4Rust diving excursions to Bikini (and Truk Lagoon) as part of our operational health and safety we carry a world class hyperbaric physician. This means that if anyone gets "a niggle" or is seriously bent we can offer medical back up for treatment.

Bearing in mind that without medical support, treatment in a chamber is not advised. DAN cannot recommend treatment if there is noone onboard who will take medical responsibility of the patient.

Lust4Rust.co personally own

8 x sets of 2l fabre steel inspo rebreather tanks

8 x sets of 3l fabre steel inspo rebreather tanks

These are available for hire for non Lust4Rust trips. Contact Pete Mesley for booking them on your trip and hire rates. ALL hireage needs to be prearranged BEFORE the trip you are going on.

ALL tank hireage rates are included in all L4R trips.

The food onboard is some of the best grub I have ever experienced. Chris - the chef (and skipper!!) produces mouth watering meals and is sympathetic for most pallets (vegetarians needn’t worry!!!)

All in all this is a great vessel. From a diving perspective it is a great platform. Stable, and more dive kit, back ups, breather support, safety support etc You couldnt ask for more.

This is a "working mans boat"! Its comfortable and clean. The shared accomodation is really not a problem. But if you are looking for your own cabin with ensuite this is not the boat for you!!!!

The food, is second to none. Food can be the destroyer of a trip, but at the same time, be the definer!! This is certainly the latter. Great work guys!!!

The diving schedule is totally flexible but because the wrecks are so massive multiple dives will be done on each wreck.

Where do I need to fly into?

Pretty much the only option is to come via Guam. So wherever you are coming from you will need to come via Guam. You will need to get the Guam flight that departs at 0930hrs same day arrive Kwaj' 1841hrs on the 12th of August. the best thing to do is contact me (Pete Mesley) and I will plan your trip for you so all you need to do is just go into your local travel agent and request the flights that we will give you the details to.

What are gas costs and consumables going to cost me?

O2 will cost $0.06us a litre
Helium will cost $0.20us a litre
797 8-12mesh sorb (thin stuff) $15us/kg
797 4-8 mesh sorb (thick stuff) $15us/kg
Are there any additional costs?
Gratuities - This is totally up to you on the trip, there will be a “tip box” for crew. Everyone is dedicated to ensuring that you have the best experience possible!

Do you cater for Rebreather divers?

Absolutely! This is what we specialise in! Not only do we offer all Helium, Boosted O2 (max 96% as it comes from a O2 Generator), sorb, breather tanks, stage tanks, we have 10 x 40cf ali stage tanks, 10 x 80cf ali stages, 5 x 2l sets of fabre steels, 6 x 3l sets of fabre steels, 6 x sets of 19cf ali tanks with left and right valves. So we are totally set up for breather divers.

We also have 10 sets of twin isolated manifolded twin tank set ups. So what ever way you like to dive, we can accommodate you! The only difference will be your gas bill at the end of the day!!! 

Whats the boat like?

The vessel that we will be using is the Indies Trader “Windward”. A 24 meter long 250 ton vessel built for the ocean. Your accommodation will be a shared massive single cabin layout of 12 bunks with full aircon. Its clean, and comfortable. There are no double cabins so dont plan to spend your honeymoon onboard!!!! Each bunk has a curtain for privacy, perfect to just lay your head at the end of a long eventful day! The ship is spacious comfortable and stable, with plenty or room for gear, camera gear etc etc You will love it!

How many dives will we do?

We will be diving for 9 whole days the vessel will be moored over the wrecks during the day so we can get into the water when ever you want. Most places will say - “Unlimited Diving” but in reality the majority of the diving will be 50-60m stuff so realistically you will only probably manage a max of 2 a day. Remember absolute care must be taken to ensure your health and safety in such a remote place.

What about dive times?

Dive planning is up to you so if you want to do a 3 hour runtime, then we will plan for it. Again, taking safety into consideration conservative diving is essential!

Will there be opportunity to land on the island to have a good walk around?

Absolutely! The island is rich with historical bunkers, pristine beaches and you will really enjoy a good walk around. This will normally occur in the afternoons after diving operations.

What about Dive Insurance and safety onboard?

Safety is our highest priority and with this in mind we are taking steps to increase diver safety in this isolated area. As with any dive trip DAN insurance (or recognised master insurance evacuation policy) is so important, thus mandatory on these trips. Even though there is a chamber onboard, this does not mean salvation for a critically sick diver. Even though we focus totally on your safety we have a Hyperbaric Physician onboard with a comprehensive first aid kit.

How do I secure my spot?

Because of the nature of liveaboards if one person cries off a trip then it puts immense pressure on everyone financially. With that said, we will need a $1500us deposit to secure your spot. Then the full amount of the monies is needed 6 months before the trip goes. Now if for some reason you cant make the trip, if you get another person to fill your spot who has the right experience, training and qualifications, then we can simply transfer your monies to that person (conditions apply). If you cant get another person and we cant fill the spot in time, then you will lose all your monies. Contact Pete for booking forms petemes@ihug.co.nz

What training and experience do I need?

90% of the wrecks are all deep wrecks in the 45-60m range so therefore minimum level of training is Extended Range diver (max depth 50m) or normoxic trimix diver (60m). For CCR divers you will need the rating on the unit that you will be diving with plus an up to date log book detailing your experience in these depth areas.
With taking into regards industry standard max depth on AIR diluent is 50 meters.

What is the food going to be like?

We have a chef onboard so you can enjoy 3 square meals a day!!! I am sure you wont go hungry!

Winward

Winward (without the tender)

Banked gas & compressor systems

Back deck with chamber

Accomodation (not sure what the guy is doing in the photo!!!)