For technical wreck divers, there are few places on Earth that inspire the same sense of anticipation as Bikini Atoll. Remote, exclusive and steeped in history, the sunken nuclear fleet represents the pinnacle of wreck diving—an expedition reserved for those with the experience, training and ambition to explore one of the world’s most extraordinary underwater museums.
Following the Second World War, Bikini Atoll became the site of Operation Crossroads, the first series of post-war nuclear weapons tests. In 1946, more than 90 surplus warships—including aircraft carriers, battleships, cruisers, destroyers and submarines—were assembled as target vessels for the atomic detonations. Today, many of these massive ships lie in pristine tropical waters between 30 and 60 metres deep, preserved by the atoll’s isolation and crystal-clear visibility. Wrecks such as the USS Saratoga, USS Arkansas, HIJMS Nagato and USS Pilotfish have become legendary among technical divers, making Bikini Atoll one of the world’s ultimate bucket-list diving destinations.
Guiding every expedition is Pete Mesley of Lust4Rust, one of the most respected names in international technical wreck diving. With decades spent exploring, surveying and documenting some of the world’s most iconic deep wrecks, Pete has earned a global reputation for his professionalism, meticulous expedition planning and unwavering commitment to safe technical diving. His knowledge of the wrecks, their history and the stories they hold beneath the surface adds a dimension to every dive that few expedition leaders can offer. Diving alongside Pete is not simply an opportunity to visit Bikini—it is an opportunity to experience it through the eyes of one of the world’s foremost wreck explorers and we are stoked to have him as part of the Indies Trader family.
Below: Pete Mesley our man at Bikini in full tech mode.
Our home throughout the expedition is MV Indies Surveyor, a expedition vessel ideally suited to supporting advanced technical diving in one of the most remote locations on the planet and purpose built by Indies Trader Marine Adventures founder Martin Daly specifically for Bikini Atoll. Designed for extended offshore operations, she offers dedicated technical diving facilities including gas blending systems, spacious dive and equipment areas, comprehensive support for closed-circuit rebreather and open-circuit divers, and an onboard decompression chamber that provides an additional level of safety and operational confidence.
Above: The mighty MV Indies Surveyor our purpose built tech diving machine.
Life aboard is every bit as memorable as the diving itself. Between dives, guests can relax in comfortable surroundings, enjoy chef-prepared cuisine showcasing fresh ingredients, and unwind each evening with a carefully selected range of premium wines, beers and spirits. It’s an expedition that combines world-class technical diving with the comfort and hospitality expected of a premium liveaboard experience.
Recently, MV Indies Surveyor demonstrated exactly why she is such a capable expedition platform. While the remainder of our fleet was sheltered in Majuro Marina, Captain Jean Tu, Pete Mesley and the crew were already operating at Bikini when a tropical depression developed almost directly over the atoll. While such systems are the precursor to typhoons and demand respect, the combination of Captain Jean’s extensive experience, sophisticated onboard navigation and weather forecasting systems, and the vessel’s fully stabilised design meant operations were only briefly interrupted. Diving was paused for a single afternoon before the weather system continued west, allowing the expedition to continue safely—an excellent demonstration of the value of preparation, experience and operating the right vessel in remote environments.
The Bikini season is intentionally limited, ensuring an exclusive experience and the highest standards of operation. With only a small number of expeditions each year, places are always in strong demand, and we are now accepting expressions of interest for our 2027 season.
Above: As well as being an acomlished tech diver Pete is also a master dive photographer. All images copyright lust4rust.
These expeditions are designed exclusively for experienced technical divers with the appropriate certifications, deep wreck experience and logged dives required for this remarkable destination. If you’ve always dreamed of exploring the world’s most famous nuclear fleet while enjoying the comfort, safety and camaraderie of a first-class expedition vessel, we’d be delighted to welcome you aboard.
Click HERE to start the conversation and secure your place on one of the world’s truly iconic diving adventures.
