Liveaboards

Thorfinn

Thorfinn (Thorfinn)

In one week on the famous SS Thorfinn it is possible to explore more than 30 of the 60 magnificent shipwrecks of Japan’s Imperial 4th Fleet. Condemned to a watery grave more than 50 years ago by the US naval air attack in Operation Hailstone during World War II, these beautiful wrecks lie within the 822 square mile lagoon. Beyond the wrecks lies the stunning reef wall encrusted with coral and guarded by sharks.

The refurbished Thorfinn is one of the largest liveaboard vessels in the Pacific, with no less than 21 crew for a maximum of 22-24 passengers. It is a comfortable boat but definitely not a luxury liveaboard (so in this respect is different in standard from the typical Divequest liveaboard). Eleven fully air-conditioned staterooms each have a vanity unit, TV, VCR and large window. Seven staterooms feature double or queen-sized beds with an adjacent single berth and private bathrooms with head and shower, while the eighth stateroom is essentially similar, but smaller than the others and lacking the single berth). Three additional and very attractive large, bright rooms share two shower rooms and two toilets. These pleasant rooms are popular with couples or groups of friends travelling together who appreciate the extra space provided by the larger rooms and are happy to share bathroom facilities. The crew of Thorfinn are dedicated to cater to your every need. The salon features a full bar, large ocean aquarium, an entertainment centre with video, large screen TV and a splendid video library. The open air lounge has a sun deck with loungers and a shaded area where one can enjoy a cool drink or a snack between dives or simply enjoy the splendid views from the boat. The eight-seater hot tub on deck is a popular spot to relax after dives!

Once you have set up your gear on the first day the crew will look after it for the rest of the week, leaving you free to enjoy what you have come for – so just roll back into the water. The twin-engined aluminium tenders each carry a maximum of 6 divers and a dive guide from the mother ship to the dive sites, so there is plenty of time to explore the wonders of each wreck without any possibility of overcrowding. In addition, two 10-metre RIB dive launches have twin 150 HP engines, freshwater showers , triple tiered camera tables, under-sea lockers, and gear bins. On these boats, 2 dive masters and a boatman usually escort a complement of 8 divers. Underwater photographers have special facilities on board Thorfinn. There are cameras and videos for rental. The dive deck has a photography table for storage and servicing photographic equipment and there is a specially stabilized charging station. Separate rinse tanks are designated as camera-exclusive. Nitrox fills are normally up to 32%. with higher levels of Oxygen are available on request. Pony bottles can be filled at an extra charge, payable locally. There are no depth limits imposed by Thorfinn within the lagoon, but divers are expected to retain sufficient air for safe ascents from depth and to make a minimum of three protracted ascent stops. EAN staged bottles will be provided on request.

An upgraded 'all you can eat' package is available for technical divers covering any number of daily or weekly dives with all available supplies from a wide assortment of cylinders, doubles with ISO manifolds and bands, unlimited air fills and enrichments of  32, 40, 50 and 95% oxygen.

Thorfinn is anchored in the sound between Dublon and Fefan islands, to the south of the island of Moen, and offers 7 nights packages commencing every Saturday throughout the year. The ship stays at anchor and all diving is by tender.

Operates In:  Truk

Schedule:  Saturday to Saturday

Price: From about £1703 (US$2350, about €1958)

Includes:

• Return airport transfers
• 7 nights on Thorfinn on a twin/share basis
• Full board (breakfast, lunch and dinner) daily including non-alcoholic beverages
• Up to 7 days diving (up to 5 dives per day, including night dives), dive guide, 3 free Nitrox fills of EAN32 per day.

Cabin Upgrades:  Not available.

Please note: There is a small supplement, payable on board, for richer blends. A Chuuk State dive permit fee of US$35 (subject to change) including service charge is not included in the package price and is payable on board.

Single Occupancy Supplement: Please contact us.

Air Travel: Our in-house IATA ticket agency can arrange your air travel in connection with your holiday from a departure point anywhere in the world, or you may arrange your own air travel if you prefer. We can tailor-make your itinerary to your personal requirements, so if you would like to make a stop-over or two, make a side trip to some other destination, or travel business class rather than economy, we will be happy to assist. Please contact us about your air travel requirements.