Lagoon, also known as Truk Lagoon, is a sheltered body of water in the central Pacific. Located about 1,800 kilometres north-east of New Guinea, halfway between the Philippines and Hawaii, it is part of Chuuk State within the Federated States of Micronesia. The atoll consists of a protective reef, 225 kilometres around, enclosing a natural harbour.
Weno City on the island of Weno is the capital of Chuuk State. Many people find the different names of Truk and Chuuk confusing, so we try to explain it here.
‘Chuuk’ means mountains in the Chuukese language. The lagoon was mainly known as Truk, which was in fact a mispronunciation of Ruk. Other names for the lagoon include: Hogoleu, Torres, Ugulat, and Lugulus. It is unknown why there are so many names for this region.
These days, the most common usage and spelling are as follows:’ Chuuk’ refers to the state and the land; whereas most people use the word ‘Truk’ for the lagoon and the wrecks.
If you are interested in diving Truk and its wrecks, check our Truk Lagoon diving itinerary!
