Dive-site story
Resting upright on the sandy seabed of Saipan's sheltered lagoon, the Shoan Maru was an auxiliary Japanese cargo vessel sunk during World War II. Corals now crust over its skeletal iron hull, kingposts, and remnants of the wheelhouse. The protected shallow setting makes it an easy orientation dive while offering plenty of structural nooks for macro subjects to settle into.
Well-preserved bow section and mast structures covered in encrusting corals
Schools of glassy sweepers and cardinalfish swarming sheltered cargo holds
Photogenic World War II historical artifacts scattered across the sandy floor
Location
Use the map to plan with your operator and confirm the exact entry point on the day.
Seasonality
Dry winter and spring months offer the calmest seas and best clarity across the lagoon.
Marine life
| Species | Likelihood | J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Green Sea TurtleChelonia mydas | Common | ||||||||||||
| Red LionfishPterois volitans | Common | ||||||||||||
| Threadfin ButterflyfishChaetodon auriga | Common | ||||||||||||
| Pygmy SeahorseHippocampus bargibanti | Rare |
Marine forecast
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