Bikini Atoll Nuclear Test Site

The Bikini Atoll Nuclear Test Site is the location in the Marshall Islands where the United States conducted a series of atmospheric and underwater nuclear tests between 1946 and 1958. The tests included major operations that produced large craters, widespread radioactive contamination and sunken target ships in the lagoon.

The atoll’s lagoon contains dozens of sunken vessels and other test artifacts that have become a technical diving destination; these wrecks and test craters are the principal physical remnants visible today. The site is also studied for its environmental and historical legacy and attracts specialist researchers and divers rather than general tourism.

Between 1946 and 1958 the United States conducted multiple test series at Bikini, beginning with Operation Crossroads in 1946 and including the large-yield Castle Bravo detonation in 1954. The tests led to evacuation of the local population and long-term displacement, as well as extensive radiological surveys and restricted use of the atoll.

Bikini Atoll lies in the Ralik Chain of the Marshall Islands in the central Pacific Ocean. The atoll is remote from major population centres and is reached by infrequent boat or charter flights through the Marshall Islands’ transport links; access is controlled and subject to permission because of safety and preservation considerations.

• Nuclear testing history: Location of US nuclear weapons tests between 1946 and 1958, including Operation Crossroads (1946) and Castle Bravo (1954), which left long-term contamination.
• World Heritage status: Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its historical significance, with access limited due to lingering radiological contamination and preservation concerns.

What to See #

• Lagoon wreck sites: A shallow coral atoll lagoon that contains numerous sunken ships, vehicles and debris from the period of nuclear testing, now visited by specialist divers.
• Test grounds and infrastructure: Wide, flat test grounds and remnants of observation and support structures that were used during the nuclear test program of the mid-20th century.