Vanuatu is awash with outstanding diving sites, including the Tubuta Reefs, Million Dollar Point, and Cindy’s Reef. But even among those awe-inspiring sites, there’s one diving location that stands head and shoulders above the rest.
The SS President Coolidge shipwreck isn’t just one of the best dive sites Vanuatu has to offer. It’s one of the best sites that the world has to offer. This famous diving attraction has become famous the world over, and functions as something of a rite of passage for diving enthusiasts. And once you understand the history and magic of the site, it’s easy to see why. After all, there aren’t many — or any? — diving sites that can match the history of the SS President Coolidge shipwreck.
In this post, we’ll run through everything you need to know about this one-of-a-kind diving site, including the background, the experience it offers, and how you can enjoy the shipwreck for yourself. If you don’t already have plans to visit this historical diving site, we’re pretty sure you will by the end of the article!
Already know that this is a diving site you simply must experience first-hand? Then don’t hesitate to get in touch with us here at Aore Adventure Sports & Lodge. We have plenty of experience in taking divers of all levels out to see the majestic ocean liner, and we’re confident that we can provide a once-in-a-lifetime excursion that’ll live long in the memory.
Historical Background
The history of the SS President Coolidge begins back in the early 1930s. Built by Newport News Shipbuilding and Drydock Company and operated by Dollar Steamship Lines, the ship originally functioned as a luxury passenger liner that had all the opulence and elegance of the Titanic.
Though it was a bit smaller than the Titanic, its ambitions were just as grand. This was a ship that would allow passengers to travel the seven seas with all the luxury trimmings of a top-end hotel. As with the Titanic, the ship had rooms available in multiple classes, with the best rooms featuring fine furnishings, private bathrooms, and sophisticated decoration. In all, the passenger liner could accommodate up to 1000 guests.
Alas, as with the Titanic, the SS President Coolidge ran into difficulties, albeit of a much different nature. An unpaid bill forced the Dollar Steamship Company, the operator of the ship, into administration. At that point, the US Government stepped in to take control of the SS President Coolidge, at which point it was repurposed as a troop transport vessel.
For a couple of years, the ship performed military duties in its original condition, but in the early 1940s, the purpose and ambience of the SS President Coolidge quickly changed. Previously one of the most luxurious ships in the world, many of the luxury touchings were removed. They were replaced by military equipment and additional sleeping quarters. Having originally been designed to accommodate 1,000 guests, the SS President Coolidge was transformed into a troop transport juggernaut capable of housing some 5,000 military personnel.
It played a vital role in the US’s Pacific operations during the war until 1942, when it sank. The ship, manned by Captain Nelson, entered mine-laden waters near Vanuatu. The captain was unaware of the dangers lurking in the area until it was too late. Having finally received notice from a nearby ship of the mines, Captain Nelson tried to redirect the ship, only to strike two mines, which caused severe damage that resulted in the sinking of the ship. Though there were more than 5,000 personnel onboard, all but two made it safely ashore. While it was a significant sinking, it was not an overly deadly one — in fact, the safe disembarkment of the vast majority of passengers makes this something of a “successful sinking.”
The Dive Experience
So now you’ve got the SS President Coolidge history, let’s get to the fun stuff: the diving aspect. Scuba diving President Coolidge has become one of the most popular diving experiences in the world, and not just because of its history. It would be a fascinating place to explore regardless of how the ship had ended up there.
After all, there’s a lot to discover on these excursions. The ship is some 25 metres wide and an awe-inspiring 200 metres long, which means it would take a long time to explore even if it was docked. Today, it lies on its side, with the bow 20 metres below water and the stern 70 metres below.
Located in Vanuatu, the SS President Coolidge shipwreck provides divers with the opportunity to see a nearly one-hundred-year-old luxury ship that’s mostly intact. Aside from the structure itself, there’s also a vast array of military equipment, including cannons, guns, and jeeps, as well as plenty of marine life. It’s a big draw for Vanuatu — indeed, many people come to the country specifically to see SS President Coolidge in her final resting place. There are a bunch of dives available, so you can realistically spend two weeks diving the site and still not see everything.
Points of Interest
The President Coolidge shipwreck didn’t become one of the best Vanuatu dive sites by accident. Nope, it got that reputation because it offers so much to divers, even beginner ones who are not able to explore the deeper parts of the wreck. Let’s take a look at some of the leading points of interest.
The Bow
As we said above, there are many different President Coolidge shipwreck dives available. Regardless of which highlights you’re planning to see, your first port of call will be the ship’s bow. It sits at some 21 metres, and on the way, you’ll pass some of the ship’s bathrooms, weapons, and other artefacts. It’s a straightforward dive that’s suitable for beginners as well as those with more experience.
Cargo Holds
The cargo holds begin at 33 metres, so you’ll need a little more experience to join this dive. There are two cargo holds in all, with the second being especially impressive due to its size and contents. This huge area is home to the ship’s jeeps, which still look great even though they’ve been underwater for more than eighty years.
Lady Statue
The Lady Statue is the ship’s most famous attraction. In fact, it’s one of the most popular diving highlights on the planet. People come specifically to tick this one off their diving bucket list. So, what is it? It’s a statue that once graced the first-class smoking room and then the dining room. The work of art features an elegant lady riding on top of a horse. In diving culture, it’s considered good luck to kiss the statue. It’s most people’s favourite SS President Coolidge dive, though you’ll need to be quite experienced to visit it yourself since it lies at some 40 metres.
Other Highlights
We’re not exaggerating when we say we could have written an entire article about SS President Coolidge's shipwreck diving highlights. At nearly 200 metres long, there’s a lot to explore, and if you have the time, we’d recommend giving yourself as many opportunities to get underwater as you can.
Some other highlights that people often mention include the Doctor’s Surgery, which includes medical supplies still neatly arranged on their shelves, and the many weapons that have been left behind. It’s unlikely that you’ve ever seen so many guns that have been taken over by coral all in one place before.
How Much Experience Do You Need to Dive the SS President Coolidge?
The SS President Coolidge diving site is awesome, so it’s no surprise that many people who are visiting Vanuatu want to see it for themselves. The question is, however, can they view the shipwreck even if they don’t have much diving experience? The answer to that is a resounding yes. While some of the dives are reserved for experienced divers, there are also plenty that you can do even if you’re a beginner.
If you’ve never dived before, then you can always take our PADI Open Water Scuba Diving Course. We also offer a Rusty Diver Update course for people who haven’t been diving in a while and need a little refresh. The course lasts for two hours and will have you ready to begin exploring the SS President Coolidge.
Marine Life and Ecology
An Array of Fish
It’s not just the shipwreck and sunken military supplies you’ll see on your SS President Coolidge diving excursions. The ship is also home to an array of marine life. Don’t be surprised if you see reef fish, lionfish, barracuda, and sea turtles while you’re underwater. There’s also an anemone garden, which houses beautifully colourful anemone fish. If you’re lucky, you’ll spot Nessie the moray eel, a gigantic moray eel that has called the SS President Coolidge home for as long as anyone can remember.
Over the years, the SS President Coolidge has taken on huge ecological significance. This artificial reef plays a vital role in supporting the area’s biodiversity and marine life. When you’re underwater, you won’t just be stepping back in time: you’ll also see a thriving ecosystem up close, and personal.
Preparing for the Dive
Excited by the prospect of exploring the SS President Coolidge shipwreck? Good — you should be. However, before you get to enjoy all the goodness of this historic diving site, you’ll need to first find your way over here, figure out your accommodation, and just generally plan your trip so you can make the most of your time in Vanuatu.
We’ve put together some useful information that’ll help with the planning of your trip. Let’s take a look.
Getting to Espiritu Santo from Australia
Espiritu Santo may seem remote, but it’s actually a lot easier to travel to from Australia than you might think, especially if you’re coming from Brisbane. You can fly directly to Santo-Pekoa International Airport with Air Vanuatu Airlines, with flights departing once a week. Another option is to fly to Port Vila, which is easily accessible from many parts of Australia, and then take a short flight to Espiritu Santo.
Accommodation Options
Diving the SS President Coolidge shipwreck might be the highlight of your trip to Espiritu Santo, but it won’t be the only thing you’ll enjoy during your visit. After all, this is a destination that offers its visitors plenty of fun activities. As such, you’ll want to stay for at least a few days (though the longer, the better). At AORE Adventures, we’re pleased to offer exceptional accommodation that includes stunning views of the water, your very own private 200-metre beach, and beautiful interiors. You can learn more about our beach house by clicking here.
Best Time of Year to Visit SS Coolidge Dive Site
So, when should you visit the SS President Coolidge dive site if you’re looking for the best experience? In truth, there is no ‘best’ time — the site is excellent to visit even during the winter months. The air or water never gets chilly, so diving is pleasant even during the coldest periods of the year. It’s worth noting that the coldest months, June and July, still have an average temperature of some 26 degrees.
If you’re planning to take advantage of the land-based activities that Vanuatu has to offer, then visiting between July and October would be best, though only marginally so. As we said, it’s a year-round destination.
safety
Safety Tips and Recommendations
Diving Safety is Paramount
The SS President Coolidge Shipwreck lies in calm waters, but with a depth of some 70 metres, it is deep. As such, it’s imperative that all divers take property safety precautions, regardless of how much previous diving experience they possess. The best way to ensure your safety is to work with a certified diving company. At AORE Adventures, we are members of the Vanuatu Scuba Diving Operators and are an approved Dive operator by the Department of Tourism.
What Do People Who Have Dived the SS Coolidge Have To Say?
Still need to be convinced that exploring the underwater wonders of the SS President Coolidge shipwreck is for you? Just take a look at what people who already had the experience had to say.
“Probably on the top of my list for wreck dives”
“Huge wreck, every bit as good as everyone says it is, and then some more!”
“Amazing diving, even for someone who isn't the keenest on wrecks.”
The SS President Coolidge shipwreck really is unique and must be seen first-hand to be believed. If you’re ready to explore the wreck for yourself, then don’t hesitate to reach out to our team here at AORE Adventures.
