Vanuatu, a region in the South Pacific, is made up of over eighty different islands known for their natural beauty, volcanic landscapes, and crystal-blue waters. However, for divers and adventurers across the world, what lies beneath those shores is the most exciting.
This is because the region is home to a series of WWII relics, including plane wrecks, shipwrecks, and even weaponry - making it a fascinating attraction for history enthusiasts and divers alike.
This article will ‘dive deep’ into the history that lies around Vanuatu’s ocean floor, outlining some of the sites you should visit during your next diving adventure.
The SS President Coolidge: A Dive into History
As mentioned above, there are numerous wrecks to explore within Vanuatu’s waters, the most famous being the SS President Coolidge. Initially serving as a luxury cruise liner traveling to destinations, including Singapore and the Panama Canal, the SS President Coolidge was converted into a troopship to aid the war efforts in 1941.
When attempting to dock at a naval base in Espiritu Santo (part of Vanuatu), the ship accidentally triggered a series of landmines that required the crew to abandon ship. Today, divers within this region are able to explore the wreck itself, which is now surrounded by coral. Key sites at this diving location include a mosaic fountain, military equipment, and a stunning statue known as the “lady.”
Depth Level: 21 m (bow) to 70 m (stern).
Difficulty: Suited to more experienced divers.
Best time/season for diving: May-October
Million Dollar Point: A Unique WWII Dump Site
When the war ended, and the US military began to depart from their base in Vanuatu, they disposed of excess equipment at an underwater site, which is often referred to as “million dollar point.” This was a move made due to the costs associated with transporting this equipment back to US soil and reservations about the goods landing in the hands of others.
Divers to this location will come across a wide range of military machinery, including tanks, trucks, and jeeps, alongside items such as clothing and even general waste, such as glass bottles. This is a great dive for beginners, as some of the left-behind jewels and goods are just 15 meters deep, which means that you do not require a lot of experience to reach their depths and explore this historic site.
Depth level: 15-20m
Difficulty: Perfect for beginner divers due to its shallow depths
Best time/season for diving: May-October
WWII Plane Wrecks: Aviation Relics Beneath the Waves
Throughout the course of the war, numerous planes were shot down in the region. This means that in the modern day, divers can explore numerous plane wrecks in the area, including an F4U Corsair, an iconic fighter-bomber plane.
While their condition has deteriorated over time, this is still a true sight to behold, especially when you consider the way in which the area’s natural coral and marine life have seamlessly integrated with these aviation wreckages, creating their own unique (and beautiful) ecosystem while doing so.
Depth level: Varying, depending on the specific ship. The F4U Corsair is just 2-3m deep.
Difficulty: Perfect for beginner divers due to its shallow depths
Best time/season for diving: May-October
Conclusion and Dive Preparation Tips
As evidenced above, there are many reasons why hundreds of divers visit the shores of Vanuatu every year, especially those who have a keen interest in WWII. If this is your bucket-list destination, you won’t be disappointed - whether you’re exploring the hidden treasures of SS President Coolidge or what was left behind by the US at Million Dollar Point.
However, this is the kind of trip that you must prepare carefully for! For example, you should ensure that you have all of the relevant certifications and qualifications under your belt ahead of time so that you can execute the dive to the best of your ability and without putting yourself in harm's way. If you’re relatively new to the world of diving, stick to the easier dives in the region, such as Million Dollar Point.
You should also be sure to dive responsibly. These historical artifacts have been in the ocean for nearly eighty years, and we want to ensure that we can enjoy them for years to come - your careful actions and respect will make this possible moving forward.
In addition to this, you should ensure that you head out on your adventure with a reputable diving company. This will ensure that you have access to all of the necessary diving supplies you’ll need throughout the duration of your trip, as well as expert guidance and support. For example, your guide will be able to provide you with crucial health and safety tips while also making it possible to navigate your way toward the best diving locations in Vanuatu and the surrounding areas.
At Aore Adventure, we have years of experience in helping adventurers just like you dive deep into all that Vanuatu and Espiritu Santo has to offer. From guided trips to pristine reefs that are bursting with aquatic life to numerous WWII relics, there’s truly something for everyone to enjoy in this regard. As Espiritu Santo’s longest-established and only PADI 5-Star Dive Center, you’re in safe hands with Aore Adventure. This means you’re as confident as possible each time you step on board (or into the water). You can also experience the true beauty of island living by staying at one of our local lodges, where you can even enjoy your own private white-sand beach throughout the duration of your trip.
As such, no matter which of the many Vanuatu dive sites you’d like to see - we’ve got you covered. If you’d like to learn more, please do not hesitate to get in touch today. We’d be happy to answer any questions you might have or to help plan your next trip.
We look forward to diving with you soon!
