Vanuatu – SS President Coolidge

Vanuatu : Ex Adelaide

23378 Vanuatu 2019

Tour departs Adelaide on 28^th April 2019, arriving in the evening on the same day.

Tour departs Vanuatu on 5^th May 2019, flying to Brisbane arriving in the evening. There is an included overnight stay at Brisbane Airport, and included flight to Adelaide on 6^th May 2019.

About Vanuatu – Espiritu Santo

One island in Vanuatu, more than any other attracts divers like a magnet – Espiritu Santo. The majestic beauty of Santo is what inspired James A. Michener to write his classic “Tales of the South Pacific.”

Approximately 50 minutes flying time from Port Vila to Santo

Santo is from a time past. People still come from within the jungle to trade for a few basic necessities, then blend quietly back into the shadows, amongst the remains of crashed B17 bombers, deserted Dakotas and old WWII hangars and storage shelters that are scattered in the thick tropical jungle and serve as silent reminders of the American occupation of the island.

During the Pacific Campaign of WWII over 100,000 allied troops and support staff were stationed on Santo and the time they spent there is still evident today. Other wrecks and remains from the war lie below the surface of the clear blue waters. One of the major diving drawcards of Santo is the S.S. President Coolidge, a World War II troop transport wreck.

The township of Luganville is the capital of Espiritu Santo and features a range of accommodation from hotels to beach front resorts, restaurants, coffee shops a sports club and dive shops.

Scuba Diving in Santo

Luganville is the main town on Espiritu Santo, and although there is excellent diving in the vicinity of Luganville, diving is mainly centred on two specific, and unique sites.

The main attraction is the “S.S. President Coolidge”, a luxury liner that was used as a troop ship during WWII. The impressive wreck (198 metres long) is one of the largest accessible wrecks to sport divers anywhere in the world.

The dive can be done from boat or shore with an easy walk to a line that leads to the ship’s bow. Visibility can range from 15 to 35 metres, and the sea is usually calm.

Complete with military supplies and personal belongings scattered across the ocean floor, and of course the famous “Lady and the Unicorn” this dive is not to be missed.

Not far away, is another amazing dive site “Million Dollar Point” where the US navy dumped tonnes of valuable machinery and supplies after the war.