Espiritu Santo is Vanuatu’s largest island. Divers have been visiting for decades to dive the largest accessible shipwreck in the southern hemisphere – the SS President Coolidge.  This shore dive is the wreck of a cruise ship that was converted to a US troop carrier. In 1942 on the way into Santo Harbour the ship had a close encounter with two US mines, ending its life on the surface.  After the troops on board abandoned ship, it came to rest on a sandy slope before sliding down to its current resting place. 

Diving this wreck is a unique experience, the sheer size of the ship and the slope on which it lies means it can cater for recreational divers and tech divers alike. The wreck holds a fascinating historical significance with many of the original artefacts still there for divers to view including crockery, weapons, helmets, medicine, and even toilets!  The most recognised artefact on board is ‘The Lady’, a porcelain statue that has been kissed by many divers over the years. 

As well as the Coolidge wreck, rust lovers will be keen to do a few dives at Million Dollar Point during their visit. A dumping ground for a huge number of US vehicles and weapons, discarded in the ocean after the war.  Santo also boasts some cool reefs that are accessible by boat.

When to go

Santo can be visited year-round, however it is occasionally impacted by cyclones during cyclone season November – March.

How to get there

Air Vanuatu have frequent flights from most Australian ports via Port Vila.  On Thursdays they fly direct from Brisbane to Santo.

Where to stay

We can recommend staying at the Santo Hotel, right next door to Pacific Dive.  Comfortable accommodation reasonably central to the town of Luganville.  For a more resort-like experience, we love to stay up on the hill above Luganville at Deco Stop Lodge, where sipping a cocktail by the pool with a view of the ocean is a pretty special way to end the day.

Highlights

The obvious highlight here is kissing ‘The Lady’, however we will always remember the Coolidge for the most spine-tingling night dive we have ever done. Down in the cargo hold there are flashlight fish, if you are lucky enough to do this dive, be sure to ask the guide to take you down there and turn off your torch for one of the most memorable experiences you are ever likely to have!