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Bomber No. 2 Wreck
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The Bomber No. 2 Wreck, submerged off the coast of Espiritu Santo, is a significant underwater archaeological site from World War II. The aircraft, typically identified as a B-17 Flying Fortress or a similar heavy bomber, went down during a combat mission or an emergency water landing. Resting at a depth accessible to divers, the wreck has been transformed over the decades into a thriving artificial reef, encrusted with corals and teeming with marine life. It stands as a silent witness to the intensive air operations launched from the nearby military airfields established during the Pacific campaign. Despite more than 80 years underwater, much of the fuselage, engines, and propellers remain remarkably intact, offering a poignant look at wartime aviation. The site is a key destination for historical tourism, serving as a memorial to the airmen who operated in the challenging conditions of the South Pacific. It highlights the intersection of military history and marine conservation in Vanuatu.
- Location: Vanuatu
- Top sights: Sarakata SDS · Sarakata Anglican church · Sarakata apostolic church
- Nearby: Big Nambas Territory (70 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jul–Sep.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 27 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 26 | 25 | 24 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 26 | 27 |
| Rain mm | 272 | 274 | 271 | 272 | 183 | 162 | 116 | 105 | 109 | 151 | 175 | 170 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
The Bomber No. 2 wreck lies on the seabed near Luganville and is only accessible by diving. Due to its depth it is not suitable for snorkelers; only experienced divers with proper gear can safely explore it. The site is a protected historic landmark.
Typical hours
Dive shops in Luganville typically run daily morning and afternoon trips that include the bomber wreck. Exact departure times vary with weather and season. Booking in advance through a dive operator is recommended.
Photography
Underwater photography is popular, but due to depth and currents use a strobe and wide-angle lens. Divers must maintain good buoyancy to avoid damaging the wreck. A red filter helps restore colors at depth.
Time needed
A single dive on the bomber wreck lasts about 30-45 minutes depending on air consumption. The full dive trip including briefing, transport, and debrief typically takes half a day. Allow at least three to four hours from Luganville.
Combine with
Combine this dive with the nearby SS President Coolidge wreck or the above-water Millennium Caves. Luganville also has the Vanuatu National Museum and local markets for a cultural contrast.
Getting there
Access is by dive boat from Luganville, departing from dive bases on Espiritu Santo's coast. Most dive shops provide hotel pickup. The wreck is just minutes from the departure point.
Insider tip
Check your dive certification before booking - Advanced Open Water Diver or higher is recommended for this wreck. Bring an underwater flashlight to explore the bomber's interior. Best visibility contrast is early morning.
Geography
Facts
- The wreck lies at a depth of approximately 15 to 20 meters.
- It is believed to be a US Army Air Forces heavy bomber.
- The radial engines and cockpit framework are still visible to divers.
- The aircraft likely originated from one of Santo's four wartime runways.
- It has become a biodiversity hotspot for local reef fish and corals.
- This site is a primary example of WWII 'iron' legacy in the Pacific.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
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Sights in the town Bomber No. 2 Wreck (5)
Sarakata apostolic church
Apostolic church in the Sarakata area of Luganville.
Pacific Dive
Dive center in Luganville, offering trips to wrecks and reefs.
🌐 pacificdive.net🕒 Mo-Su 07:00-17:00
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is the Bomber No. 2 wreck?
It is a sunken US aircraft from WWII, located off the coast.
Can the wreck be seen without equipment?
No, the plane lies too deep for snorkeling and requires diving equipment.
How are the currents on site?
Currents can be strong, therefore experience is mandatory.
Are there guided tours?
Yes, local dive schools regularly offer tours to this wreck.
Is the wreck well-preserved?
It is clearly recognizable, but shows signs of natural underwater decay.
Bomber No. 2 Wreck: where is it located?
Bomber No. 2 Wreck is located in Vanuatu.
Bomber No. 2 Wreck: what is there to see?
Highlights include Sarakata SDS, Sarakata Anglican church, Sarakata apostolic church.
Bomber No. 2 Wreck: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jul, Sep.
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Nearby cities
History & landmarks
Port Vila City Hall
The City Hall is the administrative center for the municipal government of the capital, Port Vila.
Unity Park Luganville
Unity Park is the central public green space and event venue in the city of Luganville.
Luganville Quonset Huts
These distinctive corrugated iron huts are remnants of the massive US military presence in Luganville during the Pacific War.
Luganville Municipal Market
The main market of Luganville on Espiritu Santo island is a vital commercial hub for the region.
Luganville Market House
The main trading hub in Luganville, essential for the distribution of fresh food across Espiritu Santo.
Northern District Hospital
The Northern District Hospital in Luganville is the main health center for the northern islands.
USS Tucker (DD-374)
A US Navy destroyer that sank near Santo in August 1942 after accidentally entering a US minefield.
SBD Dauntless Wreck
A US dive bomber that crashed off the coast of Espiritu Santo during World War II.
Nature
Aore Island Reefs
The coastal waters of Aore are rich in brain corals and provide habitats for diverse marine invertebrates.
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Riri Blue Hole
Riri Blue Hole is accessible via a shallow river creek rich in mangroves and riparian vegetation.
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Matevulu Blue Hole
Matevulu is one of the largest blue holes on Santo, known for its lush mangroves lining the banks.
Ratua Wildlife Reserve
Ratua combines sustainable tourism with the protection of wild horses and tropical bird species.
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Circe Blue Hole
A lesser-known blue hole distinguished by its deep sapphire color and surrounding undisturbed wilderness.
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Bokissa Island Marine Reserve
A private island dedicated to preserving turtle nesting sites and protecting local dugong populations.
Oyster Island Mangroves
This small island near Santo hosts an important ecosystem for oysters and other shellfish within its mangroves.
Malo Peak
Malo Peak is the highest elevation on the island of Malo.
More places
Santo War Memorial
This memorial in Luganville honors those who served on Espiritu Santo during World War II.
Luganville Wharf
The country's second-largest port on Espiritu Santo, serving as a hub for exporting copra, beef, and cocoa.
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Sarakata Hydroelectric Power Station
This facility provides most of the electricity for Luganville, reducing reliance on expensive imported diesel fuel.
Santo Meat Packers
The primary meat processing facility in Luganville, packing premium beef for export to markets like Japan.
Pekoa Airport Terminal
The Pekoa Airport terminal serves Luganville and the island of Espiritu Santo.
Pekoa Cargo Center
The logistics facility at Pekoa Airport on Espiritu Santo supports the export of northern agricultural products.
SS President Coolidge Wreck
The wreck of this luxury liner, sunk during WWII, is one of Vanuatu's most famous historical landmarks.
Million Dollar Point Reef
US military equipment dumped after WWII has created a unique artificial reef with high marine biodiversity.