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Million Dollar Point Reef
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Million Dollar Point is a globally unique underwater archaeological site located near Luganville on the island of Espiritu Santo. Following the end of World War II in 1945, US forces dumped millions of dollars worth of equipment here, including bulldozers, cranes, trucks, and jeeps, as they could not transport them back and the local colonial administration refused to purchase them. Over the decades, these metallic wrecks have transformed into an artificial reef hosting an incredible diversity of marine life. Hard and soft corals now encrust the armours and chassis, while schools of tropical fish find shelter among the mechanical remains. Geographically, the site is located directly off the coast, making it easily accessible for divers and snorkelers. The site is a fascinating example of the interaction between human history and marine ecology. The coral formation on the military scrap provides scientists with important data on growth rates in tropical waters. Million Dollar Point remains one of Vanuatu's most visited attractions, symbolising the massive logistical scale of the Pacific War.
- Location: Vanuatu
- Top sights: Apostolic life · Banan Apostolic Church · Banban Bible Church
- Nearby: Big Nambas Territory (65 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 Million Dollar Point reef is an artificial reef formed by dumped military equipment. It is only accessible via snorkeling or diving, as the gear is underwater.
Typical hours
As with any dive site, there are no fixed times; most operators go out on calm seas during daylight. Trips may be cancelled in bad weather.
Photography
Underwater shots are fantastic as corals and fish encrust the rusty wrecks. Use a wide-angle lens for best results and avoid touching corals.
Time needed
Allow about an hour for snorkeling or diving, plus boat travel time. The reef structure is modest but species-rich.
Combine with
Combine this dive with the nearby SS President Coolidge wreck. A day trip to Champagne Beach is also a good match.
Getting there
The reef is right next to Million Dollar Point off Espiritu Santo. Boats depart from Luganville and take just a few minutes.
Insider tip
Watch the colorful fish and corals that have colonized the wrecks - the biodiversity is remarkable. Bring an underwater guide to identify fish species.
Geography
Facts
- The equipment was disposed of in August 1945 following the war's conclusion.
- The name refers to the multi-million dollar estimated value of the goods at the time.
- The reef starts directly at the shoreline and slopes down to 30 metres depth.
- Wrecks include complete crates of spare parts, engines, and heavy tyres.
- It is considered one of the world's best shore-access wreck diving locations.
- Coral coverage on some of the metallic structures has reached nearly 100%.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Million Dollar Point Reef (4)
Banban Bible Church
Bible church in Banban, Vanuatu. Venue for Bible study and community meetings.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is Million Dollar Point?
A dive site with sunken US military equipment from WWII.
Do I need to be able to dive?
Snorkeling works for parts, scuba is needed for deeper gear.
What can I see underwater?
Tanks, trucks, and coral-covered wrecks.
Are there any dangers?
Sharp metal parts, please dive/swim carefully.
Where is it?
Near Luganville on Espiritu Santo island.
Million Dollar Point Reef: where is it located?
Million Dollar Point Reef is located in Vanuatu.
Million Dollar Point Reef: what is there to see?
Highlights include Apostolic life, Banan Apostolic Church, Banban Bible Church.
Million Dollar Point Reef: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jul, Sep.
Million Dollar Point Reef: why is it worth visiting?
Million Dollar Point is a globally unique underwater archaeological site located near Luganville on the island of Espiritu Santo.
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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.
Million Dollar Point
A historic underwater graveyard off Espiritu Santo, where the US military dumped equipment after World War II.
Avenger Wreck
The underwater wreck of a US Navy TBF Avenger torpedo bomber located near Santo.
SS President Coolidge
A former luxury liner and troop transport of World War II that sank in 1942 after hitting US mines.
PBY Catalina Wreck
The wreck of a US PBY Catalina flying boat that sank in the Segond Channel during World War II.
Luganville Airfield
A massive military airfield constructed by the US on Espiritu Santo during World War II.
SBD Dauntless Wreck
A US dive bomber that crashed off the coast of Espiritu Santo during World War II.
Northern District Hospital
The Northern District Hospital in Luganville is the main health center for the northern islands.
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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Bokissa Island Marine Reserve
A private island dedicated to preserving turtle nesting sites and protecting local dugong populations.
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Riri Blue Hole
Riri Blue Hole is accessible via a shallow river creek rich in mangroves and riparian vegetation.
Ratua Wildlife Reserve
Ratua combines sustainable tourism with the protection of wild horses and tropical bird species.
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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.
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Circe Blue Hole
A lesser-known blue hole distinguished by its deep sapphire color and surrounding undisturbed wilderness.
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
SS President Coolidge Reef
The wreck of the SS President Coolidge is now a massive artificial ecosystem for marine life off Espiritu Santo.
SS President Coolidge Wreck
The wreck of this luxury liner, sunk during WWII, is one of Vanuatu's most famous historical landmarks.
Pekoa Cargo Center
The logistics facility at Pekoa Airport on Espiritu Santo supports the export of northern agricultural products.
Pekoa Airport Terminal
The Pekoa Airport terminal serves Luganville and the island of Espiritu Santo.
Santo Meat Packers
The primary meat processing facility in Luganville, packing premium beef for export to markets like Japan.
Luganville Wharf
The country's second-largest port on Espiritu Santo, serving as a hub for exporting copra, beef, and cocoa.
Santo War Memorial
This memorial in Luganville honors those who served on Espiritu Santo during World War II.
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Sarakata Hydroelectric Power Station
This facility provides most of the electricity for Luganville, reducing reliance on expensive imported diesel fuel.