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Million Dollar Point
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Million Dollar Point on Espiritu Santo is one of the world's most peculiar remnants of World War II. As the US Army prepared to depart in 1945 following the war's end, they offered to sell their massive inventory of equipment, ranging from bulldozers and trucks to crates of Coca-Cola, to the local colonial administration. When the administration refused to pay, hoping to acquire the surplus for free, the Americans chose to dump everything into the sea to prevent unauthorized use. Tonnes of heavy machinery were simply driven off the cliffs and into the water. Today, the site is a premier destination for divers and snorkelers, as the coral-encrusted wrecks lie in relatively shallow waters. One can still identify truck tires and crane armatures that have now become part of an artificial reef. The name originates from the estimated million-dollar value of the equipment destroyed that day.
- 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
Million Dollar Point is an underwater dump of military equipment, accessible only by diving or snorkeling. Bring your own gear or rent locally.
Typical hours
As a dive site, there are no fixed hours. Dives are typically conducted during daylight and good weather conditions.
Photography
Underwater photography is highly recommended to capture the rusty vehicles and marine life. Be careful not to touch or damage the equipment.
Time needed
A dive typically lasts 30-60 minutes, depending on air supply and experience. Add time for the boat trip from Luganville.
Combine with
Combine the dive with other sites off Espiritu Santo, like the SS President Coolidge wreck. Champagne Beach is also worth a visit.
Getting there
The site is off the coast of Espiritu Santo near Luganville. Access is only by boat, rentable from dive shops in Luganville.
Insider tip
Watch for strong currents and bring an underwater torch to see wreck details. Check current visibility conditions beforehand.
Geography
Facts
- The dumping of the military equipment occurred between 1945 and 1946.
- Items disposed of included bulldozers, cranes, trucks, and multi-purpose jeeps.
- The site is located just offshore, a short distance east of Luganville.
- The debris field spans depths from the shoreline down to 30 meters.
- The machinery is now host to a vast array of hard and soft coral species.
- The US base on Santo was the second largest in the Pacific after Pearl Harbor.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
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Sights in the town Million Dollar Point (4)
Banban Bible Church
Banban Bible Church is a Christian church in Million Dollar Point, Vanuatu.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is Million Dollar Point?
A dive site with sunken US war equipment.
Do you have to be a diver?
Much is also well visible while snorkeling.
Is it dangerous?
Be careful with scrap metal, dive only with a guide.
Where is it?
Near Luganville on Espiritu Santo.
Why was it sunk?
The US military did not want to transport the equipment away.
Million Dollar Point: where is it located?
Million Dollar Point is located in Vanuatu.
Million Dollar Point: what is there to see?
Highlights include Apostolic life, Banan Apostolic Church, Banban Bible Church.
Million Dollar Point: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jul, Sep.
Million Dollar Point: why is it worth visiting?
Million Dollar Point on Espiritu Santo is one of the world's most peculiar remnants of World War II.
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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.
SS President Coolidge
A former luxury liner and troop transport of World War II that sank in 1942 after hitting US mines.
Avenger Wreck
The underwater wreck of a US Navy TBF Avenger torpedo bomber located near Santo.
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.
🗺️
Bokissa Island WWII Remains
Remnants of US bases on the small private island of Bokissa, strategically located in the Segond Channel.
Nature
Aore Island Reefs
The coastal waters of Aore are rich in brain corals and provide habitats for diverse marine invertebrates.
🗺️
Bokissa Island Marine Reserve
A private island dedicated to preserving turtle nesting sites and protecting local dugong populations.
🗺️
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.
🗺️
Matevulu Blue Hole
Matevulu is one of the largest blue holes on Santo, known for its lush mangroves lining the banks.
🗺️
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.
Million Dollar Point Reef
US military equipment dumped after WWII has created a unique artificial reef with high marine biodiversity.
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.