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SS President Coolidge Reef
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The SS President Coolidge Reef is one of the world's most significant wreck diving sites, located off the coast of Luganville on Espiritu Santo. Originally a luxury US ocean liner, the SS President Coolidge was converted into a troopship during World War II and sank on October 26, 1942, after striking two friendly US mines. The massive vessel, nearly 200 metres in length, now lies on its port side at depths ranging from 20 to 70 metres. Over time, the wreck has developed into a complex marine ecosystem, where rare species such as flashlight fish have inhabited the dark cargo holds. Geographically, the wreck is situated so close to the shore that divers can access it directly from the beach, which is highly unusual for a ship of this scale. The site is not only a hotspot for marine biodiversity but also an underwater museum where personal belongings, trucks, and guns remain in situ. Protecting the wreck is of great economic and historical importance to Vanuatu. Each year, thousands of divers visit to witness the impressive symbiosis of coral growth and maritime history.
- Location: Vanuatu
- Top sights: Apostolic life · Banan Apostolic Church · Banban Bible Church
- Nearby: Big Nambas Territory (64 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 SS President Coolidge wreck is a famous dive attraction off Espiritu Santo. It can only be visited by diving; the surface is not directly accessible.
Typical hours
Dives are typically conducted during daytime in calm weather. Most dive bases offer two dives per day.
Photography
Underwater photography is excellent; the wreck is well preserved. A dive light is recommended to illuminate details in deeper areas.
Time needed
A dive to the wreck takes about 30-50 minutes depending on depth and current. Allow half a day for travel and preparation.
Combine with
Combine this dive with the PBY Catalina wreck or a visit to Champagne Beach. Many dive operators offer combo packages.
Getting there
Reach the wreck by dive boat from Luganville or other jetties on Espiritu Santo. Booking with a licensed dive center is required.
Insider tip
The wreck lies at depths of 20-70 meters, requiring advanced diving certification. Respect decompression limits and dive with an experienced guide.
Geography
Facts
- The vessel sank on October 26, 1942, taking less than 90 minutes to go down.
- At 198 metres long, it is one of the largest accessible shipwrecks in the world.
- Only two out of the 5,340 personnel on board perished during the sinking.
- The 'Lady' porcelain relief in the first-class dining saloon is a famous diving landmark.
- The ship's holds still contain trucks, jeeps, and aircraft engines from the war era.
- Swarms of bioluminescent flashlight fish can be seen in the darkness of the cargo holds.
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 SS President Coolidge Reef (4)
Banban Bible Church
Bible-based church with regular meetings for believers.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Is this a good dive site?
Yes, world-famous for wreck divers.
Do I need a certificate?
Yes, Advanced Open Water is strongly recommended.
How big is the wreck?
Very large, a former luxury passenger ship.
Are there dive shops on-site?
Yes, there are professional operators in Luganville.
When is the best time to dive?
Possible year-round, best when the sea is calm.
SS President Coolidge Reef: where is it located?
SS President Coolidge Reef is located in Vanuatu.
SS President Coolidge Reef: what is there to see?
Highlights include Apostolic life, Banan Apostolic Church, Banban Bible Church.
SS President Coolidge Reef: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jul, Sep.
SS President Coolidge Reef: why is it worth visiting?
The SS President Coolidge Reef is one of the world's most significant wreck diving sites, located off the coast of Luganville on 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.
SS President Coolidge
A former luxury liner and troop transport of World War II that sank in 1942 after hitting US mines.
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.
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.
Ratua Wildlife Reserve
Ratua combines sustainable tourism with the protection of wild horses and tropical bird species.
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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.
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Circe Blue Hole
A lesser-known blue hole distinguished by its deep sapphire color and surrounding undisturbed wilderness.
Malo Peak
Malo Peak is the highest elevation on the island of Malo.
Oyster Island Mangroves
This small island near Santo hosts an important ecosystem for oysters and other shellfish within its mangroves.
More places
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.
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.