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SS President Coolidge Wreck
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The wreck of the SS President Coolidge off the coast of Espiritu Santo is globally recognized as one of the largest and most accessible shipwrecks from World War II. Originally launched as a premier luxury ocean liner, it was requisitioned as a troop transport in 1941 and met its end in 1942 after striking friendly mines while entering Luganville harbor. Today, the ship rests at depths ranging from 20 to 70 meters very close to the shoreline, making it a bucket-list destination for technical and recreational divers. Notable interior features include the iconic 'The Lady' ceramic relief, military vehicles, artillery, and personal effects left behind by evacuating troops. The Coolidge is a legally protected historical site that provides an unparalleled look into wartime maritime operations. Its remarkably intact state allows divers to explore vast ballrooms, cargo holds, and engine rooms deep beneath the ocean surface.
- 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 one of the most famous dive sites in the world, lying off Espiritu Santo. It is accessible only to divers - the ship rests at 20-70 meters depth. A dive certification and guidance by a professional are required.
Typical hours
Dives are typically organized by dive shops in Luganville and usually happen in the morning. Visibility is best early in the day, the wreck is often visited by multiple groups in succession. Book your dive in advance.
Photography
Underwater photography is a highlight - the wreck is huge and full of details like guns and cargo holds. Use a wide-angle lens and strong underwater lights as it is dark at depth. Divers with advanced skills can capture impressive images.
Time needed
A single dive on the wreck lasts underwater about 30-40 minutes depending on depth and air supply. A full dive trip including boat ride and briefing typically takes half a day. Several dives are needed for thorough exploration.
Combine with
Combine the dive with other wrecks in the area like the SBD Dauntless or Million Dollar Point. The Santo Heritage Museum in Luganville also adds historical context. Many dive shops offer combination packages with multiple wreck sites.
Getting there
The wreck is reached by boat from Luganville - the ride takes about 15-20 minutes. Most dive shops offer hotel pickup. Entry is directly from the side of the boat which is anchored above the wreck.
Insider tip
Book a dive with an experienced guide who knows the currents and best route inside the wreck. A flashlight is essential as it is pitch dark inside the ship. Watch out for sharp edges and consider a nitrox dive for longer bottom time.
Geography
Facts
- The vessel is approximately 198 meters long and sank in under 90 minutes.
- Remarkably, only two casualties occurred out of over 5,000 personnel on board.
- The 'Lady and the Unicorn' ceramic relief is the most famous artifact on board.
- The wreck is a shore dive, located just meters away from the beach at Santo.
- It struck two US mines on October 26, 1942, due to a communication error.
- Divers can explore intact medicine bottles and rifles in the lower cargo holds.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
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Sights in the town SS President Coolidge Wreck (4)
Banban Bible Church
Bible church in Banban, offering worship services.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Can the wreck be seen without a diving license?
No, as it is very deep, a diving license is mandatory.
When is the best time to dive?
Year-round, but visibility is best in the dry season.
How long does a dive take?
About 45 to 60 minutes, depending on the dive plan.
Are there risks?
Yes, it is a demanding wreck for experienced divers.
Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, dives must be reserved with local centers.
SS President Coolidge Wreck: where is it located?
SS President Coolidge Wreck is located in Vanuatu.
SS President Coolidge Wreck: what is there to see?
Highlights include Apostolic life, Banan Apostolic Church, Banban Bible Church.
SS President Coolidge Wreck: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jul, Sep.
SS President Coolidge Wreck: why is it worth visiting?
The wreck of the SS President Coolidge off the coast of Espiritu Santo is globally recognized as one of the largest and most accessible shipwrecks from 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.
PBY Catalina Wreck
The wreck of a US PBY Catalina flying boat that sank in the Segond Channel during World War II.
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.
SBD Dauntless Wreck
A US dive bomber that crashed off the coast of Espiritu Santo during World War II.
Luganville Airfield
A massive military airfield constructed by the US on 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 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.
Pekoa Cargo Center
The logistics facility at Pekoa Airport on Espiritu Santo supports the export of northern agricultural products.
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.
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.