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SS President Coolidge
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The wreck of the SS President Coolidge off the coast of Espiritu Santo is one of the largest and most accessible WWII shipwrecks in the world. Originally a 199-meter-long luxury ocean liner, it was converted into a troopship during the war. In October 1942, while entering Luganville harbor, the vessel accidentally struck two 'friendly' US mines. The captain successfully grounded the ship on a reef to allow over 5,000 soldiers on board to evacuate before it eventually slid into deeper water. Remarkably, only two lives were lost during the sinking. Today, the Coolidge is a world-class dive site where explorers can still view cannons, military vehicles, and the iconic ceramic relief 'The Lady and the Unicorn' in the first-class dining saloon. Lying at depths between 20 and 70 meters, it has a diverse experience for both recreational and technical divers.
- 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 remarkable 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 was originally completed as a luxury liner in 1931.
- The SS President Coolidge sank on October 26, 1942.
- The wreck rests on its port side and remains largely intact.
- Personal items belonging to the evacuated soldiers can still be found inside.
- Divers can explore the ship's bridge, cargo holds, and dining saloons.
- The most famous attraction inside is 'The Lady', a ceramic mantelpiece figure.
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.
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Sights in the town SS President Coolidge (4)
Banban Bible Church
Banban Bible Church is a Christian church near the SS President Coolidge wreck, Vanuatu.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is the SS President Coolidge?
A large sunken luxury and troop ship.
Is it suitable for beginners?
No, it requires advanced diving skills.
How long is the dive?
Depending on the program 40 to 60 minutes per dive.
When is the best time to dive?
All year round, but clear visibility is usually from May to October.
Do you need a local guide?
Yes, mandatory for safety and orientation.
SS President Coolidge: where is it located?
SS President Coolidge is located in Vanuatu.
SS President Coolidge: what is there to see?
Highlights include Apostolic life, Banan Apostolic Church, Banban Bible Church.
SS President Coolidge: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jul, Sep.
SS President Coolidge: why is it worth visiting?
The wreck of the SS President Coolidge off the coast of Espiritu Santo is one of the largest and most accessible WWII shipwrecks in the world.
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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.
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.
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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.
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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.
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.
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.