Diving in Vanuatu
The most extraordinary feature of Vanuatu's underwater world is not just the superb visibility, warm water or easily accessible dive sites, but the incredible diversity of diving and dive sites.
The landscape beneath the waters mirrors that found above: mountainous terrain with plunging cliffs, grottoes and overhangs, huge caves and intricate interconnecting underwater tunnels formed by frozen lava -and life abundant over all. Sea fans, soft corals and acropora gardens, plate corals and sponges and thousands of curious fish.
Then there are wrecks! Planes, an old square rigger sailing ship, a destroyer and of course the mightiest shipwreck in the world, the SS "President Coolidge". Come with us on a voyage of discovery as you explore the world below Vanuatu's seas.
We begin our journey from Vanuatu's capital, Port Vila, on the island of Efate. There are several dive businesses operating from Vila, each offering something a little different. Beginners can try an introductory dives on one of the reefs close to Vila. These dives involve a pool or off the beach dive, brief lecture and boat or shore dive. All the gear is provided although it's best to have your own fins, mask and snorkel for comfort.
Dive vessels depart from within easy walking distance of town, with many dive sites close by. It is possible to enjoy a morning double dive, be back in town for lunch at one of the fine cafes or restaurants then do an afternoon dive or perhaps a land based tour. There are many coral sites to choose from and wrecks like the Star of Russia, Semle Federeson, Konanda and the ex Qantas Sandringham flying boat Tasman.
Only nine kilometres from Vila is Hideaway Island, where diving is even closer to shore. Even from here, a double morning dive can still have you back in time for lunch.
Internationally recognized full certification courses are also available and the dives stores carry a wide range of equipment in addition to providing hire services.
For spectacular coral reefs and clear water drop-offs, full day sailing cruises are offered to the offshore islands of North Efate. These cruise are designed to cater to both dive groups wanting to see the famous sites around Tukutuku, Hat Island Turtle Reef and Paul's Reef and Moso Island. Additionally, they cater to non-diving families just wanting a fun day sailing, snorkeling and beachcombing along deserted coves.
The waters here drop away to some of the deepest offshore canyons in the world, so pelagic life and exceptional water clarity are common.
For dedicated divers who enjoy sailing, longer cruises through the islands further north of Efate are available. Experience the isolation and peace of remote places and see something of the culture of Vanuatu while diving the world famous Tongoa wall (the edge of a live volcano...!) or the beautiful Maskelyne Islands.
Leaving Vila, it's an hour's flight to Vanuatu's largest Island Espiritu Santo.
Just down the way is Million Dollar Point. Here, at the end of the war military equipment was dumped in the most expensive trash pile in the world. Around the corner, off Malo Island is the wreck of the destroyer USS Tucker.
Santo also offers world class reef dives and one operator specialises in shark feeding dives and freshwater cave dives, using nitrox equipment. As with Vila, all dive sites are readily accessed on either half or full day trips.
Be assured that diving in Vanuatu is very easy. Most reefs begin in shallow water (ten metres or less) and drop away to varying depths. The majority of wrecks are in deeper water, but even novices can enjoy shallower outside sections of the Coolidge.
Over 100,000 US servicemen were based here during the course of W.W.II and the evidence of their presence remains - underwater as well as above. There are a number of SCUBA operators in Santo offering both shore and boat dives to reefs and wrecks.
Without doubt, divers come to Santo because of the world famous wreck, the SS President Coolidge. This 22,000 ton luxury liner converted to troop ship sank fully laden during the war, just a few metres off the beach. The front holds are jammed with the machinery of war. Guns, helmets, gas masks and personal effects are scattered across the promenade deck and bow.
Overnight camping/sailing/diving holidays are available fro groups to explore both the land and underwater scenery around areas where the musical "South Pacific" was filmed, and a chance to dive on the W.W.II submarine nets or Corsair fighter plane.
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