NEW WRECK DIVE: TUI TAWATE
Due to the close proximity of surrounding islands and the tropical climate, dive sites are well protected and the waters remain calm and warm year round. Water temperatures range from 25 to 30° C (78 to 85° F) with visibility from 10m to 40m. All of the dive sites can be reached within 15 to 30 minutes of departure from the dive shop by either boat or shore access.
Million Dollar Point
Boat or Shore dive | Depth:
5–30 metres (15–100 feet)
At
the end of WWII, thousands of tons of US
military equipment was dumped into the sea.
Named for its worth, there are a multitude
of bulldozers, cranes, fork lifts, and
trucks piled upon one another in this unique
dive site.
Cindy’s Reef
Boat dive | Depth: 5–30
metres (15–100 feet)
A beautiful and relaxing drift dive over a bed of bright, colorful coral and an abundance of fish life. Divers see a tremendous variety of staghorn corals, large plate corals and our very own “potato head” coral which is unlike anything you’ve seen before. There is also an abundance of fish life and turtles and sharks are often spotted.
Considered
by many divers to be the best wreck dive in the world,
the SS President Coolidge was a luxury passenger liner
converted to a troop carrier during WWII. While entering
the Santo harbor she was hit by friendly mines,
providing divers with a remarkable underwater
playground. 
Almost
completely intact, you can swim through the numerous
holds and decks viewing the reminders of her glorious
days as a cruise liner and the remnants of her days as a
troop ship. There are guns, cannons, jeeps, helmets,
trucks and personal supplies left by some of the
soldiers, as well as the beautiful porcelain statue of
“The Lady,” chandeliers and a mosaic tile fountain. The
wreck is covered in coral and is the home to a plethora
of sea life such including turtles, barracuda, lion
fish, and a host of reef fish.
If
you want to see the whole wreck, you’ll need at least 10
to 15 dives — she’s 200 metres in length and rests in 20
to 72 metres of water! — but you can certainly get a
feel for her magnitude and majesty on even a few dives.
A
photographer’s paradise!! Fields of gorgonian fan corals stand upright
on an isolated reef where large schools of small bait fish including
fusiliers make their home. Large spanish dancers as well as schools of
dog tooth tuna are often spotted.
A
dive not to be missed, this is one of the most stunning reef dives in
all of Vanuatu. This highly protected dive site ensures calm waters,
little to no current and crystal clear visibility. You’ll see an amazing
variety of coral and this is a great dive for spotting crayfish, turtles
and sharks.
Large
chain nets ran the length of the channel from Santo Island to Aore
Island to block submarines during the war. The nets were collapsed after
the war, and a reef has been growing on them ever since. There are
beautiful hard corals and gorgonian fans at this site.
With
its waterfront location, you can do an easy, relaxing dive right from
the back of our shop. Remnants of a WWII wharf can be found strewn among
some soft and hard corals. Divers, in buddy pairs, can do their own
dives at their leisure, day or night, right from the dive shop.
Santo
has several spring-fed crystal clear blue holes perfect for a relaxing
and unique dive experience. Aquamarine will provide tanks and arrange
transport for divers wanting a full or half day trip for a new dive
experience and some fantastic scenery. Guides are not necessary but may
be hired if preferred.
