SS President Coolidge

SS President Coolidge, Vanuatu: The World's Greatest Wreck Dive

The SS President Coolidge is widely considered one of the world's greatest wreck dives and the largest accessible shipwreck on the planet. This 654-foot (199-meter) luxury liner turned WWII troopship sank in 1942 after striking American mines in the Segond Channel. Today, it lies on its port side just meters from the shore of Espiritu Santo, making it uniquely accessible for recreational divers.

Dive Details

Depth, Visibility, and Temperature

The wreck spans from 20 meters (66 feet) at the bow to over 70 meters (230 feet) at the stern. Most recreational dives explore the 20-40 meter range, where the most accessible features are located. Visibility typically ranges from 15-30 meters (50-100 feet), varying with tidal conditions. Water temperature stays warm at 26-29°C (79-84°F) year-round, though divers doing multiple deep dives may want a 3-5mm wetsuit.

Difficulty Level

The Coolidge offers something for every level. Shallower sections of the bow are suitable for Advanced Open Water divers, while deeper penetrations and the stern require technical diving certifications. Due to the wreck's depth and size, most dive operators require at least 30 logged dives. Deep dive specialty certification and wreck diving experience are recommended for exploring beyond 30 meters.

Marine Life

Over eight decades of immersion have transformed the Coolidge into a thriving artificial reef. Large pelagics including barracuda, giant trevally, and occasional reef sharks patrol the structure. The wreck hosts schools of fusiliers, sweetlips, and batfish. Macro enthusiasts will find nudibranchs, flatworms, and various crustaceans throughout. Sea turtles are frequent visitors, and the coral growth on the upper sections supports diverse reef fish populations.

Best Time to Visit

Vanuatu offers year-round diving with relatively consistent conditions. The dry season (May-October) typically provides better visibility and calmer seas. The wet season (November-April) brings occasional cyclones but also warmer water and fewer tourists. Morning dives often have the best visibility before tidal changes affect conditions. Plan for at least 4-5 days to properly explore the wreck's different sections.

What Makes It Special

The Coolidge's accessibility sets it apart from other world-class wrecks—it's a shore dive just 50 meters from the beach. The ship retains remarkable artifacts including The Lady statue (a porcelain figurine), jeeps, cannons, helmets, medical supplies, and chandeliers from its luxury liner days. The First Class swimming pool, cargo holds full of WWII equipment, and the Captain's quarters are haunting highlights. The wreck's size means you can dive it for a week and still discover new areas.

Practical Tips

• Mandatory Guide: All dives on the Coolidge require a licensed local guide—this is strictly enforced and adds immensely to the experience.
• Shore Entry: Entry is from the black sand beach at Million Dollar Point. The walk in full gear can be challenging but is short.
• Multiple Dives: The wreck is so large that operators typically run 2-3 dives daily to different sections. Plan multiple days.
• Nitrox Recommended: Extended bottom times at depth make Nitrox highly valuable. Most operators offer it.
• Light Essential: A good dive torch is essential for exploring the interior sections and appreciating the details.
• Respect the History: This is a war grave. Do not remove or disturb any artifacts.