States that a historical marine reserve on Santo was established under the Fisheries Act to protect the President Coolidge wreck.
Historic shore wreck near Luganville
Historic shore wreck near Luganville
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A local guide is strongly recommended for navigation, safety briefings, and any penetration.
SS President Coolidge is a shore-access wreck dive on Espiritu Santo that combines a famous wartime story with a very large, intact hull. The dive starts shallow enough for orientation before dropping into a route system of decks, openings, cargo spaces, and deeper sections that push beyond recreational limits. It suits confident divers who want a guided wreck day, but the real planning constraints are depth, overhead passages, and disciplined light and exit control.
Conservative baseline from public research. No community dives logged yet.
Depth range, seasonality, and planning context.
Reported Depth
20m - 65m
Depth Note
The wreck begins around 20 m and continues into much deeper sections on the stern and inside the hull.
Best Season
Dry season, April to October, usually gives the most comfortable conditions.
Typical Conditions
Protected harbor water with generally mild current, though tidal shifts can change the feel and deeper routes require strict gas management.
Hazards, restrictions, and access requirements.
Key Hazards
Safety Notes
Penetration requires training, lights, and a disciplined exit plan. Depth and silt are the main risks on the deeper routes.
Access Restrictions
Use a local guide for navigation and any interior exploration.
Legal Notes
Do not remove artifacts; the wreck is protected as a historical marine reserve.
Community notes to help plan your visit.
Scuba Diving
Best explored on guided scuba dives with lights, good buoyancy, and conservative gas planning.
Species commonly reported at this site, with direct links into their wildlife guides.
Community dive logs and visit reports for this site.
Average conditions based on logged dives & visits.
Planning answers for access, conditions, timing, and site logistics.
Last Updated
Research Sources
States that a historical marine reserve on Santo was established under the Fisheries Act to protect the President Coolidge wreck.
Describes the wreck as coral-encrusted and notes barracuda, reef fish, sea turtles, and reef sharks around the site.
Official tourism guide describing the wreck as over 200 m long, with the stern at about 70 m and detailed orientation/route information.
Explains shore entry from Second Channel, generally mild currents, and typical visibility around 10-30 m.
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