Vanuatu Diving: The Essential Guide
June 5, 2025
Vanuatu, an archipelago of 83 islands nestled in the South Pacific, is a diver’s paradise renowned for its vibrant coral reefs, historic shipwrecks, and diverse marine life. Whether you are a novice seeking calm, clear waters or an experienced diver looking for challenging wrecks and caves, Vanuatu offers an array of underwater adventures. This comprehensive guide delves into the essentials of Vanuatu diving, ensuring you are well-prepared for an unforgettable dive trip there.
Why Dive in Vanuatu?
Vanuatu’s underwater landscape is as diverse and captivating as its terrestrial scenery. Here is why this destination should be on every diver’s bucket list:
The waters surrounding Vanuatu are teeming with life. Divers can encounter a myriad of species, from colorful reef fish like angelfish and clownfish to larger pelagic creatures such as barracudas and reef sharks. The presence of dugongs, gentle marine mammals spotted grazing on seagrass beds, adds a unique charm to Vanuatu diving.
Vanuatu’s strategic location during World War II has left a legacy of intriguing shipwrecks. The most famous among them is the SS President Coolidge, a luxury liner turned troopship that sank off Espiritu Santo. This wreck is considered one of the largest and most accessible in the world, offering divers a fascinating glimpse into history.
From shallow coral gardens perfect for beginners to deep wrecks and caverns for seasoned divers, Vanuatu’s dive sites cater to all skill levels. The underwater terrain includes steep drop-offs, expansive caverns, and intricate lava-formed tunnels, providing endless dive opportunities.
Top Dive Sites in Vanuatu
The many highlights of Vanuatu diving are scattered across Vanuatu’s islands, each offering unique underwater experiences. Here are some must-visit locations:
1. SS President Coolidge, Espiritu Santo
The SS President Coolidge is a highlight for many divers. This 199-meter-long wreck rests between 20 to 70 meters deep, making it accessible for both recreational and technical diving. Divers can explore its intact holds, medical supplies, and even a porcelain statue known as "The Lady."
2. Million Dollar Point, Espiritu Santo
At the end of World War II, the U.S. military dumped tons of equipment into the sea at Million Dollar Point, creating an extensive underwater junkyard with jeeps, six-wheel trucks, forklifts, bulldozers, and more. Today, divers can navigate through this equipment and other machinery encrusted with coral, offering a unique blend of history and marine life.
3. West Side Story, Hideaway Island
West Side Story is a vast field of staghorn coral that comes to within 6 meters of the surface. This impressive coral field drops down to over 30 meters and is busy with damselfish and anemones tucked between the coral fingers.
4. Bonzer Wreck, Port Vila
This small, shallow wreck off Port Vila sits in an upright position in shallow water. It has become a thriving artificial reef, covered in corals and sponges. Despite its small size, the site is rich in marine life and is an excellent dive for Open Water Divers who want to try wreck diving.
5. Owen’s Reef, Tranquility Island
Known for its exceptional coral diversity, Owen’s Reef is a stunning dive site. Divers can expect pinnacles and vibrant coral formations, including fields of staghorn coral, huge brain corals, soft corals, and large sea fans.
6. The Cathedral, Port Vila
The Cathedral is a spectacular cavern dive near Port Vila, famous for its tall and wide chamber, with a narrow chimney that goes all the way to the surface. There is a reef wall outside the cavern covered in coral, and the shafts of sunlight in the cavern create a beautiful dive.
7. Blue Cave, Tanna
Located on Tanna Island, the Blue Cave is one of Tanna’s most famous diving and snorkeling spots. This stunning underwater cavern consists of a large open cavern, and the ceiling opens up to the sunlight above. The water is gin clear at this dive site, and schools of goatfish populate the bright blue waters.
Best Time for Vanuatu Diving
You can enjoy Vanuatu diving year-round, but conditions vary slightly with the seasons:
- Water Temperature: Ranges from 24°C to 29°C, with the warmest months between January and May.
- Visibility: Generally excellent, often exceeding 30 meters, especially during the cooler months of June to October.
- Rainy Season: Occurs from December to March. While rain can be frequent, the steep drop-offs around the islands mean that visibility remains good even during this period.
Dive Training and Certification
Vanuatu is an excellent place to begin or advance your diving education. Several dive centers across the islands offer courses catering to various levels:
Port Vila: Port Vila (Efate) is home to multiple dive centers providing courses from introductory dives to professional Divemaster and diving instructor training.
Luganville: Luganville on Vanuatu’s largest island, Espiritu Santo, is ideal for exploring sites like the SS President Coolidge and has several dive centers that offer a range of scuba diving courses.
Tanna: While the diving infrastructure is less developed in Tanna, there are opportunities for guided dives and training as well as cultural experiences and volcano tours.
Marine Conservation Efforts
Vanuatu’s commitment to preserving its marine ecosystems is evident through various conservation initiatives. The Nguna-Pele Marine Protected Area was established in 2002-2003 and encompasses reefs, seagrass beds, mangroves, and intertidal lagoons. It serves as a model for community-based conservation, promoting sustainable fishing practices and protecting biodiversity.
Vanuatu’s dive operators and local communities actively promote marine conservation through reef monitoring programs, sustainable diving practices, and the protection of endangered species like turtles and dugongs.
Divers visiting Vanuatu are encouraged to follow responsible diving guidelines, including avoiding contact with corals, using reef-safe sunscreen, and participating in conservation programs such as underwater clean-ups.
Essential Travel Tips for Vanuatu Diving
Getting There
The main gateway to Vanuatu diving is Bauerfield International Airport (VLI) in Port Vila, which receives direct flights from Australia, New Zealand, and Fiji. Domestic flights connect Port Vila to Espiritu Santo, Tanna, and other islands.
Visa Requirements
Most nationalities can enter Vanuatu visa-free for up to 30 days, but it is best to check the latest entry requirements before traveling.
Currency & Budget
- Currency: Vanuatu Vatu (VUV), though Australian dollars are sometimes accepted.
- Accommodation: Budget options start at around USD 30 per night, while upscale resorts charge USD 150+.
Health & Safety
- Diving Insurance: Dive and travel insurance is always essential. We recommend DiveAssure.
- Decompression Chambers: Available in Port Vila and Luganville, Espiritu Santo.
- Vaccinations: Routine vaccines plus additional travel vaccinations are recommended. Check with your local travel vaccination clinic before traveling.
Vanuatu diving is a bucket-list experience, offering a mix of wrecks, coral reefs, caverns, and incredible marine biodiversity. Whether you are drawn to the history of the SS President Coolidge, the vibrant reefs of Efate, or the underwater caves of Tanna, there is something for everyone in this South Pacific paradise. With year-round diving opportunities, exceptional visibility, and warm waters, Vanuatu is a must-visit for any passionate diver.
Ready to experience the best of Vanuatu diving? Get started with SSI dive centers across the islands and take your underwater adventures to the next level!