CHYAU FENG NO.12 - Espiritu Santo

The Chyau Feng No.12, often just called the "Fishing Boat Wreck," is a fascinating contrast to Santo’s larger, deeper wrecks. We love this site because it’s a brilliant shore dive, sitting just off Palikulo Point. It's really accessible, which means more bottom time exploring the details. This old fishing vessel ran aground in 1977 and now lies in incredibly shallow water, parts of it even break the surface at low tide. You’ll weave through the exposed superstructure, the mast reaching up like a gnarled finger. Below the waterline, the hull is wonderfully encrusted with corals, and we’ve spent ages just watching the damselfish dart in and out of the nooks and crannies. Look closely, and you’ll spot nudibranchs grazing on the growth. The light here is often spectacular, especially on a sunny afternoon, dappling through the deck plates and illuminating schools of tiny baitfish. It's a relaxed dive, perfect for photographers or anyone wanting to spend an hour simply observing. Visibility can vary with the tide, but we find it’s usually clear enough to appreciate the details of this old workhorse.

Location: Espiritu Santo, Vanuatu, Central & South Pacific
Coordinates: -15.472611, 167.257170
Type: wreck
Maximum Depth: 0m

Marine Protected Area: Loru Protected Area

Best Time to Dive in Espiritu Santo

The warmest water temperatures in Espiritu Santo occur in January, averaging 29.2°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 29.2°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

January: 29.2°C (air: 25.9°C)
February: 29.2°C (air: 26.0°C)
March: 29.2°C (air: 25.6°C)
April: 29.2°C (air: 25.5°C)
May: 29.2°C (air: 24.8°C)
June: 29.2°C (air: 24.3°C)
July: 29.2°C (air: 24.0°C)
August: 29.2°C (air: 23.7°C)
September: 29.2°C (air: 24.2°C)
October: 29.2°C (air: 24.8°C)
November: 29.2°C (air: 25.2°C)
December: 29.2°C (air: 25.7°C)

Nearest Dive Centres to CHYAU FENG NO.12

Allan Power Dive Center
Allan Power Dive Tours - ["PADI"]
Aore Adventure Sports & Lodge - ["PADI"]
Dive @ Turtle Bay Lodge - ["PADI"]

Marine Life in Espiritu Santo

Home to 296 recorded species including 247 reef fish, 15 sea snails & nudibranchs, 14 sea cucumbers, 4 clams & mussels, 4 crabs & lobsters, 3 whales & dolphins.

Notable Species

Dugong (Dugong dugon) - Whales & Dolphins
Greenfish (Stichopus chloronotus) - Sea Cucumbers
Small giant clam (Tridacna maxima) - Clams & Mussels
Burrowing urchin (Echinometra mathaei) - Sea Urchins
Bristle-toothed Surgeonfish (Ctenochaetus striatus) - Reef Fish
Orange-lined Triggerfish (Balistapus undulatus) - Reef Fish
Citron Butterfly (Chaetodon citrinellus) - Reef Fish
Butterfly fish (Chaetodon vagabundus) - Reef Fish
Banded Goatfish (Parupeneus multifasciatus) - Reef Fish
Redfin Butterflyfish (Chaetodon lunulatus) - Reef Fish
Triangular Butterflyfish (Chaetodon baronessa) - Reef Fish
Blue-lined Surgeonfish (Acanthurus lineatus) - Reef Fish
Mimic Surgeonfish (Acanthurus pyroferus) - Reef Fish
Black sea cucumber (Holothuria atra) - Sea Cucumbers
Blue-lined Tang (Zebrasoma scopas) - Reef Fish
Bleeker's Parrotfish (Chlorurus bleekeri) - Reef Fish
Bullethead Parrotfish (Chlorurus sordidus) - Reef Fish
Halosaur (Aldrovandia phalacra) - Reef Fish
Surf Redfish (Actinopyga mauritiana) - Sea Cucumbers
Blue-banded Pualu (Acanthurus blochii) - Reef Fish

Recommended Packing List for CHYAU FENG NO.12

Based on average water temperature of 29.2°C.

Shorty or Rashguard - warm 29°C water needs minimal exposure protection
Mask - essential for every dive
Fins
BCD - buoyancy compensator
Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories