FEDERESEN NALKUTAN (PROBABLY) - Espiritu Santo

The Federeesen Nalkutan, or at least that's what we think she is, offers a really unique slice of Santo’s wreck diving. This motor vessel went ashore during Cyclone Eric in 1985, leaving her high and dry, or rather, very shallow. We love that you can actually snorkel this one, exploring the parts of her hull and superstructure that poke above the surface. It feels like you're diving history without needing deep certs. What you'll find here is a wreck in transition. The parts still submerged are now home to a surprising amount of fish – we've seen schools of juvenile snapper darting around the keel and small parrotfish grazing the algae. Above water, the rusted metal offers a stark contrast to the blue sky, and below, the shallow depths mean fantastic light penetration, illuminating the nooks and crannies where smaller critters hide. This site is brilliant for snorkelers, freedivers, and even new divers wanting a chill wreck experience without the pressures of depth or current. Our tip: go at high tide for the best submerged views, and bring a good macro lens for the surprising amount of life in the shallows.

Location: Espiritu Santo, Vanuatu, Central & South Pacific
Coordinates: -15.519834, 167.222440
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 FEDERESEN NALKUTAN (PROBABLY)

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 FEDERESEN NALKUTAN (PROBABLY)

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