SS President Coolidge - Espiritu Santo

The SS President Coolidge isn't just a dive site, it's a rite of passage for any serious wreck diver. We love that it’s right there, just off the beach, a grand old liner lying on its side, a proper penetration dive with endless levels to explore. Drop down and you’re immediately confronted with the sheer scale of the thing – a ghostly outline emerging from the blue, its massive bow disappearing into the depths. We always make a point of heading for the medical supplies in the holds, those rows of glass bottles still neatly arranged, or the barber’s chair, eerily intact. You’ll feel the slight chill as you move deeper inside, the light dimming, the air of history almost palpable. Outside, the decks are a canvas for marine life: we’ve often spotted Rosy Frogfish clinging to railings and Bennett's Pufferfish darting through open portholes. Watch out for the strong currents that can whip around the stern, especially on an incoming tide; it’s best dived early in the morning for the calmest conditions and better visibility. It’s definitely a dive that rewards repeat visits.

Location: Espiritu Santo, Vanuatu, Central & South Pacific
Coordinates: -15.523083, 167.235240
Type: wreck

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 SS President Coolidge

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 SS President Coolidge

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