USS Tucker (ship wreck) - Espiritu Santo

The USS Tucker, a World War II destroyer, sits upright on the seabed in about 20 metres of water. We love this wreck for its accessibility and the way it tells a story. You can follow the deck guns, now encrusted with sponges, and peer into the torpedo tubes still in place. Inside the bridge, schools of glassfish shimmer like mercury, making the already gloomy interior feel even more atmospheric. We’d suggest going early in the morning; the light filtering through the water into the darker sections of the ship is just incredible then, especially if you’re trying to get a decent photo. Look out for the resident moray eels peeking from the nooks and crannies. It’s a site that suits divers comfortable with overhead environments and keen on a bit of history. The coral growth isn’t as extensive as on some of Santo’s reefs, but the sheer scale of the ship makes up for it. The occasional dugong has even been spotted in the area, a rare bonus.

Location: Espiritu Santo, Vanuatu, Central & South Pacific
Coordinates: -15.641841, 167.088350
Type: wreck

Marine Protected Area: Aore

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 USS Tucker (ship wreck)

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 USS Tucker (ship wreck)

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