Star of Russia Wreck - Port Vila & Efate

The Star of Russia is one of our favourite dives in Port Vila, hands down. We just love how accessible this wreck is, sitting upright in a calm harbour at 10 to 20 metres. You descend into a cool, green light, and suddenly the bow looms into view, massive and barnacled. We always spend a good chunk of time exploring the deck, which is surprisingly intact, even after a century underwater. You can swim through parts of the superstructure, poking around for nudibranchs or the shy little black blennies that dart between the corroded metal plates. The mast, now toppled, creates an interesting swim-through, draped in soft corals. Coral growth here isn’t as dramatic as on a healthy reef, but it’s fascinating to see how life has reclaimed this old sailing ship. Look closely and you’ll spot clown tangs grazing on the hull, or a curious Oriental maori wrasse peeking out from a shadowy corner. Visibility can be a bit variable, especially after rain, but usually, it's a solid 10-15 metres – enough to appreciate the sheer scale of the ship. It’s an intermediate dive, perfect for anyone comfortable in open water and ready for a proper wreck exploration without strong currents or extreme depths.

Location: Port Vila & Efate, Vanuatu, Central & South Pacific
Coordinates: -17.740000, 168.320000
Type: wreck
Maximum Depth: 10-20m
Difficulty: Intermediate

Marine Protected Area: Erakor and Empten Lagoon

Best Time to Dive in Port Vila & Efate

The warmest water temperatures in Port Vila & Efate occur in January, averaging 29.0°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 29.0°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

January: 29.0°C (air: 26.0°C)
February: 29.0°C (air: 26.3°C)
March: 29.0°C (air: 25.8°C)
April: 29.0°C (air: 25.7°C)
May: 29.0°C (air: 24.3°C)
June: 29.0°C (air: 23.8°C)
July: 29.0°C (air: 23.3°C)
August: 29.0°C (air: 22.9°C)
September: 29.0°C (air: 23.5°C)
October: 29.0°C (air: 24.2°C)
November: 29.0°C (air: 25.0°C)
December: 29.0°C (air: 26.1°C)

Nearest Dive Centres to Star of Russia Wreck

Marine Life in Port Vila & Efate

Home to 329 recorded species including 272 reef fish, 16 sea cucumbers, 12 sea snails & nudibranchs, 6 seagrass & algae, 6 hard corals, 4 whales & dolphins.

Notable Species

Dugong (Dugong dugon) - Whales & Dolphins
Black sea cucumber (Holothuria atra) - Sea Cucumbers
Boring Clam (Tridacna crocea) - Clams & Mussels
Bristle-toothed Surgeonfish (Ctenochaetus striatus) - Reef Fish
Banded sea krait (Laticauda colubrina)
Bullethead Parrotfish (Chlorurus sordidus) - Reef Fish
Banded Goatfish (Parupeneus multifasciatus) - Reef Fish
Orange-lined Triggerfish (Balistapus undulatus) - Reef Fish
Small giant clam (Tridacna maxima) - Clams & Mussels
Redfin Butterflyfish (Chaetodon lunulatus) - Reef Fish
Citron Butterfly (Chaetodon citrinellus) - Reef Fish
Butterfly fish (Chaetodon vagabundus) - Reef Fish
Blackedge thicklip wrasse (Hemigymnus melapterus) - Reef Fish
Kihikihi (Zanclus cornutus) - Reef Fish
Latticed Butterflyfish (Chaetodon rafflesii) - Reef Fish
Saddleback Butterflyfish (Chaetodon ephippium) - Reef Fish
Batavian Parrotfish (Scarus psittacus) - Reef Fish
Blue-lined Tang (Zebrasoma scopas) - Reef Fish
Bleeker's Parrotfish (Chlorurus bleekeri) - Reef Fish
Threadfin (Chaetodon auriga) - Reef Fish

Recommended Packing List for Star of Russia Wreck

Based on average water temperature of 29.0°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