The
landscape beneath the waters mirrors that found above: mountainous
terrain with plunging cliffs, grottoes and overhangs, huge caves
and intricate interconnecting underwater tunnels formed by frozen
lava -and life abundant over all. Sea fans, soft corals and acropora
gardens, plate corals and sponges and thousands of curious fish.
We begin our journey from Vanuatu's capital, Port Vila, on the island
of Efate. There are several dive businesses operating from Vila,
each offering something a little different. Beginners can try an
introductory dives on one of the reefs close to Vila. These dives
involve a pool or off the beach dive, brief lecture and boat or
shore dive. All the gear is provided although it's best to have
your own fins, mask and snorkel for comfort.
Dive
vessels depart from within easy walking distance of town, with many
dive sites close by. It is possible to enjoy a morning double dive,
be back in town for lunch at one of the fine cafes or restaurants
then do an afternoon dive or perhaps a land based tour. There are
many coral sites to choose from and wrecks like the Star of Russia,
Semle Federeson, Konanda and the ex Qantas Sandringham flying boat
Tasman.
Only
nine kilometres from Vila is Hideaway Island, where diving is even
closer to shore. Even from here, a double morning dive can still
have you back in time for lunch.
For
spectacular coral reefs and clear water drop-offs, full day sailing
cruises are offered to the offshore islands of North Efate. These
cruise are designed to cater to both dive groups wanting to see
the famous sites around Tukutuku, Hat Island Turtle Reef and Paul's
Reef and Moso Island. Additionally, they cater to non-diving families
just wanting a fun day sailing, snorkeling and beachcombing along
deserted coves.
For dedicated divers who enjoy sailing, longer cruises through the
islands further north of Efate are available. Experience the isolation
and peace of remote places and see something of the culture of Vanuatu
while diving the world famous Tongoa wall (the edge of a live volcano...!)
or the beautiful Maskelyne Islands.
Leaving
Vila, it's an hour's flight to Vanuatu's largest Island Espiritu
Santo.
Just
down the way is Million Dollar Point. Here, at the end of the war
military equipment was dumped in the most expensive trash pile in
the world. Around the corner, off Malo Island is the wreck of the
destroyer USS Tucker.
Santo
also offers world class reef dives and one operator specialises
in shark feeding dives and freshwater cave dives, using nitrox equipment.
As with Vila, all dive sites are readily accessed on either half
or full day trips.
Be
assured that diving in Vanuatu is very easy. Most reefs begin in
shallow water (ten metres or less) and drop away to varying depths.
The majority of wrecks are in deeper water, but even novices can
enjoy shallower outside sections of the Coolidge.
Without
doubt, divers come to Santo because of the world famous wreck, the
SS President Coolidge. This 22,000 ton luxury liner converted to
troop ship sank fully laden during the war, just a few metres off
the beach. The front holds are jammed with the machinery of war.
Guns, helmets, gas masks and personal effects are scattered across
the promenade deck and bow.
Overnight camping/sailing/diving holidays are available fro groups
to explore both the land and underwater scenery around areas where
the musical "South Pacific" was filmed, and a chance to
dive on the W.W.II submarine nets or Corsair fighter plane.
