Island hopping around the remote archipelago of Vanuatu is the best way to experience its unique blend of tribal communities, resorts, beautiful beaches, volcanic topography and unique diving.
Spend your time visiting Efate and Espiritu Santo, exploring above and below the water. The underwater environment ranges from protected shallow reefs to deeper drop-offs with running currents bringing in the pelagic species.
However, it’s the wrecks that draw the divers to this region from the Star of Russia near Port Vila to the famous President Coolidge lying on the coast of Espiritu Santo – a wreck so big, you’ll need at least 10 dives to start to get an understanding of its magnitude!
Speak with our experts to create your own adventure to these untouched islands. If you have the time, it’s possible to extend the island hopping to other destinations within the region, including Fiji and Australia, depending on current flight schedules.
Suggested Itinerary
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Day 1:
Depart the UK
Fly first to Brisbane, Australia before commencing your onward travel to Vanuatu. This itinerary works best with a Tuesday departure from the UK.
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Day 2:
Relax in Brisbane
Spend one night near the airport in Brisbane to recover from your flight.
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Day 3:
Arrive to Vanuatu
Fly to Espiritu Santo Island, where you're met and transferred to your accommodation. We recommend staying at the Barrier Beach Resort, with more economical options available for those on a tighter budget.
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Day 4:
Dive the SS President Coolidge
Your diving adventure begins today with three dives. The highlight of this region is the SS President Coolidge, a candidate for the best wreck dive in the world!
Originally a luxury passenger liner, she was converted to a troop carrier in World War II. She sunk on 26th October 1942 when she hit friendly mines on her entry to Espiritu Santo. To this day, this vast 200 metre vessel is almost completely intact, offering ample opportunities to swim through her numerous holds and decks. There are guns, cannons, jeeps, helmets, trucks and personal supplies left by some of the soldiers, in addition to the beautiful porcelain statue of “The Lady,” chandeliers to explore. The wreck is covered in coral and is the home to a plethora of sea life such including barracuda, lion fish, and a host of reef fish.
To explore the entire wreck will take multiple dives, however The SS President Coolidge isn't the only highlight of this area. Nearby, Million Dollar Point is one of the most unusual dives in the world, while boat diving is offered to explore vibrant reef communities around local islands.
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Days 5-7
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Dive Espiritu Santo
Continue your diving adventure, with a further seven dives over the next three days.
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Day 8:
Your final day on Espiritu Santo
Enjoy two final dives this morning, before enjoying an afternoon tour to either Blue Hole and Champagne Beach, or to a waterfall and village tour.
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Day 9:
Continue your adventure to Port Vila
Fly to Port Vila today, Vanuatu’s main island, and transfer to the beautiful Nasama Resort (or similar) for a further four nights.
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Day 10:
Dive Port Vila
Enjoy two additional dives in Port Vila. Wreck divers can enjoy diving one of three wrecks, with colourful reefs and a limestone Cathedral also local highlights.
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Days 11-12
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Explore Port Vila
These days are yours to relax, explore the island on land with a local tour, or enjoy a couple more dives (tours and diving additional cost).
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Day 13:
Depart Vanuatu
Depart Vanuatu today for Australia, spending a final night before your journey home.
Alternatively, extend your trip to visit Tanna, a remote island where you can climb to the peak of Mount Yasur volcano. Vanuatu also connects well with other South Pacific destinations, including Fiji and the Solomon Islands. If you're interested in this option please contact our expert team.
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Day 14:
Depart
Board your international flight for your journey home.
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Day 15:
Arrive UK
Please note: Diving on the SS President Coolidge is recommended for those with some wreck diving experience.