THE TRIP
Espiritu Santo is the largest island in the nation of Vanuatu, with an area of 3,955.5 km2 (1,527.2 sq mi) and a population of around 40,000.It belongs to the archipelago of the New Hebrides in the Pacific region of Melanesia. It is in the Sanma Province of Vanuatu. The town of Luganville, on Espiritu Santo’s southeast coast, is Vanuatu’s second-largest settlement and the provincial capital.
A Spanish expedition led by Portuguese explorer Pedro Fernandes de Queirós, established a settlement in 1606 at Big Bay on the north side of the island. Espiritu Santo takes its name from Queirós, who named the entire island group La Austrialia del Espíritu Santo believing he had arrived in the Great Southern Continent, Terra Australis.
The main draw card to the diving tourism of the island is off course the SS President Coolidge. Considered by many divers to be the best wreck dive in the world, the SS President Coolidge was a luxury passenger liner converted to a troop carrier during WWII. While entering Santo harbor she contacted friendly mines, providing divers with a remarkable underwater playground.
Almost completely intact, you can swim through the numerous holds and decks viewing the reminders of her glorious days as a cruise liner and the remnants of her days as a troop ship. There are guns, cannons, jeeps, helmets, trucks and personal supplies left by some of the soldiers, as well as the beautiful porcelain statue of “The Lady,” chandeliers, engine room, the swimming pool and a mosaic tile fountain. 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 see the whole wreck you will need ten to fifteen divess as she’s 200 metres in length and rests in 20 to 69 metres of water!
DIVE INFORMATION
Depth- 5- 69 metres
TRIP DATES
7 days/ 6 Nights Ex Brisbane
2 to 8 January 2018- SOLD OUT!
PRICE
$3,000* (includes flights ex Brisbane to Santo via Air Vanuatu + 2 bags)
* Based on current flight prices and subject to change
$2,200—prices do not include return flights to Vanuatu. These will need to be organised by the individual.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
6 nights in our own private beach front villa– Aore Adventure Sports and Lodge
5 double boat dives of local reefs, Coolidge & million Dollar Point
2 night dives on the Coolidge
Unlimited shore diving on Aore Island
Tanks, weights & guide services
Morning tea and lunch provided on boat dives
A tour of WII bunkers and the jungle on Aore
A shopping stop on arrival into Santo
Return airport transfers to Aore
WHAT’S EXCLUDED
Travel Insurance
Personal spending monies
All meals unless otherwise indictaed
Excess Luggage surcharges
CONDITIONS APPLY
Prices are subject to change without notice due to fluctuations in exchange rates and 2016 operator, hotelier and airline rates.
BOOKING REQUIREMENTS
To secure your place on this trip; if you are arranging your own flights, you need to complete a booking form and return it together with a non refundable deposit of $500 per person. If you would prefer the flights included price please pay $700 deposit so that we can immediately secure them on your behalf. Current price including flights is based as of 21 July 2015. There may be an increase in flight price so please check with Lisa on the current price by calling her on 07 3204 5857.
PADI SPECIALITIES SUITABLE FOR THIS TRIP
Advanced Open Water
Underwater Navigation
Enriched Air/ Nitrox
Deep Diver
Digital Underwater Photographer
Underwater Photographer
Underwater Videographer
Peak Performance Buoyancy
Underwater Naturalist
Self Reliant Diver
Wreck Diver
This is the perfect way to complete a specialty course as you have already paid for the dives!!
