Vanuatu is an archipelago of 83 islands with a unique blend of intact tribal communities, resorts, beaches and geography ranging from accessible volcanoes to pristine underwater environments, offering unique and memorable experiences. The waters surrounding the islands of Vanuatu provide some of the most spectacular and varied diving in the South Pacific. Swim in warm, crystal-clear water, watch schools of multi-coloured fish, explore huge sunken plane and ship wrecks or paddle among shallow coral reefs brimming with marine life. The most extraordinary feature of Vanuatu's underwater world is not just the superb visibility, warm water or easily accessible dive sites, but the incredible diversity of diving and dive sites. 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. Experienced divers come to Vanuatu from all over the world so they can dive on the World War II wrecks that scatter its surrounding sea bed. Whether you visit for a few days or several weeks, there is always something to see on the surface or beneath it. It is a new dimension to a whole new world. There are two main epicentres for diving in Vanuatu, Efate and Santo. Both have a wide range of dive sites and diving services.

For spectacular coral reefs and clear water drop-offs, full day sailing cruises are offered to the offshore islands of North Efate. The waters here drop away to some of the deepest offshore canyons in the world, so pelagic life and exceptional water clarity are common. Efate’s main dive zones: Port Vila harbour and Mele Bay. This is close to the major hotels and services of Port Vila and the easiest to get to.

Most of Santo's diving activity is on the SE part of the island near Luganville. The most famous Vanuatu dive site is the wreck of the SS President Coolidge, the largest accessible shipwreck in the world. 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. Million Dollar Point and the wrecks of the Henry Bonneaud and the USS Tucker add spice to the many lovely coral reef dive sites around SE Luganville.

Best Time to Travel : June-Oct 15-20m visibility at Mele Bay and President Coolidge; 50m plus North Efate, outer islands and the outer reefs around Santo, water temperature is at 20-25º C. Nov-May 10-15m visibility at Mele Bay and President Coolidge; 20-40m plus North Efate, outer islands and the outer reefs around Santo, water temperature is between 28-30ºC.