SS President Coolidge Dive

The SS President Coolidge is one of the most remarkable dive sites in the world. A 200-metre American troopship requisitioned during WWII, she struck two of her own fleet's mines while entering Luganville harbour in October 1942 and was deliberately run aground to save the crew. All but two of the 5,000 men aboard survived. Today she lies on a gentle slope in 20–65 metres of water, making her accessible to a wide range of divers. Her cargo holds contain an astonishing array of WWII artefacts — jeeps, artillery pieces, ammunition, medical equipment, a remarkable tiled fountain called "The Lady" — left exactly as they settled in 1942. Marine growth has transformed the hull into a reef of surpassing beauty. Most dives are run as two-tank trips, covering highlights like the forward hold, the first-class lounge, and the engine room. Advance booking is essential — the best operators include Allan Power Dive Tours (the man who discovered the wreck) and Coolidge Dive. Non-divers can snorkel the shallower sections near the bow.