The world's largest wreck accessible on air, the U.S. President Coolidge, a 640-foot ocean liner converted into a troop ship, is a beach dive on Espiritu Santo. . . . Mainly for advanced divers, it starts at 70 feet and goes down to 250 feet. . . . Some diving is available from the capital city of Port Vila, but it's not spectacular. . . . So far not much reef diving is offered. . . . Water temperatures in February hit the mid 80 's and in September may drop as low as 70. . . . Don't miss the side trip to Tanna Island to visit the active volcano, dugongs, and Melanesian villagers living according to ancient customs. . . . Other side trips include the island of Pentecost to see the land divers leap head first from 70 foot high towers with nothing but vines tied around their ankles (in April to early June). . . .

Aquamarine, November 1996, Bill Haapa, Lutz, FL."Vis: 30 to 80 feet. Vanuatu is what Michener and Melville saw in the South Seas. Bali Hai Champagne Beach and beauty untouched by condos and clouds of divers. Wreck diving on the 650 feet plus. President Coolidge is not for beginners or "disco divers" but will never be forgotten by experienced wreck divers. Truk is beautiful and unforgettable, but the Coolidge is an ethereal experience beyond the Sankisan Mahu. Night dives on the Coolidge (guided by Aquamarine) are safe an are the Mount Everest of wreck dives ­­ everything else is a notch below this."

Aquamarine/Bougainville Resort, January 1997, Don Acneson, Silver Spring, MD. "Bougainville resort outstanding. Aquamarine Santo accomplished an introduction to the Coolidge in 10 dives. vis: 60­80 ft. water: 80­82 degrees. Were I to dive the wreck again, it would be with double 80's for only one dive a day. In that way, the engine room and port (bottom) side of the superstructure could be thoroughly explored."

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