12 Unique Underwater Wonders in Oceania for the American Diver

2. SS President Coolidge, Vanuatu

Diving the SS President Coolidge is a journey into both history and marine life. Once a luxury liner before its service as a troop carrier in World War II, the Coolidge met its fate near Espiritu Santo in Vanuatu. Today, its massive hull lies at easy depths for recreational divers, gradually becoming a thriving artificial reef. This wreck is celebrated for its intact artifacts, including a porcelain “Lady” statue and officers’ china, visible on guided dives. Adventurous explorers can venture through sprawling passageways, cargo holds, and even peek into the engine room, while marine life—ranging from flashlight fish and moray eels to lionfish—adds vibrant contrast to the metal structure. The easy shore access makes it one of the world’s most approachable deep wrecks. Many divers describe the experience as a moving blend of history and adventure, with every visit revealing something new beneath layers of coral and marine growth.