Coolidge Dive: A Scuba Guide to Million Dollar Point, Santo

So, you’re looking for a really exceptional scuba adventure? You’ve maybe heard about Million Dollar Point in Santo, Vanuatu? It’s almost like an underwater junkyard that’s absolutely overflowing with history. I mean, seriously, it’s unlike any dive spot you’ve probably experienced, and that’s quite a statement. This location is basically not just any spot in the ocean; it’s really where the U.S. military dumped a whole lot of gear after World War II. Imagine trucks, jeeps, bulldozers, and tons of other supplies. The thing is, they simply pushed everything into the sea! I mean, it’s pretty bonkers, and very unique, you know?

What is Million Dollar Point, Actually?

As a matter of fact, the story goes something like this: After World War II ended, the U.S. military tried selling all its leftover equipment to the Allied forces, specifically the French and British. However, they didn’t come to an agreement on price, see? Instead of basically giving away the goods, the Americans figured, why not just dump everything into the ocean? Talk about making a statement, right? It’s too like an enormous “take it or leave it” kind of situation. They literally drove trucks and bulldozers right off the shore, pushing all that stuff into the water. Can you believe it? The site now acts as pretty much an artificial reef and a pretty bizarre underwater museum. It’s definitely something to behold, you know?

Getting There, Basically

Million Dollar Point is that, located right near Luganville on Espiritu Santo Island, which is that part of Vanuatu. Reaching the island, and so this awesome spot is, pretty easy. International flights usually go to Port Vila, and then you can catch a local flight to Santo-Pekoa International Airport. You get to Santo, and very you will probably want to arrange transport to Luganville, that way. Once in Luganville, Million Dollar Point is that, really a quick ride from town, typically just a short taxi or bus trip. Almost your resort, too, can possibly set you up with transportation or a guided tour.

The Dive Experience, As I was saying

So, what’s it very like when you’re down there, actually? Visibility might be like, really variable, typically around 15 to 30 meters, though visibility could be less, like during the rainy season, for instance. Anyway, the dive is suitable for various experience levels, you, like beginner to advanced. Close to the shore is that, the shallower parts of the site that start at just a few meters, right, making it easy for newer divers and snorkelers. The real deep stuff, too like the really interesting wrecks, can go down to 30-40 meters. I mean, seriously, for this, you will probably need an Advanced Open Water certification, right? When very swimming down, it’s kinda like visiting an underwater city that, is covered with marine life, and of forgotten wartime gear, of course. Everywhere you look is covered in something, yeah?

Marine Life You’ll See, Anyway

The site now is that, basically a thriving ecosystem. Expect it will be that many various types of fish that is swirling around, too including clownfish, parrotfish, and reef sharks. Corals have made this dump into their home, anyway, very which turns all these metal heaps into a beautiful kaleidoscope. Moray eels hide among what used to be engine parts. Basically, the biodiversity really makes it very more than just a wreck site. This place is alive, yeah?

Gear You Might Need, Right?

Proper gear definitely can, you, like, just influence how great your scuba is here at Million Dollar Point, sort of. Like your dive center could easily give you rental gear, just so it will likely be a good move to come with a, like, bunch of your basics in a way. Here are just some ideas: A solid wetsuit – just because the water’s warmest can also shift in Vanuatu. Because that deep might also require some protection is that the reason. Decent BCD: Check with your buoyancy. I’m telling you, there is an area with some fragile coral just at the base. Scuba regulators is just to have a solid, reliable breathing device while scubaing at certain heights, basically. A Dive computer just because, obviously, you are staying on certain high points so not to experience N2 toxicity. Flashlight is there but a torch for dark locations where that truck could be for hours. And your Dive knife basically, just to do what I may feel if I had to go to, in these times! Just make a selection, you and make any moment!