Destination : VANUATU

Vanuatu means 'the land that has always existed'. Vanuatu is a group of 83 islands in the South West Pacific,North East of New Caledonia and North West of Fiji, governed as an independent Republic by its indigenous people. It is a delightful, unusual Pacific destination in the heart of Melanesia, 2,500km north-east of Sydney, 2,200km north of Auckland. The 3 main islands with full facilities for visitors are Efate (Port Vila), Santo & Tanna. Total land mass is around 13,000 square km. The islands range from towering volcanoes to dense rainforest, while others are raised coral islands with wide beaches and deep natural harbours.

Formerly called the New Hebrides, Vanuatu is a mecca for those who love diving. The waters surrounding these beautiful islands provide some of the most spectacular and varied underwater exploration in the South Pacific and experienced divers come from all over the world to swim amongst the WW2 wrecks which lie scattered over the seabed.Vanuatu is known for it's romantic tropical landscape, the world's most accessible volcanoes, turquoise blue ocean with unparalleled scuba diving opportunities, and crystal clear waterfalls. There are lush tropical rainforests, volcanoes, sparkling blue lagoons, cascading waterfalls and beaches that range from silky white to volcanic black. Surrounding the land is a magic sea of aqua and dark blues with a fascinating underwater world of colourful tropical fish that live amongst magnificent coral reef formations.

The capital, Port Vila, boasts one of the most beautiful natural harbours in the world. The town offers excellent restaurants, duty free shopping, and a colourful local market. Sometimes called the 'timeless islands', Vanuatu is a land that is never raced, never hurried, - a gentle, peaceful place where the people and visitors alike can simply take the time to enjoy just how blessed it has been by nature

One island in Vanuatu, more than any other, attracts divers like a magnet. Espiritu Santo. To visit Espiritu Santo is a fascinating experience in history alone. The World War II Dakotas and Quonset huts that are scattered in the thick tropical jungle serve as silent reminders of the American occupation of the island. This jungle is now only home to the local tribes who appear out of nowhere to sell their artefacts to visitors. But it is the surrounding waters of Espiritu Santo that make this such an attraction. The mecca for all divers, the US President Coolidge lies fully intact just off the island and remains the most accessible wartime wreck in the world. A wreck that offers remarkable dives to all parts of the ship ranging from 60ft to 250ft.

Just a short distance away is Million Dollar Point, where the US Army dumped hundreds of tons of war surplus before they evacuated Espiritu Santo. Now you can dive down to the awesome sight of millions of 7up and Coke bottles lined up along the bottom of the sea and marvel at the myriad of tropical sea life making its home among the planes, jeeps and bulldozers.

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