June 2008 |
Dived with Allan Powers Dive Tours in Santo. Overall the dive operation is a bit rough around the edges. What makes up for it, however, is the dive staff. Our dive guide Alfred (also know as 'Alfred #1' because there are two Alfreds at the shop) was absolutely fantastic. He's a local that has been diving the Coolidge for 18 years. He tailored our schedule so we could see as much of the ship as possible in the time we had available, moved a few 'air hogs' to a different dive guide when the couldn't keep up -- and just an all around fun guy. Ask for him if you can. AND DO NOT MISS THE NIGHT DIVE ON THE COOLIDGE!!! It is 100% surreal. After that, my fave was 'The Stern,' where you could really get a sense of the massive size of the ship. Most dive companies do the Coolidge from shore (not a big hassle because the wreck is steps off the beach) and almost every one is a staged deco dive. Outside of diving, there isn't much to do in Santo except sit on the beach... But with the diving as good as it is on the Coolidge (even in the lousy vis and week-long rain we had), you won't want to do much else any way. We stayed at the Aore Beach Resort, which was a very pleasant and comfortable (a 'top end' hotel in the area) and had the best food around too. The staff there was also friendly and helpful, and we'd recommend it. Don't miss the Coolidge if you are in or near South Pacific!!
Date posted: 29-Jun-2008 07:17 by: southernseas |
June 2008 |
Dived with Allan Powers Dive Tours in Santo. Overall the dive operation is a bit rough around the edges. What makes up for it, however, is the dive staff. Our dive guide Alfred (also know as 'Alfred #1' because there are two Alfreds at the shop) was absolutely fantastic. He's a local that has been diving the Coolidge for 18 years. He tailored our schedule so we could see as much of the ship as possible in the time we had available, moved a few 'air hogs' to a different dive guide when the couldn't keep up -- and just an all around fun guy. Ask for him if you can. AND DO NOT MISS THE NIGHT DIVE ON THE COOLIDGE!!! It is 100% surreal. After that, my fave was 'The Stern,' where you could really get a sense of the massive size of the ship. Most dive companies do the Coolidge from shore (not a big hassle because the wreck is steps off the beach) and almost every one is a staged deco dive. Outside of diving, there isn't much to do in Santo except sit on the beach... But with the diving as good as it is on the Coolidge (even in the lousy vis and week-long rain we had), you won't want to do much else any way. We stayed at the Aore Beach Resort, which was a very pleasant and comfortable (a 'top end' hotel in the area) and had the best food around too. The staff there was also friendly and helpful, and we'd recommend it. Don't miss the Coolidge if you are in or near South Pacific!!
Date posted: 29-Jun-2008 07:17 by: southernseas |
November 2002 |
A long way to go - but worth it. Also dive Million Dollar point and round Burkissa Island where there are acres and acres of excellent corals. I used Alan Powers dive operation - very good.
Date posted: 05-Nov-2006 14:02 by: Steph |
June 2005 |
Absolutely incredible!!! Having dived all around the Pacific, I can honestly say that the Coolidge is one of the best diving experiences I've ever had. 15 dives and it still wasn't enough! Aquamarine is one of the most professional and friendly dive operations I've ever dived with and I highly recommend them.
Date posted: 05-Sep-2005 23:51 by: John |
April 1996 |
SS Coolidge is a must for all divers. Shark feed is great.
Date posted: 05-Sep-2005 01:59 by: DT |
September 2003 |
Fantastic Dive, we did ten dives and all of them were wonderful, would love to go again, locals are very friendly and if you go you must sample the local Kava!
Date posted: 05-Aug-2005 09:30 by: Liesa |
October 2004 |
been back each year for the past 10years so I must like the diving!
Dive with Allan Power Diving situated across the road from the Santo Hotel. the dive company responsible for putting the wreck on the map and the original provider of of dive tours in the area.
The wreck is 22000 tonnes and full of wartime hardware. now a national park.
Date posted: 04-Aug-2005 02:57 by: ivan |
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