South of the Solomon Islands and west of Fiji, you'll find the timelost islands of Vanuatu. These sleepy, jungled islands buzzed with activity during World War II because of their strategic location. As a result, you'll find incredible wreck diving here. But the most famous, the one wreck that compels people from around the world to visit this remote outpost just to spend a week exploring all that this wreck has to offer, is the SS President Coolidge. This 650- foot troop-transport vessel struck a "friendly" mine on Oct. 26, 1942, while entering the Segond Channel on the island of Espiritu Santo, and sunk in 90 minutes. As a result, most of what the ship was carrying at the time remained aboard. The wreck sank near shore and can be explored in water from 60-240 feet in depth. Almost its entire length can be penetrated by divers with appropriate training.

www.sportdiver.com/vanuatu

Among the famous sites on this wreck, the most visited is "The Lady," a ceramic figure of a lady and a unicorn. But there are more than 25 routes of varying technical difficulty. You can see old water fountains, galleys, promenade decks, 20-inch guns, a doctor's office, swimming pool, engine room and various cargo holds.

Now, Vanuatu does offer its own fair share of great reefs and other wrecks, too. While off-gassing, explore the local markets for wood carvings, hike the rainforest and drink a cup of the potent Vanuatu version of kava. Be sure to bring some stories to tell while you wait for the brew's effect to wear off.

DESTINATION PRIMERAverage water temp: 80-84°F What to Wear: 2/3 mm fullsuit Average Viz: 100 feet When to Go: Year-round