Million Dollar Point

Off the coast of Espiritu Santo in Vanuatu lies Million Dollar Point, a unique underwater graveyard from World War II. Its origin dates to the end of the war when the U.S. military, faced with a massive surplus of equipment and unable to reach a deal with local administrators, chose a drastic solution. Instead of shipping the materials home, they drove and pushed countless tons of machinery directly into the sea. This intentional act created a sprawling artificial reef of trucks, jeeps, bulldozers, and other goods, which was so-named for the estimated value of the equipment discarded. For divers, exploring Million Dollar Point is like descending into a surreal, submerged museum where history and nature have intertwined. The underwater landscape is a captivating jumble of wartime relics, with vehicles stacked upon one another and military supplies scattered across the seabed. Over the decades, marine life has reclaimed these man-made artifacts. Hard and soft corals now encrust the metal frames, while schools of tropical fish navigate the skeletal remains of trucks and forklifts, creating a striking juxtaposition of industrial decay and vibrant biology. The site is accessible year-round, though Vanuatu's dry season from April to October typically offers the best visibility and calmest sea conditions. While scuba divers can explore the full depth of the wreckage, Million Dollar Point is also an excellent location for snorkelers and freedivers. As much of the equipment was pushed directly off the beach, many artifacts lie in shallower waters. This allows those on the surface to easily witness the upper layers of this incredible historic dump site, offering a fascinating window into the past from just below the waves.