WWII Corsair fighter plane

During WWII numerous Corsair fighter planes crashed around North Efate. Only one has survived the ravages of time - and pilfering - intact, as it sits in 30m of water. We time the dive when there is no current and offer a second, drift dive later in the day. But currents have been known to come on unexpectedly, hence we take only reasonably experienced divers to this site. The aircraft sits in a gorgonia garden off the edge of the reef, from where it washed during a cyclone years ago.

The second dive of the day is generally a drift dive in the channel, through a forest of large red gorgonia sea fans (Max depth 30m). Spectacular videography is possible using lights. There are fascinating cuttings into the reef and the odd shark cruising the wall. For safety, a dinghy follows the trail of divers' bubbles, and "Golden Wing" is waiting down-current .

This site is only dived on request by groups of 6 or more, for an additional charge, as it is unsuitable for snorkellers and about 20 minutes further drive from where "Golden Wing" is normally based. Between dives there is time to explore either the beautiful Kakula Island, or if the tide allows, a dinghy trip across to where one of the other Corsairs crashed on that fateful day - although there's little now left of the aircraft. A good spinnaker run back to Havannah Harbour and the fair chance of dolphins playing along the bow finishes a superb day.