Espiritu Santo, often just called 'Santo', is the largest of Vanuatu's islands but retains a sleepy, uncrowded atmosphere that appeals to families seeking nature without the bustle. The island's geography is defined by its spectacular water features. The east coast is dotted with Blue Holes—limestone springs where fresh water bubbles up to create deep, luminous blue swimming pools. Matevulu and Riri Blue Holes are accessible spots where older kids can swing from ropes into the water while younger ones paddle in the shallows.
Beaches here are world-class. Champagne Beach is renowned for its shape and soft sand, while Port Olry offers a village atmosphere where you can dine on fresh crab with your feet in the sand while children play in the safe, turquoise bay. History buffs and adventurous snorkelers can visit Million Dollar Point, where the US military dumped tonnes of equipment after WWII. It is a surreal experience to snorkel over tanks, bulldozers, and trucks rusting in shallow water, easily visible from the surface.
While Santo is famous for the SS President Coolidge wreck dive, this is strictly for advanced divers. However, many operators run family-friendly snorkeling tours to nearby coral gardens. The interior of the island is rugged and mountainous, home to the Millennium Cave trek, though this is physically demanding and best suited for fit teenagers.
Practical Travel: Direct flights run from Brisbane and Port Vila to Luganville. Car hire is available but roads can be rougher than on Efate. Supplies are available in Luganville, but it is wise to bring specific baby items or snacks from home. The pace of life here is slow—'island time' is very real, so patience is a virtue when ordering meals.
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Activities & Best Times
Beach resorts, marine activities: diving, snorkelling, kite surfing, wind surfing, sailing
Home to the SS President Coolidge, widely considered the world's best shore-accessible wreck dive, and the iconic Champagne Beach. Peak months provide the highest water visibility and calmest seas; the wet season (Nov-Apr) brings high cyclone risk and heavy rain that degrades water clarity.
Hiking, wildlife, outdoor exploration, ecotourism
Offers unique sapphire Blue Holes and the world-class Millennium Cave adventure, providing high-octane exploration for active families. July to September is peak due to manageable humidity and dry trails, whereas off-season rains make jungle trekking muddy and cave systems prone to flooding.
Sport tourism, fitness activities, active recreation
An elite destination for technical and recreational diving, complemented by kayaking through inland freshwater springs. The drier months (Jul-Sept) ensure optimal outdoor conditions and safe river levels, while the off-season is plagued by extreme tropical downpours.
Learning experiences, scientific sites, historical education
Rich WWII history is accessible through Million Dollar Point and submerged military relics, offering a unique archaeological perspective. These outdoor historical sites are best visited during the cooler, drier months to avoid the oppressive heat and rain of the tropical summer.
Spa retreats, wellness centers, peaceful getaways
Boutique, high-end eco-lodges offer sophisticated seclusion and natural tranquility away from mass tourism. Peak months offer lower humidity (68-69%) and pleasant temperatures around 24°C, whereas the off-season's intense rainfall and humidity can detract from a relaxing atmosphere.
Attractions (22 total)
Beach / Coastal Recreation Area
Champagne Beach
Luganville
A world-renowned white-sand beach offering calm, turquoise waters perfect for family swimming and snorkeling.
Lonnoc Beach
Luganville
A tranquil white-sand beach neighboring Champagne Beach, offering crystal-clear water and a relaxed atmosphere perfect for families.
Port Olry Beach
Port Olry
A picturesque coastal village beach with shallow azure waters and white sand, ideal for family swimming and seaside dining.
Road Trips & Scenic Drives
East Coast Road (Champagne Coast Drive)
Luganville
60km paved coastal highway (1-2 hours direct, full-day itinerary) connecting Luganville to Port Olry. This scenic route passes through coconut plantations and tropical forests, offering access to Million Dollar Point, the Riri and Matevulu Blue Holes, and the white sands of Champagne Beach.
Visit website →Historic Town / Village / Cultural Area
Leweton Cultural Village
Luganville
This cultural village offers a fascinating look at Ni-Vanuatu customs and the mesmerizing water music performed by women in a tropical setting.
Adventure Park / Outdoor Activity Center
Matevulu Blue Hole
Luganville
One of Santo's largest blue holes, offering a deep sapphire swimming pool with a famous banyan tree rope swing and kayak access.
Millennium Cave
Luganville
Vanuatu's premier adventure destination offering guided jungle trekking, massive limestone cave exploration, and river canyoning.
Visit website →Riri Blue Hole
Luganville
A scenic outdoor swimming hole accessible by traditional outrigger canoe, known for its stunning turquoise water and jungle surroundings.
Nanda Blue Hole
Luganville
A beautifully maintained natural spring pool with crystal-clear cobalt water, wooden boardwalks, and a café for family swimming.
Hiking & Cycling Routes
Millennium Cave Trek
Vunaspef Village
5km challenging 7-hour trek through dense jungle and high-walled limestone canyons. The route includes a massive cave exploration, boulder scrambling, and a river float. Elevation gain is approximately 350m. Guided tours are mandatory and can be booked via Millennium Cave Tours (millenniumcavetours.weebly.com).
Visit website →East Coast Road Cycling Route
Luganville
60km moderate cycling route connecting Luganville to Port Olry. This paved coastal road offers rolling hills with approximately 400m total elevation gain. Typical duration is 1-2 days depending on stops at Blue Holes and Champagne Beach. Bike rental: Santo Island Dive and Fishing (santodive.com).
Visit website →Vatthe Conservation Area Forest Trail
Matantas
6km easy loop trail through the country's first National Park. This 2.5-hour nature walk features flat terrain with minimal elevation gain, leading through lowland rainforest and ending at the black sand beach of Big Bay. Excellent for birdwatching and coastal scenery.
Visit website →Mount Tabwemasana Trek
Kerepua Village
15km expert-level multi-day trek to the highest peak in Vanuatu. This 2-3 day expedition involves 1,879m of elevation gain through extremely rugged rainforest terrain and steep ridgelines. Access is typically by boat to the remote West Coast. Guide hire from local villages is essential.
Visit website →Landmark / Monument / Iconic Urban Attraction
Million Dollar Point
Luganville
A unique coastal historical site where massive amounts of WWII military equipment were dumped into the ocean, now a fascinating snorkeling destination.
SS President Coolidge
Luganville
One of the world's largest and most accessible shipwrecks, this sunken luxury-liner-turned-troopship is a protected historical monument and premier dive site.
Luganville Municipal Market
Luganville
A vibrant and authentic open-air market serving as the social and commercial heart of the island, showcasing local crafts and tropical produce.
Farm Park / Petting Zoo / Rural Experience
Aore Island Coffee Roastery
Luganville
A working coffee plantation offering educational tours on the growing, harvesting, and roasting process of organic Vanuatu coffee beans.
Visit website →Santo Horse Adventures
Hog Harbour
Guided horseback tours through tropical cattle plantations and rainforest trails that conclude with a unique ride through the ocean waves.
Visit website →National Park / Nature Reserve
Vatthe Conservation Area
Matantas
As Vanuatu's first national park, this area offers families guided nature walks through lush lowland rainforest to discover rare birds and unique tropical flora.
Natural Feature / Scenic Site
Port Olry
Port Olry
A scenic fishing village offering stunning turquoise lagoons, white sand beaches, and family-friendly seaside dining.
Visit website →Science Museum / Natural History Museum / Discovery Centre
South Pacific World War II Museum
Luganville
A discovery centre showcasing the significant military history of Espiritu Santo through a collection of WWII artifacts, vehicles, and educational displays.
Visit website →Castle / Palace / Historic Site
South Pacific WWII Museum
Luganville
A museum dedicated to preserving the history of the United States military presence on Espiritu Santo during World War II through artifacts and displays.
Visit website →