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Espiritu Santo, Vanuatu - Things to Do in Espiritu Santo

Things to Do in Espiritu Santo

Espiritu Santo, Vanuatu - Complete Travel Guide

Espiritu Santo, known locally as Santo, is Vanuatu's largest island and a pristine tropical paradise that offers some of the South Pacific's most spectacular natural attractions. Home to the famous Million Dollar Point dive site, crystal-clear blue holes, and lush rainforest adventures, Santo combines world-class diving and snorkeling with incredible land-based activities. The island's main town, Luganville, serves as the gateway to these natural wonders while maintaining a laid-back Pacific island atmosphere. Beyond its stunning natural beauty, Santo holds significant historical importance as a major Allied base during World War II, with numerous wreck sites and artifacts scattered across the island and its surrounding waters. The island offers an authentic Vanuatu experience with traditional villages, local markets, and genuine Melanesian culture, all while providing comfortable accommodations and tour services for visitors seeking both adventure and relaxation in one of the Pacific's most unspoiled destinations.

Top Things to Do in Espiritu Santo

Blue Hole Swimming and Snorkeling

Experience the magical Champagne Beach and nearby blue holes, where crystal-clear freshwater springs create perfect natural swimming pools surrounded by tropical vegetation. The most famous blue holes offer incredible visibility and unique geological formations, with some connecting to underground cave systems that create an otherworldly swimming experience.

Booking Tip: Tours typically cost $40-80 USD per person and include transportation and snorkeling gear. Book through established operators who provide safety equipment and local guides, and visit early morning for the best lighting and fewer crowds.

Million Dollar Point Diving

Dive or snorkel at one of the world's most famous wreck sites, where the US military dumped millions of dollars worth of equipment into the ocean after WWII. The shallow waters make this accessible to both divers and snorkelers, with trucks, bulldozers, and military equipment creating an incredible underwater museum just meters from the beach.

Booking Tip: Diving trips cost $80-120 USD for two dives, snorkeling tours $30-50 USD. Choose PADI-certified operators with good safety records, and book during calm weather conditions for the best visibility and safety.

Mount Hope Waterfall Trek

Embark on a scenic jungle trek to one of Santo's most beautiful waterfalls, passing through lush rainforest, crossing streams, and experiencing the island's incredible biodiversity. The moderately challenging hike rewards visitors with a stunning multi-tiered waterfall and natural swimming hole perfect for cooling off after the trek.

Booking Tip: Half-day tours cost $35-60 USD including guide and transportation. Wear sturdy hiking shoes and bring swimwear, and book with operators who provide experienced local guides familiar with current trail conditions.

Cultural Village Experience

Visit traditional villages to experience authentic Melanesian culture, including traditional cooking demonstrations, handicraft making, and cultural performances. These immersive experiences offer insight into local customs, traditional medicine, and the daily life of Santo's indigenous communities while supporting local tourism initiatives.

Booking Tip: Village tours cost $25-45 USD per person and often include a traditional meal. Book through community-based operators or established tour companies that work directly with villages, and bring small gifts like school supplies as a gesture of respect.

Riri Blue Hole and Matevulu Blue Hole Tour

Explore multiple pristine blue holes in a single day trip, each offering unique characteristics from deep azure pools to shallow crystal-clear lagoons. These natural formations provide excellent swimming, snorkeling, and photography opportunities while showcasing the geological diversity that makes Santo's freshwater attractions world-renowned.

Booking Tip: Full-day blue hole tours cost $60-90 USD including lunch and equipment. Choose tours that visit 2-3 different holes for variety, and book with operators who provide quality snorkeling gear and underwater cameras for rent.

Getting There

Santo-Pekoa International Airport (SON) is the main gateway to Espiritu Santo, with regular flights from Port Vila (Vanuatu's capital) taking about 1.5 hours on Air Vanuatu. International visitors typically fly into Port Vila first, then connect to Santo, though some charter flights operate directly from Australia and New Caledonia during peak season. The airport is located about 10 minutes from Luganville town center, with taxis, rental cars, and hotel transfers readily available.

Getting Around

Rental cars and scooters are the most popular way to explore Santo independently, with several agencies in Luganville offering 4WD vehicles ideal for reaching remote attractions. Taxis are available for shorter trips and can be arranged for day tours, while many accommodations offer bicycle rentals for exploring the immediate area. Most tour operators provide transportation as part of their packages, which is often the most convenient option for visiting multiple attractions or venturing to more remote locations.

Where to Stay

Luganville Town Center
Champagne Beach Area
Turtle Bay
Aore Island
Oyster Island
Bokissa Island

Food & Dining

Santo's dining scene centers around Luganville, where you'll find a mix of French-influenced cuisine, fresh Pacific seafood, and traditional Melanesian dishes. The town offers several restaurants serving excellent French pastries, wood-fired pizzas, and locally caught fish, while the central market provides fresh tropical fruits and local specialties. Many resorts and eco-lodges offer excellent dining experiences featuring organic produce and sustainably sourced seafood, and don't miss trying the local lap lap (Vanuatu's national dish) and fresh coconut crab when in season.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Vanuatu

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

View all food guides →

The Beach Bar

4.5 /5
(524 reviews)

The Stonegrill Restaurant

4.7 /5
(427 reviews)

Tamanu on the beach

4.7 /5
(214 reviews)
lodging spa

SWAGAT RESTAURANT NADI

4.6 /5
(208 reviews)

Three Pigs

4.5 /5
(167 reviews)
bar

Tanna Coffee

4.6 /5
(150 reviews)
cafe store

Looking for specific cuisines?

Local Cuisine Italian Japanese Fine Dining

When to Visit

The best time to visit Santo is during the dry season from May to October, when you'll enjoy sunny days, lower humidity, and minimal rainfall perfect for outdoor activities and diving. The wet season (November to April) brings higher temperatures, afternoon thunderstorms, and potential cyclone activity, though it's also when the waterfalls are at their most spectacular. Water temperatures remain warm year-round (24-28°C), making diving and snorkeling excellent any time, but visibility is typically best during the drier months.

Insider Tips

Book accommodation well in advance during dry season (May-October) as Santo has limited lodging options and popular resorts fill up quickly
Bring reef-safe sunscreen and underwater cameras as the marine life and blue holes offer incredible photography opportunities that regular sunscreen can damage
Learn a few words in Bislama (the local pidgin language) - locals appreciate the effort and it enhances cultural interactions, especially in villages

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