Things to Do in Espiritu Santo

Espiritu Santo, or simply Santo to locals, is Vanuatu's largest island and something of a well-kept secret in the South Pacific. The island feels refreshingly untouched compared to other tropical destinations, with pristine beaches, crystal-clear blue holes, and lush rainforests that haven't been overrun by development. Santo's main town, Luganville, has a laid-back frontier feel with its dusty streets and mix of French colonial architecture and local markets. The island's real draw, though, lies in its natural wonders - from the impossibly blue Million Dollar Point dive site where WWII equipment was dumped, to the ethereal blue holes scattered throughout the interior. You'll find the pace here genuinely slow, which might take some adjustment if you're used to more developed tourist destinations, but that's precisely what makes Santo special.

Santo's dining scene is admirably unpretentious, focusing on fresh seafood and local ingredients. Luganville has several good restaurants serving French-influenced cuisine alongside local specialties like lap lap (a traditional dish cooked in earth ovens) and incredibly fresh fish. The Deco Stop Cafe does excellent coffee and pastries, while places like The Jetty Restaurant offer waterfront dining with decent wine lists. Local markets sell tropical fruits and you'll find small family-run restaurants throughout town serving filling meals for under $15 USD. Resort restaurants tend to be pricier but often showcase local ingredients in more refined preparations.

The dry season from May to October offers the most reliable weather, with lower humidity and minimal rainfall - ideal for diving, hiking, and beach activities. That said, Santo's climate is tropical year-round, so even wet season months (November-April) have plenty of sunny days between brief downpours. Cyclone season runs roughly December through March, though direct hits are relatively rare. For the best balance of good weather and fewer crowds, consider the shoulder months of April-May or September-October when you'll find decent deals on accommodation and activities.