Espiritu Santo- The Best Island in Vanuatu

As you can probably guess, Espiritu Santo was my favourite island to visit during my recent trip to Vanuatu. The food, the friendly locals and all the beautiful, natural places to explore make this island unforgettable! My guideline below is my tried and tested 3-day itinerary for exploring Espiritu Santo- the best island in Vanuatu.

Getting around Espiritu Santo

There are a few options for getting around the island such as car hire, bus or taxi.

Car Hire can cost around 10,000-12,000Vt per day. ($128-$154AUD)

Bus is around 150Vt pp one way, however it is very unreliable and may not even turn up if it’s not busy enough.

My recommendation: Taxi
I negotiated with a taxi driver and had a personal driver for 2 whole days for 6,000Vt ($77AUD)
Taxi drivers have all the local knowledge of the island and are extremely friendly and helpful people. We got along really well with our driver and he was happily answering all our questions as he drove us around to each destination.

We were also told that they are trained by the Tourism board to ensure the safety & security for the tourists. (Not that it’s really needed as Vanuatu is a very safe place to visit).

Pro Tip: Trust the locals. They know what they’re talking about! Listen to their advice not only on where to go but also when to go as they know when a popular spot will be busy/quiet, high/low tide etc.

Tips for Travelling Vanuatu

• Travel with an eSim: When I traveled to Vanuatu, I was able to stay connected as soon as I landed with an e-Sim with Airalo.

• Compensation for delayed or canceled flights: If your flights get cancelled or delayed, AirHelp can help you get compensated!

• Book the cheapest Hotels: Whether you’re looking for luxury or budget stays, Trip.com has thousands of options with verified reviews and flexible cancellation policies. (They also do Flights and Rental Cars!)
  
  Top tip: Book early for the best rates, especially during peak seasons!
• Car Rental: Anytime I want the cheapest car rental rates I always use Rentalcars.com
• Trip Advisor: I love using Tripadvisor to discover where to stay, what to do, and where to eat based on guidance from those who have been there before.

The Best Accommodation in Espiritu Santo

Espiritu Santo cannot be fully explored in a day. I would recommend staying on the island at least 3-4 days.

We stayed at the Beach Barrier Resort.

The owner and staff of the resort are really friendly and full of information so make sure you take advantage and ask them for their advice or any questions you may have about the island. Your experience here will be intimate and personal, as it isn’t a large commercial resort. You will feel like you’re becoming part of a family.

The resort is conveniently located to all the main spots on the island including all the blue holes.

The food here, I can safely say will be the best you will have in the entire country! Everything I ordered, breakfast, lunch and dinner was delicious and I honestly cannot fault a thing. Hats off to the wonderful chefs.

Other recommended options to stay in Espiritu Santo:

Aore Island Resort– a tranquil, beachfront retreat nestled on a private island just of Espiritu Santo, Vanuatu.

The Espirit– a charming boutique hotel in the heart of Luganville, perfect for exploring Espiritu Santo.

The best places to visit in Espiritu Santo

If planned right, you can explore all the best places in Espiritu Santo, maximising your experience, time and even money. This is my suggested itinerary which works perfectly if you are staying at the Barrier Beach Resort (or close by):

Day 1:

Start exploring the beautiful island of Santo and make your way north. I suggest visiting the below 3 in order to maximize your time in the day.

• Champagne Beach
• Port Orly
• Nanda Blue Hole

Champagne Beach:

Around 50 mins north from the Barrier Beach Resort is Champagne Beach. Stop at this popular destination for a swim in the beautiful blue-green water and some sun baking against the soft, white sand.
Entry fee- 2,000 Vt per car.

Pro Tip: Avoid coming here, if possible, on cruise ship days as it will be overrun with passengers and local hawkers. Prices for snacks and drinks will go up as well.

Port Orly:

A 10 minute drive from Champagne Beach, this is a great spot for lunch and some possible turtle spotting. When you arrive, order from the Chez Louis Restaurant straight away as they can take a while to prepare your food, especially if you’re ordering any of the seafood items. We had a whole lobster each with a side of chips and veggies and it was cooked just right and very yummy. Totally worth it!
Entry is free!

Nanda Blue Hole:

On the way back to our resort we stopped for a refreshing dip in Nanda Blue Hole. It was a hot day when we visited yet the water was so cold! It was very clean and unbelievably clear- you could see down to the bottom even though it was pretty deep! The blue holes on Santo are owned by the local community so your entry fee will contribute towards helping the local people.
Entry fee- 1,000 Vt per person.

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Not sure what to pack? See my Packing List for more tips!

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Day 2:

The locations on Day 2 exploring Espiritu Santo are all close to the resort which allows less driving time and more fun time!

• Million Dollar Point
• Luganville
• Matevulu Blue Hole
• Riri Blue Hole

Want to see more of Vanuatu? Check out my post on Port Vila

Million Dollar Point:

Explore an extraordinary WWII military dump site, where the U.S. abandoned tanks, weaponry, and vehicles into the ocean. The ocean floor is scattered with remnants of the past, offering a fascinating snorkeling experience. For the best visibility and calm waters, visit early in the morning.
Entry fee– 500 Vt pp.

Pro Tip: Pack reef shoes. Not only is there sharp and slippery coral but I also found a lot of broken glass on the sand around the shoreline.

Luganville:

While Vanuatu’s second-largest city offers limited activities, cruise ship days bring the vibrant “Mama” handicraft stalls, perfect for authentic souvenirs. For essentials like insect repellent, sunscreen, and water, stop by LCM, the local grocery store, where prices are surprisingly affordable.

Local tip: At the back of LCM there’s a Chicken shop that serve lunch. You can get yourself a quarter chicken and chips for the equivalent of $6AUD!

Riri Blue Hole:

Riri Blue Hole is one of Vanuatu’s most breathtaking natural attractions, offering crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and diving. Located in the heart of Santo Island, this pristine freshwater lagoon is surrounded by lush jungle, making it an ideal spot for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. With its vibrant blue hues and peaceful ambiance, Riri Blue Hole is a must-visit for anyone exploring Vanuatu’s natural beauty.
Entry fee- 500Vt pp for canoe ride + 500VUV pp entry to Blue Hole

Matevulu Blue Hole:

Located about 2 mins drive from Riri Blue Hole is Matevulu Blue Hole that has its own unique beauty. There’s a massive Banyan tree overhanging the Blue Hole where you can swing from a rope, tied to it’s large majestic branches, into the crystal-blue water.
Entry fee- 500Vt pp

Day 3:

If you have the time, you may want to look into some other great places to explore such as:

• President SS Coolidge– A shipwreck diving site
• Aore Island- Immerse yourself in numerous activities such as diving, snorkeling, fishing, and kayaking.
• Freshwater Plantation- whilst on Aore Island you can also visit the plantation to get a guided tour of cocoa trees and explore an amazing bat cave.
• Siping Kava: at the Leweton Custom & Cultural Village you can do as the locals do and sip some Kava with the village chief.
• Millennium Cave: If you’re up for a little challenge and adventure, head over to the millennium cave. Thrill is guaranteed!

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