Vanuatu
Several accessible locations near Espiritu Santo make for engaging day trips, often with short boat rides. Aore Island, just off Luganville, is accessible by a short boat ride from various jetties. Aore Island Resort is known for its tranquil environment, good snorkeling, and relaxation. Oyster Island, a small island resort and restaurant, is popular for day visits. A short dugout canoe ride across a narrow channel reaches it. Oyster Island is famous for its crystal-clear waters, fresh seafood, and unique 'walking' fish (mudskippers).
Short boat transfers from specific jetties near Luganville transport you to both Aore and Oyster Islands. Resorts or local operators arrange these. You can visit both Aore and Oyster Island independently. This means arranging a boat transfer and then paying any entrance fees or restaurant costs upon arrival. Many tour operators also offer combined tours that include visits to these islands, often pairing them with blue hole experiences or other coastal attractions. A tour offers ease, while independent travel brings more freedom.
Espiritu Santo itself is a natural retreat, and specific areas offer particular beauty and experiences.
While Espiritu Santo does not have formally designated national parks, the entire island has opportunities for natural escapes. The areas around the blue holes and the Millennium Cave trek are prime examples of untouched natural beauty, with lush rainforests and pristine waterways. Driving the main north road from Luganville has consistently scenic views of coconut plantations, traditional villages, and stunning coastal stretches.
Port Olry, a picturesque village and beach at the northern end of the main sealed road, is renowned for its stunning white sand, incredibly clear waters, and small offshore islands. You can wade or kayak to these islands at low tide. Port Olry has excellent opportunities for swimming, relaxation, and fresh seafood lunches. Visit it as a half-day or full-day trip from Luganville.
Gaining some practical knowledge about communication, local customs, and accessibility simplifies your travel to Espiritu Santo. This section provides details to keep you connected, respectful, and prepared for your visit.
Local SIM cards are available from Digicel and TVL (Telecom Vanuatu Ltd) at Santo Pekoa International Airport (SON) or in Luganville. Data packages are generally affordable. Wi-Fi is available at most mid-range to luxury hotels/resorts, often at additional cost or with limited bandwidth. Mobile data with a local SIM card is often more reliable outside Luganville. A post office operates in Luganville; services can be slow.
Shops generally open Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-5:00 PM, and Saturday mornings. Luganville Market operates daily, busiest Friday/Saturday mornings. Banks typically open Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM-3:30 PM. Restaurants usually serve lunch 12:00 PM-2:00 PM and dinner 6:00 PM-9:00 PM. Public holidays may close businesses or reduce hours. Sunday is a day of rest.
A friendly "Halo" and a smile are appreciated. Handshakes are customary. Dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees, especially in villages or towns. Tipping is not customary. Always ask permission before photographing people or cultural ceremonies. Avoid discussing local politics or sensitive cultural matters unless invited. Vanuatu is a conservative society; public displays of affection are generally frowned upon.
Two main mobile providers, Digicel and TVL, operate in Vanuatu. Purchase local SIM cards upon arrival at Santo Pekoa International Airport (SON) or their retail outlets in Luganville. Data packages are generally affordable and often more reliable than Wi-Fi in some areas. Ensure your mobile phone is unlocked before traveling to use a local SIM card.
Learning a few phrases in Bislama is greatly appreciated by locals and can deepen your interactions. Here are some basic phrases:
Your choices as a visitor have a direct positive presence.
Respectful interaction promotes positive connections and helps preserve the traditional way of life. Community-based tourism initiatives play an important role in cultural preservation by offering economic incentives for maintaining heritage. This helps communities continue their traditional ways.
Your travel choices directly support the local communities. Community-based tourism initiatives benefit local communities and landowners directly. Many attractions are on privately owned land, and small entry fees directly support families or communities. Inquire about how tourism revenue is distributed.
Espiritu Santo's natural environment is its greatest asset. Efforts are underway in Vanuatu to protect its valuable marine areas, including coral reefs, and its rich terrestrial biodiversity. Inquire about environmental policies before booking.
Actively seek and support accommodations and operators demonstrating environmental responsibility. Look for properties using solar power, managing waste responsibly, water conservation, or local conservation. Ask about their practices to make informed choices.
Ensure your purchases support the local economy. Buying directly from local markets or artisans keeps money within the community and directly supports creators. Avoid imported goods from larger stores when local alternatives exist. Do not bargain excessively; remember even small amounts mean much more to a local vendor than to you.
Donate through established local NGOs, schools, or community leaders. Direct handouts can create dependency. A donation to a school or health clinic is more sustainable support.
Support conservation efforts like The Rainforest Site, which has a store to fund its work.
When buying handicrafts, look for fair trade labels to ensure workers receive fair compensation and good working conditions.
Planning your time on Espiritu Santo, Vanuatu, benefits greatly from suggested itineraries. These plans help you make the most of your visit, whether you have a short weekend or a more extended stay, and whether your interests are adventure, culture, or relaxation.
A 24-hour layover is not practical for experiencing main attractions. A short stay in Luganville means exploring the town market, Boulevard Higginson, and possibly a quick taxi to Matevulu Blue Hole if time and pre-arranged transport allow. This is a glimpse, not a true visit.
Day 1: Arrive, explore Luganville market, Boulevard Higginson. Afternoon: Matevulu Blue Hole. Evening: local kava ceremony. Day 2: Dive SS President Coolidge or snorkel Million Dollar Point. Afternoon: cultural village or Port Olry sunset. Day 3: Champagne Beach, Nanda Blue Hole. Lunch, then depart Luganville.
Days 1-2: Follow weekend getaway. Day 3: Second dive on SS President Coolidge or more snorkeling/blue hole exploration. Day 4: Full-day Millennium Cave trek (pre-book, good fitness). Day 5: North coast: Port Olry, optional Oyster Island. Day 6: Relaxation day: favorite blue hole, resort beach, or Luganville handicrafts. Day 7: Final breakfast, souvenirs, depart.
Stay in budget guesthouses. Eat at local market. Use local minivans for transport. Explore free/low-cost beaches and blue holes. Prioritize self-guided exploration.
Comfortable bungalows or mid-range hotels. Mix dining: local restaurants and occasional resort meals. Combine local transport with organized tours for Millennium Cave or dive trips. Balances comfort with value.
High-end resorts with private villas/pools. Private transfers and personalized tours. Fine dining at resorts. Charter private diving/snorkeling trips. Exclusive island excursions to secluded coves.
