What to Pack for Espiritu Santo. Clothes, Accessories, Essentials

Clothing for the Dry Season

May-October: Cooler, drier conditions. Choose lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton or linen. Think loose-fitting T-shirts, shorts, skirts, and light dresses.

Layering for Evenings

A light long-sleeved shirt or thin cardigan is useful.
A Light jacket for added comfort as temperatures drop slightly.
This simple layer supports comfortable evenings.

Clothing for the Wet Season

November-April: High humidity and frequent rainfall. Opt for very lightweight, quick-drying clothing like synthetic blends or thin cotton.

Rain Readiness

A breathable Rain jacket for sudden downpours.
Focus on clothes that do not feel heavy when wet and dry rapidly.
Temperatures remain warm even with rain.

Footwear Recommendations

General Wear

Comfortable sandals (like Tevas or Chacos) or breathable Sneakers for daily wear and town exploration.

Ideal for paved roads and light walking.

Hiking & Adventure

Water-resistant hiking sandals or old trainers for muddy and wet trails. Avoid heavy Hiking boots.

Grip and quick-drying properties are .

Water Activities

Water shoes or Reef shoes are strongly recommended for protection from sharp coral, rocks, and stonefish.

Essential for blue holes, snorkeling, and coastal exploration.

Essential Documents

Travel Papers

Careful organization of your travel documents promotes a smooth trip through immigration and for general peace of mind.

Passport: Valid for at least six months beyond your departure date.
Physical & Digital Copies: Passport main page, visa approvals.
Travel Insurance Policy: Physical copy, digital backup, emergency contacts.
International Driving Permit: If renting a vehicle (with national license).

Vaccination Records & Health Docs: Personal records, doctor's note for prescriptions.
Reservations: Printed and digital copies of flights, accommodation, tours.
Emergency Contacts: Family, embassy, insurance numbers, kept separately.
IDs for Discounts: Student/senior/press IDs (discounts are rare).

Technology & Electronics

Power & Connectivity

Vanuatu uses Type I outlets (three flat pins, like Australia/NZ). Standard voltage: 240V, frequency: 50Hz. Most modern devices are dual voltage.

Essentials

A Universal travel adapter with a Type I plug is necessary.
Local SIM cards from Digicel or TVL offer affordable data and often more reliable internet than Wi-Fi.
A high-capacity Portable power bank for unreliable electricity.

Photography & Apps

Capture the stunning beauty of Espiritu Santo. A Waterproof camera is highly recommended for water activities (e.g., GoPro HERO12 Black).

Smart Tools for Travel

A mirrorless or DSLR for quality images. A lightweight Travel tripod for low-light shots.
Maps.me or Organic Maps for offline navigation.
Google Translate (offline packs) for Bislama, English, French.

Data Backup & Security

Cloud Storage

Cloud services like Google Drive or Dropbox for convenient photo and document backup.

Portable Hard Drive

An External hard drive provides an alternative for larger photo libraries.

VPN Services

NordVPN or ExpressVPN for secure internet connection while abroad.

Health & Wellness Items

First Aid Kit

Create a Compact first aid kit for minor injuries and common ailments. Medical facilities on the island are limited.

Antiseptic wipes, bandages, sterile gauze, medical tape.
Pain relievers (Ibuprofen/paracetamol), Anti-diarrhea medication (Loperamide).
Antihistamines, Hydrocortisone cream, oral rehydration salts.

Sun & Insect Protection

The tropical sun is intense, and mosquito-borne diseases like Dengue fever and Malaria are present.

Stay Protected

High-DEET or picaridin-based Insect repellent.
Broad-spectrum sunscreen SPF 30+, Lip balm with SPF.
A Wide-brimmed hat and UV-protective sunglasses.

Personal Comfort & Medication

Medications & Health

Prescription medications for your entire trip, plus extra, in original packaging with doctor's note.
Over-the-counter medication for cold/flu, Motion sickness, antacids.
Water purification tablets or a portable filter for remote areas.

Personal Items

Specific brands of toiletries, feminine hygiene products, contact lens solution.
Mosquito coils or plug-in repellent for accommodation.
Items difficult/expensive to find locally: reef-safe sunscreen, durable gear.

Activity-Specific Equipment

Diving Essentials

For multiple dives or personal preference, bring your personal dive mask, snorkel, and fins. Rental gear is available.

Personal Mask, snorkel, and fins.
Certified divers: personal Dive computer.
Rent bulky items like tanks, BCDs, regulators locally.
Verify policy covers adventure activities.

Snorkeling Gear

A good quality Snorkel mask and dry snorkel set improves your experience in blue holes or Million Dollar Point.

Quality Mask and snorkel for comfort and hygiene.
Full face snorkel mask for wider view and easy breathing.
Rash guard for sun protection in water.
Quick-drying towel.

Hiking & Caving

A Headlamp or flashlight is mandatory, especially for Millennium Cave trek.

Sturdy Water shoes for grip and protection.
Small Waterproof backpack for essentials.
Quick-drying shorts or light trousers.
Swimsuit underneath for cave tours involving swimming.

Rent vs. Bring Decisions

What to Rent

Dive Gear (Tanks, BCDs, Regulators): Bulky and heavy to transport; readily available from local dive shops.
Fins for Snorkeling: Can be rented; less critical for personal fit than masks.
Car/4WD: For island exploration, if you prefer not to use public transport.
Kayaks/Paddleboards: Often available at blue holes or resorts.

What to Bring

Personal Dive Mask/Snorkel: For comfort and hygiene; a good fit.
Dry Bag: A dry bag keeps electronics, documents, valuables safe during water/wet activities.
Water Shoes/Reef Shoes: Crucial for foot protection on rocky beaches and around coral.
Personal Medications & Specific Toiletries: Difficult to find or expensive locally.

Miscellaneous Must-Haves

Travel Comfort & Security

Enhance your journey with thoughtful additions that offer comfort and security.

Smart Packing

Travel neck pillow and Eye mask for long flights/rides.
Small TSA-approved luggage lock for peace of mind.
Money belt or RFID-blocking wallet for passport, cash, cards.
Reusable water bottle (LifeStraw compatible) for hydration and waste reduction.

Eco-Friendly & Local Items

Support sustainable travel and be prepared for local specifics.

Sustainable Choices

Reusable shopping bag for market visits.
Travel utensils to minimize single-use plastic.
Mosquito coils or plug-in repellent for accommodation.
Good quality sun protection (reef-safe sunscreen), specific meds, durable gear (hard to find locally).

Practical Packing

Sun & Water Protection

Reef-safe sunscreen (SPF 50+): High UV protection, coral-friendly.
Water shoes: Protects feet from sharp coral, rocks.
Dry bag (20L-30L): Keeps electronics, documents dry during water tours.

Charging & Hydration

Power bank: Keeps devices charged when power access is limited.
Reusable water bottle: Reduces plastic waste, stays hydrated.
Travel First Aid Kit: For minor injuries, common ailments.

Packing Pro Tips

Pack light and smart. Roll your clothes to maximize space and minimize wrinkles.

Consider packing cubes to keep your belongings organized. Always leave a little extra room for souvenirs!

What to Pack for Espiritu Santo