Nestled on the eastern coast of Espiritu Santo island in Vanuatu, Matevulu Blue Hole is a natural wonder you won’t want to miss. This freshwater pool boasts incredible color and clarity, making it perfect for swimming and snorkeling. As the largest blue hole in Santo, Matevulu offers visitors a unique chance to experience Vanuatu’s pristine natural beauty just 17 miles north of Luganville.
Getting to Matevulu is part of the adventure. You can drive from Luganville or enjoy a short 45-minute paddle from Oyster Island Resort. The blue hole’s rope swings add an element of fun for visitors of all ages, while the clear waters reveal fish swimming below.
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Matevulu is just one of several blue holes in the area, alongside Riri and Nanda. These natural attractions dot the countryside between Luganville and Hog Harbour, creating multiple opportunities for exploration. When planning your Vanuatu trip, setting aside time for these remarkable blue holes will surely become a highlight of your Santo island experience.
Exploring Matevulu Blue Hole
Matevulu Blue Hole offers visitors a breathtaking natural wonder on Espiritu Santo island in Vanuatu. The crystal-clear freshwater lagoon showcases stunning blue hues and peaceful surroundings perfect for swimming and exploration.
Getting There: Transport and Access
Matevulu Blue Hole is located on the eastern coast of Espiritu Santo, approximately 17 miles (27 kilometers) north of Luganville. You can reach this hidden gem by car, taking about 30-40 minutes from town on relatively well-maintained roads.
For a more adventurous approach, kayaking from Turtle Bay Lodge takes about 75 minutes. This paddle adventure lets you experience the changing water colors as you approach the blue hole.
Tour operators in Luganville offer guided excursions if you prefer not to navigate independently. Some accommodations also arrange transportation for guests.
The blue hole remains somewhat secluded compared to other Vanuatu attractions. This seclusion means you might enjoy this spectacular spot without crowds, especially if you visit early in the day.
Diving and Snorkeling Experiences
The remarkable clarity of Matevulu’s waters creates ideal conditions for snorkeling and swimming. The freshwater lagoon reaches impressive depths, with various shades of blue reflecting different underwater contours.
Bring your own snorkeling gear to explore beneath the surface. You’ll discover:
- Small tropical fish navigating through underwater roots
- Fascinating plant life unique to freshwater environments
- Stunning light patterns as sunbeams penetrate the water
The surrounding rainforest creates a picturesque backdrop for your aquatic adventures. Massive banyan trees with aerial roots frame parts of the blue hole, adding to its mystical atmosphere.
Water temperatures remain pleasant year-round, making swimming comfortable without a wetsuit. The gentle current allows swimmers of varying abilities to enjoy the experience safely.
Attractions and Activities Nearby
Espiritu Santo offers many amazing places to explore beyond Matevulu Blue Hole. The island combines fascinating WWII history, stunning natural wonders, and authentic cultural experiences all within easy reach.
Historical Sites and Wrecks
Santo’s WWII history is visible at several nearby sites. Million Dollar Point is a must-visit spot where the American military dumped equipment into the ocean rather than sell it cheaply after the war. Today, it’s a unique snorkeling site where you can swim among jeeps, bulldozers, and other military equipment.
The SS President Coolidge wreck is one of the world’s most accessible shipwrecks. This luxury liner turned troop ship sank in 1942 after hitting friendly mines. Now it’s a world-class dive site with artifacts still in place.
You can also explore the Ammunition Bunkers, concrete structures hidden in the jungle that once stored weapons and supplies for Allied forces. These silent remnants of the South Pacific war effort provide a glimpse into the island’s strategic importance.
Natural Wonders and Beach Escapes
Riri Blue Hole rivals Matevulu with its crystal-clear waters. You can access it by canoe through a gorgeous jungle stream, making the journey as magical as the destination.
Champagne Beach, with its perfect crescent of white sand, is often rated among the world’s best beaches. The name comes from bubbles that rise through the sand at low tide, creating a champagne-like effect.
Nanda Blue Hole offers yet another swimming experience with its deep blue waters surrounded by lush gardens.
For a quieter beach day, head to Port Olry, a picturesque fishing village with stunning beaches and excellent seafood restaurants. Nearby Lonnoc Beach offers fantastic snorkeling opportunities right off the shore.
Aore Island, just a short boat ride away, provides peaceful beaches and excellent diving spots for a day trip.
Cultural Experiences and Adventure Tours
Leweton Cultural Village offers authentic demonstrations of local customs, including the famous Water Music performances. Women create rhythmic sounds by slapping the water with their hands – a unique cultural tradition found nowhere else.
Santo Horse Adventures provides guided horseback tours through jungle trails, rivers, and beaches. Their rides cater to all skill levels and offer a unique perspective of the island’s diverse landscapes.
For food enthusiasts, tracking down a Coconut Crab dish (when in season) is a local delicacy, though conservation efforts restrict availability.
The Bali Hai tour company, named after the fictional island in the musical “South Pacific,” offers various excursions combining cultural experiences with natural beauty.
Most resorts can arrange custom tours to nearby villages where you can witness traditional cooking methods and crafts like basket weaving.
Get a discount of 15% to 70% on accommodation in Sanma! Look for deals here:
Sanma Hotels, Apartments, B&Bs
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