Espiritu Santo, Vanuatu Travel Guide – History, Travel, Hotels, and More!

Nestled in the heart of the South Pacific, Espiritu Santo is Vanuatu’s largest island, offering a paradise that calls to adventure seekers and relaxation lovers alike. With its white powdery beaches, crystal blue holes, and lush coconut palms, Santo provides the perfect escape from everyday life.

At around 3,955 square kilometers, this island gem hosts about 40,000 residents who welcome visitors to explore their tropical home. You’ll find yourself drawn to iconic spots like Champagne Beach and the stunning Nanda and Matevulu Blue Holes, where the water seems to glow from within.

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Whether you’re diving among world-class reefs, hiking through rugged jungles toward Mount Tabwemasana, or simply lounging on pristine shores, Santo delivers an authentic Pacific experience. Your Vanuatu adventure isn’t complete without spending time on this island paradise.

How to Get to Espiritu Santo

Getting to Espiritu Santo is easier than you might think! You have several convenient options to reach this paradise island in Vanuatu.

By Air from International Destinations:

Air Vanuatu offers direct weekly flights from Brisbane to Santo-Pekoa International Airport in Luganville.
If you’re traveling from other parts of Australia or beyond, you’ll need to connect through Port Vila first.

By Air from Port Vila:

Air Vanuatu runs daily flights from Port Vila to Espiritu Santo.
The flight is short, taking approximately 50-60 minutes.

By Sea:

Two passenger ferries connect Port Vila to Espiritu Santo: Vanuatu Ferry and Big Sista Ferry.
The sea journey takes about 24 hours, offering a unique way to see more of Vanuatu’s islands.

Once you arrive at Santo-Pekoa International Airport in Luganville, the main town on Espiritu Santo, you’ll find taxis and rental car services available. Luganville is compact and quite accessible for exploring on foot.

Many resorts also offer airport pickup services if you arrange this in advance. It’s worth checking with your accommodation before arrival.

If you’re planning your trip during holiday periods like Christmas, booking transportation well ahead is essential as domestic flights can fill up quickly or sometimes face cancellations.

What to See in Espiritu Santo

Espiritu Santo offers breathtaking sights that will leave you in awe. The island is home to some of Vanuatu’s most spectacular natural and historical attractions.

Champagne Beach is a must-visit with its powdery white sand and crystal-clear waters. When the tide is low, tiny bubbles rise through the sand, giving this paradise its fizzy name.

For diving enthusiasts, the SS President Coolidge wreck is world-famous. This WWII troopship now serves as an underwater museum where you can swim through corridors and rooms still filled with military equipment.

Nearby, Million Dollar Point offers incredible snorkeling opportunities. Here, you’ll find dumped US military equipment from WWII creating an unusual artificial reef.

The stunning Blue Holes are another highlight. Nanda Blue Hole‘s sapphire waters shine like a jewel in the jungle, perfect for a refreshing swim after exploring.

Take a short boat ride to Aore Island Resort for a day trip. You can tour the Freshwater Plantation with its gardens, coffee and chocolate plantations, and a natural bat cave.

For adventure seekers, the Millennium Cave tour takes you through rainforests, river canyons, and ancient cave systems. Bring sturdy shoes and prepare to be amazed!

Mount Hope Waterfall offers a peaceful retreat with its cascading waters surrounded by lush vegetation. It’s an ideal spot for nature photography.

Lonnoc Beach provides a quieter alternative to Champagne Beach, with equally beautiful views and fewer crowds.

Read our articles on the best things to do in Sanma Province, Vanuatu and best restaurants in Sanma Province, Vanuatu for even more ideas!

Where to Stay in Sanma Province

Read our article on hotels near Sanma Province, Vanuatu for the best options for your stay. Here’s a short list of some options:

If you’re looking to stay in a vacation home, apartment, BnB, or VRBO in Sanma Province, Vanuatu, we recommend you search on VRBO, Hotels.com, and Booking.com for up-to-date options.

History of Espiritu Santo

Espiritu Santo, the largest island in Vanuatu, has a rich and fascinating history. The island’s name, given by Spanish explorer Pedro Fernandes de Queirós in 1606, means “Holy Spirit” in Spanish.

For thousands of years before European contact, indigenous Ni-Vanuatu people lived on the island, developing their own unique traditions and culture that continue to thrive today.

The island’s modern history was dramatically shaped by World War II. During the war, Espiritu Santo became a crucial Allied military base in the Pacific theater.

U.S. Navy Seabees constructed a major naval advance base on the island. Thousands of American troops were stationed here, bringing significant changes to the local landscape and culture.

This wartime legacy has left behind fascinating remnants you can still explore today. Military equipment, aircraft wrecks, and other artifacts remain scattered throughout the island and in its surrounding waters.

One of the most famous sites is the SS President Coolidge, a luxury liner turned troop transport that sank near the island. It’s now one of the world’s most accessible shipwreck dives that you can explore.

After the war, Espiritu Santo played a key role in Vanuatu’s journey to independence. The island was part of the Anglo-French Condominium of the New Hebrides until Vanuatu gained independence in 1980.

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Get a discount of 15% to 70% on accommodation in Espiritu Santo! Look for deals here:
Espiritu Santo Hotels, Apartments, B&Bs