Imagine stepping onto the shores of Espiritu Santo, where crystal-clear waters meet lush green mountains. This incredible island in Vanuatu’s Sanma Province offers you a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation. Espiritu Santo is home to some of the bluest natural swimming holes in the world, fascinating World War II history, and amazing diving opportunities that will take your breath away.
When you visit Santo, as locals call it, you’ll discover why it’s becoming a favorite for travelers seeking both adventure and luxury escapes. The western coast features thick bushland and Vanuatu’s highest peak, Mt. Tabwemasana, waiting for you to explore.
Your Santo adventure can include diving among colorful reefs, swimming in the famous blue holes, or learning about the island’s rich cultural heritage. The friendly locals welcome you with open arms, making this Pacific paradise feel like a home away from home.
How to Get to Espiritu Santo
Getting to Espiritu Santo is easier than you might think! You have several options to reach this beautiful island in Vanuatu’s Sanma Province.
By Air – International
- Direct flights from Brisbane to Espiritu Santo are available once a week via Air Vanuatu.
- If you’re traveling from elsewhere in Australia or the Pacific, you can connect through Port Vila first.
By Air – Domestic
- Daily flights connect Port Vila to Espiritu Santo with just a 45-minute flight time.
- Flights arrive at Santo-Pekoa International Airport in Luganville, the main town.
Local Transportation
- Once you arrive in Luganville, regular buses are available to take you into town.
- The bus ride from the airport to town takes about five minutes.
It’s worth noting that Air Vanuatu occasionally adjusts their schedule, so it’s best to check their current timetables when planning your trip. Some travelers have reported domestic flight cancellations in the past. For the most reliable journey, consider booking your flights well in advance and perhaps allow for a buffer day in your travel plans.
What to See in Espiritu Santo
Espiritu Santo offers breathtaking natural wonders that will make your Vanuatu vacation unforgettable. At the top of your must-visit list should be the incredible blue holes, natural swimming spots with water so vibrantly turquoise that photos barely do them justice. Champagne Beach is another stunning destination you shouldn’t miss. This pristine white-sand beach offers perfect sunbathing spots and crystal-clear waters ideal for leisurely swimming and snorkeling.
For diving enthusiasts, Espiritu Santo is home to one of the world’s greatest underwater treasures. The SS President Coolidge, a well-preserved WWII shipwreck, provides an extraordinary diving experience as you explore this fascinating piece of history beneath the waves. The island’s east coast is particularly special, featuring freshwater swimming holes, coral reefs and easily accessible wreck dive sites. These natural attractions are perfect for cooling off during your island exploration.
Beyond beaches and diving, you’ll find traditional Ni-Vanuatu villages where you can experience local culture firsthand. The friendly locals often welcome visitors to learn about their customs and way of life. Adventure seekers will love exploring the underground caves scattered throughout the island, offering unique swimming and photography opportunities in dramatic natural settings.
History of Espiritu Santo
Espiritu Santo, Vanuatu’s largest island, has a rich and varied history that you’ll find fascinating when you visit. The island’s name, meaning “Holy Spirit” in Spanish, was given by Portuguese explorer Pedro Fernandes de Queirós in 1606. Before European contact, the island was home to Melanesian people who developed their own unique cultural practices and traditions. These strong traditional ties remain important today and are something you can experience firsthand during your visit. Espiritu Santo played a significant role during World War II. The island served as a major allied military base during the Second World War, leaving behind fascinating historical sites for you to explore.
This military history has created unique diving opportunities for you. When the war ended, military equipment was dumped into what is now known as Million Dollar Point – one of the island’s popular diving attractions. Perhaps the most famous wreck is the SS President Coolidge, a luxury liner converted to a troopship that hit mines and sank near Santo. Today, it’s one of the world’s most accessible shipwrecks for divers.
The island was also part of the Anglo-French Condominium of the New Hebrides before Vanuatu gained independence in 1980. During this period, Santo was briefly the center of a rebellion movement called Nagriamel. Today, Espiritu Santo has a population of around 40,000 and continues to blend its traditional culture with more modern influences.
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