Things to do & places to visit in Espiritu Santo, Vanuatu

The pink sands of Champagne Beach spill into warm waters filled with wrecks and reefs begging to be explored by Espiritu Santo vacationers. Rinse off with a dip in one of the island’s many freshwater blue holes. Trek over a bamboo bridge to visit the bats and swallows of Millennium Cave, who nap among spectacular rock formations. Divers can wave hello to "The Lady," one of the many intact artifacts of the wreck of the SS President Coolidge.

Espiritu Santo #2 destination in Vanuatu 2023. The average rating score is 4.71 based on 4.857 traveler reviews, of 43 attractions. Timezone: Pacific/Efate, current date and time: Friday, May 10, 2024, 23:10.

Top things to do (30)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Millennium Cave (687 reviews)
- An adventure worth the effort
Caverns & Caves

Incredible day. Hard work but worth every bit of effort. Staff really fun and careful, always wanting to help. Should not miss this if you are fit enough to do the significant amount of climbing up & down bamboo and wood ladders nailed to the rocks, and clamber over and around boulders big and small. See more..
5.0 SS President Coolidge (385 reviews)
- Diving Aore Adventure Sports and Lodge
Historic Sites

Paul White's operation is first class: the diving technical standards are excellent; the years of experience on the wrecks/dive sites comes through in the detailed briefings; the equipment is modern and well maintained. If you want to stay at the resort and use the local restaurant to eat at - it makes things very easy and convenient. My one "health warning" on diving in Santo is to allow a safety margin with the flight logistics in terms of flying yourself and your kit in ... and also departing. Air Vanuatu is not the most reliable of carriers. See more..
5.0 Aore Adventure Sports & Lodge (306 reviews)
- Fabulous Dive on the Coolidge!
Friday: 7:30 AM - 5:00 PM Scuba & Snorkelling

We did two amazing dives with Paul's company on the Coolidge. If you are on a yacht/catamaran as we are Paul has three moorings available to rent out the front of his house/dive centre and you can leave your dinghy at his jetty while you dive. One of the great things about Paul's operation is that rather than cart all your gear to a dive centre and then walk it down the beach for the dive, Paul takes you in his boat right to the dive site and you get in there. Paul is incredibly knowledgeable on the history of the wreck and the surrounding area and all round great guy to chat to. The other great thing is that he not only takes a maximum of 6 people but also goes to the wreck early morning before the other dive centre so you have it to yourself. The last time we dived the Coolidge there were so many other divers it wasn't nearly as enjoyable. We particularly enjoyed the second dive which was inside the Coolidge, very cool. I would highly recommend this dive centre. See more..
5.0 Mount Hope Waterfall (167 reviews)
- Wonderful experience in a river in a jungle.
Spent 2-3 hours Waterfalls

A half day excursion floating down river, snaking your way through the dense Vanuatu rainforest. The river has carved out a magnificent gorge, lined with remarkable limestone formations and overhanging supersized ferns and trees. You will exit at Mount Hope Waterfall. Exiting the waterfall you will follow the guides on an instructive walk through the lush jungle and finish with morning tea, infectious laughter and smiles coming from the happiest people on the planet. Travelling by road from Luganville you will see the daily village life in all its simplicity. Required are closed (reef) shoes and shorts. Bring camera, towel and change of clothes. See more..
5.0 Pacific Dive (165 reviews)
- Great diving experience
Friday: 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM Scuba & Snorkelling

4 days of diving the Coolidge is not nearly enough to see and explore all the amazing spots in and out of this wreck. Pacific dive is a reliable and safe dive base to explore the wreck. Equipment is in good shape and guides know the wreck very very well, so cruising inside all these corridors, rooms, cargo halls and tunnels is really fun. Especially the night dive is something else, the flashlight fish show should not be missed. Thanks for showing me around, Alfred, also for taking me to try Kava. :-) See more..
5.0 Santo Horse Adventures (165 reviews)
- Horse lovers Bucket list ✅
Friday: 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM Horseback Riding Tours

My heart is full ! Always been wanting to ride in water oceans beaches .. how amazing to combine that with the most beautiful pristine clear fresh waters beaches & colours ! Horses were easy to ride ( has been many years since I have been on a horse) megan was very professional on time, welcoming and personal ! Loved my morning !!! (Even managed to get my partner to come with ! ) Highly recommend this as the horse adventure to do on Vanuatu! Make sure it’s Santo ..most beautiful paradise ! Thank you Megan for such a memorable day !! See more..
5.0 Freshwater Plantation (114 reviews)
- Outstanding Food and Service
Friday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent More than 3 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas • Farms

A unique interpretive experience of a working cocoa plantation incorporating the Aore Island Bat Cave on the 300 acre property in the Segund Channel. Just a short boat ride from Santo mainland and a few minutes out of Luganville, Freshwater welcomes guests to stay on the plantation (see www.freshwater.vu for details) or visit for the day to relax, swim and snorkel and dine in our restaurant. Daily guided tours of the plantation are conducted every day in the morning and afternoon and suitable for all ages, and fitness levels. We are open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and host events such as Thirsty Thursday happy hours and Sunday afternoon buffet with live entertainment. Don't miss this highly recommended day out during your visit to Santo. See more..
5.0 Santo Heritage Tours (114 reviews)
- Santo Highlights Tour - a highlight!
Friday: 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM Cultural Tours • Historical & Heritage Tours • Walking Tours • Nature & Wildlife Tours • Kayaking & Canoeing

We did this tour on August 2 and thoroughly enjoyed the whole day. Ericson was a fantastic guide - so informative. We stopped at a roadside stall to buy coconut water and bananas before arriving at Champagne Beach - an amazing spot - where we spent time swimmimg, snorkelling and taking many photos. Then on to Port Olry for a lobster lunch at Chez Louis, right on another glorious beach. Next was the Blue Hole which was very blue and deep with rope swings. This part of Vanuatu is magical and as it continues to come out of lockdown more of its stunning attractions will open. Certainly worth a visit! See more..
5.0 island fishing santo (98 reviews)
- Experience to be treasured always
Fishing Charters & Tours

An amazing truly exceptional experience. Interesting historical account by Captain Fabrice. Mesmerising undeveloped snorkelling sites in safe crystal clear water. The visibility was astounding. The sealife even more so. A leisurely tour taking in shallow bommies and a drift along a deep drop off wall. A patient wait to watch turtle and dugongs grazing in a bay area. A treasured memory. I would highly recommend this highlight of a trip to Santo See more..
5.0 Magical Water Music Experience (78 reviews)
- Truly magical place
Points of Interest & Landmarks

This place was really beautiful. We had a very special welcome from the men, then we were taken to a special area where the ladies and girls did a performance. Next the men came back and did a tribal dance. We then learned about how they cook and had a kava ceremony. We were then taken to where the truly magical water music was. This was very moving. It was so beautiful with the ladies and young girls. It brought tears to my eyes. Everyone who was involved gave us a very special goodbye. Please go and experience this place. Luganville was a great place to visit and I would love to stay longer than one day next time. See more..
5.0 Cruising Safaris (28 reviews)
- Glass Bottom Boat Tour.
Friday: 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM Scuba & Snorkelling

Recently we were on a Cruise and got detoured to Luganville due to death of the Chief on the Isle of Pines. We were taken to Luganville instead, and so glad we were. It is a beautiful place and the people are so friendly. We did the glass bottom boat tour and thoroughly enjoyed it. Well worth doing. The lady on the trip with us was very friendly and informative. Well worth doing this trip. So glad we went to Luganville would love to go back there and see more. See more..
5.0 Santo's Blue Hole Hangout (25 reviews)
- Simply Amazing
Friday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas

Vanuatu's largest island, Espiritu Santo, is home to many blue holes: naturally occurring springs of clean, clear water that get their blue colour from their depth, purity, and mineral content. Santo's Blue Hole Hangout is located at the best of them - Jackie's blue hole (previously known as Nanda Blue Hole). Dive in from one of our jetties or jump from an overhanging tree into the crystal clear waters that is home to a rich diversity of beautiful fresh water fish. It does not end here - there is a campsite available for those happy campers and an on site cafe for those wanting a cup a coffee or a cold beer. See more..
5.0 Santo Jet Ski Adventures (11 reviews)
- The biggest thrill you can have in Santo!
Friday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Waterskiing & Jetskiing

I recently did the Bokissa Blast tour to Bokissa Island & loved it! Janet made all of the booking arrangements incredibly easy to handle & Jim was a fantastic guide. The jet-ski's are new, very safe & very easy to ride. Jim gives you the freedom to find your confidence at your own pace but also encourages you to go as hard as you want, do donuts, jump off waves - whatever takes your fancy - he will tell you that the adventure is about having fun after all! And these things are a lot of fun!! The water surrounding Bokissa Island is simply gorgeous - some of the best I saw in all of Vanuatu. At the end of the trip Janet will email you some great action photos that Jim has taken on your ride. I highly recommend you give this a try! See more..
5.0 Absolute Adventures (9 reviews)
- we've done others - this is the best on Santos
Scuba & Snorkelling • Boat Tours • Fishing Charters & Tours

THis is our 3rd dive trip to Santos. THis team is really professional, helpful and well informed. THey are really friendly and keep a good eye on you. their equipment is top rate if you have none or break yours. we did 8 dives in 4 days and they were all great. See more..
5.0 Tuffuntari Waterfall (8 reviews)
- Little tropical water playground
Spent 2-3 hours Waterfalls

A beautiful walk down a path planted with tropical flowering plants and trees takes you down to this little gem of a rock pool, fed by a small waterfall. You can swim, scramble about in the waterfall, leap off the rocks into the water, and explore upriver a way. Come back up a short way to a clearing with gorgeous tropical flowering plants and a change-room, before going back up to the entrance to be served refreshing tropical fruits - delightful! See more..
5.0 Peter - Your Holiday Driver (5 reviews)
- Peter is a fantastic guide and driver
Friday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent More than 3 hours Taxis & Shuttles

We met Peter at the airport in Luganville, and he gave us a short introduction about what we should do during our stay in Santo, and he gave us his prices. His prices was very good compared to other alternatives in Santo. The next day we contacted him on WhatsApp and he showed up at our hotel within 10 minutes. The first day we booked a half day-tour to all of the Blue Holes. We was so happy with Peter as a guide and driver that we booked him for a whole day trip to Port-Olry and Champagne Beach, and also a half day-tour to the World War II-sites on Santo. He is very funny, helpful, makes sure you are comfortable and knows everything about Espiritu Santo! Highly recommended! See more..
5.0 Leweton Cultural Experience (5 reviews)
- Recommend You Visit
Cultural Tours

When visiting Luganville you should take time to visit one of these cultural centres and we chose this one as we left the cruise ship for an island walk. The trip was on offer in the cruise terminal and cost A$20 each for 5 of us (then an additional A$10 to get in). Don’t let them put you in the back of a Toyota Ute as they tried to do with us! You pay and expect a mini bus so being ushered towards a Ute was not acceptable so I said give me my money back! The tour operator didn’t want this so offered 2 Taxi’s to take us, both air-conditioned and the drivers waited whilst the tour/show took place, about 1 hour. It was well worth it understanding the local culture, including the the water music and simple life they lead. Yes Kava was being produced and offered as was a visit to the ladies house and men’s house and a great presentation given on the stages of their lives. See more..
5.0 Blue Island Fishing Adventures Tours (2 reviews)
- Waaaaahooooooo!!!!!
Fishing Charters & Tours

Awesome day fishing with George and his lovely family! Followed by a delicious lunch of our fresh fish!!! See more..
5.0 Kokonat Wokbaot (2 reviews)
- Great new tour group in santo
Cultural Tours • Sightseeing Tours • Nature & Wildlife Tours • Day Trips
We booked a day trip coming off a cruise in santo. We were met at the pier by rita and our tour guide wilson (?) And taken on a jourbey to 3 popular spots outside luganville - nanda blue hole, riri river canoeing and blue hole and million dollar point. The whole trip included running commentary, allowed us to set the times and offered a fun and informative day - the only downside being my sore stomach from rich cruise food didnt mix with bumpy roads and made it harder for me to appreciate the first stop or the lunch at million dollar point - but definitely worth the money. See more..
5.0 Mount Tabwemasana (1 review)
- A trekking adventure off the beaten track
Mountains

At over 1700 meters, this is the country's highest mountain. See more..
5.0 Peter - Your Holiday Driver (5 reviews)
- Peter is a fantastic guide and driver
Friday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent More than 3 hours Taxis & Shuttles

We met Peter at the airport in Luganville, and he gave us a short introduction about what we should do during our stay in Santo, and he gave us his prices. His prices was very good compared to other alternatives in Santo. The next day we contacted him on WhatsApp and he showed up at our hotel within 10 minutes. The first day we booked a half day-tour to all of the Blue Holes. We was so happy with Peter as a guide and driver that we booked him for a whole day trip to Port-Olry and Champagne Beach, and also a half day-tour to the World War II-sites on Santo. He is very funny, helpful, makes sure you are comfortable and knows everything about Espiritu Santo! Highly recommended! See more..
5.0 Mount Tabwemasana (1 review)
- A trekking adventure off the beaten track
Mountains

At over 1700 meters, this is the country's highest mountain. See more..
4.5 Champagne Beach (561 reviews)
- Beautiful beach - soft sand and clear water
Beaches

We organised a tour with a local guide who took us to Champagne Beach, Blue Hole and Million Dollar Point for $180 for the three of us. We weren’t planned to go to Louganville but the cruise ship docked here instead of Isle of Pines which closed for visitors as their chief died. We got off the ship early and were one of the first ones to Champagne Beach - having it to ourselves added to its beauty as it isn’t a large beach. It is a decent distance from where the ship docks so we were pleased to be in an air conditioned vehicle. We saw others in the back of utes - fun for a short period. See more..
4.5 Matevulu Blue Hole (370 reviews)
- Tranquil paddle to stunning Malevulu Blue Hole
Bodies of Water

20 mins northwest of Luganville See more..
4.5 Nanda Blue Hole (359 reviews)
- MUST BE ON EVERYONE'S ITINERARY
Friday: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM Spent 1-2 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas

Wow wow wow!! Crystal clear water with beautiful fish swimming everywhere. By far the best of the three blue holes in terms of water clarity. Absolutely one of the prettiest places in the world!! See more..
4.5 Port Olry Beach (297 reviews)
- Amazing beach...
Beaches

Hired a car from. Our resort... Turtle Bay, and headed north about 35km. Kept driving past the usual champange beach and got glimpses of some incredible water color. There is a sign post inviting you in and there is no charge unlike some others. We found most probably the best beach I have been to, there is a small restaurant and bar and the beach. We were lucky and have the place almost to ourselves. If there was a hotel on site I'd never leave. See more..
4.5 Riri Blue Hole (191 reviews)
- Spectacular experience
Bodies of Water

The very best way to experience the Riri Blue Hole (the clearest of the Santo Blue Holes) is to get dropped up there just after high tide, Play around a bit in the impossibly clear blue water, then snorkel, swim, or float gently downstream to your ride waiting for you by the bridge. We snorkeled quietly and it took about an hour. It was absolutely stunning and I can't recommend it enough. See more..
4.5 Paradise Tours Santo (119 reviews)
- Paradise Tours Santo - brilliant
Walking Tours

I would highly recommend Paradise Tours Santo. Our large family was treated to a brilliant day exploring the wonders of Santo. Luke (owner) picked us up from the wharf in an air con mini van and upon our request took us to multiple places including Million Dollar Point, as well as a gorgeous local beach and to requested points in town. What was most surprising was I showed Luke a photo of my childhood house in Santo (I lived there for a while) and he instantly recognised it and took us there. It was emotional and wonderful to be back in a country I love and Luke's tour company helped make it very special. If you want to explore this beautiful island, Paradise Tours is the company to contact. See more..
4.5 Velit Bay (84 reviews)
- Marvellous food & beach views
Beaches

What a treat this place is! Right on the beach after coming down a high sweeping road, down to the beach, past a coconut plantation. Comfortable seating under cover with sweeping views of the beach (free use of kayaks) Absolutely fantastic food & a quiet, peaceful place with great views An absolute delight, along the eastern coast road. A must when you visit Santo. See more..
4.5 Million Dollar Point (79 reviews)
- Easy access to history
Points of Interest & Landmarks

This incredible dive site was created when Americans dumped millions of dollars worth of equipment at the end of the war. See more..