7 Days • 6 Nights
Espiritu Santo: Beaches, Blue Holes & Wrecks
Tour Includes
About the Trip
Trip Highlights
- The dazzling white sands of Champagne Beach and Port Olry, among the most beautiful beaches in the Pacific, are the glorious heart of this journey. Champagne Beach, on Santo, is one of the most beautiful beaches on earth, a perfect crescent of dazzling, soft white sand lapped by impossibly clear, warm turquoise water and framed by lush greenery, so beautiful it seems almost unreal. Nearby Port Olry is equally stunning and blissfully uncrowded, with beautiful white sand, clear water and offshore islets. You swim, relax and soak up the breathtaking beauty of these perfect beaches.
- The extraordinary crystal-clear blue holes, pools of luminous turquoise water welling up amid the jungle, are unique and magical highlights of this journey. Santo's blue holes, such as the Nanda (Jackie's), Riri and Matevulu blue holes, are among the most extraordinary natural wonders in the Pacific, pools of impossibly clear, luminous turquoise-blue freshwater welling up amid the lush jungle, so clear you seem to float on air. You swim in the cool, crystal-clear water, perhaps swinging in on a rope from the trees, and soak up the extraordinary beauty and tranquillity of these unique wonders, surrounded by rainforest. Each is more beautiful than the last.
- The world-famous SS President Coolidge and Million Dollar Point offer extraordinary history and gentle adventure, a fascinating highlight. Santo is home to the SS President Coolidge, a huge Second World War luxury-liner-turned-troopship that sank here in 1942 and now lies just off the shore, one of the world's greatest and most accessible wreck dives; snorkellers can glimpse parts of the vast wreck near the surface, while divers explore its extraordinary depths. Nearby Million Dollar Point, where the US military dumped vast quantities of equipment at war's end, offers fascinating snorkelling over jeeps, cranes and machinery encrusted with coral.
- Snorkelling Santo's pristine reefs, teeming with turtles, colourful fish and vibrant coral, reveals a beautiful underwater world, a lovely highlight. Beyond the wrecks, Santo is fringed by beautiful, pristine coral reefs, blissfully uncrowded and teeming with life. You snorkel over vibrant coral gardens alive with clouds of colourful reef fish, turtles, and vibrant coral, in warm, clear water, straight from beautiful beaches or on boat trips to offshore reefs and islets. Because Santo sees so few visitors, its reefs remain in exceptional condition. The easy, beautiful snorkelling reveals a stunning underwater world of coral and fish.
- The lush beauty and blissful, uncrowded seclusion of Espiritu Santo give this journey a profound sense of idyllic island escape, a rewarding highlight. Santo is a beautiful, lush island of rainforest, rivers, caves and dramatic landscapes, blissfully uncrowded and profoundly peaceful, where mass tourism has never taken hold. You can explore its lush interior, adventurous caves and rivers, timeless villages and warm culture, and, above all, soak up the profound peace and beauty of a place where you may have a dazzling beach or magical blue hole almost to yourself. The sense of idyllic, uncrowded island escape is deeply rewarding.
- Above all, this journey offers dazzling beaches, extraordinary natural wonders and blissful island seclusion on one of the most beautiful islands in the Pacific, an idyllic and unforgettable escape. Espiritu Santo remains blissfully uncrowded and profoundly beautiful, and over seven days you experience its full wonders, the dazzling white sands of Champagne Beach and Port Olry, the extraordinary crystal-clear blue holes, the world-famous SS President Coolidge and Million Dollar Point, and pristine reefs teeming with life, all at a relaxed island pace and wrapped in the warmth of ni-Vanuatu hospitality. The combination of dazzling beaches, unique natural wonders, fascinating history and blissful, uncrowded seclusion makes Santo utterly idyllic.
Day by Day
A detailed day-by-day plan for this 7-day journey.
Your Espiritu Santo journey begins as your flight arrives at Bauerfield Airport on Efate, where you are met with a warm ni-Vanuatu welcome and transferred to your hotel near Port Vila. Vanuatu is one of the most extraordinary and beautiful corners of the Pacific, and Santo, which you explore over the coming days, is among its most beautiful islands. Spend the rest of the day settling in and relaxing after your journey, perhaps taking a first stroll along the pretty Port Vila waterfront, with its lively market, harbour and French-influenced cafes, or relaxing by the pool. This evening, a welcome dinner introduces you to the delicious flavours of Vanuatu and to the beautiful island escape ahead on Espiritu Santo, its dazzling beaches, crystal-clear blue holes and famous wrecks. As you settle in, the warmth of ni-Vanuatu hospitality works its magic. Rest well, for tomorrow you fly to beautiful Santo.
This morning you fly to Espiritu Santo, the largest and one of the most beautiful islands in Vanuatu, famous for its dazzling beaches, crystal-clear blue holes and world-famous wrecks. On arrival you transfer to your accommodation and settle in, then, taking in the lush beauty of the island, journey to the world-famous Champagne Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches on earth, a perfect crescent of dazzling, soft white sand lapped by impossibly clear, warm turquoise water and framed by lush greenery, so beautiful it seems almost unreal. There you swim and relax on the perfect sand, soaking up the breathtaking beauty of the beach and the warm, clear water. The beauty of Champagne Beach is extraordinary. As the sun sets, you return to your accommodation, savouring the dazzling beauty of Espiritu Santo. Rest well, ready to explore more of the island's wonders tomorrow.
Today you explore the extraordinary crystal-clear blue holes of Espiritu Santo, among the most beautiful natural wonders in the Pacific. You journey to blue holes such as the Nanda (Jackie's), Riri or Matevulu, pools of impossibly clear, luminous turquoise-blue freshwater welling up amid the lush jungle, so clear you seem to float on air, magical for swimming. You swim in the cool, crystal-clear water, perhaps swinging in on a rope from the trees, and soak up the extraordinary beauty and tranquillity of these unique natural wonders, surrounded by rainforest. You might visit more than one blue hole, each more beautiful than the last, some reached by a scenic paddle along a jungle river. The beauty of the blue holes is breathtaking and unlike anywhere else. As the day ends, you return to your accommodation, having swum in the magical blue holes of Santo. Relax this evening, savouring the extraordinary beauty of the island.
Today you explore the world-famous SS President Coolidge and Million Dollar Point, extraordinary relics of the Pacific war. The Coolidge, a huge Second World War luxury-liner-turned-troopship, sank here in 1942 and now lies just off the shore, one of the world's greatest and most accessible wreck dives; snorkellers can glimpse parts of the vast wreck near the surface, while certified divers can arrange to explore its extraordinary depths. Nearby Million Dollar Point, where the US military dumped vast quantities of equipment into the sea at war's end, offers fascinating snorkelling over jeeps, cranes, bottles and machinery encrusted with coral and teeming with fish. The history and gentle adventure are fascinating. As the day ends, you return to your accommodation, having explored these extraordinary wartime relics. Relax this evening, savouring the beauty and history of Espiritu Santo.
Today you enjoy the beautiful beaches, pristine reefs and offshore islands of Espiritu Santo. You might journey to the beautiful Port Olry, a stunning beach of white sand and clear turquoise water with offshore islets, blissfully uncrowded, where you swim, relax and enjoy a delicious lunch of fresh reef fish and lobster at a beachside restaurant. You take a boat or paddle out to a beautiful offshore islet, snorkelling over pristine, uncrowded reefs teeming with turtles, colourful fish and vibrant coral in the warm, clear water, and relax on empty white sand. The beauty of the beaches and reefs, and the blissful seclusion, are captivating. As the sun sets over Santo for the last time, you enjoy a final island evening, reflecting on the dazzling beaches and extraordinary natural wonders you have experienced. Rest well, for tomorrow you fly back to Efate for departure.
This morning you bid a fond farewell to beautiful Espiritu Santo and fly back to Efate, reflecting on the dazzling beaches and extraordinary natural wonders you have experienced. On arrival you transfer to your Port Vila hotel, with the rest of the day free to relax and explore the capital. You might visit the colourful Port Vila market and waterfront, the National Museum, relax on a beautiful beach, snorkel over the reef at Hideaway Island, or do some souvenir shopping for ni-Vanuatu handicrafts and carvings. As the sun sets over Port Vila, you enjoy a relaxed final dinner, savouring the flavours and warmth of Vanuatu and reflecting on the beautiful island escape you have had on Santo. The memory of the dazzling white sands of Champagne Beach and the luminous blue holes stays vivid. Rest well ahead of your departure tomorrow, carrying home memories of one of the most beautiful islands in the Pacific.
After a final morning in Port Vila, perhaps a last stroll along the waterfront or some final souvenir shopping, you are transferred to Bauerfield Airport for your onward international departure. You leave having experienced one of the most beautiful islands in the Pacific, the dazzling white sands of Champagne Beach and Port Olry, the extraordinary crystal-clear blue holes, the world-famous SS President Coolidge and Million Dollar Point, and pristine reefs teeming with life. The images stay vivid long after you land, the dazzling white beaches, the luminous turquoise blue holes, the vast wreck, the vibrant reefs, and the warm ni-Vanuatu smiles. Espiritu Santo, one of the most beautiful and extraordinary islands in the Pacific, offers dazzling beaches, unique natural wonders and blissful island seclusion in abundance, and you depart already dreaming of a return to these beautiful, uncrowded shores.
Where You Will Travel
What's inside the package?
Inclusions
- 6 nights accommodation
- Daily breakfast, a welcome dinner and some dinners on Santo
- Airport and island transfers
- Touring, cultural visits and activities as per itinerary with expert local guides
- Domestic flights between islands as specified
- Custom village, volcano and site fees as per itinerary
- a Champagne Beach and Port Olry excursion, a blue holes tour, an SS President Coolidge and Million Dollar Point snorkelling trip, a reef snorkelling trip, and all domestic flights and transfers
Exclusions
- International airfare
- Visa or tourist card fees where applicable
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Scuba diving on the SS President Coolidge (arranged with local dive centres)
- Optional Millennium Cave trek and additional excursions
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary or inclusions
- Drinks unless specifically stated
- Optional excursions and experiences
- Personal expenses and gratuities
- Anything not specifically mentioned under Package Inclusions
Know when to go.
- Visa & entry: Most nationalities can visit Vanuatu visa-free for stays of up to 30 to 90 days with a passport valid for at least six months, onward travel and proof of accommodation; requirements can change, so we confirm the exact process for your nationality before travel
- Currency: The currency is the Vanuatu Vatu (VUV); cash is essential outside Port Vila and Luganville, as cards are accepted mainly in larger hotels and resorts. Carry Vatu for custom-village fees, markets, guides and rural areas, and change money in the main towns
- Best time to visit: The drier season (roughly May to October) is the most popular and comfortable, with pleasant, less humid weather ideal for touring, volcanoes, beaches and diving; the wetter season (November to April) is hotter and more humid with heavier rain and a cyclone risk, though it is lush and green
- Kastom & etiquette: Vanuatu has an extraordinary living traditional culture (kastom), and many villages maintain ancient customs; always ask before photographing people or ceremonies (a fee may apply), dress modestly, respect custom sites and taboos, and follow your guide's advice. Bislama, English and French are widely spoken
- Mount Yasur volcano: Tanna's Mount Yasur is one of the world's most accessible active volcanoes, and visits (usually at dusk) are arranged with local guides who monitor activity and keep to safe viewing areas; access depends on the volcano's alert level, and we follow official guidance at all times for your safety
- Getting around: Vanuatu's islands are linked by domestic flights (Air Vanuatu) and, in places, boats; touring is by 4x4 on often rough rural roads, especially on Tanna and Santo. All inter-island flights and transfers specified are arranged and included, and schedules can be flexible, part of the island adventure
- Health & malaria: Malaria is present in some lowland areas (notably Santo, Malekula and the northern islands, less so on Efate and Tanna), so anti-malarial prophylaxis and insect repellent are recommended; consult a travel clinic well ahead, ensure vaccinations are current, and take comprehensive travel insurance
- Money & power: Tipping is not traditionally expected but is appreciated for good service; bring cash for custom fees and souvenirs. Power is 220-240V with Australian-style type I plugs, so bring an adapter, and note that power and connectivity can be limited on the outer islands
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I explore the SS President Coolidge without diving?
Yes. Because the Coolidge lies close to shore and its shallowest parts are near the surface, snorkellers can glimpse parts of the vast wreck, and Million Dollar Point offers superb snorkelling over war relics in shallow water. Certified divers can arrange guided dives on the wreck itself, one of the world's greatest wreck dives, through local dive centres; we can arrange this if you wish, so let us know your experience.
What exactly are the blue holes?
The blue holes are extraordinary pools of impossibly clear, luminous turquoise-blue freshwater that well up from underground amid the lush jungle and flow to the sea. So clear that you seem to float on air, and often framed by giant banyan trees with rope swings, they are magical for swimming and among Santo's most beautiful and unique natural wonders. Some are reached by a lovely paddle along a jungle river, adding to the adventure.
What meals are included?
Daily breakfast is included, along with any meals named in the itinerary and, at remote island and volcano stays, often dinner (half or full board where dining options are limited). Vanuatu's food is fresh and delicious, reef fish, tropical produce, island vegetables cooked in the traditional lap-lap, and French-influenced cuisine in Port Vila, and we advise fully on the meal arrangements for each stage of your trip.
Are the domestic flights included?
Yes, the domestic flights between islands specified in your itinerary, on Air Vanuatu, are arranged and included, along with all airport, road and boat transfers. Vanuatu's islands are spread across the ocean, making these flights essential, and schedules can be flexible, which is part of the island adventure; we build in sensible connections and handle every detail.
Do I need a visa for Vanuatu?
Most nationalities can visit visa-free for stays of up to 30 to 90 days, with a passport valid for at least six months, onward travel and proof of accommodation. Requirements can change, so we confirm the exact, current process for your nationality before travel, so there are no surprises on arrival in the islands.
Is it safe to visit Mount Yasur volcano?
Yes, Tanna's Mount Yasur is one of the world's most accessible active volcanoes, and visits are arranged with local guides who monitor its activity and keep to designated safe viewing areas, usually at dusk when the eruptions are most spectacular. Access depends on the official alert level, and we follow official guidance at all times; it is an awesome and unforgettable, well-managed experience.
When is the best time to visit?
The drier season, roughly May to October, is the most popular and comfortable, ideal for volcanoes, beaches, diving and touring. The wetter season is hotter, greener and quieter, with heavier rain and a cyclone risk. The spectacular Pentecost land diving takes place roughly April to June. We advise on the best timing for your interests and any events you wish to see.
Can the itinerary be customised?
Absolutely. We can adjust the balance of volcanoes, culture, beaches, diving and island time across Efate, Tanna, Santo, Pentecost and beyond, time your trip to the land diving, add or extend islands, and tailor the pace, comfort and budget to you. Every itinerary is a flexible starting point for your ideal Vanuatu adventure.
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