Don’t miss these beautiful Blue Holes in Santo, Vanuatu
I am no stranger to amazing swimming spots and I can honestly say that the Blue Holes on the island of Espiritu Santo in Vanuatu are really special.
I have swum under a stunning seven-tiered waterfall in Thailand, surrounded by lush green jungle and cheeky monkeys. My body has lazily floated in the impossibly aqua blue lagoon of Bora Bora and other islands in French Polynesia. I have splashed around in outback waterholes in the shade of jaw-dropping gorges in Central Australia.
New Caledonia? Tick. Hawaii? You bet. I was even fortunate enough to spend my childhood swimming in the beautiful lakes of K’gari (Fraser Island). So when I say the Blue Holes in Vanuatu are special, I really mean it.
However, unlike the majority of these other amazing swimming spots, getting to the island of Espiritu Santo is easy peasy. It’s only a two-and-a-half-hour direct flight from Brisbane, Australia.
What are the Blue Holes in Santo, Vanuatu?
The Blue Holes in Santo, Vanuatu are naturally occurring freshwater springs that have formed due to the island’s unique geology. When it rains, water from the mountain range on the Western part of the island flows underground into limestone caves. This corrodes the limestone and creates underground streams. Eventually, these streams find their way back to the Eastern side of the island.
By the time the water resurges back to the surface, it has been filtered underground through the limestone and is close to pure. This combined with the depth creates the jewel colour blue of the water.
Which Blue Hole should I visit in Santo, Vanuatu?
There are three main blue holes that are open to tourists on the island of Santo, Vanuatu. They are all located on the picturesque coconut tree-lined east coast road so you will need to hire a car or organise a driver to visit them.
Riri Blue Hole
Even though Riri Blue Hole wasn’t the clearest when we visited due to recent rain, it was by far my favourite. I instantly fell in love with the jungle surroundings. The entry fee was 500VT per adult with no charge for the kids. There are toilets and a picnic area and in general, the whole area is lush green and in its beautiful natural state. This means you should slap on some insect repellent!
Nanda Blue Hole
Nanda Blue Hole was the most stunning blue out of all three blue holes in Santo, Vanuatu. I could see the bottom of the full 13-metre depth clear as day when I was floating on top looking down with my snorkel. Whilst it’s not like snorkelling over a coral reef, there are quite a few fish around the edges to watch.
The water here is also cold and like Riri Blue Hole, it’s easier just to jump in and get it over and done with.
The entry fee here is 1000VT per adult and again, we were not charged for the kids. Whilst the blue hole is surrounded by beautiful greenery, there is more infrastructure here including a boardwalk, modern toilets, a cafe and picnic shelters. The greenery here has more of a rainforest feel than the jungle feel of Riri Blue Hole.
Matevulu Blue Hole
Matevulu Blue Hole in Santo, Vanuatu was the one that got away! Unfortunately, our time passed too quickly and we didn’t get a chance to visit this one. What a pity, we’ll have to come back!
Why the Blue Holes are important
The blue holes in Santo, Vanuatu are a freshwater source for the local villages. So do your bit, take any trash with you that you bring in and try not to pollute the water with chemical sunscreen and moisturisers.
Also, don’t pee in the water!
Visiting the Blue Holes in Vanuatu with kids
Kids and adults of all ages will love the Vanuatu Blue Holes. There are jumping platforms (both rickety and solid) and swing ropes for the brave. Due to the depth of the water, young kids or those that are not confident swimmers will need some kind of flotation device.
The lush green jungle-like scenery is part of what makes the Blue Holes in Santo, Vanuatu so special but the downside to this is mosquitoes. Make sure to pack some repellent!
There are usually a few local kids hanging around willing to show you the best way to leap into the Blue Holes.
Looking for more awesome family holiday destinations?
For more information on visiting Vanuatu, head on over to our Vanuatu page. Alternatively, jump back to the home page for inspiration on Australia and destinations worldwide.
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Resources for booking your holiday to Vanuatu
Flights
Try comparing airlines on Trip.com or check out Air Vanuatu’s specials.
Accommodation
Compare accommodation on the Island of Espiritu Santo here.
