Things to do on the island of Espiritu Santo in Vanuatu
The Island of Espiritu Santo is the largest in Vanuatu and a great choice for unplugging, fun and relaxation. With no crowds, you won’t have to fight for space at any of the stunning beaches and there are some really cool things to do here in Santo. Let me tell you about them!
Here are 10 wonderful things to do in Santo Vanuatu
Snorkel over dumped military vehicles at Million Dollar Point
This is one of the coolest things you can do in Santo Vanuatu!
Seven decades ago, the US Army dumped equipment worth millions of dollars not far from the shoreline at what is today known as, Million Dollar Point. It’s hard not to be enthralled snorkelling over the brightly coloured fish swimming around barely submerged tractors and other machinery.
Younger kids can still enjoy Million Dollar Point as well. There is plenty of sand to play in and grass to picnic on. When the tide is low, they can stroll around discovering relics in the sand.
Stroll around the Luganville Markets
The local produce market in Luganville (the main town in Santo Vanuatu) is a fantastic place to stock up on fresh-from-the-farm produce. The locally grown peanuts and coconuts are divine! It’s open seven days a week until just after lunch.
Don’t worry about the kids being bored as there is plenty of grass for them to run around on. Close by is the Sarakata River and the remains of the steel sea walls built during WWII.
Take a trip over to Freshwater Plantation on Aore Island
Freshwater Plantation is located on Aore Island and is accessed by a short five-minute boat trip from the outskirts of Luganville. It’s worth a visit just to have lunch at the upmarket Plantation House restaurant.
However, if you take the time to go on the ‘plantation ramble’ tour, you won’t regret it. Check out our experience with the kids here: Organic Chocolate Bliss at Freshwater Plantation.
The lush green gardens are a delight and you can stroll through crops of organic cacao and coffee, learning about some of the unique plants on the island that were used by the soldiers in WWII to fight infections and heal wounds.
An ancient giant banyan tree and lush vegetable garden are equally fascinating. Kids will love the bat cave, complete with a suspension bridge, and there is an opportunity to feed and cuddle baby animals on the farm.
After your tour and lunch, go for a quick dip near the wharf (or jump off the floating platform) before heading back over to Santo. Make sure to try the chocolate bliss balls made from organically grown ingredients on site before you leave.
Check out the Freshwater Plantation Website for more information.
Take a ride with Santo Horse Adventures
Out of all the things to do in Santo Vanuatu, this is one experience that you’ll be talking about for years after you return home.
Santo Horse Adventures is primarily a horse rescue facility. Megan, the founder, has personally rescued and rehabilitated all of the horses herself and the ride is a unique experience from the moment you arrive at the rustic western-style ranch.
The trail ride takes you through the tropical rain forest, lush green jungle, a pretty freshwater creek mangrove tunnel and out into the aqua blue waters of Lope Lope Beach.
Suitable for both first-time and experienced riders, kids will need to be over six years of age to do the trail ride. Pony rides are available for younger children.
Santo Horse Adventures is located about 10 minutes from Luganville heading down the east coast road. Contact Megan-Jane Lockyer for bookings:
- Email: santohorseadventures@gmail.com
- Check out the Facebook page here.
This is one of my top three things to do in Santo Vanuatu!
Jump into Nanda Blue Hole
Nanda Blue Hole is one of Santo’s stunning freshwater blue holes accessible to tourists in Vanuatu. Both kids and adults will enjoy swimming in the cool jewel-coloured waters here.
There are quite a few fish around the edges of the crystal clear water hole so if you have a snorkel, it’s worth bringing it along. Although, at 13 metres deep, young kids that aren’t yet confident swimmers will need floaties.
There is a boardwalk to picnic on, platforms to jump off, modern toilets, a café and a gift shop. All of this is surrounded by beautifully kept gardens.
This is one of my top three things to do in Santo Vanuatu!
Swing into Riri Blue Hole
Riri Blue hole is another stunning freshwater blue hole in Santo Vanuatu. Due to how unique both blue holes are, it’s definitely worth a visit to both.
Riri Blue hole is surrounded by lush green jungle in its natural state, complete with hanging vines and wildlife. There is a jumping platform and swing rope if you dare. If you’re lucky, there might be some local kids willing to show you how it’s done.
Unplug at Lonnoc Beach
If you’re not already staying in the bungalows here, make a day of it and visit the lovely sandy floor restaurant at Lonnoc Beach Bungalows. This beach is great for little kids as the water is sheltered and calm with a nice stretch of sand. Kayaks are free to use if you’re staying here however, day visitors will need to hire them.
Find Lonnoc Beach around one hours drive from Luganville on the East Coast Road. If you reach Port Olry and the road turns to gravel, you’ve missed the turn-off. Just backtrack 10 minutes and you will see a sign pointing down a dirt road for both Lonnoc Beach and Champagne Beach.
This is one of the most beautiful beaches in Santo Vanuatu.
Swim at Champagne Beach
The cruise ships dock regularly at this pretty, curved beach in Santo Vanuatu and if you visit on a cruise ship day, you will experience the vibrant market that greets the disembarking passengers. Visiting on any other day ensures you’ll be sharing the beach with just one or two others and possibly a stray cow or pig.
There is a 500VT entry fee per adult (young kids are free) and it is located a further 500m down a dirt road from Lonnoc Beach. The green grass, stunning aqua blue water and white sand should be enough to keep the kids occupied.
Pay a visit to Port Olry
Port Olry has one of the most picturesque beaches in Santo Vanuatu and due to the fantastic snorkelling in the calm waters, it’s great for all ages. If you’re not staying in the area, you can set up for the day at Chez Louis Restaurant and swing in the hammock whilst watching the kids play in the sand.
When the tide is low, wade across to the neighbouring islands for even more snorkelling. Once you arrive, you won’t want to leave. Don’t say I didn’t warn you!
This is one of my top three things to do in Santo, Vanuatu!
Hire a car and ride in the back
Do as the locals do and travel in the back of the ute whilst exploring the island. Ok, this isn’t entirely safe. But this is how the locals travel and it’s fun for both older kids and adults. Pull over at any of the beaches that are frequented by local kids and you will have some instant friends to practice flipping in the water with.
Cars can be hired through either of the following:
Freshwater Plantation: Phone +678 37366 or email info@freshwater.vu
The Espiritu Hotel & Car Rentals: Phone +678 37539 or email book@the-espiritu.com
Looking for more awesome family holiday destinations?
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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.
Great to learn more about a lesser-known destination – thanks for sharing!