Port Olry, Vanuatu: Where the Coconut Highway Ends

Updated 10th June 2026.

A coconut tree-lined highway that ends with the aqua waters and white sand of a tropical beach. This is Port Olry on the island of Espiritu Santo, and it’s Vanuatu at its finest.

Technically, it wasn’t entirely deserted. No more than twenty metres from the coconut tree I was watching sway gently in the breeze, a well-fed cow was taking a siesta beneath the shade of a large banyan tree. I didn’t mind sharing this paradise with a few cows who seemed content to mind their own business.

Having been fortunate enough to visit French Polynesia a few years earlier, this is what I imagine it looked like before the luxury resorts arrived. The best thing about Port Olry, though, is that the locals haven’t allowed that to happen here. With a flight time of less than three hours from Brisbane, this slice of paradise feels like one of the South Pacific’s best-kept secrets.

I swayed gently in a hammock at Chez Louis Restaurant overlooking the beach. Trillian, who was nearly two years old at the time, happily lay beside me, which was unusual. I wasn’t sure whether it was the location, the gentle swaying, or the biscuit I’d given her. Most likely the biscuit.

The top-quality lunch of fresh crab, chips and salad I’d just enjoyed ensured I was far too full to move, so the snorkelling we’d planned would have to wait.

Where is Port Olry?

Port Olry is located on the north-east coast of Espiritu Santo, around an hour’s drive from the island’s main town of Luganville.

Getting there is easy. There is essentially one main road running through Santo, making it difficult to get lost. In fact, you’ll know you’ve arrived when the sealed road gives way to dirt and the coconut palms begin lining the approach to the village.

Port Olry remains largely self-sufficient. For many years the village operated without mains electricity, relying on solar power and coconut oil-generated electricity. The community includes a school, church, small stores and several locally owned accommodation options.

How to get to Port Olry

Most visitors arrive in Santo via Pekoa International Airport in Luganville. From there, Port Olry is around a one-hour drive.

Hiring a car is the easiest way to explore the island and visit attractions such as Port Olry, Champagne Beach, Million Dollar Point and the SS President Coolidge at your own pace.

Alternatively, some local tour operators offer day trips that include Port Olry as part of a wider Santo sightseeing itinerary.

Why visit Port Olry?

Port Olry offers something that is becoming increasingly difficult to find in tropical destinations – simplicity.

There are no resorts, no crowded beach clubs and no large commercial developments. Instead, you’ll find swaying coconut palms, calm turquoise water, friendly locals and a beach that feels wonderfully untouched.

It’s the kind of place where lunch is caught fresh from the ocean, children can play safely in the shallows and the loudest sound you’ll hear is the gentle rustle of palm fronds overhead.

Whether you’re visiting for a few hours or a few days, Port Olry provides a glimpse of the South Pacific as it once was.

---

Things to do in Port Olry

---

Relax on the beach

The main attraction is undoubtedly the beach itself. Soft white sand and calm, crystal-clear water make it one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline on Espiritu Santo.

Enjoy a seafood lunch

Several small beachfront restaurants serve fresh local seafood. Chez Louis is one of the best-known spots and offers a relaxed setting complete with hammocks overlooking the water.

Go snorkelling

The clear waters around Port Olry provide excellent snorkelling opportunities. Coral reefs and tropical fish can often be found just offshore.

Explore the nearby islands

At low tide, it’s possible to walk across to several small offshore islands. These make a fun adventure for older children and offer additional snorkelling opportunities.

Slow down

Perhaps the best activity in Port Olry is simply doing nothing at all. Find a hammock, order a fresh coconut and enjoy the view.

---

Accommodation in Port Olry

Accommodation in and around Port Olry consists primarily of simple, family-run bungalows. While they may lack luxury touches, they more than make up for it with character and location.

Many feature traditional thatched roofs and are located just steps from the beach. Watching an afternoon tropical storm roll through from the comfort of a bungalow veranda was one of my favourite memories from Santo.

During our visit, we stayed at Lonnoc Beach Bungalows, located around ten minutes from Port Olry itself. The bungalows offered comfortable beds, mosquito nets, flushing toilets and cold showers.

You won’t find televisions, air conditioning or stocked minibars here, but that’s part of the appeal. The simplicity helps visitors disconnect from everyday life and reconnect with nature.

For those seeking more facilities, it’s possible to stay in Luganville and visit Port Olry as a day trip.

Tree house bungalows

Our accommodation was already booked at Lonnoc Beach Bungalows, but I couldn’t help noticing the simple beachfront accommodation available near Chez Louis Restaurant.

The longing was real when I spotted a tree house bungalow sitting just metres from the shoreline. Waking up to views across the turquoise water from one of these elevated bungalows would be hard to beat.

Port Olry vs Champagne Beach

Port Olry and Champagne Beach are often compared because both rank among the most beautiful beaches on Espiritu Santo.

Champagne Beach is Santo’s most famous beach and is often visited on organised tours. You may also be asked to pay to use the beach while you are there, although this seems a bit hit-and-miss. While undeniably stunning, it can be busier during peak periods. If you visit at the same time as a cruise ship, you’ll likely find a pop-up market.

Port Olry, on the other hand, offers a more local and authentic atmosphere, with accommodation, restaurants and a working village nearby. It feels lived in and welcoming.

If time allows, visit both. They each offer a different experience and are highlights of any trip to Espiritu Santo.

Is Port Olry worth visiting?

Absolutely.

While Santo is famous for attractions such as Million Dollar Point, the SS President Coolidge and the Blue Holes, Port Olry delivers something completely different. It is a place to slow down, switch off and simply enjoy one of the most beautiful beaches in Vanuatu.

Whether you’re stopping for lunch, spending the day swimming and snorkelling, or staying overnight in a beachfront bungalow, Port Olry deserves a place on every Santo itinerary.

Port Olry with kids

Port Olry is a fantastic destination for families.

The water is warm, clear and calm, making it ideal for younger children who aren’t confident swimmers yet. Little ones can play safely in the sand while parents relax nearby.

The local restaurants may have limited menus, but you’ll still find family-friendly options such as hot chips, fresh fruit and smoothies, making it easy to keep fussy eaters happy.

Older children will enjoy the snorkelling and exploring the small offshore islands at low tide. While they may not appreciate the lack of WiFi, parents might see that as a bonus.

Port Olry is one of those rare places that encourages families to unplug, slow down and spend quality time together.

---

Frequently Asked Questions

---

Where to next?

---

📌 Save this article to Pinterest so you’ll have it handy when planning your own trip.