Espiritu Santo

Espiritu Santo (also just Santo) is in the largest island in Vanuatu.

Cities

• 1 Luganville. The largest town on the island.

Other destinations

Understand

Get in

• 1 Santo-Pekoa International Airport. (SON IATA), direct flights from Brisbane, provided by Air Vanuatu.  

Get around

See

Diving

Espiritu Santo is a diver's paradise with a multitude of sites and wrecks. Its most famous wreck, the President Coolidge, is known for being the largest accessible wreck dive in the world. It is a fascinating ship with a dual history as a luxury cruise liner and a military transport vessel and the wreck retains evidence of both lives. It requires experience experience with deep dives and wreck penetration to safely explore. The wreck is so large that there is anecdotal evidence of divers getting lost inside and having to rely on strategically placed emergency oxygen bottles to escape.

Another famous (and less intimidating) dive site is Million Dollar Point where the United States military dumped all of its equipment into the sea after WWII. Divers and snorkelers can enjoy exploring sunken tanks, jeeps, aircraft and millions of 1940s coke bottles.

Bush Walking

Millennium Cave is another attraction. Only found in 2000, tourists can make the trek to this large bat-filled cave and then relax while tubing back to their starting point along a lazy river. Wear old clothing, sturdy shoes, and realize that there is an active bat colony which will crap on you. Remember that you can wash back at your bungalow and enjoy the experience.

Trekkers and nature walkers have numerous options, including several multiday treks. Ask around in Luganville for tour operators and guides.

Beaches

• 1 Lonnoc Beach (about an hour north of Luganville by road). One of the most scenic places on the island. Crystal clear waters, ideal for snorkelling. 

• 2 Champagne Beach (adjacent to Lonnoc Beach, about an hour north of Luganville by road). Often quoted as being the most beautiful beach in the South Pacific. Watch out since it gets invaded when the cruise ships come to call. There are many other beautiful and isolated beaches. Sharks have been known to attack swimmers and there are some dangerous currents so be sure to ask the locals before jumping in. 

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