24 Best Things to Do on Espiritu Santo

If you've heard anything about Santo, chances are that it has some unreal swimming spots known as "blue holes". As good as any is the Riri Blue Hole.

This stunning natural wonder offers a magical journey along the translucent Ri Ri River, where unbelievably crystal-clear waters transition from emerald green to brilliant azure blue as you paddle deeper into the jungle.

The adventure begins with a peaceful 45-minute paddle or outrigger canoe ride through mangrove-lined waterways that feel like a portal to another world. Unlike other blue holes across Santo, the water here maintains exceptional clarity throughout the journey, allowing you to see straight to the bottom despite its considerable depth.

Upon arrival, you'll find yourself surrounded by lush jungle with platforms for easy access, plus facilities including bathrooms and changing areas thoughtfully provided by locals. The blue hole itself features a swing rope for those seeking a bit of adventure, though the overall atmosphere encourages languid soaks, a little snorkelling if you have the gear, and a moment to embrace the beauty of this hidden grove.

A blue hole that brings the fun factor, Matevulu Blue Hole is only moments away from Riri Blue Hole.

Here, crystal-clear waters plunge 18 m (59 ft) deep yet remain so transparent you can see the bottom.

The journey itself is part of the magic, where you can kayak through pristine jungle waterways from nearby resorts, watching the water transform from ocean blue to the ethereal turquoise that gives this blue hole its fame.

Upon arrival, you'll find a rustic welcome centre with an honesty box entry fee of around VT$1,000 (bring cash), plus basic facilities including restrooms and lounging areas. The star attraction is an enormous banyan tree on the water's edge, complete with rope swings and a metal staircase for easy access to the highest launching points.

The blue hole also features a thrilling water slide that requires a bucket of water for the smoothest ride down. Snorkelling reveals an underwater wonderland where tropical fish glide through shafts of sunlight piercing the deep blue depths, creating an almost otherworldly diving experience.

Vanuatu offers world-class diving experiences that'll leave you breathless (once you surface, of course). The waters around the archipelago are home to spectacular underwater worlds.

The crown jewel is, of course, the SS President Coolidge, the world's largest accessible shipwreck. This former luxury liner, sunk during WW2, offers incredible dives for all skill levels. You'll explore massive decks, cargo holds and unique features like "The Lady" statue.

Million Dollar Point presents a fascinating slice of history where WWII equipment, trucks, tyres and tools, was dumped and now lie covered in vibrant marine life and coral formations.

For coral experiences, sites like Ratarata Reef, Tutuba Island and Aore Island boast stunning coral gardens teeming with turtles, barracuda and incredible swim-throughs.

Choose from our 10 Best Dive Shops & Operators in Vanuatu LINK#TTD105 to plan your underwater adventure.

Location: All over Espiritu Santo. See the link above for recommendations and their locations.

Price Range: $$$$

Speaking of scuba adventures, a site that's highly accessible but eerily intriguing, Million Dollar Point is a scattering of World War Two memorabilia along the south coast of Santo.

This isn't just a beach; it's an underwater museum born from one of World War Two's most spiteful decisions.

In 1945, when French colonial authorities refused to buy surplus American military equipment at six cents on the dollar (thinking they'd get it for free), the Americans responded with remarkable pettiness. For two solid days, they dumped millions of dollars' worth of trucks, bulldozers, tractors, jeeps and even Coca-Cola bottles into the sea near Luganville.

Today, Million Dollar Point offers visitors the extraordinary sight of this underwater military graveyard just metres from shore. You can explore through snorkelling, scuba diving or even reef walking at low tide, discovering everything from bulldozers to bottles scattered across the ocean floor and rocky coastline.

The Ni-Vanuatu culture is extremely accessible and holds many fascinating traditions, many of which you can witness at Leweton Cultural Village.

This remarkable village has been meticulously constructed using only traditional methods; no nails or modern tools in sight.

You'll witness captivating traditional dancing, participate in a genuine kava ceremony, and be mesmerised by the famous water music performed by talented ladies from the Banks Islands.

The experience also features an authentic fire-making demonstration, vibrant traditional costumes, and rhythmic tamtam drumming that will have you moving to the beat.

Typically with two shows daily, one in the morning and another after lunch, you can easily fit this cultural immersion into your itinerary.

One of Santo's most spectacular land adventures, the Millennium Cave Tour takes you through Santo's incredible rugged heart.

This isn't for the faint-hearted, but those ready for a proper adventure will trek through dense tropical forest before descending into the massive cave system to scramble over ancient rocks and boulders. The expedition culminates with a refreshing river swim in a stunning waterfall canyon, making this one of Santo's most rewarding land excursions.

Your guide will meet you at the traditional nakamal building in Funaspef Village, where they'll explain the route using detailed maps before providing essential equipment including torches, life jackets and flotation aids. The 15-minute walk through coconut plantations and across bamboo bridges offers a perfect warm-up for the underground adventure ahead.

A much less demanding "canyoning" adventure, Santo Heritage Tours offers a tubing waterfall experience at the Mt Hope Waterfall.

This half-day river adventure offers the perfect combination of relaxation and exploration as you float down the serene Sarakata River to reach the stunning Mt Hope Waterfall. Unlike the more strenuous Millennium Cave Tour, this gentler alternative provides similar river-floating thrills without the physical demands.

The journey begins with a scenic 4WD drive through vast cattle pastures before reaching the river entry point. Once kitted out with life jackets, you'll float downstream through sections of gentle current, using the feet-first technique to navigate safely.

The highlight is reaching the magnificent waterfall where sheets of water cascade down limestone slopes flat enough for climbing and exploration. After conquering the falls, a short 15-20 minute rainforest walk completes the adventure before returning to your accommodation.

Santo's most iconic beach, Champagne Beach offers a glorious sandy bay that is beloved by many.

The beach features everything you could hope for: a stunning horseshoe-shaped bay with powdery white sand and crystal-clear blue waters.

While it can get busy with cruise ship passengers (hence some overhyped reviews), the beach truly shines during quieter moments when you can appreciate its natural beauty.

The beach offers excellent facilities, including toilets, shade areas, and the Champagne Bar, where you can enjoy food and drinks at reasonable prices. The usual entry fees apply, although there is a greater charge for cars. We recommend parking further back and walking to avoid vehicle fees if travelling light.

On cruise days, temporary souvenir shops pop up, adding to the bustling atmosphere, but don't let this deter you from experiencing one of Vanuatu's most picturesque coastal spots.

If you want to avoid overrated beaches, Lonnoc Beach is a much quieter and more affordable alternative.

In the shadow of the neighbouring Champagne Beach, some prefer Lonnoc Beach as the more peaceful sister. This beautiful coastal setting off the east coast boasts all white sand with turquoise water and views of Elephant Island.

Lonnoc Beach Bungalows accepts day visitors for a small fee and can offer kayaking tours, typically to neighbouring Champagne Beach.

The secluded nature of this beach makes it perfect for those seeking tranquillity away from the crowds, while the gleaming waters provide excellent opportunities for swimming and snorkelling.

There's something utterly magical about exploring Santo on horseback, especially when you are cantering along paradisical beaches with turquoise waters stretching endlessly before you and the balmy breeze in your hair.

You'll meander through local villages where friendly faces wave from doorways, and witness some of the most breathtaking vistas Santo has to offer.

Never been on a horse before? Don't worry, this tropical paradise is the perfect place to give it a go.

You've got three fantastic options to choose from. Santo Horse Adventures is an incredibly professional operation that takes you on unforgettable trail rides through lush rainforest, swaying coconut plantations and those picture-perfect beaches we can't get enough of.

Port Olry Horserides offers something special too; locally-run adventures that wind through the charming francophone fishing village, complete with spectacular mountain trail rides that'll have you reaching for your camera every few minutes.

But if you're after something truly unique, Ratua Island Resort delivers an experience you'll never forget. After exploring this stunning island paradise, you'll have the chance to swim bareback with your horse in an emerald lagoon.

For more details, check out the 10 Best Horse Riding Tours in Vanuatu LINK#TTD080.

Location: All over Espiritu Santo. See the link above for recommendations and their locations.

Price Range: $$$$

A fantastic museum covering the Pacific theatre of World War Two, The South Pacific WWII Museum is well worth checking out.

Your visit kicks off with the museum's significant location, where tranquil coconut plantations were once transformed into Base Button, the largest military base in the South Pacific during World War II.

This small museum preserves the legacy of over 500,000 service members who passed through Vanuatu during the war, showcasing an extensive collection of World War II memorabilia and artefacts.

Founded by passionate locals, the museum honours the birthplace of "Tales of the South Pacific" and the legendary heroism of aviators, soldiers and sailors. Plans are underway to create a larger, world-class facility that will preserve this remarkable history for future generations of Ni-Vanuatu and visitors worldwide.

That's right, you can enjoy island-living straight off the coast of Luganville by taking one of the resort ferries to Aore Island.

You'll experience tropical island tranquillity just 10 minutes by ferry from Luganville.

Both Aore Island Resort and Freshwater Plantation offer complimentary transfers and recreational equipment, including fat wheel bikes, stand-up paddleboards and kayaks for exploring the lush terrain and pristine waters.

Cultural enthusiasts will love the daily island classes where you can learn traditional weaving, make fresh coconut milk or discover ancient stories through sand drawing—a wonderful way to immerse yourself in Vanuatu's rich heritage at an unhurried pace.

What's more, both resorts have restaurants so you don't even need to pack lunch!

Surf, snorkel or just chill in private island beauty on the Dany Island Day Trip.

This untouched gem offers over 1.2 million m² (4.6 million ft²) of vibrant coral reefs teeming with tropical fish, all just metres from palm-fringed white sand beaches.

The island is renowned for its exceptional snorkelling opportunities at perfect depths for crystal-clear visibility, making it suitable for all ages with easy shoreline access. Giant sea turtles call Dany Island home, regularly nesting on the beaches and swimming alongside visitors in the pristine waters.

Your day tour includes convenient transfers from any Santo accommodation or cruise ship, plus a scenic 10-minute boat ride to the island. Once there, you'll have access to snorkelling gear, kayaks and surfboards, with the northern tip boasting Santo's best surf break LINK#TTD115.

A delicious BBQ lunch is served on the island, complete with full facilities including toilets and showers.

Delve into the lush forests of Santo to spot all sorts of birds and native plant species on a guided walk at Loru Conservation Area.

The traditional Serakar Clan have successfully protected over 200 ha (494 acres) from deforestation through innovative carbon credit programmes.

This remarkable conservation success story offers visitors the chance to explore several excellent nature walks through remnant rainforest that connects the community with the sea. Forest walks allow you to encounter some of the 24 bird species living here, including five endemic varieties like the megapod bird, spot coconut crabs in their natural habitat, and discover a fascinating bat cave that doubles as the villagers' cyclone shelter.

The guided walks, lasting approximately 30 minutes, showcase flying fox sanctuaries and native fruit trees planted specifically to ensure endemic birds have adequate food sources. According to locals, this community-driven conservation effort ensures future generations will witness these unique species that would otherwise be lost to land-clearing and large-scale agriculture.

You didn't think we were done with Santo's blue holes, did you? Nanda Blue Hole is a popular choice among locals.

The blue hole features jumping platforms on either side where you can leap into the pristine water or simply relax and soak up the peaceful atmosphere.

There's an abundance of tropical fish that swim around the platforms, making it perfect for snorkelling amongst the beautiful limestone formations that line the hole's edges.

As a bonus, you can swim to the right through a shallow sandy area to access Thar Blue Hole, though, on the rare occasion that a custodian is present, you'll need to pay another entry fee.

The facility includes convenient change rooms, restrooms and a bar serving refreshing drinks, though no food.

And another blue hole to tick off the list, Thar Blue Hole is right next to Nanda Blue Hole.

This smaller, quieter blue hole provides pristine waters perfect for a refreshing dip without the crowds.

You can access Thar Blue Hole by swimming through the shallow sandy area from Nanda Blue Hole, making it an easy addition to your blue hole adventure. The facility features a jetty and deck area, though they're a bit weathered, adding to the rustic charm of this hidden gem.

Operated by a different custodian than its famous neighbour, Thar Blue Hole maintains its own character and peaceful atmosphere.

At the end of the east coast road, Port Olry Beach is your grand finale and provides a good excuse to check out the rest of the east coast highlights on this list.

The journey to Port Olry is as memorable as the destination itself, following a scenic coconut tree-lined road that builds anticipation for the spectacular beach reveal.

Once there, you'll find Chez Louis' Restaurant perfectly positioned for extended relaxation sessions. You'll want to place your order with plenty of time to spare, then dive into the inviting waters or chat with friendly locals while you wait.

Watch traditional dugout canoes glide across the lagoon as local fishermen return with their daily catch. The peaceful atmosphere is occasionally shared with curious cattle seeking shade under nearby banyan trees, creating charmingly unexpected moments that epitomise the laid-back island lifestyle.

A foodie and cultural experience all wrapped up into one, the Luganville Market is worth a quick visit.

This vibrant marketplace bursts with an incredible array of fresh fruits and vegetables, all grown locally and harvested with care. The friendly vendors are usually happy to share stories about their produce and offer samples of exotic fruits you may have never encountered before.

The market truly comes alive on Monday mornings when the selection is at its peak, making it the perfect time to experience the authentic local atmosphere. From familiar tropical staples to unique island varieties, you'll discover flavours that capture the essence of Vanuatu's fertile lands.

The warm hospitality of the local people creates an inviting environment where cultural exchange happens naturally over conversations about cooking tips and the like.

Head west from Luganville and you have a couple of stunning cascades to discover, starting with the Tuffuntari Waterfall.

Just 40 minutes from Luganville, this locally-owned gem welcomes visitors to spend anywhere from an hour to a full day immersed in nature's finest display.

The experience begins with a short walk alongside the kastom owner (local host), who typically shares fascinating insights about Vanuatu's traditional way of life.

Whether you choose to swim in the crystal-clear pools, explore the surrounding tropical landscape, or simply relax while listening to the cascading water, this waterfall delivers pure tranquillity.

Entry costs approximately VT$1,000 per person, and calling ahead ensures your host is ready to greet you upon arrival.

According to our very own travel manager, Robin, reef shoes are recommended for those with sensitive feet, though they're not essential.

Another fantastic cultural experience, Beterihi Cultural Activity Park gives a fascinating glimpse into Ni-Van life.

You'll be warmly welcomed by the village chief and immersed in vibrant traditions that have been preserved for generations.

This interactive cultural park allows you to wander at your own pace, taking in captivating sights, sounds and aromas that define island life. Watch mesmerising traditional dance performances and cultural demonstrations, but come prepared to participate – you might find yourself invited to join the festivities!

Witness the traditional preparation of local food and kava, marvel at intricate weaving techniques passed down through generations, and observe skilled artisans creating detailed wood carvings and sand drawings. The experience also includes fascinating displays of WW2 memorabilia, black magic demonstrations and insights into local medicine and healing plants.

Also known as the Hala Blue Hole, the Hog Harbour Blue Hole is lesser-known but no less beautiful.

This stunning natural swimming lagoon offers something truly special amongst Santo's collection of blue holes: a direct connection to the ocean.

Located along the northern coastline, this hidden gem requires a bit of adventure to reach. You'll spot a small hut and seating area on the right side of the road, marking the entrance to a track that leads down to the pristine swimming lagoon below.

The crystal-clear waters provide excellent snorkelling opportunities, whilst the surrounding tropical vegetation creates an intimate, secluded atmosphere.

Unlike the more popular blue holes on the island, this spot remains relatively untouched by mass tourism.

Bringing together cultures from across the islands, Pui Culture Tour is Luganville's cultural hidden gem.

This half-day cultural immersion showcases the customs and practices of Wala Rano from nearby Malekula, and trust us, you'll be hooked from the moment warriors welcome you onto the property with traditional songs.

Picture this: you're seated on beautifully handcrafted hardwood and bamboo benches, watching four mesmerising traditional dances led by the chief himself. The rhythmic beats of tamtam drums fill the air while ornate feather headdresses catch the light.

What we particularly love is how the knowledgeable guides explain every song, action and custom dress. You're not just watching a performance; you're gaining genuine insights.

The experience goes far beyond dance. You'll witness traditional and contemporary skills displays, including a delightful local "magic" show, copra harvesting demonstrations and fascinating bird trapping techniques. The WW2 artefacts and custom pottery displays add another layer of depth that we found absolutely fascinating.

Finally, you'll about the significance of animals in Vanuatu society while feeding local fish, parrots, pigs, chickens and even snakes (don't worry, they're perfectly safe!).

You'll find Pui Lodge and Tours in Luganville on Espiritu Santo, conveniently located near the Showgrounds area and cruise ship terminal.

Step into a world where ancient traditions come alive through the captivating sounds of water and the rhythmic storytelling of dance at this unforgettable cultural experience of Torgor Flower Garden & Water Music Tour.

Experience the sacred traditions of the Banks Islands at this enchanting one-hour cultural showcase set within a lush tropical garden. Watch in awe as local women perform the mesmerising Water Music from Gaua, using only their hands beneath the water to recreate sounds ranging from gentle rain to thundering waterfalls.

This authentic performance is followed by traditional men's dances from the northern Banks Islands, telling ancient stories through movement and rhythm. The experience concludes with a traditional kava ceremony where you'll witness the root being ground and processed before enjoying a tasting of this culturally significant drink.

As you sip your kava, explore the stunning flower garden bursting with vibrant tropical blooms, whilst enjoying fresh fruit refreshments and browsing unique locally-made handicrafts.

Hit all the major highlights with Santo's premier tour operator, Atmosphere Tours.

This spectacular day tour takes you to Santo's most breathtaking attractions, making it one of the most effortless ways to experience the island's incredible diversity.

Your adventure begins at the stunning Nanda Blue Hole (also known as Jacquie's Blue Hole), one of Vanuatu's most magical natural swimming pools. The welcoming local family who owns this wonder absolutely loves sharing it with visitors, and their genuine hospitality makes the experience even more special.

Next, you'll head to world-famous Champagne Beach, where the pristine white sand literally squeaks beneath your feet. The jungle-fringed coastline provides perfect protection from any weather, so you can enjoy this slice of paradise no matter what.

The journey continues at Million Dollar Point, where fascinating wartime history comes alive as you explore shores scattered with military equipment remnants embedded in coral and rocks. Bring a mask and snorkel if you want to get that "wreck dive" experience while still only snorkelling.

Your final stop is the charming former Francophone town of Port Olry, home to 1,300 residents and renowned for its lush green hills, crystal-clear waters and stunning white sand beaches. Hotel and cruise ship transfers are included, along with seasonal fresh fruit refreshments throughout the day.