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The Espiritu Santo Region

Located 1750 kilometers North East from the mainland of Australia rests an archipelago of islands in volcanic origin – the islands of Vanuatu. It’s an untouched utopia of pristine beaches, electric blue lagoons and plenty of warm smiles. Vanuatu consists of eighty-three smaller islands and is easily accessible via a 2.5-hour Direct flight from Brisbane or 3.5 hour flight from Sydney. It’s incredible to think that a paradise so raw and rich in natural beauty hasn’t succumbed to the hands of commercial tourism.

You’ll likely fly into Port Vila or Espiritu Santo, dependent on your flight origin. While islands such as Efate and Tanna have their own set of unique natural and cultural beauty, it’s the island of Espiritu Santo that’s bound to capture your heart. Herein, lies some of the world’s most pristine and untouched stretches of coastline – how much or how little you choose to explore during your stay is entirely up to you. Here are some of the top experiences that first-time visitors to Vanuatu should look to discover.

Matevulu and Riri Blue Hole

Espiritu Santo is scattered with some of the most incredible natural sinkholes you’ve ever seen. Sporting an iridescent blue hue, these limestone-based sinkholes are some of the most inviting natural swimming pools on earth. The Matevulu Blue Hole is a must visit, and the perfect place to cool off when the humidity starts to kick in.
There are very few experiences that leave an everlasting and profound effect on the mind more so than this one – a canoe trip down the RiRi River. It’s worth hiring a local guide to get you to the RiRi River and set you up with a traditional canoe tour. Dangle your legs over the edge of the traditional Vanuatu canoe and listen to the sounds of the jungle as you glide through the water.

Discover more secluded beaches

While we’ve already taken a look at some of the more well-known beaches on Espiritu Santo, you’re bound to find your very own slice of paradise if you look a little further. If you have the time, ask a local if they’d be happy to show you around to some of the more hidden locations. There’s an incredible array of bays and beaches to discover around every turn. The best way to travel the island is on the back of a local truck that is often filled with local produce and artisan pieces. There’s no better way to experience the island than with the wind rushing past your face and the excited cheers of locals as you pass by other families and villages on the road.

If it’s isolation you seek, then you’ll be rewarded perfectly with an escape to the South Pacific’s most incredible islands. If you’re searching for a balanced combination of creature comforts, while still feeling slightly removed from the western world, Espiritu Santo has got you covered.

While the island maintains its rich heritage and charm, you’re still guaranteed to find a fantastic meal, beautiful beach or stunning blue lagoon to fulfill your castaway fantasies. Look to travel in the dry season to avoid prolonged periods of rain. Most afternoons experience the occasional storm due to its geographical location. Drop the travel predispositions and reward yourself by soaking up the beauty one of the most naturally refreshing islands the world has yet to discover.

The archipelago offers a number of world-class dive sites ranging from the famous sunken US military equipment at ‘Million Dollar Point’ to countless coral reefs around the 83 tropical islands. Vanuatu is also famous for its Blue Holes, and the Matevulu is the largest on the island of Espiritu Santo. With a diameter of 30m and crystal-clear depths of 18m, the hole is the source of the Nalaiafu River and is spectacularly back-dropped by huge banyan trees and hibiscus plants.

Espiritu Santo is the largest island in Vanuatu, an archipelago country in the South Pacific. It’s known for its beaches, such as Champagne Beach and Lonnoc Beach, with coral reefs and clear, sheltered waters. The town of Luganville has WWII relics like Quonset huts at Main Wharf. Nearby, popular dive sites include the sunken SS President Coolidge cruise liner and Million Dollar Point’s submerged U.S. war machinery.