Espiritu Santo

Travel Guide

Espiritu Santo showing general coastal views and tropical scenes
Ratua Island which includes a sandy beach and tropical scenes as well as a small group of people
Ratua Island which includes land animals and a river or creek as well as a small group of people
Espiritu Santo
Espiritu Santo showing a sandy beach, general coastal views and tropical scenes
Vanuatu’s largest island was the inspiration for James Michener’s famous novel and has become an appealing vacation spot for modern visitors.

Espiritu Santo, or Holy Spirit, is simply beautiful. While stationed here during World War II, James Michener wrote Tales of the South Pacific, which was adapted into a much-loved musical play and film. See for yourself how the beauty, culture and history of this island have inspired visitors for decades.

While the island is quite large at 1,500 square miles (4,000 square kilometers), most residents live along the eastern coast near blue seas and swaying palms. Enjoy snorkeling in blue holes and underground caves, and leisurely coastal sunbathing on white-sand beaches. Visit the pristine Champagne Beach on a day without cruise ship crowds or relax at Port Olry Beach slightly north, where you may notice sea turtles.

Among the many watering holes, Matevulu Blue Hole is a favorite for its rope swing and serenity. Nanda Blue Hole offers protected snorkeling. Book a local ecotour of Millennium Cave for a somewhat challenging day of hiking, rock climbing, swimming and marveling at beautiful scenery. Trek into the jungle-covered mountains on the western side of the island to Mount Tabwemasana, the island’s highest peak, and stop at some of the villages along the way.

If you’re a diver, explore some of the world’s best underwater sites around sunken remnants of World War II. The SS President Coolidge, a giant luxury liner that sank just off the southeastern shore near Luganville during its utilization as a troopship, has interesting features and draws colorful and curious marine life at depths of 65 to 200 feet (20 to 70 meters). Snorkel or dive at nearby Million Dollar Point, where living coral and tons of war surplus items dumped into the ocean have created an underwater wonderland.

Find Espiritu Santo accommodations in or near Luganville. Visit cultural villages at Ransuck or Leweton to learn about local customs. Purchase fresh produce from local providers at the Luganville Market near the Sarakata River. Fly to Santo-Pekoa International Airport from Australia or fromEfateOpens in a new window’s Port VilaOpens in a new window in 50 minutes.

Barrier Beach Resort
Barrier Beach Resort
4 out of 5
Lot 11 / Barrier Beach, Saraotou, Espiritu Santo
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Saraotou. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Riri Blue Hole and Mount Hope Waterfall are ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (77 reviews)
"Wonderful and friendly staff. Genuinely impressed with the care taken and effort made to ensure our stay was amazing"

Reviewed on Apr 26, 2024

Barrier Beach Resort
The Espiritu
The Espiritu
3 out of 5
Rue de Luganville, P.O Box 133, Luganville, Espiritu Santo
The price is P7,091 per night from 4 Mar to 5 Mar
P7,091
P8,154 total
includes taxes & fees
Mar 4 - Mar 5
Stay at this 3-star family-friendly hotel in Luganville. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Unity Park and Luganville Market ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (131 reviews)
"This is a friendly, well run, clean, quiet home away from home. Chef standard food is superb - always a great bar and restaurant experience. It’s been an absolute delight to keep returning here year after year. Locals also appreciate it as the best place in town to gather for family and work functions ..."

Reviewed on Nov 28, 2024

The Espiritu
Beachfront Resort
Beachfront Resort
3 out of 5
Red Corner, Luganville, Espiritu Santo
Stay at this 3-star beach resort in Luganville. Enjoy free breakfast, free parking, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the property condition in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (98 reviews)
"Very comfortable. Good internet. Well groomed grounds and friendly staff. A wonderful experience. Away from the hustle of town, can catch regular buses from a short distance walk away for the five minutes car travel into town."

Reviewed on Oct 4, 2024

Beachfront Resort
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Bombua Beach House
Bombua Beach House
3.5 out of 5
Canal Road, Luganville, Sanma Province
Stay at this 3.5-star beach villa in Luganville. Enjoy free WiFi, 3 outdoor pools, and a beach locale. Popular attractions SS President Coolidge and Santo Golf ...
Bombua Beach House
Mahimahi Villas
Mahimahi Villas
3 out of 5
Tides Reach, Saraotou, Espiritu Santo
Stay at this 3-star beach villa in Saraotou. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a beach locale. Popular attractions Mount Hope Waterfall and Santo Golf Course ...
10/10 Exceptional! (1 review)
"Jim's service and hospitality was way above and beyond any expectation. Nothing was ever a hassle, Jim did all our tour and dining bookings. He really did make our stay that so much more special as his service and friendliness was exceptional. . Highly recommended anyone to stay at Mahi Mahi ..."

Reviewed on Sep 30, 2017

Mahimahi Villas
Aore Breeze
Aore Breeze
2.5 out of 5
Aore Point, Aore Island
Book a stay at this beach cabin in Aore Island. Enjoy free breakfast, a private beach, and an airport shuttle (surcharge). Popular attractions SS President Coolidge ...
Aore Breeze
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit