Espiritu Santo, Vanuatu

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Destination: Espiritu Santo, Vanuatu

Introduction

Espiritu Santo is the largest island in Vanuatu and one of the most spectacular in the Pacific, characterised by rugged jungle-clad mountains, pristine beaches, extraordinary blue holes, and rich WWII history. Its extensive coastline offers numerous anchorages, and the surrounding waters are largely unexplored by yachts. The main town of Luganville provides good facilities for the island.

GPS Coordinates

15° 22' 59.880"S 166° 52' 0.120"E

15 22 59.880S 166 52 0.120E

Protected Anchorages

The Segond Channel along the eastern coast provides the best protected cruising. Beyond Luganville, the eastern coast has anchorages at Sarakata Bay and Pallikulo Bay. The remote western coast at Big Bay (Beira Bay) is vast and spectacular but exposed to the northwest in cyclone season. Cape Cumberland in the south offers shelter. The northern coast near the Maskelyne Islands has untouched anchorages in 5–15 m over sand.

Customs Protocols for Visiting Yachts

Luganville on Santo is the island's Port of Entry. See Luganville entry for customs details. Vessels with a Vanuatu cruising permit may explore the island freely.

Yacht Clubs and Marinas in the Vicinity

  • No facilities outside Luganville
  • The island's resort operators at Aore and Bokissa Islands can assist visiting yachts
  • Provisions available only in Luganville

Renowned Attractions

  • SS President Coolidge wreck dive (via Luganville)
  • Champagne Beach on the northeast coast — a consistently top-rated Pacific beach
  • Blue Holes of Santo — Matevulu Blue Hole and the Riri River Blue Hole for freshwater swimming
  • Million Dollar Point WWII dumping ground — snorkellable underwater junk yard
  • Big Bay — remote northern bay with pristine beaches, basic village guesthouses, and undisturbed reefs

Currency and Exchange Rate

Currency: Vanuatu Vatu

Exchange Rate to USD

Nearby Yachting Destinations

Summary

Espiritu Santo is Vanuatu's largest and most dramatic island, combining legendary WWII diving, world-class beaches, and remote jungle-fringed anchorages into one of the most rewarding cruising destinations in the Melanesian Pacific.