Destination: Luganville, Vanuatu
Introduction
Luganville on Espiritu Santo is Vanuatu's second city, built on the enormous American WWII base that once housed 100,000 troops. The town sits on the eastern shore of the Second Channel between Santo and Aore Island, offering one of the finest natural harbours in the Pacific. It is also the gateway to the SS President Coolidge dive wreck — one of the world's most accessible large wreck dives.
GPS Coordinates
15° 31' 0.120"S 167° 10' 0.120"E
15 31 0.120S 167 10 0.120E
Protected Anchorages
The Second Channel between Santo and Aore Island offers excellent anchorage in 10–20 m over mud throughout its length. The main anchorage for visiting yachts is off the Luganville town wharf in the channel. Unity Park anchorage to the south of town is preferred for more settled swinging room. Santo's remarkable Segond Channel provides reliable shelter from all directions.
Customs Protocols for Visiting Yachts
Luganville is a Port of Entry for Vanuatu. The customs office is near the main wharf. Vessels arriving here after Port Vila require an updated crew manifest. A cruising permit is required for onward travel to the northern islands.
Yacht Clubs and Marinas in the Vicinity
- No formal yacht club in Luganville, but the town has fuel, water, a well-stocked supermarket (Nambawan), and a hardware store
- Local dive operators are extremely helpful to visiting sailors
- Aore Island Resort across the channel is friendly to yachts
Renowned Attractions
- SS President Coolidge — 200 m luxury liner sunk in 1942, now one of the world's greatest accessible wreck dives
- Million Dollar Point — where the US Army dumped thousands of tons of military equipment into the sea
- Champagne Beach — consistently rated one of the Pacific's most beautiful beaches
- Blue Holes — freshwater spring-fed swimming pools in the jungle (Riri River, Matevulu)
- Underwater Post Office at Hideaway Island (near Port Vila equivalent local experience)
Currency and Exchange Rate
Currency: Vanuatu Vatu
Exchange Rate to USD
Nearby Yachting Destinations
Summary
Luganville is the service hub of northern Vanuatu and home to the legendary SS Coolidge wreck — a must-visit for diving sailors, with excellent natural harbour shelter and access to some of the Pacific's most pristine beaches.