Espiritu Santo

Travel Guide

Espiritu Santo
Ratua Island showing a sandy beach and tropical scenes as well as a small group of people
Ratua Island showing land animals and a river or creek as well as a small group of people
Ratua Island which includes food
Espiritu Santo

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.

The Espiritu

The Espiritu

3 out of 5
Rue de Luganville, P.O Box 133, Luganville, Espiritu Santo
The price is ¥16,582 per night from Oct 6 to Oct 7
¥16,582
¥19,120 total
Oct 6 - Oct 7
includes taxes & fees
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! (137 reviews)
"Helpful staff, central location, nice pool area. Adequate complementary breakfast. But room and balcony somewhat dated and basic for price. Only 2 channels on TV. Good Wifi"

Reviewed on Jul 26, 2025

The Espiritu
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! (82 reviews)
"This place is amazing. I have stayed in many places, all over the world. I haven’t found a carefulness for the guests like it. The property is clean, modern, and beautiful. It does a great job of not taking you out of nature and relaxation. The staff, Marcel, Florida, Rose, Emmi, Catherine etc all ..."

Reviewed on Sep 10, 2025

Barrier Beach Resort
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! (103 reviews)
"Comfortable accommodation close to Luganville town. The restaurant on site has delicious meal options. We appreciated the AC in our room (only place out of the 4 places we stayed on our trip on Santo that had AC). Many locals go fishing on the beach front area and the water is clear, but the beach ..."

Reviewed on Sep 2, 2025

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
Santo Sunset 'Honeymoon' Villa @ Surunda Bay

Santo Sunset 'Honeymoon' Villa @ Surunda Bay

Luganville
Book a stay at this beach villa in Saraotou. Enjoy free WiFi, a beach locale, and a garden. Popular attractions Mount Hope Waterfall and Santo Golf Course are ...
Santo Sunset 'Honeymoon' Villa @ Surunda Bay
Exclusive Private Island Paradise: Your Dream Getaway Awaits!

Exclusive Private Island Paradise: Your Dream Getaway Awaits!

East Santo
Stay at this vacation home in Sanma. Enjoy an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attraction Nanda Blue Hole is located nearby.
Exclusive Private Island Paradise: Your Dream Getaway Awaits!
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.

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