Espiritu Santo, Vanuatu

Consisting of 82 volcanic islands, the nation of Vanuatu lies in the South Pacific, about three-quarters of the way from Hawaii to Australia. Spanish for “the holy spirit,” Espiritu Santo is the largest island in the Vanuatu archipelago. Here, you’ll find miraculous scenery, from its palm-lined, white-sand beaches and spring-fed swimming holes to lush rainforests and lofty mountains, including Vanuatu’s four highest peaks.

The character of this once-isolated island was dramatically changed forever during World War II, when it became an Allied military supply and support base. A lieutenant commander for the U.S. Navy named James A. Michener wrote Tales of the South Pacific based on his experiences while stationed here. The Pulitzer Prize-winning book was later turned into the musical South Pacific by Rodgers & Hammerstein. While here, perhaps you’ll venture to the two protected areas that have been established to preserve local biodiversity, which includes the Santo Mountain Starling, a bird that is exclusive to the island. Coral reefs and shipwrecks — including the SS President Coolidge, renowned as one of the most accessible shipwrecks in the world — make it a popular destination for divers. You can also enjoy exceptional swimming and snorkeling. Or simply relax on the beach.

View cruises that visit this port

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Espiritu Santo, Vanuatu

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Thursday Island, Australia

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Shore Excursions at this port

Below is a list of those shore excursions previously offered in this port. For information on which shore excursions will be offered on a particular cruise, please reference the specific itinerary of that cruise.

Blue Lagoon Tour

Duration:

3 Hours - $59

Your tour begins with a 30-minute scenic bus ride through Santo’s countryside, past coconut plantations and quaint villages.Surrounded by tropical rainforest, you’ll arrive at the breath-taking, freshwater Blue Hole for a swim in brilliant blue coloured water. The natural spring is nearly 60-feet deep and gets its brilliant blue colour from the white limestone rocks refracting the sunlight through the clear water. You’ll have plenty of time here to swim, explore the surrounding rainforest and relax in this natural oasis. Steps leading down into the lagoon provide easy access to the beautiful water.

Please note: Changing facilities are available at the Lagoon. Bring your swimwear and towel in case you wish to go swimming. Refreshments and souvenirs are available for purchase so please bring cashwith you.

Excursion Code:

SNT-010

Canoe the Riri River

Duration:

2.5 Hours - $79

Your tour begins with a 30-minute drive through Luganville to the mouth of the Riri River. Here friendly guides will help as you board an authentic dugout canoe and head off on your journey down the river. Your guide will do the paddling, so you can relax and really take in the scenery. You will truly feel a million miles away from civilisation as you glide silently across the water and all you can hear are the sounds of the rainforest and the hushed whispers of those around you. Keep an eye out for tropical flowers and schools of brightly coloured fish that swim alongside the canoe. Surrounded by rainforest, stop at the breath-taking, freshwater Blue Hole for a swim in water that’s so blue it must be seen to be believed. The natural spring is nearly 60-feet deep and gets its brilliant blue colour from the white limestone rocks refracting the sunlight through the clear water. You’ll re-join your mini-bus here to begin your trip back to your cruise ship.

Please note: There are no restroom facilities available during this tour. This is strenuous activity. Please wear comfortable flat-soled shoes, clothing suited to the weather conditions, a hat, SPF30+ or higher factor sunscreen and bottled water. Don’t forget your swim wear and towel.

Excursion Code:

SNT-001

Northern Seaside & Blue Hole Tour

Duration:

3.5 Hours - $79

Start your tour with a scenic drive along the north-eastern coast of the island passing by coconut plantations and quaint local villages along the way. Surrounded by lush tropical rainforest, stop at the breath-taking, freshwater Blue Hole for a swim in water that’s so blue it must be seen to be believed. The natural spring is nearly 60-feet deep and gets its brilliant blue colours from the white limestone rocks refracting the sunlight through the clear water. You’ll have plenty of time here to swim and relax in this natural oasis. Next head off to a picture-perfect white sandy beach. Here, you can enjoy some free time to yourself.

Please note: The order of sites visited is subject to change. Please wear swimwear under lightweight clothing; sandals, reef shoes, or other beach-appropriate footwear; sunglasses; and a hat, a camera, sun protection, a change of clothing, and bottled water and a towel from the ship. If you wish to snorkel, please bring equipment from the ship. The minibus is not air conditioned.

Excursion Code:

SNT-011

Relics of World War II

Duration:

3 Hours - $79

During WWII Espiritu Santo was used as a naval harbour, military supply and support base for 100,000 allied troops. At the end of the war U.S. forces abandoned the island leaving behind a large amount of equipment that remains on the island today as fascinating relics. First stop on your tour is the Japanese jail named after the surviving crew members of two Japanese torpedo boats that sunk in the Coral Sea. Then you’re off to BP Wharf, built to support the navy’s large vessels, and now home to yachts and other marine craft. Photo stops along the way include a lookout point with views over Segond Chanel, Tutuba and Aore Islands. Your guide will point out the position of the submarine nets and the sea mines that sunk the SS President Coolidge. You’ll also visit Euart’s Memorial, named for Capt. Elwood Euart who sacrificed his life saving men on the SS President Coolidge after it struck two mines in the harbor and sank. Next stop is Million Dollar Point where thousands of tons of military equipment was abandoned in the ocean by the US military.

Please note: Comfortable shoes recommended. Please bring a bottle of water from the ship. The itinerary of this tour is subject to changes depending on local customs, holidays, road and weather conditions. The transport is not air-conditioned.

Excursion Code:

SNT-006

Water Music Experience

Duration:

2 Hours - $49

Visit a traditional village that brings Vanuatu’s fascinating culture to life. Witness some of the most intriguing Pacific Island arts and customs including awe-inspiring water music, a warrior performance and the time-honoured tradition of a kava ceremony.On arrival to the village enjoy a refreshing coconut drink and watch a performance by the fierce village warriors. Up next, learn how one of the island’s most popular drinks is made during a kava ceremony. The highlight of the tour is sure to be the awe-inspiring Water Music Celebration. Dating back thousands of years and handed down from one generation to the next it’s believed that village women developed this unique form of musical expression as they washed and bathed at the water’s edge. During the performance, women in traditional costumes made from flowers, leaves and coconuts wade into a pool forming a semi-circle. Using their hands as instruments, they slap the surface of the water in a rhythmic motion. Accompanied by gentle chants and singing, the performers play a variety of melodies, each evoking the sounds of nature.

Excursion Code:

SNT-009