The largest of Vanuatu’s islands, Espiritu Santo is blessed with stunning white sand beaches, lush rainforest, crystal-clear waters, blue holes and world-class dive sites.
Santo is from a time past, where people still come in from the jungle to trade for necessities and then fade back into the shadows, amongst the WWll Dakotas and hangars that lie scattered in the thick tropical jungle.
The most famous remnant of the allied troops’ occupation is the wreck of the SS President Coolidge, a luxury liner used as a troop ship during WWll. Divers need at least 10 dives in order to explore the entirety of the 200-metre-long vessel lying near to the shore in waters 20–72 metres deep, with munitions, military supplies and personal belongings scattered across the ocean floor.
Another underwater highlight is ‘Million Dollar Point’, where the US Navy dumped tonnes of valuable machinery and supplies after the war. ‘Chails Reef’ is a stunning reef dive located in calm waters with an amazing variety of coral and marine life from crayfish to sharks. Large chain nets ran the length of the channel to Aore Island to block submarines during the war. Since they were collapsed, the reef has been growing on them, making ‘Sub Nets’ an unusual dive site.
Whether it's a trip to Champagne Beach or a look for some of the WWII wreckage scattered in the undergrowth, there are plenty of places to explore above ground as well.
Espiritu Santo can be reached by a 45-minute flight north from Vanuatu's capital, Port Vila.
Island hop your way around this archipelago, made up of over 80 islands. Vanuatu offers a unique blend of tribal communities, resorts, beautiful beaches, volcanic topography and some unique diving. Find Out More about Dive & Discover Vanuatu
This stylish, award-winning resort on Espiritu Santo Island is located directly on the beach, offering a superb retreat for those looking to explore the island, and the wreck of the SS President Coolidge. Find Out More about Barrier Beach Resort
