The Vanuatu archipelago consists of 83 islands, the largest of which is Espiritu Santo. The island covers just over four thousand square kilometers and, as is typical of Vanuatu in general, is mostly mountainous.

Espiritu Santo was the first of the Vanuatu archipelago to be set foot on the island in the seventeenth century. Europeans took a fancy to the island and found it particularly comfortable to settle. During World War II, Espírito Santo served as a military base, housing more than a hundred thousand soldiers. Despite such invasions of foreigners, the native islanders were able to preserve their own culture – evidence of the preservation of traditions you can see today, you just need to visit this paradise island.

Espiritu Santo is a mountainous island with a chain of mountains stretching westward. The mountains run along the west coast and include Vanuatu’s highest point, the inactive Tabvemasana Volcano, which is over 1800 meters high. To the south and east of the island are plains and crop plantations. The rainforest is also quite large and is also home to over 170 varieties of birds. It is also home to more than ten species of stunning orchids. In the southwest, huge kauri trees can be seen in the mountains.

Island splendor and natural splendor are the main attraction of Espiritu Santo. Coconut palms frame the snow-white sands of the coasts, the blue of the ocean reflects the cerulean azure and shades the bright green of the trees surrounding the massive mountains. And what stunning caves hide centuries-old tropical jungles! Visit the republic’s first National Park, Big Bay, which is located in northern Espiritu Santo and is a guarantee that the island will be able to retain its original beauty for years to come.

Luganville, the capital, is also the second largest city in Vanuatu. Outwardly, the city retains a kind of “bunker” atmosphere – the headquarters and hangars of military times, modest low-rise houses. Of cafes and restaurants stand out “nakamals” – such bars where you can order cava. Visit the market, which has a special flavor.

Luganville is also a starting point for excursions to the northern part of the archipelago, such as Pentecost, Maevo, or Torres Islands.
The most curious and appealing spots are beyond the borders of metropolitan Luganville. The Million Dollar Point Underwater Burial Ground is like no other underwater burial ground in the world! What’s so special about it? The fact that this dive point (depth up to 30 meters) is represented by mineralized, embedded in the coral, overgrown with algae … trucks, SUVs, bulldozers!

To make matters worse, numerous sea creatures have now taken up residence in these vehicles. Here’s how it happened: in the last months of the war, U.S. troops dumped the remaining unneeded military equipment into the water, which was cheaper to dump than to remove. Now the place is a real boon for divers.

Let us name a few more interesting places for diving with diving equipment. For example, near Million Dollar Point, the USS President Coolidge and the USS Tucker rest at the bottom. A dive site near the east coast of Espiritu Santo is a wreck of ancient ships. Dive near the neighborhood Segond Chennel, which is located ten kilometers from Luganville, and the island of Bokissa, which, incidentally, is also an excellent place to relax. Other beaches for a relaxing holiday are Champagne Beach with its green plantation, White Sons and Lonnock.

Want to get in touch with nature? Take a hike in the Watte Nature Reserve. There are also some curious bodies of water in Espiritu Santo. For example, Red Lake, the Saracata and Jordan Rivers – the latter two are suitable for fishing. Big Bay is home to the famous cascade of waterfalls. In the jungle, you may come across military “super-fortresses,” ruined but worthy of a few shots to remember.

You can get to Espiritu Santo Island exclusively by air. The airport here serves only domestic carriers but Port Vila has an excellent international airport with flights from many Australian countries. If you are flying from one of the other continents, however, choose a connecting flight to Sydney.