Vanuatu - Espiritu Santo - Dive Travel

| Espritu Santo | Scuba Diving in Vanuatu |Vanuatu Travel Tips | Booking Forms | Accomodation list |

Vanuatu is an idyllic travel destination which is situated in the South West Pacific only a couple of hour's flight from Australia. The climate is best described as semi-tropical with a temperature range averaging between 23 degrees and 28 degrees. The locals of Vanuatu are known as the Melanesian people who speak Bislama with English and French quite commonly spoken as well. The Melanesian people who are also known as Ni Vanuatu are warm and hospitable with a keen sense of humour.

Port Vila is the capital of Vanuatu and is situated waterfront on the main island of Efate. There is a range of self-contained studio apartments, hotels and deluxe resorts, all within a small distance to the town centre where you can find, local markets, trendy cafes, great shopping and nice restaurants.

Espiritu Santo is a paradise which attracts divers in droves. It is a one house flight north of Port Vila and not only for its sandy white beaches but for the opportunity to explore the wreck of "S.S. President Coolidge".

Tanna Island is one hour's flight south of Port Vila which is an island of diverse landscapes, active volcanoes, a thriving culture that is very much alive today, old customs and wild horses.

Espiritu Santo
Espiritu Santo is a buzz of diving activity. Divers from around the world seek this islands crystal clear water, powdery white sand and beautiful native palms. Such is this island's beauty that the American author James A Michener was inspired to write his classic "South Pacific". Espiritu Santo is not far from Port Vila and operators such as Air Vanuatu provide daily services between the 2 islands. One of the major drawing cards of this fantastic island is the S.S. President Coolidge, a World War 2 transport ship which provides great wreck diving that divers can explore.

Scuba Diving in Espiritu Santo

SS President Coolidge: This was a former luxury liner that instead became used during the World War 2 as a transport ship for troops. It is 198 metres long and is easily accessed by shore (for less experienced divers) or by boat. Visibility can extend up to 35 metres on a clear day and the sea is usually very calm. There is a minimum depth of 20 metres and a maximum depth of 70 metres, so it caters for both types of divers. However most people will be doing dives which are over 30 metres, therefore on this dive, decompression stops are necessary. On this site you will see not just the impressive ship but interesting historical artefacts which are spread out across the entire dive site.

Million Dollar Point: After the Second World War, America unsuccessfully tried to sell all their equipment from the war to the Condominium Government, the Americans dumped all of their equipment into the sea which provided a perfect habitat for coral and marine life. You will see bulldozers, trucks, jeeps, and a myriad of other US war equipment. The maximum depth of this dive is 40 metres and can be accessed either by beach or boat.

USS Tucker: This former US destroyer sank in the Second World War thanks to one of America's own mines. This dive is very light, with magnificent coral growth, and a thriving fish population made up of coral trout, sweet lip, angle fish, and bat fish. This dive is perfect for beginners or divers looking for a picturesque relaxed dive as it only goes down to 20 metres.

MV Henry Bonneaud: This dive is a soft coral haven, it sits upon a trader ship which was scuttled in 1989 and is abundant with marine life. Divers will see colourful coral and a few sharks. Night dives are popular due to the presence of flashlight fish.

Tutuba Point: Located on the northern tip of Tutuba Island, this dive site is home to reef sharks, turtles, soft and hard corals, and spectacular swim throughs. This drift dive has a visibility of 40-50 metres which means you can just sit back and enjoy the view. You can reach this site by a short boat trip from Luganville.

Accommodation List

Aore Island Resort This secluded retreat is in fact a working coconut plantation which can be accessed by a 10 minute boat ride from the town of Luganville. Surrounded by plants and foliage, relaxation is the key word as waves gently lap the shore at your own private beach.

Beachfront Resort Located just less than 2km from Luganville and only 10 minutes from the Santo airport, the beachfront resort provides comfortable beachfront accommodation which have a view of the tranquil Segond Channel.

Bokissa Eco Island Resort Ultimate relaxation is what Bokissa Eco Island Resort aims for, with staff on hand and pristine landscaped gardens as well as crystal clear water. You can spend days lounging around on the beach or hours fishing on one of many boats that go out to catch the dinner for that night. 175 acres of lush unspoiled scenery is what awaits you in only a short 30 minute boat ride from Santo

Coral Quays Fish & Dive Resort Coral Quays is a charming resort which has the feel of an old estate mixed with modern facilities. The staff are very friendly and it is a fairly quiet resort. It is set amongst 6 acres of tropical gardens and is a short 10 minute trip from Luganville on San Michel bay.

Deco Stop Lodge Conveniently located 5 minutes from Luganville and 5 minutes from the airport, Deco stop lodge sit on 5 acres of hillside and overlooks the Segond canal.

Hotel Santo Santo Hotel is in the centre of Luganville, just a mere 5 minutes from the airport.

Vanuatu Travel Tips

Entry & Visa Requirements
No visas are required for people who hold passports for the following countries: the Commonwealth, EU Countries, Fiji, Japan, Norway, Philippines, South Korea, Switzerland and U.S.A

Medical & Health Requirements
There is no major health risks in travelling to Vanuatu, however if travelling to an island in the outskirts of Vanuatu anti-malarial precautions should be adhered to. There is a recompression chamber in Port Vila as well as hospitals in Santo and Port Vila. Also, please take sun safety seriously and make sure you stay protected, especially if taking medication that may make you more sun sensitive.

Currency
1 Australian dollar equates to 85 vatu which is the currency of Vanuatu. Visa, MasterCard and American express are excepted in most places.

Duty Free
In Vanuatu they allow 200 cigarettes, 2 litres of wine, 1.5 litres of spirits and 250ml of eau de toilette and 100ml of perfume.

Weather
The winter season with temperatures averaging around 23 degrees happens between April to October and in the summer season, temperatures average 28 degrees from November to March.

Clothing
Swimwear is strongly discouraged in public places so a cover up is essential. Keep the clothing light and casual so as to stop mosquito bites and provide sun protection.

Electricity
The electricity voltage is 220-280 watts and uses plug 1, the same plug Australia uses.

Banking
The main trading banks of Vanuatu is ANZ, the National bank of Vanuatu, and Westpac. Banking hours are between 8.30am to 3pm weekdays.

Language
English and French are the most dominant languages spoken as well as Bislama, however across Vanuatu there are 115 local languages spoken.

Religion
Christianity is widely accepted however it is not uncommon to come across traditional indigenous custom and ceremonies.

Water
Water is safe to drink, but more so in the populated, urban areas. When you are in the tropical weather of Vanuatu, it is recommended that you drink lots of water to avoid dehydration.

Tipping
Local tradition and custom does not permit tipping or bargaining.

Diving
Vanuatu is home to some of the best diving in the world, there are numerous wrecks to explore in Port Vila harbour as well as all the outer reefs around Port Vila. There is the impressive President Coolidge located in Espiritu Santo area and some beautiful diving in the Hideaway Marine Park. Generally the water temperatures are around 26 degrees so a 3mm suit is best suited to this temperature. As in most places, tanks and weight belts will be provided by your dive tour operator however any additional equipment will attract an extra charge.

Departure Tax
200 Vatu is the amount of tax you should expect to pay when departing on domestic flights in Vanuatu.