Espiritu Santo
Espiritu Santo, Vanuatu's largest island, draws travelers for white-sand beaches, World War II sites and wreck diving, with Luganville as the base.
We may earn a commission. It never decides our picks.
Espiritu Santo is the largest island in Vanuatu, a country of more than 80 islands in the southwest Pacific Ocean. Luganville, on the southeast coast, is the island's main town and the second-largest town in the country. Flights land at Pekoa International Airport, a short drive from town.
During World War II, the island was a large American military base, and wartime remains are among its main sights. Million Dollar Point, a short drive from Luganville, is where surplus equipment was dumped into the sea after the war. The wreck of the SS President Coolidge, a former troopship, lies off the coast and is a dive site. Champagne Beach, with pale sand and shallow water, is one of the best-known beaches on the island. Plan at least three days for the beaches, a dive and a day inland. The drier season, roughly May to October, suits most trips. The cyclone season runs from November to April.
Espiritu Santo in five
- Fly into Pekoa International AirportAir Vanuatu flies from Port Vila to Pekoa International Airport, a short drive from Luganville. Arrange your transfer with your lodging before you land.Getting around
- Carry vatu in cashTaxis and market stalls take vatu cash, and not every shop or taxi accepts cards. Bring enough vatu from Port Vila before you travel to Luganville.Money and costs
- Book a driver for Million Dollar PointThe wartime equipment dumped near Luganville lies in shallow water, and the roads out of town can be rough. Ask your lodging to book a driver or boat for the day.Tours and tickets
- Buy a local SIM in LuganvilleDigicel and TVL sell SIMs and top-up cards. Signal drops on the rougher roads, so download offline maps before you leave the town centre.Phones and eSIM
- Dress for villages and churchesCover shoulders and knees when you visit villages and churches. Ask before you photograph people or village grounds.Culture
Need to know
- Currency
- Vatu (VUV)
- Entry
- Visa-free or visa on arrival for many passports; check before you fly
- Emergency
- Ask your lodging for the local police and ambulance numbers
- Tipping
- Not expected
- Time
- UTC+11
Weather by month
- Best
- JanuaryWet, cyclone season
- FebruaryWet, humid
- MarchWet, humid
- AprilRains easing
- MayDry season starts
- JuneDry, mild
- JulyDry, cooler
- AugustDry, cooler
- SeptemberDry, warming
- OctoberDry, warm
- NovemberRains return
- DecemberWet, holidays
Right now in Espiritu Santo
Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.
25
- Feels like
- 28°
- Humidity
- 83%
- Wind
- 10 km/h
- Chance of rain
- 87%
Espiritu Santo
04:03 PM
Tuesday, November 3
- Today27°22°87%Tuesday: Rain. High 27°, Low 22°. Chance of rain 87%.
- Wed26°23°98%Wednesday: Rain. High 26°, Low 23°. Chance of rain 98%.
- Thu27°23°96%Thursday: Drizzle. High 27°, Low 23°. Chance of rain 96%.
- Fri29°22°65%Friday: Rain. High 29°, Low 22°. Chance of rain 65%.
- Sat29°21°72%Saturday: Drizzle. High 29°, Low 21°. Chance of rain 72%.
- Sun28°22°94%Sunday: Rain. High 28°, Low 22°. Chance of rain 94%.
- Mon29°22°67%Monday: Drizzle. High 29°, Low 22°. Chance of rain 67%.
Updated 12:41 PM local time · Powered by WeatherAPI.com · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com
Money
Mid-market rate1 USD = 118.9 VUV
Rates from Nov 3, 2026 · Rates By Exchange Rate API
Day trips by train
- Million Dollar PointShort drive from LuganvilleUS wartime equipment dumped after the war lies in shallow water.Read the guide
- Champagne BeachHalf a day with a driverPale sand and clear water on the north-east coast.
- Riri Blue HoleLonger drive; ask a driverA deep freshwater pool in the forest, good for a swim after the wrecks.
Before you go to Espiritu Santo
Rules for Espiritu Santo, checked
- Many nationalities enter Vanuatu without a prior visa. Check your passport on the official immigration site before you book.
- Declare food, plants and animal products on arrival; check the biosecurity rules before you pack.
- Dress modestly in villages and churches, covering shoulders and knees.
- Ask permission before you photograph people or village grounds.
Plan around Espiritu Santo
Islands, entry rules and transport for a wider Vanuatu trip
Read the guideLuganvilleThe main town on Espiritu Santo and the usual base for trips
Read the guideGetting aroundFlights, ferries, taxis and car hire for the island
Read the guideMoney and costsVatu cash, card use and typical prices on the island
Read the guideVisas and entryEntry rules and documents to check before you fly
Read the guideWhere to stayGuesthouses and resorts around Luganville and the island
Read the guideEspiritu Santo FAQ
How do you get to Luganville from Port Vila?
Air Vanuatu flies from Port Vila to Pekoa International Airport, a short drive from Luganville. Ferries also sail between the two islands. Check current sailings and flights with the operators before you book.
Is Luganville worth visiting?
Yes if you want a working island town with a market, wartime history and access to beaches and wrecks. It is small, so one or two nights cover the centre and a day trip.
How many days do you need on Espiritu Santo?
Three or four days covers Million Dollar Point, Champagne Beach and the town. Add more if you want to explore the rougher roads and the inland forest.
When is the best time to visit Espiritu Santo?
May to October is the drier season. November to April brings more rain and the cyclone season, so trips in those months need flexible plans.
Is there mobile signal on Espiritu Santo?
Yes in Luganville and along the main roads. Signal drops outside the town and in remote villages, so save maps and bookings offline.