Espiritu Santo Island

Accommodation/Packages/Activities

Yu Kat rum blong tu long plesia?

Author James Michener was stationed here during WW2, and was inspired to write "Tales of the South Pacific" which later became the hit musical "South Pacific". However the island is probably best known for it's fantastic wreck diving. The troopship "SS PRESIDENT COOLIDGE" is the worlds largest and most accessible luxury liner shipwreck, while the "USS TUCKER" a WW2 destroyer lies in Santo Harbour outside the channel. Also of interest is "Million Dollar Point" where thousands of tons of military equipment was dumped by the Americans at the end of the war and now lies encrusted with coral on the ocean floor. If you can't dive then this is the place to learn!  Refer Diving,Allan Powers scuba diving, 

Accommodation

Santos Island has a number of excellent Resorts that we recommend: Aore resort, Bokissa Island Eco Resort Coral Quays Fish and Dive Resort, Deco Lodge,

Fathom Travel also recommends two other  basic properties that we like, and think represent good value. With each of these properties we have suggested additional activities and also have some excellent packages (ex Port Vila).

Lonnoc Beach Bungalows 

These bungalows are situated on North East Santo. Aproximately 2 hours drive from Luganville, and close to Hog Harbour and 5 minutes away from famous Champagne Beach, although the local beach is almost as good - white sand, turquoise water, palm fringed.

There are 7 standard bungalows, each having a flush toilet and cold showers - 4 are ensuite. They are comfortable and clean, with kerosine lanterns supplied, as there is no electricty except in the Restaurant. 

A Great way to experience the Melanesian way of Life in a superb tropical environment!

Adventure Tours from Lonnoc Beach Bungalows 

Garden Tour By Foot - An interesting guided tour and a great way to learn about the various local forms of gardening where you will learn how local vegetables, fruits, yams, manioc and medicinal plants are cultivated. Will take aprox 2 hours.

Cost: One person NZD58.00, 2rd person and additional persons NZD29.00

Hog Harbour Village Tour - An opportunity to see nearby Hog Harbour Village where your guide will show you some houses of interest and tell you about the local native people and their customs. Will take approx. 1h 1/2.

Cost: One person NZD29.00, 2rd person and additional persons NZD21.00

Elephant Island half day tour (includes picnic) - a short boat trip from Lonnoc Bungalows is unspoilt Elephant Island where you can explore the various tracks, swim and snorkell amongst lovely corals. Price includes boat trip, picnic and entry fees.

Cost: One person NZD101.00, 2rd person and additional persons NZD70.00

Loru Bushwalk half day tour - the Loru park (220 hectares) contains one of the last areas of lowland forest left on the East Coast. Your knowledgable guide will escort you through the excellent nature walks, perhaps visti the bat cave where the villages shelter during cyclones.

Cost: One person NZD119.00, 2rd person and additional persons NZD85.00

Cape Quiros dark Cave Tour - Some distance from the lonnoc beach bungalow there is a cave that people always want to visit, which was named after Captain Quiroes in his late visits in 1606, during he explored the pacific. Includes picnic.

Cost: One person NZD112.00, 2rd person and additional persons NZD74.00

Blue Hole half day tour - Visit one of Santo's amazing blue holes; a crystal clear 15 metre deep fresh water swimming hole.

Cost: One person NZD77.00, 2rd person and additional persons NZD66.00

Package Tour staying at Lonnoc Beach Bungalows 

3 DAYS/ 2 NIGHTS (ex Port Vila) Includes return airfares, return airport transfers, 3 nights at Lonnoc Bungalows, a garden tour and Loru Bushwalk.  Value at NZD845.00 single, NZD663 share twin/double, NZD614 per additional person. Child NZD295

Vatthe Lodge Accommodation.

Situated in the "Big Bay" Area of the Vatthe Conservation area, close to Matantas village and next door to the Park Information Centre. This is a great place for people who love conservation, forests, bird life, and nature in general.

Basic accommodation consists of six bungalows with two beds in each. Hurricane lamp lighting and  Mosquito nets are provided. Each pair of bungalows shares a toilet (Western toilet) and shower. 

There is a restaurant, and kitchen. The Restaurant serves basic but healthy meals, using local produce.

Adventure Tours from Vatthe Lodge

Coconut Crab Hunt - This is an evening tour that takes you to learn about local hunting and how to catch the very popular Coconut crab, You will go to the forest and search for these crabs, however the tour guides will first in the afternoon go to the bush and tie coconuts near the big holes made in the ground by the crab. Then in the evening you will go with your local guides and see how easy it is to catch the crabs. Note that you don’t kill the crabs after the catch, you have to let them go! 

Cost: Single Person NZD28, Additional personsNZD17.00

Vatthe Forest Day Tour - This tour takes you to witness Vanuatu's largest alluvial lowland forest which has been protected as a reserve for people to see. Its a walk that takes you through the forest and ends at the Jordon river, which is a huge river in the area. People can enjoy nature in the forest and walk along the river bank. Cost: NZD28 per person

There are also a number of other nature walks available, so if interested, Please ask!

Package Tour staying at Vatthe Lodge 

3 DAYS/ 2 NIGHTS (ex Port Vila) Includes return airfares, return airport transfers, 3 nights at Vatthe Lodge and breakfasts, Coconut Crab Hunt, Vatthe Forest Day Tour.  Value at NZD785.00 single, NZD657 share twin/double, NZD580 per additional person. Child:NZD260

WE CAN ARRANGE ANY PACKAGE YOU REQUIRE - JUST ASK!