Viator Tours
Luganville, Vanuatu
Your two-day South Pacific stop on Espiritu Santo Island
Arrival: Sat 22-Nov @ 07:00
Departure: Sun 23-Nov @ 17:00
All residents must return onboard by 16:00
PORT OVERVIEW
Anchored in Luganville, this stop offers two full days to explore jungle trails, snorkel blue holes, stroll palm-lined beaches and delve into WWII relics like the USS President Coolidge wreck. Perfect for every traveller—beach lovers, culture seekers or history buffs—enjoy a relaxed yet adventure-filled stay.
CURRENCY & PRACTICALS
Currency: Vanuatu Vatu (VUV) — approx. 1 USD ≈ 115 VUV
ATMs: Available in town but not always reliable – carry cash for markets.
Language: Bislama (English mix), English is widely spoken.
SAFETY FIRST
While Vanuatu is generally secure, remain alert especially in tour zones:
- Avoid isolated or unlit areas after dusk.
- Secure valuables (passport, electronics, cash) at all times.
- Confirm the tour finishes well ahead of your all on board deadline.
EXCURSIONS & EXPERIENCES
Viator is not offered in this port
Recommended Dive & Snorkel Sites
“Full Day Santo Blue Hole, Champagne Beach, Million Dollar Point & Port Olry Tour” — TripAdvisor listing, Espiritu Santo Island.
“Northern Seaside and Blue Hole Shore Excursion – Luganville” — review of a shorter snorkel/tour (approx. 3.5hrs) from Luganville.
SS President Coolidge — This massive WWII wreck (approx. 200 m long) lies just off Luganville and has dozens of dive sites for certified divers. https://allwaysdive.com.au/diving-destinations/vanuatu/espiritu-santo/ss-president-coolidge/?utm
Pacific Dive (Main St, Luganville) — “Daily dive tours of the SS President Coolidge wreck, Million Dollar Point & wreck sites” listed as ~4 hours tours.
Website
Aore Adventure Sports & Lodge (Aore Island, near Luganville) — PADI 5-Star dive centre with boat pick-up from Luganville. Daily boat dives, snorkel options; morning departures around 08:00-08:30 and return by early afternoon. https://vanuatuscubaoperatorsassociation.com/aore-adventure-sports-lodge/?utm
Santo Heritage Tours (Luganville) — Land-based cultural, WWII and sightseeing tours, but they can incorporate snorkel or beach stops. Good option for mix of water + history https://www.vanuatu.travel/en/santo-heritage-tours?utm
Pacific Dive — Located in Luganville, this operator specialises in scuba diving and snorkelling outings around the famous SS President Coolidge wreck and the surrounding reefs. https://www.pacificdive.net/?utm
Santo Heritage Tours — A long-established local operator offering personalised land and half-day tours (village visits, cultural experiences, snorkel or beach add-ons) that can be tailored to your schedule. https://www.vanuatu.travel/en/santo-heritage-tours?utm
Snorkelling Tour Santo & Dugong Tour: Departs from the Luganville wharf at 09:00 for cruise-ships and includes 2 hours of snorkelling + 1 hour dugong/turtle spotting https://vanuatutravelers.com/activity/snorkelling-tour-santo-vanuatu/?utm
Turtle Bay Diving & Snorkel Centre (via Turtle Bay Lodge): Daily dive & snorkel tours departing at 08:00 and finishing by around 16:00 https://www.padi.com/dive-center/vanuatu/dive-turtle-bay-lodge/?utm
LOCAL INSIGHTS
Don’t miss village markets and handcrafted local carvings.The Luganville Local Market is a lively outdoor bazaar in the town’s centre offering fresh tropical produce, local dishes and handicrafts. https://www.expedia.com.au/Luganville-Market-Luganville.d553248634340987784.Attraction?utm
Pick up seasonal fruits like mangoes, pineapple and breadfruit, root-vegetables, as well as cooked local dishes like laplap.
Shopping Spots: Beyond the market, Luganville offers both traditional stores and local boutiques. Where you’ll find everyday needs as well as crafts and souvenirs. https://evendo.com/locations/vanuatu/luganville/best-shops?utm
Food & Dining: A recommended stop is Market Meal Booths near the waterfront — offered local-style meals like fish, steak with rice & veggies, very budget-friendly and authentic. https://turtlebaybeachhouse.com/tips-for-vanuatu-food-markets/?utm
Morning is best for photos & beach-time before afternoon heat rises.
Explore WWII sites, blue holes or simply chill seaside—both work with your stay timetable.
MARKET SNACKS YOU MAY SEE
- Fresh mango slices with chilli & lime
- Coconut pieces served in shell
- Cassava chips
- Beach-grilled fish skewers
INSIDER NOTES
- The Central Market is a cultural highlight: find fresh coconut water, shell‐money artisans and local crafts.
- Sunset at Point Cruz offers sweeping views over Iron Bottom Sound — ideal photo ops.
- Early morning or late afternoon are cooler and more comfortable for walking trips.
MARKET SNACKS YOU MAY SEE
- Coconut pieces with lime
- Pineapple or papaya slices
- Cassava chips
- Handmade shell-money bracelets
GEMS, PRECIOUS STONES & MINERALS NATIVE TO THIS AREA
The Solomon Islands are known for ebony wood, shell-money ornamentation and small green-stone carvings — meaningful cultural souvenirs more than gemstone investments.
VIATOR EXTRAS
Explore Viator for extra tours, landmarks and trip ideas for all our destinations — an excellent planning resource.
Enjoy late 24-hour cancellation and “Reserve Now / Pay Later” options with most tours.
FINAL NOTE
There are no direct charges for my services or information — as a resident, this is a free community resource provided by Angie at Odyssey Adventure Travel. Commission may be earned when tours are booked using my links with VIATOR. Thank you for your support and may your adventures at port give you unforgettable memories and once‐in‐a‐lifetime experiences!