Nestled in the serene waters of Vanuatu, Aore Adventures on Aore Island offers an exceptional diving experience for diving enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike. Known for its crystal-clear waters and vibrant marine life, Vanuatu stands out as a pristine diving paradise far from the beaten path.
In this guide, you’ll find an introduction to Vanuatu's natural beauty and what makes it an ideal diving destination - and you’ll find all you need to know about setting off on the adventure of a lifetime with Aore Adventures.
Why Choose Vanuatu for Diving?
If you’ve been looking for a destination for your next diving holiday or adventure that is off the beaten track, unspoiled by over-tourism, and offering the best of what the Pacific Ocean has to offer in terms of biodiversity, look no further than Aore Island, Vanuatu.
Vanuatu, renowned for its stunning natural beauty and biodiversity, offers an unparalleled diving experience. Situated in the heart of the Pacific, Vanuatu’s crystal-clear waters are just the peak of the iceberg of what the islands have to offer: a glance below the surface will unveil a rich underwater world, packed with endless marine life, stunning views, thrilling wrecks to discover, and a myriad of dive sites that cater to various interests and skill levels.
Here, you’ll find the SS President Coolidge, an iconic wreck dive hailed by many as one of the best in the world - a must-visit for history enthusiasts and experienced divers alike! Million Dollar Point, another world-renowned site, offers a unique glimpse into Vanuatu's past with its submerged WWII relics. And, finally, coral reefs like those around Espiritu Santo provide idyllic dives perfect for novices and for photographing underwater ecosystems.
Whether you're planning an adventure to explore historical wrecks or vibrant reef gardens, Vanuatu has everything you have ever dreamed of.
Aore Island: A Diver's Paradise
Vanuatu is a stunning archipelago located in the South Pacific Ocean, composed of over 80 islands and offering a staggering 2,528 kilometres of coastline. Among the best islands in the archipelago is Aore Island, an unspoiled gem that offers an idyllic setting for a diving holiday.
Just a short flight from Australia or New Zealand, Aore Island is situated off the coast of Espiritu Santo. This accessible yet secluded paradise provides the perfect escape for those seeking tranquillity and underwater adventure.
Just a few of the unmissable attractions and characteristics of Aore Island are:
- Pristine, unspoiled shores ideal for relaxation between dives.
- Crystal clear waters that offer perfect visibility for exploring vibrant coral reefs and marine life.
- A rich cultural heritage showcased in nearby villages, offering a glimpse into Vanuatu's traditional lifestyle and customs.
- Stunning natural attractions, including Mount Yasur, Nanda Blue Hole, Mystery Island, Millennium Cave, and Blue Lagoon.
- Resorts that offer eco-friendly, luxury accommodations that emphasise sustainable practices, ensuring minimal environmental impact.
Aore Island's serene environment makes it an ideal destination for divers of all levels. The island's calm, clear waters provide safe conditions for beginners while still offering thrilling underwater landscapes for seasoned divers.
Diving with Aore Adventures
Aore Adventures offers a variety of diving services designed to cater to every diver's needs. From novices to experienced explorers, you will find an adventure suited for you, your skills level, and your interest. Some of the services you’ll find when diving and staying with Aore Adventures include:
- Guided dives managed by our highly experienced and trained instructors.
- Night dives
- Wreck dives
- Snorkelling Trips
- Island tours
- Fishing charters and trips
- Personalised tours to visit must-see sights like Millennium Cave, Mount Hope, Champagne Beach, Port Orly, and the Blue Hole.
When it comes to diving and fishing charters, Aore Adventures provides flexible options to ensure you get the best experience for your holiday plans. Some of out customisable options include:
- Half-day charters
- Full-day charters
- Private or group charters
Each charter includes laundry services, hull cleaning, underwater maintenance, scuba diving charters, beach side accommodation, fresh drinking water and local food.
What to Expect from Aore Adventures
At Aore Adventures, safety is a top priority. Our teams and shops are equipped with modern gear, regularly maintained to ensure top performance. We also offer on-site and on-call medical and rescue services and emergency support.
Each tour or diving adventure starts with comprehensive briefings carried out by our highly trained specialist.
Experienced guides and instructors are the backbone of Aore Adventures. All are certified by reputable organisations and are qualified PADI Dive Masters. Today, Aore Adventure Sports is the longest established dive facility in Santo, and it is also the only PADI 5 Star Dive Facility in the area.
Top Dive Sites Near Aore Island
Diving near Aore Island offers access to some of Vanuatu’s most spectacular underwater attractions and pristine diving sites. Thanks to this unparalleled variety, you are guaranteed to find the best adventures and destinations for your diving holiday, no matter whether you prefer tranquil dives by coral reefs or thrilling expeditions to ancient wrecks.
The SS President Coolidge is perhaps the most renowned dive site in the area. This massive WWII shipwreck lies in shallow waters, making it accessible even to less experienced divers. It’s packed with history, artefacts, and sea life, creating a unique underwater museum for both beginner wreck divers and history buffs alike.
Million Dollar Point is another historical site, established when the U.S. military dumped surplus supplies after WWII. Divers can explore this underwater graveyard of jeeps, bulldozers, and other equipment, now enveloped with coral and home to endless fish species.
Other notable coral reefs and underwater landscapes you can’t miss out on on your visit to Aore Island include:
- Cindy's Reef: This is a very easy dive to explore a bed of bright, colourful coral with an abundance of fish life, including tuna and barracuda. Depth ranges from 8m to 35m, and divers can see a variety of staghorn corals, large plate corals, and "potato head" coral, along with occasional WWII relics.
- Fantasy Reef: Located on the north-eastern side of Aore Island, this reef is covered in multi-colored gorgonian fans. With visibility that often exceeds 30m, you’ll be able to spot tuna and barracuda among other species.
- Bokissa Reef: A shallow dive with depths ranging from 18m to 5m, ideal as a second dive after the MV Henry Bonneaud. It offers visibility of 30m+, with chances to see reef sharks, turtles, and passing tuna, and barracuda.
- Tutuba Point: With depths ranging from 6m to over 30m, this site features caves, canyons, and swim-throughs, and it’s located on the northern end of Tutuba Island.
- Two Sticks: Located on the open side of Tutuba, this site offers clean waters and numerous gullies to swim through. The coral is very healthy, and you'll see passing schools of dogtooth tuna and barracuda, along with an array of tropical species.
- Araki: An exclusive dive site with vertical walls, caves, swim-throughs, and excellent coral life, this location offers visibility that exceeds 40 m and depths ranging from 6m to 60m, providing a breathtaking underwater experience.
Accommodation and Amenities
At Aore Adventures, we know that having a place where to relax in comfort and luxury and share your experiences with your loved ones after a dive is just as important as the dive itself. That's why we provide luxury boutique accommodation that offers a tranquil escape, complemented by modern amenities and thoughtful touches.
At each of our accommodations, you’ll be able to enjoy spacious rooms, private balconies, modern bathrooms, and air conditioning to find respite from the heat.
The lodge’s prime location means you’re never far from the adventure. Most dive sites are just a short boat ride away, allowing you to maximise your time in the water.
Aore Adventures also offers a range of facilities and services to make your stay as enjoyable as possible, including premium local dining and international cuisine, relaxation areas, such as lunges by the pool, and technical comforts like gear storage and activity coordination.
Testimonials and Reviews
Don’t take our word for it! As the longest-established diving facilities on Aore Island, Aore Adventures has gathered hundreds of positive reviews and testimonials. Here are just a few snippets of what our customers say about us:
“My wife and I had an amazing experience doing two dives on the Coolidge with Paul and Jon. The equipment is in great shape and they took safety very seriously. The wreck itself was incredible. The best diving we’ve ever done. We’re on a big trip through the pacific and this was a highlight.” - Craig M
“We had some of the best dives ever with Aore Adventures! Paul and his team (Kingsley, John and Alex) were impressive in all aspects: professional, 100% safe, always with a smile and happy to help and adapt to all levels (our daughters were beginners, and the team was so good to assist and give them confidence).” - Stephane G.
“We dived the Coolidge and a few aircraft wrecks over two days of double dives. We were picked up at 7.20am from the wharf a short walk from our accommodation in town, and we're back before midday. Paul and his team of DMs, Kingsley and John, were absolutely fantastic - very professional, very knowledgeable, and very safe. We had excellent briefs on the dive sites and the history of the area, and great food and great company!” - G.
Planning Your Trip
When planning your trip to Aore Island, there’s a few considerations worth keeping in mind. The best time to visit is during the dry season, from May to October, when the weather is cool and dry, and underwater visibility is at its peak.
In terms of flights and connections, Vanuatu’s main airport, Bauerfield International Airport in Port Vila, connects the island via a domestic flight to Santo-Pekoa International Airport on Espiritu Santo. From there, a short boat transfer will bring you to the island.
Another important factor to consider is your visa. Visa requirements for Vanuatu vary depending on your nationality. Visitors from many countries, including Australia, New Zealand, and the European Union, can obtain a visa on arrival for stays up to 30 days - but it’s always advisable to check the latest visa regulations before you travel.
While travel to Aore Island is safe and straightforward, there’s more than one factor to keep in mind to plan out the stress-free adventure of a lifetime. That’s where Aore Adventure is for. The specialists at our lodge and diving facilities can help you create the perfect itinerary and coordinate all you need to enjoy a hassle-free trip to Vanuatu and surrounding islands.
Ready to get started? Dive into the adventure of a lifetime with Aore Adventures. Booking your holiday is easy: get in touch with our local team at Aore Island and let our experts help you plan your stay.
