Vanuatu is an unparalleled diver’s paradise.

This archipelago in the South Pacific comprises 83 different islands of varying sizes. Despite its remote location, it is an increasingly popular travel destination, famous for its crystal clear water, stunning coral reefs, and white sandy beaches. With so much variety across the islands, it is a perfect holiday location for beach lovers, culture aficionados, and adventure sports enthusiasts alike.

Scuba diving in Vanuatu is especially popular, with its incredible underwater scenery, diverse marine life, and jaw-dropping shipwrecks carrying centuries of history within their walls. Of the various islands, Espiritu Santo is one of the best diving locations, offering a range of scuba diving experiences for both novice and expert divers. Just off the coast of Espiritu Santo lies the tiny landmass of Aore Island, home to the beautiful Aore Adventure Sports and Lodge. This resort is a private tropical paradise, and is the perfect base from which to begin your Vanuatu scuba diving holiday.

The following article takes a deep dive (no pun intended) into Vanuatu’s scuba diving heritage, and what makes this beautiful country the best place in the world to explore the watery depths. It provides an action-packed seven-day itinerary for divers visiting Vanuatu, with travel tips and advice on how to make the most of your trip. Read on to learn more and start planning your Pacific scuba adventure today.

Scuba Diving in Vanuatu

Vanuatu is widely regarded as one of the best diving locations in the world, due to its unmatched combination of marine diversity, vibrant coral reefs, and historic shipwrecks. The archipelago, situated in the South Pacific Ocean in the continent of Oceania, consists of 83 islands, of which Espiritu Santo is the largest. The country is surrounded by sparkling clear blue waters with exceptional visibility, often up to 30 meters or more. This makes it an ideal location for exploring the underwater scenery, full of volcanic caverns, sheer subaquatic cliffs, and coral gardens bustling with marine life.

These warm, tropical waters are home to a vast array of sea creatures, including several species of turtle, reef sharks, barracudas, and a huge procession of colourful fish. Every dive is a unique safari experience, where you will encounter creatures you’ve never seen before.

In addition to its natural beauty and marine landscapes, Vanuatu is well known amongst the global diving community for its shipwrecks. These popular dive sites are surprisingly accessible for the casual scuba adventurer, providing an underwater experience like nothing else on earth. These wrecks include the majestic SS President Coolidge and the USS Tucker.

Whether you are a seasoned scuba diver or a complete beginner, Vanuatu’s many renowned diving hotspots have something to offer. A week-long trip to Aore Island allows for a packed diving schedule, ensuring you have plenty of time to see the most iconic shipwrecks, coral reefs, and historic dive sites the country has to offer.

Aore Adventure Sports & Lodge is the perfect location in terms of accessibility and convenience for your diving vacation. Travel times to the various diving sites are minimal, and the resort offers all the comforts and amenities you could ask for. Read on for your ideal seven-day Vanuatu diving itinerary

A Seven Day Vanuatu Diving Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Acclimatisation

Most visitors to Vanuatu will fly into Pekoa International Airport in Luganville, Espiritu Santo's main town. From here, a short boat ride across the Segond Channel will bring you to Aore Island. Settle into your beautiful beachfront accommodation at Aore Adventure Sports & Lodge and take a moment to unwind after your long journey. Spend the afternoon settling in, exploring the private sandy beach, and familiarising yourself with the lodge's many amenities. We can also have your kitchen stocked in advance, waiting for your arrival, or dine in at the restaurant, only 150m down the road.

Day 2: Diving the SS President Coolidge

Kick off your diving adventure with a descent into the past at the SS President Coolidge dive site. One of the world's most accessible shipwrecks, this former luxury liner turned troopship was sunk by mines in World War 2 and now rests on its side at the bottom of the ocean. By descending between 20 and almost 70 metres below the surface, divers can explore its intact corridors, artillery weapons, and the famed "Lady and the Unicorn" statue, which it is customary for divers to kiss before returning to the surface! Aore Adventure Sports & Lodge offers guided dives to the SS President Coolidge site.

Day 3: Exploring Million Dollar Point

Begin your next day at Million Dollar Point, where the U.S. military discarded tons of unwanted equipment when they failed to sell it off after World War 2. Million Dollar Point is now an artificial reef, where diverse marine life intermingles with the ruins of World War 2 jeeps, bulldozers, and other heavy machinery.

Day 4: Bokissa Reef and Cindy’s Reef

If you are interested in underwater photography, this is the perfect day for you. Travel to Bokissa Reef, notable for its labyrinthine coral structures and exquisite visibility, making it ideal for snapping your underwater memories. The reef's intricate formations are home to a plethora of different species, including sharks, turtles, tropical fish, and multi-coloured lichen.

After lunch, go for a more leisurely dive at Cindy’s Reef, one of the beautiful and diverse diving spots, named after the local guide who first introduced it to the world. With its gentle slopes and relative shallowness, this reef provides a serene scuba diving experience amidst colorful corals, anemones, and schools of jovial clownfish.

Day 5: Blue Holes and Champagne Beach

No trip to Espiritu Santo could be complete without visiting some of the island’s terrestrial tourist sites. Take a break from diving today and explore Vanuatu, starting with a tour of the world-famous blue holes. These crystal-clear freshwater springs are situated all over the country, and are perfect swimming spots to unwind and soak up the sun. Espiritu Santo boasts three must-see blue holes - Nanda, Matevulu, and Riri River.

Enjoy an even more relaxing afternoon at Champagne Beach, named not for the nightlife but for the volcanic gases that bubble up through the sand, so it looks and feels like champagne under your feet. If you have time, visit the nearby Port Orly, sampling some of the many great cafes and seafood restaurants before retiring for the evening.

Day 6: Fishing Expedition and Snorkeling

Embark on a fishing expedition led by the expert guides at Aore Adventure Sports & Lodge. Hop on the “Full Boar” boat and hunt for delicious species like yellowfin tuna, marlin, and mahi-mahi. Even if you have never fished before, the experienced guides and teeming waters will guarantee you a fruitful day’s fishing.

In the afternoon, snorkel in the pristine waters around Aore Island, exploring shallow reefs and hunting for sea life—a perfect complement to your diving adventures and a relaxing way to enjoy your final full day.

Day 7: Departure

Spend your final morning relaxing, perhaps enjoying a leisurely breakfast overlooking the Segond Channel or taking a last swim in the sea. Reflect on your adventures before departing for Luganville and your onward journey home.

Accommodation

Perfectly nestled on the shores of Aore Island, Aore Adventure Sports and Lodge offers guests a private waterfront retreat overlooking the beautiful Segond Channel and offering nighttime views of the twinkling lights of Luganville beneath the starry sky.

Stay in comfort in our modern, self-contained beach house, designed to accommodate anyone from solo travellers and couples to families and groups of friends. These five acres of lush seafront land boast a private 200-meter white sand beach, ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking in the crystal-clear waters.

The beach house features a fully-equipped kitchen with everything you need to prepare your own home-cooked meals. But if you prefer dining out, one of Espiritu Santo's finest dining experiences is just a short trip away. If you’re willing to travel a little further afield, it’s only a brief boat ride to Luganville.

As well as a range of home comforts, the lodge offers exciting activities such as bushwalking, visiting coffee and plantations, and experiencing the indigenous way of life in the surrounding villages.

Travel Tips

  • Best Time to Visit: May to October offers the best diving conditions with cooler, drier weather and excellent visibility. However, Vanuatu has warm weather year-round so there is no bad time to visit!
  • Dive Certification: Want to gain a diving qualification? Aore Adventure Sports & Lodge offers PADI courses for those seeking certification or refresher courses.
  • Health Precautions: Consult with a travel health specialist regarding vaccinations and health advice for Vanuatu.
  • Local Currency: The Vanuatu vatu (VUV) is the local currency. While major establishments in the bigger towns and resorts accept credit cards, carrying some cash is essential.
  • Cultural Etiquette: Respect local customs and traditions. Dress modestly when visiting villages and always ask permission before photographing locals.

What are you waiting for? Book your diving trip of a lifetime to Vanuatu today!