1,090 miles East of Australia, sandwiched between New Caledonia, Fiji, and the Solomon Islands lies the stunning South Pacific archipelago of Vanuatu. Of the 83 islands that make up one the the happiest countries in the world, Espiritu Santo, (simply known as “Santo”) is the largest and lies to the North.
As a playground for adventure seekers with world-renowned scuba diving, blue holes, hidden caves, jungle treks, and breathtaking beaches, it is one of Vanuatu’s most popular travel spots—alongside Efate (home to the capital, Port Vila) in the centre, and Tanna in the south.
However how to get to Espiritu Santo can often be confusing. To save you some travel stress we have simplified all the options below.
Once you arrive in Espiritu Santo, check out our other page – getting around Espiritu Santo – for more information on transport options on the island.
Our number one recommendation when organising flights to Espiritu Santo is to book direct from Brisbane (BNE) to Santo-Pekoa international airport (SON) with Solomon Airlines..
These are slightly more expensive than international flights to Port Vila however only take 2.5 hours and will ultimately save time, hassle and money if your end goal is to get to Espiritu Santo.
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Alternitively you could fly into Bauerfiled International Airport (VLI) in Port Vila from a wider choice of international terminals then arrange connecting flights with Air Vanuatu or private charter with Unity Airlines.
As of writing this, a one way flight with either of these airlines is 19,000 Vatu and luggage allowances are fairly small.
As an island nation, ferries are a common and reliable way to travel around Vanuatu, especially for locals. While weather can occasionally impact schedules, ferries generally run consistently and offer a more affordable — if slower — alternative to flying.
Passenger ferries travel from Port Vila (Efate) to Luganville (Espiritu Santo) every Tuesday, with return trips from Santo to Efate departing on Thursdays.
Because the ferry stops at several islands along the way, the journey can take up to 24 hours, so it’s best suited for travelers with flexible schedules.
The main companies which operate this route being Vanuatu Ferry (preferred), Big Sista and Tanna ferry. See the linked posts to make your inter-island journey to Espiritu Santo as smooth as possible.
If you prefer to travel in modern comfort and are happy with just a short stay, arriving in Espiritu Santo by cruise ship is a fantastic option.
Several major cruise lines — including Princess Cruises, Carnival Cruises and others — feature Luganville, Espiritu Santo as a stop on their South Pacific itineraries. However, it’s important to note that some ships also dock at Champagne Beach, on the northern coast of Santo, which limits access to tour options.
Cruise visitors usually have just one full day on the island, so making the most of your time ashore is essential. That’s why we’ve partnered with trusted local tour providers to offer a variety of authentic Espiritu Santo shore excursions — including options for sightseeing, cultural experiences, and even scuba diving highlights.
