top of page
Search

Adventure Awaits: Exploring Santo and Aore Island Beyond the Reef

  • Writer: Stuart Davis
    Stuart Davis
  • Nov 10
  • 3 min read
Drone shot of Port Olry Beach, Santo

Crystal-clear waters and powdery sands — Port Olry Beach, an easy day trip trip from Aoredise.

If you thought Santo was only about world-class diving, think again. The beauty of staying at Aoredise – Paradise on Aore Island is that adventure is never far away, whether you’re trekking through lush jungle, floating in crystal blue waters, or paddling straight from your private beach.


🌿 Mainland Adventures – Nature’s Playground

Across the channel from Aore Island lies Espiritu Santo, a haven for outdoor lovers. From breathtaking caves to impossibly blue swimming holes, there’s a new adventure around every corner.


A waterfall near Millennium Cave

Millennium Cave Tour

This is Santo’s ultimate adventure. The guided trek leads you through lush rainforest, across bamboo bridges, down into a cavernous limestone cave where an underground river glows with filtered sunlight. You’ll swim, wade, and float through a landscape that feels straight out of an adventure movie.


The Blue Holes (Nanda, Riri, Matevulu & Malo)

Fish in Nanda Blue Hole, Espiritu Santo

These natural freshwater springs are among Santo’s most iconic sights. Their intense shades of sapphire and turquoise are almost unreal. You can swim, snorkel, or even kayak up the Riri River to reach Matevulu Blue Hole — an unforgettable experience surrounded by jungle and birdsong.



Horse Riding at Santo Horse Adventures

Santo Horse Adventures

For a different kind of adventure, saddle up with Santo Horse Adventures, located just outside Luganville. These gentle, well-cared-for horses take you along jungle tracks, through coconut plantations, and even into the shallows of the sea. It’s a relaxed and scenic experience, suitable for beginners and experienced riders alike — and a wonderful way to see Santo’s natural beauty from a new perspective.


Mount Hope Waterfall

Hidden deep in the rainforest, this tour combines river trekking and a gentle float through a canyon to reach a secluded waterfall. It’s serene, scenic, and wonderfully refreshing after a day in the tropics.


Looking left at Champagne Beach, Santo
Look right at Champagne Beach, Santo

Champagne Beach & Port Olry - When you’re ready to relax, head north to two of Vanuatu’s most beautiful beaches. Champagne Beach is famous for its powdery white sand and sparkling shallows, while

Restaurant on the beach at Port Olry, Santo

Port Olry offers authentic island charm, with beachside cafés serving freshly caught lobster and coconut crab.

Each of these day tours can be easily arranged from Aoredise — simply ask, and we’ll help you connect with trusted local guides.



🏝️ Aore Island Adventures – Right at Your Doorstep

You don’t have to go far to find adventure. Aore Island itself offers plenty to explore — peaceful, uncrowded, and surrounded by calm blue water.



Kayak at Aoredise, Aore Island

Snorkelling & Kayaking - Step off your private beach at Aoredise and you’re instantly in a coral wonderland. Colourful fish, starfish, and coral gardens are just metres from shore. Kayaks and paddleboards are free for guests to enjoy — perfect for exploring the coastline or watching the sunset from the water.


Paddle Boarding in front of Aoredise - Paradise on Aore Island, Vanuatu

Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP) - Early mornings are magic for paddleboarding — glassy calm water, gentle light, and the sound of tropical birds waking up in the trees. It’s peaceful, great exercise, and incredibly scenic.


Exploring the cave at Freshwater Plantation, Aore Island Vanuatu

Freshwater Plantation & Bat Cave Tour - Just a short ride away, this eco-friendly plantation and chocolate farm offers an insight into island life and sustainable farming. You’ll taste locally made chocolate, wander tropical gardens, and visit the famous Bat Cave, home to hundreds of harmless fruit bats hanging from the limestone ceiling.


WW2 Jeep remailn on Aore Island, Vanuatu

WW2 Bunker on Aore Island, Vanuatu

WWII Relics & Bunkers - Aore played a small part in the history of World War II. Scattered around the island are old bunkers and relics from when Santo was a major Allied base — a fascinating walk through time for history buffs.




🌺 Adventure Your Way

Whether you’re chasing waterfalls, exploring caves, or paddling at sunrise, Santo and Aore Island deliver the perfect mix of excitement and tranquility. At the end of each day, return to Aoredise to unwind — a cold drink in hand, the sound of the ocean at your doorstep, and the stars lighting up the night sky.


Your adventure starts here — book your stay at Aoredise and discover the best of Santo, above and below the water.


Water view from the deck at Aoredise - Paradise on Aore island, Vanuatu

 
 
 

Recent Posts

See All
Aoredise Newsletter #4

4️⃣ A Visit to the Santo War Museum We recently explored the fascinating Santo War Museum – a tribute to the island’s WWII history. Step back in time and discover how this quiet corner of paradise onc

 
 
 
Aoredise Newsletter #3

3️⃣ Island Updates & Memories from the Early Days From new improvements around Aoredise to flight updates and stories from our first holidays on Santo, this issue blends the practical with the nostalg

 
 
 

Comments


bottom of page