Sanma between rainforest, wreck and culture

A 2,720-hectare forest area and a nearly intact shipwreck represent two very different sides of Sanma: the natural world on Santo and traces of the Second World War.

Forest, Birds and Mount Tabwemasana

The Vatthe Conservation Area lies on Santo’s north coast, in Bay Bay Bay. The area covers 2,720 hectares and protects an extensive alluvial and limestone forest, considered the only large-scale forest of its kind in Vanuatu. A total of 48 land and freshwater bird species have been recorded in the conservation area. Six of Vanuatu’s nine endemic bird species are known to use this forest.

Mount Tabwemasana is on Espiritu Santo, in Sanma Province. At 1,879 metres, it is Vanuatu’s highest mountain and also the highest point in the South Pacific. Climbing it is offered as an expedition through dense rainforests and remote villages. For travellers, it combines a notable geographic landmark with a multi-day journey through forest and villages.

Wreck and Traces of the Second World War

The wreck of the SS President Coolidge lies off Espiritu Santo and is almost completely intact. War relics include guns, cannons, jeeps, helmets and trucks. The wreck can be reached directly from shore for a dive.

Million Dollar Point is an underwater dump from the Second World War in Sanma Province. The WWII Museum on Espiritu Santo houses equipment and everyday items left behind by American troops during the Second World War. Collection and visitor details may change, so check the latest information before visiting.

Cave Tours and Cultural Experiences

The Millennium Cave Tour includes jungle hikes, exploring a cave, crossing rocky gorges and travelling downstream back to the village. Guests are welcomed in the village of Funaspef; traditional face painting is part of the experience before entering the cave. Tour and programme details may change, so check the current itinerary before your visit.

At Leweton Cultural Village on Santo, visitors can experience traditional dances, woodcarving and sand drawing, which is unique to Vanuatu. On Malo Island, experiences for visitors include traditional dances, local music and ni-Vanuatu handicrafts. Offerings may vary by community and season.

Kava is also part of the region’s culture. Small, family-run plantations on Santo grow premium kava varieties using traditional methods. They are known for their mild flavour and calming properties.

Getting There and Planning Your Time

Sanma can be reached via international flights to Port Vila, followed by domestic flights to Espiritu Santo. The domestic flight takes one hour. Ferries and cargo ships also connect Port Vila with Santo. Schedules and operators may change, so check connections before travelling.

Boat services from Luganville connect to Aore Island, with a journey time of about 10 minutes, and to Malo Island, about 30 minutes away. Journey times may vary. The timeframes differ: a six-day expedition is offered for Mount Tabwemasana, while boat trips from Luganville take about 10 minutes to Aore and about 30 minutes to Malo.

Discover more destinations: Luganville, Hog Harbour, Tafea, Penama Province, Shefa, Malampa Province

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