Luganville
Luganville, Vanuatu's second-largest city on Espiritu Santo, pairs laid-back island life with a remarkable WWII history, lively markets, and easy access to famous dive sites and blue holes.
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About Sanma
Luganville is Vanuatu's second-largest city and the commercial centre of Espiritu Santo, the largest island in Sanma Province. It is a relaxed South Pacific town built around Boulevard Higinson, with a working harbour, local market and easy access to dive sites, beaches and rainforest.
During World War II, Espiritu Santo became a major Allied staging base, and Luganville grew rapidly around American supply depots, airfields and military camps. The wartime past remains visible at Million Dollar Point, where vehicles and equipment were pushed into the sea, and at the wreck of the SS President Coolidge, now one of the world's best-known wreck dives. The South Pacific WWII Museum preserves this history.
Beyond town, visitors head to the clear freshwater blue holes of Matevulu and Riri, Champagne Beach, and Aore Island across the Segond Channel. Scuba diving, snorkelling and WWII wreck exploration are the main draws, while the market on Boulevard Higinson offers fresh produce, local food and a glimpse of everyday Santo life.
Luganville is also the northern hub for trade and services in Vanuatu. Its sheltered port handles copra, coconut oil, cacao and cargo, and Santo-Pekoa International Airport links Espiritu Santo to Port Vila and regional destinations.
For travellers, Luganville offers a practical base for exploring Espiritu Santo's natural and historical attractions, while business visitors come for agriculture, fisheries, trade and the growing tourism economy.
Sanma Travel Guide
Best Time to Visit
May to October is the dry season and the best period for diving, snorkelling, visiting the blue holes and enjoying Champagne Beach. November to April is warmer and wetter, with a higher chance of heavy rain and cyclones.
How to Get Around
Central Luganville is walkable, while taxis and local minibuses handle trips around town and to nearby sights. Rental cars and 4WDs are useful for reaching blue holes and beaches, and boats run to Aore Island and dive sites.
Where to Stay
Luganville town has guesthouses, small hotels and budget stays close to the market, port and dive operators. Beachfront resorts and bungalows are spread along Espiritu Santo's coast and on Aore Island for a quieter island experience.
Food & Drink
The market on Boulevard Higinson is the best place for tropical fruit, fresh produce and local snacks. Restaurants and waterfront cafés serve fresh fish, Santo beef and ni-Vanuatu dishes, while kava bars offer a traditional evening drink.
Ground Transportation Services in Sanma
Airport Transfers
Travel between Santo-Pekoa International Airport and hotels, resorts, the port or central Luganville with a pre-booked private transfer.
Hourly Chauffeur
Book a private chauffeur by the hour for business meetings, sightseeing and flexible trips to Million Dollar Point, blue holes or Champagne Beach.
Car Rental
Rent a car or 4WD in Luganville for independent travel around Espiritu Santo and convenient access to beaches, villages and dive sites.
Bus & Group Transfers
Arrange minibuses or charter vehicles for dive groups, cruise excursions, corporate events, airport transfers and tours around Luganville and Espiritu Santo.
Frequently Asked Questions
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