VANUATU: 6 Day Diving & Marine Adventure
South Pacific
Vanuatu
6 Day Diving & Marine Adventure
Espiritu Santo and the surrounding islands of Sanma create one of Vanuatu’s strongest yacht-charter regions for guests interested in diving, marine life and secluded beaches. Sanma includes Santo together with Malo, Aore, Tutuba and smaller islands, while the region is recognised for reefs, freshwater lagoons, World War II history and opportunities to encounter dugongs.
This six-day itinerary progresses from Luganville toward Aore, Malo and Tutuba before finishing along Santo’s famous northeastern coast. Compared with the Efate itinerary, the focus shifts strongly toward diving, marine exploration and beach experiences.
- Where | Northern Vanuatu
- When | May-October
- Duration | 6 Days - 5 Nights
- Departs | Luganville
- Concludes | Port Olry
Day 1: Luganville
WWII HISTORY | WORLD-CLASS DIVING | WELCOME ABOARD
Board the yacht in Luganville, Vanuatu’s second-largest town and the main gateway to Sanma Province. The surrounding waters are internationally recognised for diving and World War II history.
Qualified divers may arrange an introductory wreck dive, while non-divers can explore local wartime history or simply enjoy a relaxed first afternoon aboard before departure.
Day 2: Aore Island
CORAL REEFS | ISLAND LIFE | WATERSPORTS
Cross the short channel to Aore Island, only a brief boat journey from Luganville. The island is promoted for marine experiences, coral reefs and cultural encounters, making it ideal for a full day of relaxed exploration.
Swim, snorkel, kayak or paddleboard before enjoying lunch onboard and a quieter afternoon along the island’s shoreline.
Day 3: Malo Island
KASTOM CULTURE | DUGONG COUNTRY | LOCAL COMMUNITY
Continue to Malo Island, one of Sanma’s principal islands and an important area of traditional culture. Malo is known for kastom traditions, music, dances and locally made handicrafts.
Arrange a community-led cultural visit ashore, then return to the water for snorkelling, wildlife observation or tender exploration in the surrounding channels.
Day 4: Tutuba Island
SECLUDED ISLAND | SNORKELLING | QUIET REEFS
ruise toward Tutuba, a smaller island off Santo characterised by quieter surroundings and largely undeveloped marine environments. Vanuatu Tourism specifically highlights Tutuba for snorkelling and relatively untouched ecosystems.
Spend the day exploring coral areas by snorkel and tender, swimming from the yacht and enjoying the slower rhythm of a destination with few conventional visitor facilities.
Day 5: Champagne Beach
WHITE SAND | KAYAKING | COASTAL RELAXATION
Continue north along Santo’s coast toward Champagne Beach. The area supports swimming, snorkelling and kayaking, with local dining available close to the beach.
Go ashore for lunch and a beach afternoon before returning aboard for the final evening of the charter.
Day 6: Port Olry
FISHING VILLAGE | FRESH SEAFOOD | FINAL SWIM
Finish at Port Olry, a coastal village in northern Santo known for swimming, canoeing, snorkelling, fishing and fresh seafood. The area also provides road access back toward Luganville, approximately 1.5 hours away.
Enjoy a final morning in the water, followed by lunch ashore before disembarkation and a private transfer back toward Luganville or Santo’s airport.
Activities+Optional extras
Get off-board and discover even more
SCUBA DIVING | SNORKELLING | DUGONG WATCHING
Sanma offers diving, reef snorkelling, kayaking, cultural visits, fishing and wildlife encounters, with Santo also recognised for World War II relics and its freshwater blue holes. Optional premium additions may include a private dive master, underwater photographer, marine naturalist, guided WWII history experience, blue-hole excursion, dugong-focused wildlife guide or private Santo culinary experience.
Vanuatu: 6 Day Diving & Marine Adventure Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to charter here?
+May through October is a strong general charter period, overlapping Vanuatu’s cooler, drier months.
Where do charters depart from?
+This itinerary begins in Luganville and concludes in Port Olry, with road transfers available back toward Luganville.
What can be experienced in this region?
+Guests can enjoy coral reefs, beaches, diving, World War II history, kastom culture, secluded islands and opportunities to look for dugongs.
Who is this destination suited for?
+It is especially suitable for divers, snorkellers, families and marine-life enthusiasts who want plenty of time in the water.
What is a typical itinerary like?
+Days alternate between short island passages, reef sessions, community visits and beach stops, with considerable flexibility for diving and snorkelling.
What should be considered before booking?
+Diving plans depend on qualifications, sea conditions and the yacht’s equipment. Wildlife encounters can never be guaranteed, and guests should follow crew and local-guide instructions around reefs and dugongs.
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