Sanma Province is a true gem of natural beauty, cultural richness, and fascinating history. Located in northern Vanuatu, it includes Espiritu Santo, the country’s largest island, as well as Malo, Aore, Tutuba, and several smaller surrounding islands. The name Sanma is a combination of "Santo" (Espiritu Santo) and "Malo", the province’s two main islands.

Luganville, Vanuatu’s second-largest town, serves as the administrative and economic center of Sanma. The province is renowned for its pristine beaches, world-class diving sites, and stunning freshwater lagoons. It also holds great historical significance, with many World War II relics scattered throughout Espiritu Santo. Whether you are an adventurer, history enthusiast, or beach lover, Sanma has something to offer everyone.

Sanma Province serves as a gateway to some of Vanuatu’s most spectacular natural wonders and cultural experiences.

Islands

Espiritu Santo

Espiritu Santo, Vanuatu’s largest island, is a true paradise for nature lovers, divers, and those seeking breathtaking beaches. It also boasts a strong cultural heritage, where Ni-Vanuatu traditions remain vibrant and deeply rooted.

In addition to its natural beauty, Santo plays a central role in Vanuatu’s agricultural economy, particularly in the cultivation of kava and cattle farming.

Kava Cultivation: Santo is one of the leading producers of kava, a root crop used to prepare a traditional drink of great cultural and social importance in Vanuatu. Consumed during kastom ceremonies, community events, and welcoming rituals, kava is valued for its relaxing effects and its role in strengthening social bonds. Grown using traditional methods on small family-run plantations, Santo produces noble kava varieties known for their smooth taste and calming properties.

Cattle Farming: Santo is also famous for its grass-fed beef, considered some of the finest in the South Pacific due to its exceptional tenderness and flavor. The island’s vast natural pastures allow farmers to practice sustainable and humane cattle farming, ensuring high-quality beef production. Santo beef is highly regarded both locally and internationally, contributing significantly to the island’s economy and culinary reputation.

Islands

The Islands of Malo, Aore, and Tutuba

Malo Island: A stronghold of kastom culture, where visitors can experience traditional dances, local music, and Ni-Vanuatu handicrafts.
Aore Island: A haven for marine enthusiasts, with coral reefs rich in biodiversity and immersive cultural experiences.
Tutuba Island: A secluded paradise, ideal for snorkeling and exploring untouched marine ecosystems.

12 Must-Do experiences in Sanma province

  • all
  • nature
  • wellness
  • adventure
  • cruising & sailing
  • romance
  • family
  • food & drink
  • culture

Explore Sanma

Sanma is accessible by air and ferry:
International flights to Port Vila, followed by domestic flights to Espiritu Santo (1-hour flight).
Ferries and cargo ships connecting Port Vila to Santo.

Getting Around the Province

Sanma has a well-developed network of boats and roads linking its main destinations:

ROUTE TRANSPORTATION OPTIONS DURATION
Luganville → Aore Island Boat 10 minutes
Luganville → Malo Island Boat 30 minutes
Santo → Port Olry Drive 1.5 hours

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Santo's blue holes are freshwater springs that rise through limestone, staying remarkably clear and taking on deep turquoise and blue tones in sunlight. The colour is a mix of depth, clarity and the pale floor beneath the water. They are among the easiest natural swimming places in Vanuatu, and several are close enough to Luganville for a day trip.
In 1942 Santo became a major American base, with tens of thousands of troops passing through Luganville. The SS President Coolidge sank in the Segond Channel, and unused equipment was later dumped at what is now called Million Dollar Point. Those wartime layers still define how visitors, and many locals, talk about the island: wrecks, relics and a town that grew because of the war.
The Coolidge is one of the world's most accessible large WWII wrecks, lying close to shore near Luganville, and Million Dollar Point adds a second famous site. Reefs and clear water around Santo and nearby islands complete the picture. Dive services and town facilities make Sanma the easiest place in Vanuatu to plan a wreck-focused trip.
Away from the beaches, Santo offers jungle walking and the chance to approach Mount Tabwemasana, Vanuatu's highest peak at 1,879 metres. Blue holes sit inland as well as near the coast, so a day can move from forest to freshwater. Village visits on Santo, Aore and Malo add a quieter cultural layer to the wreck-and-beach story.