The blue holes make Vanuatu truly unique! Each one is distinct, offering a special experience and atmosphere that makes visiting them all worthwhile.
Blue lagoon, Efate
On Efate, you’ll find one blue hole: the Blue Lagoon, located a 45-minute drive from downtown Port Vila. The site is well-prepared for spending a half or full day with family or friends. An entrance fee (cash only) is required. Food options on-site are limited. The Blue Lagoon is very popular among locals on weekends, creating a lively atmosphere—you’ll likely see skilled acrobats jumping into the water using the ropes set up for this purpose. For a quieter experience, consider visiting during the week.
Matevulu Blue Hole, Espiritu Santo
The first and closest, Matevulu, is the largest of Santo blue holes and is only a short 45 minute paddle away, directly opposite Oyster Island Resort. Paddling up the crystal river to reach the swimming lagoon is an experience in itself – like being lost in the Amazon! It takes about 30 minutes to paddle up the river (you can also drive direct to the blue hole – just follow the signs from the highway). Once at the blue hole you are rewarded at the end with a great swimming area and a giant rope swing tied onto a large banyan tree. There are also toilets there.
Malo Blue Hole, Espiritu Santo
The second, Ri Ri, is by far the prettiest blue hole/crystal river out of all the Santo blue holes. It is another 45 minute paddle farther south of Matevulu Blue Hole. Paddling up the entrance lagoon and crystal river is nothing short of magical! You can also visit both these blue holes by car as well, and at Ri Ri Blue hole you can choose to have locals paddle you up via outrigger canoe (ask the locals near the bridge going over the Ri Ri river).
You can also visit the blue hole on the island of Malo. This visit needs to be arranged in advance through a local provider or the local travel centre.
Hog Harbour Blue Hole, Espiritu Santo
Finally there are a few more “hidden” Santo blue holes farther north along the coastline that are also worth exploring. The first one (which we call the Secret Blue Hole or Hog Harbour Blue Hole) is located about 1.4 km after the turn-off to Champagne Beach – there’s no sign just a hut and some seats on the right hand side of the road with a track leading down to the swimming lagoon. It is one of the only Santo blue holes with a direct connection to the ocean.
Riri Blue Hole, Espiritu Santo
The second, Ri Ri, is by far the prettiest blue hole/crystal river out of all the Santo blue holes. It is another 45 minute paddle farther south of Matevulu Blue Hole. Paddling up the entrance lagoon and crystal river is nothing short of magical! You can also visit both these blue holes by car as well, and at Ri Ri Blue hole you can choose to have locals paddle you up via outrigger canoe (ask the locals near the bridge going over the Ri Ri river).