DESTINATION GUIDE - P&O Cruises

SANTO is located on Espiritu Santo, the
largest island in the Vanuatu archipelago.
It is the second largest town in Vanuatu
after Port Vila and has become an
increasingly popular tourist destination.
Santo is a sheltered berth long favoured by ships. It also
offers superb scuba dive sites, rich World War II heritage,
unique cultural experiences and a plethora of small island
and beach adventures that would rival the best in the world.
AUSTRALIA
BRISBANE
NEWCASTLE
SYDNEY
Santo
VANUATU
NEW ZEALAND
AUCKLAND
SANTO IN A NUTSHELL
The area’s first European contact began in 1606, when
Hispanic explorer de Quiros landed in the north of the
island thinking he had found the fabled southern continent.
However it was not until 1774, when Captain James Cook
thoroughly chartered and explored the islands, that this
hypothesis was disproved. Today, Santo is an export centre
for copra, frozen meat (world famous Santo beef), timber and
cacao. It boasts excellent diving, beautiful beaches, intriguing
World War II history and rich Vanuatu culture.
POPULATION: 10,738 (2007)
LANGUAGE: English, Bislama and French
TYPE OF GOVERNMENT: Parliamentary republic
CURRENCY: Vatu
santo
DESTINATION GUIDE
DID YOU KNOW?
Santo is the name that locals and ex-patriots alike use when
referring to the town, which is officially called Luganville.
WHAT TO SEE
Q See Million Dollar Point
Million Dollar Point is where hundreds of tonnes of “US forces
surplus” equipment was dumped at the close of the war.
You can view everything from cranes, bulldozers, trucks and
Coca Cola bottles, all encrusted in coral. Also located here is
President Coolidge, the most popular dive site in Vanuatu and
the most accessible dive wreck of its size in the world. It’s a
must see for scuba diving enthusiasts!
Q See the famous Magical Gaua Water Music
Join our “Magical Gaua Water Music Experience” tour to
witness a very unique tradition. You will travel to a small
village where you will be greeted by fierce warriors and a
coconut drink before being invited to view a custom dance
and the traditional preparation of Kava. Next you will
witness the spectacle of water music being performed by
Gaua ladies, dressed in traditional Gaua dress, including arm
bands and headwear made from flowers and leaves. The
women wade up to their waists in water to perform this
magical water percussion, punctuated by the glee of their
shouts. This is undoubtedly the highlight of any visit to this
region of Vanuatu.
Q Canoe the Riri River
For a journey along the wonderfully quiet and picturesque
Riri River, take our “Canoe the Riri River” tour and spend the
day exploring this spectacular place aboard a traditional dugout
canoe. Pass through lush, green jungle, spotting native
fish and birdlife. At the end of the tour you’ll arrive at the
stunning, aqua coloured “Blue Hole” where you’ll have time
to enjoy a swim.
Keep your guide handy. This guide is intended to assist you, regardless of whether you’re on a Shore Tour, touring independently or doing both.

DOCKING
Your ship will dock alongside Main Wharf.
TAXIS
Limited taxis are available at the wharf in Santo. Please
ensure that a taxi fare for your whole journey is negotiated
before accepting a ride. Taxis accept local currency as well as
Australian dollars.
DINING
Local specialties include Santo beef, laplap (coconut and
meat dish) and a variety of fish. For quarantine reasons,
please do not take any food or drink (other than bottled
water) off the ship.
SHOPPING
The market, located on Main Street near Sarakata Bridge,
sells fresh farm produce and handicrafts from all over the
island. Most vendors will accept local or Australian dollars.
The markets in the town centre are open daily (except
Sunday) and sell fruit, vegetables, flowers and handicrafts.
Please ensure that any items you purchase do not contravene
Australia’s or New Zealand’s strict quarantine laws. Do not
buy anything that is made from turtle shell, feathers or
seeds. Bargaining is not customary in Vanuatu.
CLIMATE
It is generally hot and humid with summer temperatures
averaging 30 degrees. The winter months are cooler and
less humid, however the sea temperature usually remains
between 26 and 28 degrees, making swimming enjoyable all
year round. November through to March is wet season.
CREDIT CARDS
Please take small amounts of Australian dollars if you wish
to make purchases ashore.
Fish Market
Covered Market
Sarakata River
Cook St
Rue La Perouse
Ave Pasteur
Ave Picanon
Ave de Bir Hakeim
Women’s Handicraft Centre
Unity Park
Chief’s
Nakamal
santo
Everything you need to know.
Blvd du General du Gaulle
Northern District Hospital
Post Office
Blvd Higgingson (Main St)
Segond Channel
TELEPHONES INTERNATIONAL & LOCAL
Limited public telephones are available in Santo. Mobile
coverage is generally available as long as global roaming is
selected prior to leaving home.
WHAT TO WEAR ASHORE
To make your day ashore as enjoyable as possible, please
wear comfortable flat soled shoes, lightweight clothing and
a hat. You are also advised to bring sunscreen, bottled water,
insect repellent and an umbrella during the wet season.
Don’t forget your swimwear and a towel, and please cover
up when walking around the island. Nude or topless bathing
is not permitted.
SHORE TOURS
There are a range of tours available for you to really get the
most out of your time in Santo. Tours can be booked onboard
at the shore tours desk and are subject to availability.
Passengers are required to meet at a specific location for
each shore tour departure. Please refer to your tour ticket for
the correct time and place.
ENVIRONMENT
Coral is an extremely precious marine organism. In an effort
to preserve its natural beauty and habitat please avoid
touching it in all circumstances. During your time ashore we
also ask that you dispose of your rubbish thoughtfully.
PHOTOGRAPHY
Please ask permission before you take photographs of
Ni-Vanuatu (indigenous people).
P&O CRUISES’ AGENTS
While you are ashore, please contact the nearest crew
member in the case of an emergency. Alternatively, the
P&O Cruises port agent for Santo is:
South Sea Shipping
Lini Highway, Port Vila, Vanuatu
Phone: 678 22205
Emergency Phone (24 hours): +61 2 8424 8947
Canal Rd
To Million Dollar Point
Note: The information in this guide is subject to change without notice. We apologise for any inconvenience, but P&O Cruises cannot accept responsibility for any such alterations. Thank you.
250 m