Diving in Espiritu Santo

Explore 19 dive sites in Espiritu Santo, Vanuatu. Ocean conditions, marine species, and dive centres.

Best Time to Dive in Espiritu Santo

The warmest water temperatures in Espiritu Santo occur in January, averaging 29.2°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 29.2°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 29.2°C (air: 25.9°C)
  • February: 29.2°C (air: 26.0°C)
  • March: 29.2°C (air: 25.6°C)
  • April: 29.2°C (air: 25.5°C)
  • May: 29.2°C (air: 24.8°C)
  • June: 29.2°C (air: 24.3°C)
  • July: 29.2°C (air: 24.0°C)
  • August: 29.2°C (air: 23.7°C)
  • September: 29.2°C (air: 24.2°C)
  • October: 29.2°C (air: 24.8°C)
  • November: 29.2°C (air: 25.2°C)
  • December: 29.2°C (air: 25.7°C)

Marine Life in Espiritu Santo

Home to 296 recorded species including 247 reef fish, 15 sea snails & nudibranchs, 14 sea cucumbers, 4 clams & mussels, 4 crabs & lobsters, 3 whales & dolphins.

Dive Site Difficulty in Espiritu Santo

Espiritu Santo has 1 beginner, 1 intermediate, 1 advanced dive sites - suitable for divers of all levels.

Recommended Packing List for Espiritu Santo

Based on average water temperature of 29.2°C.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 29°C water needs minimal exposure protection
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories

Marine Protected Areas in Espiritu Santo

  • President Coolidge and Million Dollar Point - Marine Reserve (IUCN Category III)
  • Bucaro Aore - Recreation Reserve (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Aore - Recreation Reserve (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Naomebaravu-Malo - Reserve (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Vatthe - Forest Conservation Area (IUCN Category VI)
  • Lake Letas - Conservation Area (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Loru Protected Area - Forest Conservation Area (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Ringi Te Suh Marine Conservation Reserve - Forest Conservation Area (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Vendik Protected Area - Forest Conservation Area (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Ringi te Extension Reserve - Forest Conservation Area (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Nagha mo Pineia Protected Area - Marine Reserve (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Lekavik - Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Reported)

Getting to Espiritu Santo - Nearest Airports

  • Santo Pekoa International Airport (SON), Luganville - 12 km away, approx 29 min travel time
  • Bauerfield International Airport (VLI), Port Vila - 258 km away, approx 297 min travel time
  • Gaua Island Airport (ZGU), Gaua Island - 157 km away, approx 186 min travel time

Dive Sites

Dive Centres