Aore Island in Vanuatu: a week in seclusion

Aore Island in Vanuatu: a week in seclusion

Aore Island is located 2.6 kilometers off the coast of Espiritu Santo, opposite the island's capital Luganville. It is easily reached by a short ferry ride across the Segond Canal.

We spent a week at Aore Island Resort, hosted by Anne, the warm and friendly Australian owner who bought the resort about 10 years ago. The resort has 18 cozy but spacious bungalows set in neat and well-maintained gardens. The resort borders a charming coconut palm plantation and is surrounded by local farms.

The island is pretty, quiet and unassuming. Numerous activities are available during the day, including snorkeling, diving, kayaking, fishing, as well as the sandy beaches and pool area. There's even a day spa if you fancy a massage.

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You can also take boat trips along the coast or bike rides and quiet walks along the paths around the island. The waterfront restaurant and bar area offers delicious dishes served by smiling and friendly staff. T

Local island entertainment is also offered here in the evenings, such as water dances and string orchestras.

A little further afield, Luganville's many tour operators offer access to Santo's many attractions. We took a day to complete the Millennium Cave Tour, an adrenaline-pumping day of trekking, caving, canyoning and swimming inside the Santo rainforest.

Santo offers many other tours and activities including visiting cultural villages, Blue Holes, Champagne Beach, horseback riding, hiking and visiting a number of World War II sites including Million Dollar Point and diving the incredible SS Coolidge.

If you come to Vanuatu, you will almost certainly spend time on Efate, the country's main island. And Tanna, with its volcano, blue holes and giant banyan tree, is sure to catch your attention too. But Aore and Santo offer excellent activities and world-class diving, all set in a relaxed and idyllic setting.

It's not off the beaten path, but it doesn't feel like a tourist destination either.

Aore Island in Vanuatu: the essentials

When to go: We are here in mid-August and it seems pretty perfect to me. Guides suggest that July to October is the best time to visit for Westerners. We are also told that at other times of the year it can be either too hot or too wet.

Currently most days are clear and there is a cool breeze from the west. Further inland the wind decreases and it becomes hotter and more humid. Likewise, on the west coast you are better protected from the sea winds.

If you prefer fewer tourists during your time on the island, visit the island in September after the Australian school holidays.

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How: There are weekly flights to Santo from Brisbane, Australia, as well as daily return flights from Port Vila, Efate. To get to Luganville from the airport, take a taxi – or have it organized by your resort – for no more than 3000 vt.

The little ferry takes about 10 to 15 minutes from Phillips Wharf or BP Wharf as the locals call it - we have no idea why! It runs back and forth several times a day until 4:30 p.m. or until 9:00 p.m. on Fridays. Day trippers can spend the day at Aore Island Resort and take advantage of the activities as long as they purchase lunch.

Lonely Planet South Pacific covers Aore Island, ideal for those who want to both explore the main attractions and take the road less traveled.

Mission statement: Atlas & Boots

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