Santo, Vanuatu 

Located on Espirito Santo, the largest island in the Vanuatu archipelago, Santo is a major export centre. The quayside bustles with activity; on a typical day you’ll see locals unloading sacks of copra that fill the whole quayside with a distinctive ‘coconut’ aroma. The town is located less than one kilometre from the ship overlooking the attractive Segond Channel.

Walking into town you pass handicraft stalls and remnants of buildings surviving from when the American’s were stationed there in WWII. Santo is becoming a popular destination because of its beautiful undiscovered beaches (many only a short drive from the ship), superb scuba dive sites, fascinating traditional villages and WWII American wartime relics such as the President Coolidge.

Traditional village life, firewalking ceremonies, water music and dance are among Santo's cultural curiosities to be discovered!

Your P&O Cruises ship will dock alongside Santo wharf. Please refer to your daily onboard newsletter for further information. For a small charge, a shuttle bus transfers you to and from the port.

Limited taxis are available on the wharf in Santo. Please ensure you negotiate the taxi fare for the whole journey before accepting a ride. Taxis accept local currency and Australian dollars.

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. Bargaining is not customary in Vanuatu.

Local specialties include Santo beef, laplap (a 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. Please refer to the daily onboard newsletter for the onboard lunch arrangements and times.

Generally it is hot and humid with summer temperatures around 30ºC. The winter months are cooler and less humid. The best time of year is April/May to October when temperatures range from 18 to 28ºC. Light weight casual clothing plus a sweater is usually sufficient. November to March, the wet season, is hot and humid with temperatures ranging from 26ºC to 34ºC. Sea temperature varies from 22ºC to 28ºC making swimming enjoyable all year round.

Tipping in Santo is not customary. Neither tipping nor bargaining is considered civilised behaviour in Santo. If you would like to express your gratitude for service, you might like to send a postcard or perhaps give a t-shirt as a gift from your country. It is neither necessary, nor expected, but such small items are received with much appreciation.

Major credit cards and charge cards are widely accepted. Automatic teller machines provide currency to foreign card holders.

Telecard phones are available in town at Telecom headquarters.

Bring the beach towel from your cabin and wear your swimwear, a cover-up, hat and footwear. Ladies, please be respectful of the Ni-Vanuatu people do not sunbathe or swim topless or wear brief, revealing clothing in public places.

There are a variety of P&O Cruises Shore Tours available for you to really get the most out of your time in Santo.

Subject to availability, Shore Tours may be booked onboard at the Shore Tours desk. Passengers will meet at a specific location for each Shore Tour departure. Please refer to the daily onboard newsletter for the correct place and time. Your friendly Shore Tours staff will be at that location to assist you.

Whatever you decide to do after your visit to Santo or any island port of call, please bring your rubbish back to the ship with you.

In case of emergency while you are ashore please contact the nearest crew member. Alternatively, P&O Cruises Port Agent for Santo is:

South Sea Shipping Ltd
PO Box 84, Lini Highway, Port Vila
VANUATU
PH: (678) 22 205