Aore Island, Vanuatu Visitor GuideThings to Do, See & Explore

Aore Island is a tropical island located just across the water from Luganville, on Espiritu Santo in northern Vanuatu.

Only a short boat ride from Santo, Aore Island offers secluded beaches, coconut plantations, coral reefs and traditional island communities. It's an ideal destination for a day trip, a peaceful island holiday or exploring a different side of Vanuatu.

Visitors can enjoy swimming, snorkelling, cycling, plantation tours and local cultural experiences, all within easy reach of Luganville.

Whether you're visiting Aore Island for a few hours or staying for a week, this visitor guide will help you discover where to stay, things to do, how to get around and what makes island life special.

Aore Island Accommodation – Where to Stay

ooking for accommodation on Aore Island, Espiritu Santo, Vanuatu? Whether you're planning a family holiday, a romantic island escape or an affordable tropical getaway, Aore Island offers a peaceful alternative to busy tourist destinations.

At Phoenix Plantation Aore Island, visitors can choose from unique island stays surrounded by tropical gardens, working cocoa and vanilla plantations, and secluded beaches.

Beachfront on Aore offers self-contained beachfront accommodation, ideal for families, couples and small groups. Enjoy swimming and snorkelling directly from the beach, relax among coconut palms and experience island living with the comforts of a private holiday home.

Aore Treehouse offers affordable accommodation in Vanuatu for couples and independent travellers. Set among tropical trees on a working plantation, this traditional island-style home is a short walk from a secluded beach. It's perfect for visitors wanting a quiet, authentic island experience.

Aore Bush Camp provides a simpler, rustic island experience for adventurous travellers who enjoy nature and outdoor living. Enquire about current accommodation options and availability.

Guests can also explore plantation tours, traditional cooking, weaving experiences, island activities and boat transfers during their stay.

Whether you're visiting for a weekend or an extended Vanuatu holiday, staying on Aore Island gives you the opportunity to experience the natural beauty and everyday culture of Espiritu Santo.

Explore Aore Island accommodation and book your holiday directly:

Things to Do on Aore Island, Vanuatu

Discover the best things to do on Aore Island, just a short boat ride from Luganville, Espiritu Santo. From snorkelling and tropical beaches to plantation tours and traditional cultural experiences, Aore Island offers visitors an authentic taste of Vanuatu.

Swimming and Snorkelling

Explore clear tropical waters, colourful reef fish and coral gardens along Aore Island's coastline. Sea turtles and dugongs are sometimes spotted in the surrounding waters, making snorkelling a memorable part of an Aore Island holiday.

Cycling and Island Exploring

Discover coconut plantations, traditional villages, tropical gardens and quiet island roads by bicycle. Cycling is a popular way to explore Aore Island, although some roads are rough and distances between attractions can be longer than expected.

Cocoa, Vanilla and Pepper Plantation Tours

Visit Phoenix Plantation Aore Island and discover how cocoa, vanilla and pepper are grown in Vanuatu. Walk through a working tropical plantation, learn about traditional farming methods and experience local agricultural life.

Traditional Vanuatu Cultural Experiences

Experience island culture through local weaving demonstrations, traditional cooking and guided activities with local community members. Learn about the skills, plants and customs that remain part of everyday life in Vanuatu.

Beaches, Nature and Island Walks

Spend your day discovering secluded beaches, tropical scenery and peaceful coastal areas. Enjoy a picnic, watch the sunset over Espiritu Santo or simply relax beneath the coconut palms.

Whether you're planning an Aore Island day trip or staying for several nights, there's plenty to discover beyond the usual Vanuatu tourist attractions.

Getting to Aore Island from Espiritu Santo

Getting to Aore Island is part of the adventure. Located just across the water from Luganville, Espiritu Santo, Vanuatu, the island is accessible by boat, with several transport options depending on your arrival time and destination.

Getting to Aore Island from Santo Airport

Visitors arriving at Santo-Pekoa International Airport can take a taxi to the Aore boat departure point near Luganville. Airport taxis generally cost VT1,000–2,000, depending on your destination and arrangements.

For a simpler arrival, Phoenix Plantation offers a pre-booked airport transfer service, including airport pickup, a shopping stop in Luganville, boat transport and the final island transfer to your holiday accommodation.

Scheduled Boat Transfers to Aore Island

Scheduled shared boat transport operates Monday to Friday, subject to availability and weather conditions.

• Santo to Aore Island: 3:00 PM
• Aore Island to Santo: 8:00 AM

Advance confirmation is recommended, as services may change.

Private Boat Taxis

Private boat transfers are available by arrangement during daylight hours. These are useful for day visitors, accommodation guests and travellers who need more flexibility. Boats do not operate after dark, so visitors should arrange their transfers before arriving.

Aore Island Airport Transfers and Boat Bookings

Phoenix Plantation Aore Island can help coordinate airport pickups, boat taxis and island transport for guests and day visitors.

Book transfers in advance, particularly for weekends, public holidays and afternoon flights.