What Makes Aore Island Different?

Aore Island is different partly because of what it doesn’t have. There are no shopping centers, no traffic lights and no constant stream of cars. You arrive by boat, there are no shops around the corner, and island life still moves around the rhythms of family, community, church and the sea. Saturdays are traditionally Sabbath for many families, while Sundays are also quiet family and church days — a reminder that not everywhere needs to operate seven days a week.

That’s part of the appeal. Aore isn’t trying to recreate the holiday you could have anywhere else. It offers something increasingly difficult to find: peace, space and an authentic connection with local life. Swim, snorkel, explore the plantation, meet local families, learn about island food and culture, or simply spend an afternoon together without somewhere else you need to be. Sometimes having less around you gives you considerably more.

Where is Aore Island Northern Vanuatu

Aore Island sits directly opposite Luganville, Espiritu Santo, in northern Vanuatu.

The island is reached by boat from Santo, making it possible to stay on a peaceful tropical island while remaining close to town.

Many visitors choose Aore because they can enjoy both:

• Island beaches and tropical surroundings
• Easy access to Luganville
• Snorkelling and swimming
• Local plantations and village life
• Day trips around Espiritu Santo
• A quieter alternative to staying in Luganville town
  

Aore Island Accomodation

Aore Resorts and Other Places to Stay

Many travellers search online for Aore Resorts when researching Aore Island. Aore Resort is one accommodation option on the island, but it is not the only way to stay on Aore. Visitors can also choose private beachfront accommodation, holiday homes and locally operated island stays. If you are comparing Aore Resort Accommodation, Santo hotels and private Aore Island accommodation, consider what type of experience you want:

• Private beachfront accommodation
• Self-contained accommodation
• Authetic quiet island living
• Easy access to Santo
• Resort facilities

Longer staysAore Island has several styles of accommodation, from resort stays to private holiday homes and island houses. Stay Somewhere Different on Aore Island Aore Island has a range of accommodation, including many Western-style waterfront homes. For something a little different, Phoenix Plantation offers relaxed island-style stays using local materials such as bamboo walls, combined with modern conveniences. Choose from Beachfront on Aore, Aore Treehouse and Aore Plantation House, with Aore Bush Camp coming soon  a simple camp-style base designed for freedivers, fishermen and travelers who want to spend their days exploring.From November 2026, Alessandia Montana Photography will host our Aore Women’s Retreats at Phoenix Plantation. Combining photography, creativity, island experiences.

Things to Do on Aore Island

Snorkelling

The waters around Aore Island are known for clear tropical conditions and marine life.

Visitors can snorkel from selected beaches and waterfront areas around the island.

Swimming

Aore has calm coastal areas where visitors can swim and relax in warm tropical water.

Look for Dugongs and Turtles

Dugongs and sea turtles are found around parts of northern Vanuatu, including waters surrounding Aore and Espiritu Santo.

Sightings are never guaranteed, but they are one of the reasons travellers enjoy exploring the coastline.

Explore Local Plantations

Aore Island has a long agricultural history.

Visitors may see tropical crops including cocoa, vanilla, pepper, coconut and other produce grown in the island’s fertile soil.

Visit Espiritu Santo

One of the biggest advantages of staying on Aore is the ability to combine island accommodation with Santo sightseeing.

Popular Santo experiences include:

• Blue holes
• Champagne Beach
• Million Dollar Point
• Local markets