Stay Aore Island, Explore Espiritu Santo

Aore Island is one of Vanuatu’s easiest island escapes, located just across the channel from Luganville on Espiritu Santo. Visitors come for quiet beaches, clear water, snorkelling, tropical plantations, island walks and easy access to Santo’s shops, restaurants and attractions. If you are searching for Aore Resort, Aore Island accommodation, or somewhere to stay near Santo, there are also private accommodation options around the island offering a very different experience a traditional Vanuatu stay.

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 Island Accommodation

Aore Island has several styles of accommodation, from resort stays to private holiday homes and island houses.

Beachfront on Aore

Stay directly on the waterfront with space, privacy and easy access to the sea.

Guests can swim, snorkel, relax by the water and enjoy the island while still being only a short boat ride from Luganville.

Aore Tree House

A tropical island stay surrounded by greenery, with accommodation suitable for couples, families and longer stays.

A good option for travellers looking for something different from a conventional Santo hotel or resort.

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:

• Resort facilities
• Private beachfront accommodation
• Self-contained accommodation
• Quiet island living
• Easy access to Santo
• Longer stays

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
  

History of Aore Island

Aore Island sits just across the Segond Channel from Espiritu Santo and has long been home to Melanesian communities living from fishing, farming and the land.

From the late 1800s, missionaries and European plantation owners developed large coconut and copra plantations across the island. During World War II, Aore became part of the huge US military operation based around Santo, with camps, storage areas and recreation facilities established on the island.

In the 1990s, Gold Coast developer Chris Hutchins had ambitious plans to transform Aore into a major tourism destination, including a harbour, marina and casino, with a vision similar to Hamilton Island. The full development never eventuated.

Today, Aore remains a peaceful mix of plantations, villages, private homes and small-scale tourism, only minutes by boat from Luganville.

Learn More About Vanuatu

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