· VU

Luganville

Luganville, Sanma, Vanuatu

Luganville, located in the Sanma province of Vanuatu, is a hidden gem waiting to be explored by adventurous travelers seeking a unique and off-the-beaten-path destination. This charming town, situated on the picturesque …

#Luganville#Sanma#Vanuatu#Tropical#Island

Stay & fly Things to do Videos Practical Guide

Top hotels & flights

Hand-picked stays and the best fares into Luganville.

Top Hotels in Luganville

Top Flights to Luganville

Popular activities

Tours, tickets and experiences travelers book most in Luganville.

Tours

Secret Beach Picnic

Relax at a secluded beach with a beautiful coastal view.

Shopping

Luganville Main Street Shopping

Experience the bustling markets and local crafts of Luganville's main street.

Outdoor

Millennium Cave Tour

Explore the stunning caves and waterfalls with a guided adventure tour.

SS President Coolidge Dive

Dive into one of the most accessible shipwrecks rich with history.

Location videos

Real reels from travelers, plus longer watches to get the full picture.

Watch & explore

Practical info

The essentials for planning your time in Luganville.

Currency

VT | VUV | Vanuatu Vatu

Population

Not Available

Languages

Bislama, Bislama, English, French

Average weather

Luganville

Jan

30°24°

Feb

30°24°

Mar

30°24°

Apr

30°23°

May

29°22°

Jun

28°21°

Jul

28°20°

Aug

28°20°

Sep

28°20°

Oct

29°21°

Nov

30°22°

Dec

30°23°

Local guide

What travelers love, what to watch for, and a deeper read on Luganville.

What people love

Luganville, located in Sanma province in Vanuatu, is a charming town with a variety of attractions and activities for travelers. Here are some pros of traveling to Luganville:

Million Dollar Point: This unique dive site is a must-visit for diving enthusiasts. It is a submerged WWII dumpsite where you can see various military equipment and remnants underwater.
Santo Brewery: Beer lovers can enjoy a tour of the local brewery in Luganville and sample some of their delicious brews.
Blue Holes: Luganville is close to several stunning blue holes, such as Nanda Blue Hole and Riri Blue Hole, where you can swim in crystal-clear waters surrounded by lush jungle.
Cultural Experiences: Visitors can immerse themselves in the local culture by visiting traditional villages, attending cultural performances, and interacting with the friendly Ni-Vanuatu people.
Outdoor Adventures: Luganville offers a range of outdoor activities, including hiking, kayaking, and snorkeling, allowing travelers to explore the natural beauty of Vanuatu.
Port Olry Beach: Just a short drive from Luganville, Port Olry Beach is a picturesque spot with white sand and turquoise waters, perfect for relaxing and unwinding.
Fresh Seafood: Seafood lovers will enjoy the fresh and delicious seafood dishes available in Luganville, including local specialties like coconut crab and lap lap.

Overall, Luganville is a great destination for travelers looking to experience the natural beauty, culture, and adventure that Vanuatu has to offer.

What to know

Some potential cons of traveling to Luganville, Vanuatu could include:

Limited transportation options: Luganville is a smaller town in Vanuatu, so transportation options may be limited compared to larger cities. This could make it more challenging to get around the area or travel to other parts of the island.
Limited amenities: As a smaller town, Luganville may have limited amenities and services compared to larger tourist destinations. This could mean fewer choices for accommodations, dining, shopping, and entertainment options.
Language barrier: While English and French are widely spoken in Vanuatu, there may still be some language barriers when communicating with locals in Luganville, especially in more remote areas.
Weather considerations: Like many tropical destinations, Vanuatu can experience cyclones and heavy rainfall during certain times of the year. Travelers should be aware of the weather patterns and plan accordingly to avoid disruptions to their trip.
Limited tourist infrastructure: While Luganville does attract tourists, the tourist infrastructure may not be as developed as in more popular destinations. This could mean fewer organized tours, activities, and services available to visitors.

It's important to note that these potential cons may vary depending on individual preferences and travel experiences. It's always a good idea to research and plan ahead to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip to Luganville.

Luganville is the second largest city in Vanuatu and is located on the island of Espiritu Santo in the province of Sanma. It has a rich history, particularly linked to its strategic importance during World War II.

Early History

Pre-European Contact: Before European colonization, Espiritu Santo and the area now known as Luganville were inhabited by Melanesian people with a rich cultural heritage.
European Exploration: The island was first sighted by Europeans in 1606 when Portuguese explorer Pedro Fernandes de Queirós led a Spanish expedition. He named the island La Austrialia del Espiritu Santo, believing it to be part of the great southern continent.

Colonial Era

French and British Interests: Throughout the 19th century, both French and British colonial interests developed in the New Hebrides (now Vanuatu). Luganville became a small trading post.
Condominium Government: In 1906, the New Hebrides was administered under a unique Anglo-French Condominium, which lasted until Vanuatu's independence in 1980.

World War II

Military Base: During World War II, Luganville became a significant military base for the Allied forces, particularly the United States. The town was transformed into a bustling military hub with infrastructure such as airfields, hospitals, and military headquarters.
Notable Figures: Admirals like William Halsey and Generals such as Douglas MacArthur were associated with operations that took place in and around Luganville.
SS President Coolidge: A notable historical event was the sinking of the SS President Coolidge, a luxury ocean liner converted to a troopship, which struck mines in the harbor in 1942 and sank. The site is now one of the world’s most famous dive sites.

Post-War Period

Decline of Military Presence: After the war, the military presence dwindled, and Luganville returned to a quieter pace. Much of the wartime infrastructure was left behind, some of which still exists as historical landmarks.
Economic Development: In the years following, Luganville developed as a center for coconut and copra production, which remain important to its economy.

Independence and Modern Era

Vanuatu's Independence: Vanuatu gained independence on July 30, 1980, transitioning from the New Hebrides. Luganville played a role in the national movement, though less prominently than the capital, Port Vila.
Contemporary Luganville: Today, Luganville is a key urban center in Vanuatu, serving as a commercial and transport hub for the northern islands. It also attracts tourists, particularly for diving and its WWII history.

Important Landmarks

SS President Coolidge Dive Site: As mentioned, the wreck of the SS President Coolidge is a major attraction for divers.
Million Dollar Point: This site is where the US military dumped tons of equipment into the sea at the end of WWII, creating a unique underwater scrapyard that is now a popular dive site.
Luganville Wharf: A critical port for commerce and trade, connecting Espiritu Santo with other islands and international locations.

Luganville’s history is defined by its strategic military significance, colonial past, and its role in the economic development of Vanuatu.