Full Day Santo Blue Hole, Champagne Beach, Million Dollar Point & Port Olry Tour

If you’re looking to experience the natural beauty and intriguing history of Santo Island in Vanuatu, this Full Day Santo Blue Hole, Champagne Beach, Million Dollar Point & Port Olry Tour offers a well-rounded adventure. While we haven’t personally taken this tour, travelers praise its combination of stunning scenery, knowledgeable guides, and authentic local encounters.

What we love about this experience is how it hits all the right notes: visiting world-renowned Blue Holes, relaxing on pristine beaches, uncovering WWII relics, and exploring a charming local town. The tour is particularly appealing if you enjoy a mix of nature, history, and cultural insights.

One thing to consider is the price point, with reviews noting that some feel it’s a bit on the expensive side compared to what’s included. That said, many find the value justified by the quality of guides and the diversity of sights.

This tour is ideal for travelers who want a comprehensive day out without the hassle of organizing multiple trips themselves. If you’re comfortable with moderate physical activity and want a guided experience that balances adventure and relaxation, it could be a perfect fit.

Key Points

• Diverse locations: From Blue Hole to beaches and WWII sites, you’ll see a variety of highlights.
• Expert guides: Many reviews emphasize the friendly, knowledgeable guides like Brendan, Aaron, and Judisson.
• Authentic experiences: Opportunities to learn local stories, find relics, and enjoy natural beauty.
• Comfort and convenience: Hotel/cruise pickup and drop-off simplify logistics.
• Time-efficient: Eight hours is enough to cover major sights without feeling rushed.
• Cost vs. value: While some find it pricey, most feel the experience justifies the cost, especially with guided insights and access.

An In-Depth Look at the Tour

The Itinerary Breakdown

Start at Nanda Blue Hole
The tour kicks off with a visit to the spectacular Nanda Blue Hole, affectionately called Jacquies Blue Hole after the landowner. With its inviting, crystal-clear waters and vibrant surroundings, this spot is often praised for its breathtaking beauty. Expect around 45 minutes here, with admission included, giving you enough time to take photos, swim, or just soak in the scenery. One reviewer highlighted how friendly the landowner, Jacquie, is, and how he loves sharing this natural wonder.

Next stop: Champagne Beach
Renowned as one of the world’s top tropical beaches, Champagne Beach is famous for its squeaky white sand and calm, clear waters. Surrounded by lush jungle, it’s perfect for a quick swim or just relaxing on the sand. The 45-minute stay includes admission, and many visitors mention how the striking beauty of this beach makes it a highlight. One traveler described it as a place to just sit in the ocean and stare at the white sand, feeling totally at peace.

Historic exploration at Million Dollar Point
The story behind Million Dollar Point is fascinating—this site is littered with remnants of WWII military equipment that was dumped here after the war. You can wander along the shore, spotting old circuit boards, wheels, and other relics embedded in coral and rocks. It’s a great spot for history buffs and those interested in quirky sights. The 45-minute visit is included, and several reviews mention how much fun it is to find pieces of history washed ashore.

Conclude at Port Olry Beach
The final stop is at Port Olry, a small, charming town with a population of about 1,300. Known for its verdant hills, clear waters, and white sandy beaches, it’s a peaceful place to stretch your legs and enjoy a relaxing moment. With 30 minutes on site, you can dip your toes in the water, take photos, or just enjoy the scenery. A reviewer appreciated how this spot offers a more authentic, less touristy vibe.

The Experience: What Matters for You

The tour includes hotel or cruise ship pickup and drop-off, which adds convenience, especially if you’re staying on Santo or arriving on a cruise. Refreshments like seasonal fruits keep you energized, and a local professional guide enriches the experience with insights and stories—many reviews praise guides such as Brendan and Aaron for their friendly attitude and knowledge.

While lunch and alcohol are available for purchase, they aren’t included, so you might want to bring some snacks or plan for a meal at the end of your day. The tour lasts about eight hours, making for a full yet manageable day of exploring.

Transportation & Group Size

Transportation appears to be comfortable, with pickups from accommodations or cruise ships, and the group size is limited to 30 travelers, providing a balance between social atmosphere and personal attention. Reviews suggest the guides are attentive, safe drivers who go above and beyond to ensure everyone feels comfortable, like Brendan, who was praised for his considerate driving.

Price and Value

At roughly $211.61 per person, the tour is on the higher end for a day trip, but many travelers feel it offers good value considering the variety of sights and the guided commentary. One review pointed out that it’s “extremely overpriced,” but others felt that the guides’ expertise and the access to iconic sites justified the cost.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This experience suits travelers who love natural beauty and history and want an easy, guided way to see Santo’s highlights. It’s especially good if you prefer a structured day with transportation and commentary included. The moderate physical activity involved—swimming, walking around sites—is manageable for most, but be prepared for some walking and uneven surfaces at relic sites.

If you’re after a relaxing, informative day with diverse sights, this tour hits the mark. It’s also perfect for cruise passengers wanting to maximize their time onshore without fussing over logistics.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Worth It?

For anyone eager to see the best of Santo in a single day, this tour is a solid choice. It combines stunning scenery, local stories, and a touch of history, all guided by friendly, knowledgeable hosts. The stops are thoughtfully selected, showcasing both natural wonders and intriguing remnants of the past, making it ideal for a broad range of interests.

While the cost might seem high to some, the convenience and variety of experiences make it worthwhile. Plus, the insider tips from guides like Brendan and Aaron can make the entire day more engaging and memorable.

If you’re eager for a well-organized, immersive experience on Santo, this tour offers a rewarding way to spend your day.

FAQs

Is hotel or cruise ship pickup available?
Yes, the tour includes pickup and drop-off from your accommodation or cruise ship, making it very convenient.

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts approximately eight hours, covering four major stops.

Are meals included?
No, lunch and drinks are available for purchase during the day, but are not included in the price.

What should I bring?
It’s best to bring swimwear, sunscreen, a hat, insect repellent, and some cash for extras like lunch or souvenirs.

How physically demanding is the tour?
It requires a moderate level of physical fitness, as there’s walking involved at each site and some uneven terrain, especially at the Blue Hole and relic sites.

Are there any age restrictions?
The tour is suitable for most ages, but travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level, and be comfortable walking and swimming.

Will I see enough for the price?
Most reviews suggest yes—covering stunning beaches, natural wonders, and WWII relics, with knowledgeable guides enhancing the experience.

In summary, this tour offers a balanced mix of nature, history, and culture, guided by friendly experts, making it an excellent choice for those wanting a comprehensive Santo adventure. It’s particularly well-suited for travelers who value guided insights and diverse sights, delivering a memorable taste of Vanuatu’s unique charm.