Port Olry is the end of the road, literally. It’s as far as you can drive on Espiritu Santo Island in Vanuatu, whether you’re in a hire car or catching a taxi, as that’s where the sealed road stops. But this beautiful coastal village is more than just a final stop. With white sand, turquoise water and palm trees framing a peaceful bay, Port Olry feels like a secluded slice of paradise.
We decided to stay in Port Olry for most of our time on Santo Island, and we’re so glad we did. Despite its quiet atmosphere, there are plenty of things to do in Port Olry, especially if, like us, you prefer to mix beach time with a bit of adventure.
First impressions: the obvious things to do in Port Olry
Admire the views
The very first thing to do in Port Olry is simple: take it all in. The scene looks like it’s straight off a postcard: blinding white sand, crystal-clear water, swaying palms, and a tiny island just offshore to complete the picture. Many claim Champagne Beach is the best in Vanuatu, but honestly, I think Port Olry gives it serious competition.
Relax at a beachside bar or restaurant
Despite being a village, Port Olry caters well to visitors. You’ll find small bungalows and treehouses dotted along the shore, plus a handful of beachfront restaurants and bars. Menus and prices are fairly similar everywhere (and yes, a bit on the expensive side), but the setting more than makes up for it. It’s a great way to support local businesses too as, when we visited, everything seemed owned and run by locals.
Best things to do in Port Olry if you’re an active traveller like us
Canoeing to Dolphin Island and Bat Island
We hired kayaks multiple times from Chez Louis, one of the beach bars. It’s easy to paddle out to Dolphin Island, so named for its shape, not its marine life. That said, we did spot a few turtles along the way! On the island, you can walk to a couple of small lakes. We only managed to find one, so consider it a bit of a treasure hunt.
Our favourite canoe trip, though, was to the island on the right side of the bay, home to a colony of bats (look up!). But the real surprise was underwater with gorgeous coral formations opposite the bay, perfect for a bit of DIY snorkelling.
Snorkelling
The best snorkelling in Port Olry is definitely around Bat Island. Visibility was good, the coral was healthy, and we saw plenty of marine life. It’s a little paddle to get there, but worth every stroke.
Horse riding with locals
One of our most memorable experiences in Port Olry was horse riding with Jean-Marc and Jean-Luc, two local brothers. They guided us from Port Olry to their village across the river, sharing stories and local fruits along the way. Like many locals we met in Vanuatu, they were incredibly warm and welcoming; these encounters truly made our trip.
Wandering the village
It’s easy to get stuck on the beach, but I highly recommend taking time to explore the village. While the market is quite small (don’t rely on it for full meals), you might come across some homemade treats.
If you’re up for a walk, head to the church at the top of the hill. The view is fantastic, and the cross there is one of the most photogenic I’ve ever seen. We were lucky to visit during a local event and the colours and atmosphere were beautiful.
Beach walks and low-tide adventures
The beach is long enough for a relaxing walk. And at low tide, you can even walk across a sandbar to one of the nearby islands. Just ask a local before you go, as tides can change quickly, and you don’t want to get stranded.
Other fun things to do in Port Olry
Traditional fishing
Local fishers head out daily in outrigger canoes, and it’s fascinating to watch their techniques from shore or from your own kayak. We later learned that you can actually join them for a small fee. I wish we had asked earlier!
Motorboat fishing
For bigger fish, you can organise a fishing trip with local boat owners. We tried twice but the boat was unfortunately out of action both days. Just another reason to come back.
Spa
Yes, there’s even a spa in Port Olry, though don’t expect a five-star resort. It’s a simple hut on the beach offering basic treatments. It’s the simplicity that makes it feel special.
Garden walk
You can also do a guided walk through a local garden to learn more about native plants and how they’re used. We did something similar on Tanna Island and really enjoyed it, though we ran out of time to do it again in Port Olry.
Exploring beyond Port Olry
Despite feeling remote, Port Olry is a great base for exploring Espiritu Santo. We did day trips to the famous Blue Holes and Champagne Beach, both within easy reach.
Where to stay in Port Olry
We stayed in a treehouse at Serendipity Beach Bungalows and loved it. It was basic, but had everything we needed and our host Angelique was kind and helpful.
If you’re travelling on a budget, you can camp at Port Olry Harbour Beach, right by the water.
And if you’re looking for more comfort, you may need to stay further south on Santo and come up to Port Olry as a day trip. Check out my tips on where to stay on Santo for more ideas.
Where is Port Olry and how to get there?
Port Olry is located on the northeast coast of Espiritu Santo Island, Vanuatu. The archipelago sits between Australia and Fiji, and you can fly directly to Luganville from Brisbane.
From Luganville, which is about 1.5 hrs by car from Port Olry, you can either:
- Hire a car – more expensive, but gives you flexibility. We used ours to go to the market all the way back to Luganville (we bought ingredients for our hosts to cook us a local dish that wasn’t on her menu!) and explore nearby attractions like the Blue Holes and Champagne Beach.
- Catch a taxi – cheaper if you don’t use it every day. For the best rate, organise your driver a day in advance with a driver who’s already in the north of the island (otherwise you might have to wait for them to come from Luganville). Consider hiring a taxi for a few hours (or even the full day) to negotiate a better rate. It’s the best way to visit the Blue Holes for example.
Have you been to Port Olry? What did you love most? Share your experience in the comments below.
