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On the way out to Port Orly
For keen divers, you simply cannot miss out on a dive on the
famous wreck of the President Coolidge. This 200 m long
luxury passenger liner sank in 1942 after hitting a mine as
it was about to enter the Segond Canal.
 Now declared a
Marine Reserve, it is famous throughout the world as being
one of the most accessible wrecks anyone can explore.
Another divers' must, Million Dollar Point, where the
Americans threw heaps of equipment and machinery into the
sea at the end of World War 2. As you drive north, you will
come across the Golf Club in the Bay of Palekula, Surunda
Plantation, then you will pass the Centre for International
Agricultural Research and Development (CIRAD). It
specialises in the plantation of cocoa and coffee which are
now beginning to sell commercially. Santo Export (Vanuatu)
LTD, a new establish company is developing exports from the
Northern Island. Timber, vegetables, fruits, kava, herbs,
naoni and wide range of products.
Blue holes
Further along the road, don't miss the Jackie’s and Riri
River Blue holes, nor the wonderful aspect you get just
before veering off towards Champagne Beach. The northern
part of the island is quite magnificent and the islands
known as “Dolphin” and “Elephant”are quite distinctive. A
bit further on you will find Champagne Beach and Lonnoc
Beach Resort which has its own beautiful beach. After
stopping off at Port Olry, you can continue on your trek
north right up to Sakao Peninsular or alternatively, join up
with the road to Big Bay (Matantas) and make your way back
via Fanafo. The old road built by the Americans which runs
from Champagne Beach has unique beauty and tranquillity to
offer.
The descent towards Matantas Bay is spectacular. Travellers
are advised to drive slowly through the village and to apply
to the chief for permission to drive to the Bay. Now you can
drive on from there back to Luganville via Fanafo.
Visit Vanuatu’s Model of National Park, it is a set up which
meets the criteria of an eco-tourism destination. Activities
and basic accomodation available. Vatthe National
Conservation Area is host to more than 85% of Vanuatu birds.
The 2300 ha protected virgin forest extends right down to
the beach of Big Bay where Captain de Quiros landed his
ships in 1606.
Don't forget the villages of Jimmy Stevens and Vil Vil, and
the underground caves, canoeing up the river, game-fishing,
scuba diving, etc... In fact there is so much to do and see
in Santo that you will probably run out of time. You would
be wise to book a room before arriving in Santo because of
its growing popularity.
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