Travel Guide

Vanuatu Island Introduction - Holy Spirit Island&Espiritu Santo Island

Espiritu Santo, also known as Espiritu Santo or sometimes referred to as Santo, is the largest island in Vanuatu with an area of 3955.5 square kilometers and is under the jurisdiction of the province of Sama. The island is named after the Spanish word "Esp í ritu Santo", which means "Holy Spirit".

Espiritu Santo

It is under the jurisdiction of Sangma Province. The island is named after the Spanish word "Esp í ritu Santo", which means "Holy Spirit". In the 2006 biodiversity survey conducted in Vanuatu, 153 scientists from 20 countries traveled to the remote South Pacific island of Espiritu Santo to investigate the mountains, forests, caves, reefs, and water habitats where all living organisms reside. During the 5-month survey, scientists collected a total of 10000 species, of which 2000 were new species. Here are the peculiar lives they discovered on Holy Spirit Island:

Pistol Shrimp

This drum shrimp is a famous gunslinger shrimp that uses its unique large claws to produce powerful noise, to knock out smaller prey or to communicate with each other. When their claws quickly close, this noise is produced, and research shows that tiny air bubbles form during this period, which suddenly burst and make a loud noise. This type of crayfish lives in sea lilies because sea lilies can protect them from predators.

Sea Fan

The larger flesh feet of this sea fan fill the opening of its shell. This fleshy foot can flex and stretch, allowing it to jump away from predators. This sea fan uses two small holes on its shell to suck up seawater and discharge the filtered seawater through its gills.

Espiritu Santo Island

Espiritu Santo Island is located in the province of Sama, about 2500 kilometers northeast of Sydney, Australia, and is known as the capital of nature and exploration. During World War II, a major military base of the US military was stationed there, and to this day, one can still see the barracks and places for soldiers to entertain at night, and even find the wreckage of crashed fighter jets on the island. There are over 20 confirmed underwater sites, including the luxury cruise ship President. The western half of the island is an undeveloped virgin forest, while Champagne Beach in the eastern part is renowned worldwide for its persimmons. The origin of this romantic name is said to be due to the mixing of water and seawater that surges up from the depths of the sea, creating a dazzling interplay of light and shadow in the sunlight, just like champagne. The dazzling white of the beach and the emerald water surface complement each other, known as the most beautiful beach in the South Pacific. Apart from the turquoise like seawater, it is not inferior to the pure white beaches of any island country. It is also a primitive and natural paradise. Compared to the usual vacation islands, Vanuatu has a profound cultural charm.