Cocoa Plantation Tour
Phoenix Plantation, Aore Island Vanuatu
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Where History Meets Chocolate
Hidden in the tropical centre of Aore Island Vanuatu, the Phoenix Plantation Cocoa Tour combines heritage, flavour, and local storytelling. Just ten minutes from Aore Resort, this is one of the most genuine Santo tours you’ll find a working farm where visitors walk through living history.
The Murray family purchased the land sight unseen and uncovered more than 1,000 heirloom cocoa trees left from an early-1900s French plantation. Beneath the vines they found traces of colonial agriculture and World War II activity a direct link to Vanuatu’s past and a foundation for its sustainable future.
Meet Rex – The Man Behind the Revival
When the family arrived, the property was overgrown and silent. Enter Rex, a respected custom horticulturalist from Malo Island, brought in for his deep knowledge of island soil and tree health. Within four months, he transformed the property into a thriving plantation.
Rex now lives on-site, guiding visitors through each stage of the cocoa process from pod to bean to bar and sharing insights that have earned him a following on social media. His passion and expertise are at the heart of Phoenix Plantation’s success and make this tour one of the most engaging experiences on Aore Island Vanuatu.
From Bean to Bar – A True Vanuatu Experience
This guided walk is hands-on. You’ll wander beneath towering Nabunga and cocoa trees, see fermentation boxes steaming in the sun, and watch the drying racks that give Vanuatu chocolate its distinctive flavour.
It’s an authentic
Espiritu Santo tour, designed for travellers who want more than sightseeing they want connection. Every stop on the plantation shows how small farms sustain island communities and why Vanuatu cocoa is now recognised among the Pacific’s finest exports.
Cocoa processing
Explore Vanuatu Tours Across Santo, Aore, and Beyond
Discover the best Vanuatu holidays with island tours, resorts, and authentic local experiences. From Aore Island getaways to Santo adventures, explore why Vanuatu is one of the South Pacific’s top travel destinations.
History in the Soil
The land under the cocoa trees holds layers of history. Massive
nbunga trees of Aore stand as sentinels beside the old
Ground House, an area once tied to Allied activity during
World War II. These sites can be explored further on the linked
Aore WWII & Nabunga Tree Tour a heritage walk through remnants of bunkers and war-era relics still visible today.
This connection between agriculture and history makes Phoenix Plantation unique: it’s both a working farm and an open-air museum of Vanuatu’s past.
Expand Your Adventure
Visitors often pair the Cocoa Plantation Tour with the Aore Boat & Snorkelling Circuit a scenic trip around the island revealing coral gardens, hidden beaches, and coastal villages. The circuit provides stunning photo stops and direct links to local communities that supply Phoenix Plantation’s workforce.
For those seeking cultural immersion, the Aore Village Tour introduces you to daily island life, traditional cooking, and the spirit of “kastom” that defines Vanuatu’s warmth. Together, these experiences form a full-day itinerary that showcases everything Aore Island offers nature, heritage, and hospitality.
Getting There from Espiritu Santo
Travellers based on Santo Island can easily join the tour. Phoenix Plantation provides boat transfers and pick-up arrangements from Luganville waterfront.
The tour starts at 8 AM, though departure times depend on tides and passenger numbers. Because transport is shared between small groups, schedules are confirmed once bookings close. Private boats are available for larger parties or combined-tour packages that include the WWII Walk, Village Tour, or Snorkelling Circuit.
Visitors should arrive early at the Santo jetty, bring water, sunscreen, and light tropical clothing.
Living in Vanuatu: Lifestyle, Costs, and Culture
Life in Vanuatu is slower, safer, and cleaner than many crowded tourist destinations. With fresh local food, a welcoming community, and direct links to Australia and New Zealand, the lifestyle here offers a balance of affordability and true island living.
Tour Details
- Duration: ≈ 2 - 3 hours
- Fitness: Medium (walking tour)
- Price: Vt 7 500 per person
- Includes: Guided walk, tasting session, refreshments
- Bring: Hat, sunscreen, mosquito repellent, water bottle
- Location: Phoenix Plantation, Aore Island Vanuatu (20 min from Aore Resort)
Why Visitors Love It
Guests describe this as the most authentic of all Aore Island activities. It’s interactive, educational, and deeply human you’re not watching a show, you’re stepping into real island life. Between Rex’s storytelling, the scent of fermenting cocoa, and the backdrop of Nabunga trees, you’ll understand why this experience consistently earns five-star reviews on Google Maps.
Every visitor contributes to the island economy, helping Phoenix Plantation train young workers and replant heritage cocoa varieties for future generations.
Book Your Tour
The
Cocoa Plantation Tour operates daily with limited group numbers.
📅 Book online at
www.vanuatuisland.org or via WhatsApp +678 7342101 for real-time availability.
📌Combine with the Nabunga Tree Walk, Village Tour, or Boat & Snorkelling Circuit for a complete Aore Island Vanuatu experience that connects culture, history, and the sea.
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