Aore Island is a relaxed tropical destination just off Espiritu Santo, Vanuatu. The best things to do on Aore Island include joining a day tour from Santo, visiting Phoenix Plantation, learning about cocoa and vanilla, tasting chocolate, enjoying traditional cooking and weaving, seeing the giant tree, and spending time on beaches or in the water.

1. Take a day tour from Santo

One of the easiest ways to experience Aore Island is with a full-day tour from Santo. It is designed for visitors who want to see more than a resort, while keeping transport, food and island experiences together in one day.

The tour includes:

• Santo hotel pickup
• Boat transfers to and from Aore Island
• A full day of island activities
• Lunch
• A tour price of VT 8,000

This is a practical option for couples, families, independent travellers and cruise visitors looking for an authentic island day trip. It also means you can enjoy Aore without needing to arrange every part of the journey separately.

For more ideas before you arrive, see the Things to Do page and learn more about Aore Island .

2. What can you see at Phoenix Plantation?

Phoenix Plantation is a key stop for visitors interested in local agriculture and island life. A plantation visit gives you the chance to understand how tropical crops are grown and how local products connect the land, food and community.

Rather than simply passing through a scenic landscape, take time to notice the working character of the plantation. Ask questions, listen to local explanations and enjoy the slower pace of an island experience.

The visit can be especially rewarding for travellers who enjoy food tourism, nature and cultural experiences. It is also a useful way to see a different side of Espiritu Santo beyond beaches and accommodation.

3. Learn about cocoa, vanilla and chocolate

Cocoa, vanilla and chocolate are highlights for many visitors to Aore Island. These experiences connect the ingredients you may recognise at home with the tropical environment where they are grown and prepared.

A visit may include opportunities to:

• Learn about cocoa and vanilla
• See how local ingredients are used
• Taste chocolate
• Ask questions about island food production
• Take home locally made products, where available

The experience is informative as well as enjoyable. It helps explain why locally made food products are an important part of a visit to Aore Island. If you would like to browse local goods, visit Aore Island Products or the Shop .

4. Experience traditional cooking and weaving

Traditional cooking and weaving offer a closer connection to local culture. These activities are hands-on and personal, giving visitors a chance to learn through demonstration, conversation and participation.

Cooking is a natural part of island hospitality. It brings together local ingredients, practical knowledge and shared time around food. Weaving provides another perspective, showing the skill and patience involved in creating useful and beautiful items by hand.

Approach these experiences with curiosity and respect. Follow local guidance, ask before taking photographs and remember that cultural activities are not performances designed only for visitors. They are part of living island traditions.

5. Discover the Giant Nabanga Tree of Aore Island

The giant tree is one of the memorable natural features to include in your Aore Island plans. It provides a simple but impressive moment during a day of exploring: a chance to pause, look up and appreciate the scale of the island’s tropical landscape.

For many travellers, moments like this become the photographs and stories they remember most. Combine the visit with time to walk, observe the surrounding environment and enjoy the contrast between plantation areas, forest and the coast.

If you are planning a wider nature-focused itinerary, you can also explore the site’s information about Gardens and Wildlife .

6. Where can you enjoy beaches and snorkelling?

Aore Island’s beaches and surrounding water are ideal for slowing down after a morning of touring. Depending on conditions and local guidance, visitors can enjoy swimming, shoreline time and snorkelling in a tropical setting.

Keep your water activities safe and considerate:

• Check conditions before entering the water.
• Follow local advice about suitable swimming areas.
• Take care around boats and transfers.
• Avoid touching coral or marine life.
• Use the site’s Swim Safety guidance when planning your day.

The appeal is not only the scenery. Beach time gives you space to appreciate the island at an unhurried pace, whether you are travelling as a couple, with children or independently.

7. Stay longer for a slower island experience

A day trip is a convenient introduction, but staying on Aore Island gives you more time to enjoy the coast, local experiences and natural setting without watching the clock.

Browse STAY , compare Holiday Homes , or explore Beachfront on Aore and the Aore Tree House . Accommodation options make it possible to shape your visit around relaxation, activities or a combination of both.

A longer stay may suit travellers who want unhurried mornings, additional time on the beach or a more flexible approach to island touring. Check availability and travel arrangements before confirming your plans.

How do you get to Aore Island from Santo?

Aore Island is reached by boat from Santo. The full-day tour includes Santo hotel pickup and boat transfers, making it a straightforward choice for visitors who want transport arranged as part of the experience.

For independent travel and current practical information, check Transport . Travel conditions and timing can vary, so confirm arrangements before departure.

Is Aore Island suitable for a day trip?

Yes. Aore Island is suitable for a day trip from Santo, particularly when you want to combine transport, lunch and several local experiences in one organised visit. The full-day tour costs VT 8,000 and includes Santo hotel pickup, boat transfers and lunch.

A day trip is a good fit when your itinerary is short or when you are visiting Santo from a cruise. Staying overnight is better if you prefer a slower pace or want more flexibility.

How can you book or ask questions?

To ask about the full-day Aore Island tour, transport or availability, contact Beachfront on Aore via WhatsApp: +678 7342101 . You can also use the Contact page.

When enquiring, include your preferred date, number of travellers, Santo accommodation and any questions about the day’s activities. This helps the team provide the most useful information for your visit.

Plan your Aore Island day

The best things to do on Aore Island combine nature, food, culture and time beside the water. Choose the full-day tour from Santo when you want a simple, organised introduction with hotel pickup, boat transfers and lunch for VT 8,000. Choose a longer stay when you want more time to explore beaches, local experiences and island life at your own pace. Before travelling, review transport and swim-safety information, then contact Beachfront on Aore on WhatsApp at +678 7342101 to confirm the latest details and availability.