The next day we had our organised tour to explore some of Santo’s most iconic spots:
Champagne Beach: Soft white sand and unforgettable turquoise water.
Port Olry: A quiet coastal village with stunning views. Lunch included a Santo Steak at a local restaurant.
Matavulu Blue Hole: Only our group was there. We kayaked and swung on rope swings into the blue water, surrounded by jungle.
Our tour guide Lino from Paradise Tours was fun and knowledgeable.
Travel Tip: Before heading to local attractions check if they have any entrance fees. If you are going on a tour check if fees are included in the tour cost. These fees go into providing things like education for children and taking care of the natural attractions.
One of the trip highlights came the next morning, when we joined a half day dugong-spotting tour. Our guide Fabrice first led us on an hour-long snorkel over vibrant coral reefs. After the swim we went dugong spotting, while searching we saw plenty of other sea creatures such as turtles popping their heads out of the water. As the day went on, we started to lose hope of seeing a dugong when not far away one came to the surface for air. We got so close, the dugong was gliding under the boat completely unbothered by us. Further away there was a mother and baby, but we gave them space. We had a relaxing afternoon back at the resort.
Travel Tip: Early mornings are best for marine life spotting, when water is calm, and wildlife is more active.
The next morning, we borrowed the complimentary resort bikes and decided to ride out to Riri Blue Hole, which is about 7km each way. Which wouldn’t be difficult if it wasn’t nearly 30 degrees out in tropical heat. Being motivated by my triathlete partner who was finding it easy, and the promise of a refreshing swim got us there. It was worth it - the water was crystal clear. There was only one other tourist there and a group of local kids taking turns on the rope swing. Later that day, we treated ourselves to a massage and facial back at the resort as a reward for our exercise.
Travel Tip: Wear insect repellent! Despite blue holes beauty there are many biting bugs.
On our last full day, we decided to go big and signed up for the Millennium Cave Tour. It was an adventure for the active and not for the faint hearted. A long bumpy ride siting in the back of a ute took us into the island where we came to a traditional village and dropped off our belongings. Here we met our guides who took us on a jungle ‘walk’, crossing rivers, climbing cliffs using rope and traversing down steep ladders with missing rungs. Arriving at the cave, we were offered face paintings to deter the swallows and bats. Seeing the cave was incredible, the entrance was swarming with swallows and had a river flowing through it. The cave was pitch black inside but we were prepared with a torch, lifejacket and a guide to hold our hand over the slippery rocks. After making it though the cave, we stopped for lunch before canyoning through the rivers boulders then enjoyed a relaxing float along the river back to the village.
Travel Tip: This tour is physically demanding. Wear sturdy shoes and be prepared for climbing and swimming.
