Find your own slice of secluded sandy heaven on Espiritu Santo

Photo: David Kirkland

Divers shouldn't miss a trip to Espiritu Santo, Vanuatu's largest island and only one hour's flight north of Efate.

Technicoloured coral reefs, abundant marine life, the world's largest World War II wreck and a honeycomb of inland fresh water caves are waiting to be explored.

More than 100,000 US troops inhabited the island during WWII when it became a major base for defending the South Pacific from the Japanese.

The 2,2000-tonne US troop ship, SS President Coolidge, and the destroyer USS Tucker both lie beneath the waves, victims of US mines. Crashed B17 bombers and military bases are now buried beneath dense jungle. But the most timely reminder of US occupation is known by locals as 'Million Dollar Point,' where the US dumped thousands of tonnes of war surplus into the sea on evacuation.

Today the island is a pristine tropical paradise and home to Vanuatu's first national park. Trekking is popular with operators taking tours to remote villages, isolated cave systems and remote waterfalls.

Or you can hire a traditional canoe and head up the Riri River to the Blue Hole, a magical electric blue swimming hole surrounded by tropical forest.

Or simply find a secluded beach with mesmerizing aqua water and fine white sand as soft as a baby's bottom.

Espiritu Santo has a range of accommodation to suit any budget, ranging from flash resorts to communal backpacker living.