Following a relaxing day at sea crossing the cobalt blue waters of the South Pacific, this morning the National Geographic Orion arrives among the green, forested islands of Vanuatu. We enjoy an early breakfast on deck as the ship anchors offshore Espirito Santo Island, the largest of all the islands in this small, remote nation.
Today is a busy day, with lots of options. Zodiac shuttles navigate through the fringing reefs for a beach landing. As is the custom here in the islands, a string band and native warriors greet us as we come ashore. The avid birders are the first to depart in minivans to explore the rainforest for the species that make these islands special. Next, a group of us depart on a tour of the World War II sites. During the war, these islands were a strategic stronghold, as a supply and support base, complete with a naval harbor, military hospital, and airfield.
Today, the islands are famous as a snorkeling and diving paradise, both for the diversity of the underwater world, and for the military equipment and shipwrecks scattered offshore. A group of diverse from the ship take to the water to explore the wreck of the SS President Coolidge, a luxury liner that hit a mine while bringing troops to the base at Luganville. Meanwhile, snorkelers explore the military equipment left behind in the shallow waters at what is now known as “Million Dollar Point.”
Rounding out the activities for the day, the paddlers among us board traditional outrigger canoes for a short trip up the Riri River to a tropical paradise called the “Blue Hole.” It’s an exciting time enjoying the cool, blue waters swimming and swinging from the rope swing. Later, we launch our fleet of inflatable kayaks to explore another jungle river not far from the landing. It’s calm and quiet upstream, where tall mangrove trees line the meandering tidal channel.
Back on board in time for cocktails and recap, we enjoy sharing stories from the day as the ship chart a course toward tomorrow’s adventures.
