Blue Hole, Espiritu Santo. Photo credit: David Kirkland.

Fancy an ocean swim in a tropical paradise?

Then head to Vanuatu for its inspiring Vanuatu Ocean Swim series.   Two ocean swims make up the event in Port Vila and Espiritu Santo in June every year.

In Vanuatu’s capital Port Vila, the first swim is the 3.2Km or 1.5Km swim around Iririki Island in Port Vila Harbour.  The second swim is in Espiritu Santo for 2.6Km swim across the Segond Channel to Aore Island.

The main island attractions are the white sand beaches, kayaking between small islands and swimming crystal clear blue holes (see above).

Says Georgia Ditton, tourism representative:

“Each year the number of international entrants to these swims is increasing, particularly from Australia. Vanuatu is just so close, three and a half hours flight from Sydney and two and a half hours from Brisbane, which makes it a great destination for sporting events because it is affordable and accessible for a whole range of travellers. The swims are a great way for visitors to discover Vanuatu and really feel like they have achieved something at the same time.”

Other Vanuatu events range from an international kite surfing competition, a half marathon, a team long distance running relay around Efate Island and the Adventure Race.