Champagne Beach

Champagne Beach on Espiritu Santo's east coast is routinely called one of the finest beaches in the Pacific, and the description holds up: a wide crescent of exceptionally fine white sand curving into water that grades from clear to deep blue, backed by palms and thick green bush. The name comes from bubbles that rise through the sand at low tide from volcanic vents below, fizzing up around your feet. It is owned by local families under custom land rights, who collect a modest fee, and there is essentially nothing there beyond a few shelters - no resort, no bar, no music.

What you actually see

• The crescent of sand - fine white beach curving into graded blue water.
• The rising bubbles - volcanic gas fizzing through the sand at low tide.
• Swimming and snorkelling - calm clear water off the beach.
• Nearby Port Olry - another superb beach and village further north.

When to go

The dry season from April to October brings the calmest, clearest conditions. Cruise-ship calls to Champagne Beach fill it completely on those days - checking the schedule at Luganville is worth doing. Otherwise it is often nearly empty.

Honest expectations

Custom land fees are collected at the gate and are entirely legitimate; the price varies and is set by the landowning family. Facilities are minimal - bring water, food and shade. Cruise days transform the beach from empty paradise to packed, with temporary stalls and hundreds of people. The drive from Luganville is on rough road in places.

Nearby

Port Olry, the Blue Holes inland and Luganville's wreck diving.