Champagne Beach
Champagne Beach
4.5
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
564 reviews
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lastword2016
Edinburgh, UK529 contributions
Jan 2020
Well, we knew it was the rainy season, so it wasn’t a surprise that it rained! But it didn’t dampen our enthusiasm for this lovely palm-fringed beach which was everything we’d expected from a South Pacific island. We walked and paddled, and drank beer at the Champagne Beach Bar, which was under cover but had great views. There are toilets, and market stalls fringing the beach selling colourful sarongs and similar items. The weather did clear, I’m glad to say. This was a lovely experience. If you can, go!
Written February 21, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
xxSjayxx
Brisbane, Australia263 contributions
Feb 2023 • Family
Whilst visiting Luganville on board a P&O cruise, we decided to visit Champagne Beach after seeing it mentioned on a local guides map.
After flagging down a local taxi, we negotiated a price to drive.
I was quoted 150VT.
I conformed this before jumping into the taxi.
The trip from Luganville to Champagne Beach is approximately an hours duration.
Upon driving down the road to Chamoagne Beach, we were then hit with another "fee" of $15AUD per adult and $10AUD per child (7 to 17 years).
This was the first sign of trouble, realising that they were asking for money in AUD, when I had already converted all AUD to VT.
Luckily I had some emergency money aside and was able to pay for entry.
We arrived at the beach and the taxi driver again says "150".
I handed him 170VT as an extra tip ontop.
This is when we are told that no, we were quoted $150AUD.
I was bewildered. I didn't have that money, nor would I have paid that for a taxi fare. I kindly offered him the rest of my emergency money of $25 AUD.
Taxi driver decided to wait for us (we negotiated an hours duration).
The beach itself was picturesque and beautiful, but honestly I've never paid so much to get to a beach, or for entry to a beach.
So that was definitely hindering the beauty of Champagne Beach.
As we were out of money we did not stop at the bar that was open there, nor stop at the market stalls.
I won't lie, the beach is beautiful.
But there are better options out there, especially when you weigh up the cost to get to and from, plus entry.
After flagging down a local taxi, we negotiated a price to drive.
I was quoted 150VT.
I conformed this before jumping into the taxi.
The trip from Luganville to Champagne Beach is approximately an hours duration.
Upon driving down the road to Chamoagne Beach, we were then hit with another "fee" of $15AUD per adult and $10AUD per child (7 to 17 years).
This was the first sign of trouble, realising that they were asking for money in AUD, when I had already converted all AUD to VT.
Luckily I had some emergency money aside and was able to pay for entry.
We arrived at the beach and the taxi driver again says "150".
I handed him 170VT as an extra tip ontop.
This is when we are told that no, we were quoted $150AUD.
I was bewildered. I didn't have that money, nor would I have paid that for a taxi fare. I kindly offered him the rest of my emergency money of $25 AUD.
Taxi driver decided to wait for us (we negotiated an hours duration).
The beach itself was picturesque and beautiful, but honestly I've never paid so much to get to a beach, or for entry to a beach.
So that was definitely hindering the beauty of Champagne Beach.
As we were out of money we did not stop at the bar that was open there, nor stop at the market stalls.
I won't lie, the beach is beautiful.
But there are better options out there, especially when you weigh up the cost to get to and from, plus entry.
Written February 27, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
NoosaKings
Noosa, Australia406 contributions
Sep 2022
Sand like icing sugar and water like a warm bath, it sparkles like crystal, plenty of marine life to see. Not enough adjectives or metaphors to describe it . Must visit.
Written October 8, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tonia D
12 contributions
Dec 2023 • Family
Outstanding. Crystal turquoise water and white sand. Breathtaking. Safe to swim in the shelter of the bay with opportunity to snorkel. Store on the beach where you can hire paddle boards and kayaks too. Perfect
Written December 31, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jo_eastaff
Middleton, Australia192 contributions
Jul 2022
Most places don't live up to the hype- Champagne Beach isn't one of them. The water could not have been clearer or more turquoise, the sand could not have been paler or more silky, and there were only about ten other people on the whole beach.
There is masses of shade under huge trees, and a couple of sweet little open air thatched cafes. There is snorkeling to the ocean side of the little jetty at the north end of the beach on the small reef that hugs the coast running north.
Champagne Beach is utterly delightful.
There is masses of shade under huge trees, and a couple of sweet little open air thatched cafes. There is snorkeling to the ocean side of the little jetty at the north end of the beach on the small reef that hugs the coast running north.
Champagne Beach is utterly delightful.
Written July 31, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
wendymagz
Matamata, New Zealand1,486 contributions
Aug 2018 • Couples
This is an absolutely stunning beach, said to be one of the best in the South Pacific. It gets its name from the volcanic activity below the water. Gas escapes from volcanic rocks and at low tide, the gas becomes bubbles as in fizzy champagne. The beach has beautiful fine white sand and the clearest of clear water. Cruise ships call here regularly and I understand that you can hardly move on the beach for visitors from the ship coming ashore to visit the market put on by the locals. We had the beach to ourselves except for one other family. We wished we could have stayed longer than our tour schedule allowed. Don’t miss it if you are visiting Espiritu Santo.
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Written September 11, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
travellerm68
Brisbane, Australia581 contributions
Dec 2015 • Couples
We stopped here as a last port of call on a Christmas Legend of the Seas Royal Caribbean cruise. The ship pulls up just outside Champagne bay and the view is gorgeous. It requires a tender to get in and although we were warned it could be a bit choppy it was actually ok and took only about 20 minutes to get ashore. You pull up at a little pier where there are locals singing to welcome you. There are quite a lot of little stalls set up all along the beach with the first part having some food stalls cooking Lobster - whilst they were huge the locals were charging around $130 Au which I thought was a bit excessive, other popular food items were hot chips both potato, sweet potato and also banana chips. There was a purpose built toilet block near to where you landed which was clean and had decent toilet paper. Near here there were also lots of locals offering you trips around the island and in particular to the blue lagoon which was a swimming spot about 30-40 minutes in land- I think most drivers charged similar which was $10 return each.. some passengers sat in vehicles some in the back trays of Utes- anything seemed to go to get you there.. as you head towards the lagoon you pass local villages and through rainforest - it is very hot and sticky and we did have some rain when we were there. As you arrive at stop for the lagoon there is a little hut with seats where people were waiting for return vehicles, there was also a local man collecting money ($7 each) to actually go down to the lagoon. The lagoon is down a rocky pathway which has hand rails most of the way down, it can be a little slippy so boat shoes/ water shoes helps. When you arrive at the bottom there is a very deep lagoon under the trees, I didn't go in buy my hubby did - it was pretty cold, you can see fish over the far side away from the side and there is a strange cloudy area where the fresh water meets the salt water. It is a picturesque spot but I just didn't want to go in because of the depth. We had said we would stay for just over an hour but maybe 1/2 hour is actually enough. There can be a wait for your vehicle to return so be prepared for this. As we got back to the beach we walked to the far end of the strip past all of the local stalls selling the normal wares.. we found a shady spot under a tree (there were quite a few along the edge of the beach) and we went out to snorkel. There is lots of hard coral in the shallow water which you have to navigate, there is not much to see and the water was pretty cloudy. My hubby went out a little deeper and over to a rocky area on the right hand side of the bay as you looked back towards the ship.. here there were quite a lot of fish (not as good as elsewhere) and there were weird currents as hot and cold water mixed - this created little bubbles hence the name champagne bay. This is probably the best place for swimming but not snorkelling, the water is azure blue, fairly shallow and warm. It is probably the most picturesque of the islands we visited because of the backdrop of the rainforest and the gorgeous bay.. it was however not as good as Mystery island for me.
Written December 31, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
bgcox098
forresters beach nsw31 contributions
Dec 2014 • Couples
If you are ever lucky enough to visit this beautiful tropical beach there is great snorkeling for all levels. What you MUST do is this. There are a couple of locals at the beach that, for $10-, will take you out to a beautiful coral reef about 5 minutes from the beach. No snorkeling skills required.The visibility and water temperature were unbelievable! For even better coral, reef sharks and turtles our local,George, took us to an island about two Kms. directly opposite Champagne Beach.We drifted along the reef for an hour and could have stayed so much longer it was that easy.The trip took a little over an hour and a half and was the best $25- I have ever spent!
Written December 17, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TimberBlueMountains
Blue Mountains, Australia378 contributions
Jul 2013 • Friends
We visited Santo on a cruise and the ship docked at Luganville. Two months prior to leaving Sydney we had organised a local tour company to pick us up at the dock, ( Luke Tokar -Paradise Tours, Google It!) Three reasons, the first is that they are locally owned and operated secondly they agreed to take us to as many places as we could fit in and thirdly there was no 40% mark up which goes entirely to the cruise ship company if you book one of their on shore tours. Throw in the fact that cruise ship tours may only take you to a couple of places and it just makes sense.
Anyway, Champagne Beach - this was stop 3 on our tour we had already been to and snorkelled and swum at Million Dollar Point, The Blue Holes and Velit Bay. The weather was a little overcast but the water was warm and the sun broke threw a few times and when it did the whole place just radiated. The sand is so fine it is almost like talcum powder, and brilliant white. The water is so clear I spotted a dive mask on the bottom and retrieved it. It is quite a beautiful place. Do pay a visit. (We went to Port Olray after and again, a beautiful spot, as is Velit Bay and the Blue Holes are just incredible)
Our day was 8am pick up and back at the ship by 3pm, cost $50 each which included all the small local village charges for entry.
Anyway, Champagne Beach - this was stop 3 on our tour we had already been to and snorkelled and swum at Million Dollar Point, The Blue Holes and Velit Bay. The weather was a little overcast but the water was warm and the sun broke threw a few times and when it did the whole place just radiated. The sand is so fine it is almost like talcum powder, and brilliant white. The water is so clear I spotted a dive mask on the bottom and retrieved it. It is quite a beautiful place. Do pay a visit. (We went to Port Olray after and again, a beautiful spot, as is Velit Bay and the Blue Holes are just incredible)
Our day was 8am pick up and back at the ship by 3pm, cost $50 each which included all the small local village charges for entry.
Written March 16, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
fialex
Sydney, Australia21 contributions
Dec 2013 • Family
We arrived into Champagne Bay the first week of December off the Rhapsody of the sea. We tendered into the small jetty with no problems on a spectacular sunny day. The waters are truly crystal clear baby blue. We set our group of 4 adults and 3 teens up under a huge Banyan Tree as the day was going to be very hot. The beach area is huge so plenty of space for a whole cruise ship to enjoy the amazing beach and it's occupants.
We couldn't wait to get our snorkel gear on and head out into the warm water. The sand is so so fine and really good under your feet. We did take reef shoes but never wore the here just flippers. We headed out to the left of where the tenders were coming into the jetty and here I must say we really had to dodge the tenders and swim/snorkel really fast to get past before the next tender came in. The security/port police were really annoying as they told us off for swimming past the tenders but the snorkeling once we were well past them was work the abuse we copped. We spent at least an hour mesmerized at the amount of beautiful fish of all colors and sizes, we even saw a sea snake but he wasn't interested in us. The coral was also huge and many different colors some the size of shrubs. I do think that one must snorkel a fare way out to enjoy the underwater beauty that Champagne Bay offers and as previous reviews have said some of the coral closer to shore has been badly damaged by admirers that don't respect the
sea.
Once back on the beach it was time to sample the lobster and crabs, they were huge to say the least and depending on how big you wanted to go with your purchase would depend on how much you'd pay $20- $60 We shared the largest of both crab and lobster amongst our clan and it was more than enough considering we had been eating non stop on the ship anyway. Do take small Aus or Us notes as they take both denominations.
We spent the whole day on this beach having a blast swimming snorkeling sun baking and eating. The shopping is just ok for small presents but we didn't buy anything as the sarongs and trinkets to me are just junk we don't need. We gave back by buying the seafood which we loved watching them cook cut up and serve to us in banana leaves. There is kiosk but the stalls have cans of very of drinks, we has cold beers on the beach with our lobster, what more can an Aussie family ask for.
There are clean tidy and well kept toilets in the bay just behind the beach, the ship even supplies hand sanitized pump liquid in the wash basin area.
Over all I'd highly recommend this beach to travelers and even though we were only here for the day we made the most of it and went back on one of the last tenders totally exhausted but truly stocked with our day.
Trip note the best snorkeling we had on our 13 day cruise was in the Loyalty Islands (LIFOU)? Highly recommend it and Champagne Bay as must do's on a cruise ship holiday. We will be back
We couldn't wait to get our snorkel gear on and head out into the warm water. The sand is so so fine and really good under your feet. We did take reef shoes but never wore the here just flippers. We headed out to the left of where the tenders were coming into the jetty and here I must say we really had to dodge the tenders and swim/snorkel really fast to get past before the next tender came in. The security/port police were really annoying as they told us off for swimming past the tenders but the snorkeling once we were well past them was work the abuse we copped. We spent at least an hour mesmerized at the amount of beautiful fish of all colors and sizes, we even saw a sea snake but he wasn't interested in us. The coral was also huge and many different colors some the size of shrubs. I do think that one must snorkel a fare way out to enjoy the underwater beauty that Champagne Bay offers and as previous reviews have said some of the coral closer to shore has been badly damaged by admirers that don't respect the
sea.
Once back on the beach it was time to sample the lobster and crabs, they were huge to say the least and depending on how big you wanted to go with your purchase would depend on how much you'd pay $20- $60 We shared the largest of both crab and lobster amongst our clan and it was more than enough considering we had been eating non stop on the ship anyway. Do take small Aus or Us notes as they take both denominations.
We spent the whole day on this beach having a blast swimming snorkeling sun baking and eating. The shopping is just ok for small presents but we didn't buy anything as the sarongs and trinkets to me are just junk we don't need. We gave back by buying the seafood which we loved watching them cook cut up and serve to us in banana leaves. There is kiosk but the stalls have cans of very of drinks, we has cold beers on the beach with our lobster, what more can an Aussie family ask for.
There are clean tidy and well kept toilets in the bay just behind the beach, the ship even supplies hand sanitized pump liquid in the wash basin area.
Over all I'd highly recommend this beach to travelers and even though we were only here for the day we made the most of it and went back on one of the last tenders totally exhausted but truly stocked with our day.
Trip note the best snorkeling we had on our 13 day cruise was in the Loyalty Islands (LIFOU)? Highly recommend it and Champagne Bay as must do's on a cruise ship holiday. We will be back
Written January 27, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
A little confused. I'm doing an 11 night cruise. Two of our stops are at Santo one day and Champagne Bay the next. Are these the same Island? Would love to go to the Riri Blue Hole so wondering do I do this from Santo or Champagne Bay? Or can anyone recommend a better Blue Hole at either Santo or Champagne Bay. Hope I haven't confused you!
Written April 23, 2017
Yes its the same Island. Riri Blue Hole is beautiful with Jungle surrounds however, Nanda Blue Hole is spectacular coloured blue and very deep and clear (well it was a couple of weeks ago). There is more infrastructure at Nanda Blue Hole as in a cafe, modern toilets, gift shop etc. however they are both well worth a visit because they are so different.
Written April 28, 2017
robfin1943
Kincumber, Australia
Hi, there are 4 adults arriving in Luganville, just for the day off the cruise ship Golden Princess in May. We would like to go to Champagne Bay but don't want to book through the tours off the ship. Is there a local service we could hire and how long should we allow for the trip. We would like to be picked up from the quay and dropped off near the Santo Hotel to say hello to Mary Jane if she is still managing the hotel.
Looking forward to hearing from you at your earliest convenience,
Thanks,
Rob Finneran
Written April 17, 2017
Hi
You can book a taxi, once you come off the ship and allow about three hours to get there and back as this will give you about a hour and half at the beach, or even stop off at one of the blue holes on the way. And you should still have time to catch up with Mary.
Hope this helps
Written April 18, 2017
Hi. Can you please tell me what day is "cruise ship day?" planning a trip to santo for a few nights but wanting to avoid the ships!
Thank you
Written January 9, 2017
My partner and I went twice and were lucky to miss all cruises - one day we had the entire beach to ourselves.
The days were a Wednesday and Monday
Written March 13, 2017
Hey Brian,
Very helpful write up. Thanks. We will be stopping at Champagne Bay in around four weeks .
Just wondering if you saw the natives doing fresh crabs or lobster for sale anywhere .....
TIA
Written January 3, 2017
plenty of lobster for sale, they keep them green then cook if you purchase. More than one vendor, we didn`t try any but it may pay to shop around, as it is not cheap. The far end of the beach away from the jetty had a large set up for cooking over an open fire, aromas covered a large area. It will still be extremely hot when you go, get in early to get a good shady spot.
Written January 6, 2017
I'm flying from Canada. To which airport do I want to fly into? What preferred aitlines? What are recommended resorts?
Written December 30, 2016
There is only one airport on Santo - outside Luganville. All local flights are "Air Vanuatu". From Canada you can probably fly to Sydney and then to Port Vila. Luganville is a 50 minute flight from Port Vila. We stayed at Moyyan in Santo - it was amazing.
Written December 30, 2016
Hello...I wanted to know how people do to go from the airport zone to CHAMPAGNE BEACH zone? And how much does it cost? thanks a lot!!!
Written August 20, 2016
Hi can someone tell me what the transport cost and how long it takes from luganville airport to Lonnoc Beach near Hog Harbour?
Written July 1, 2016
About 80usd, just hire on arrival.
Written October 26, 2016
Hi, how much money will l need to get to the blue hole. Were you charged an addition cost to get in? Did the taxi wait for you, so you could get back on time and lastly was the walk to the blue hole difficult. Thank you
Written March 4, 2016
villiers200
Wyong, Australia
I have been there,you get to shore by ship tender,local so called taxis will take you to the blue hole for a small charge prob about $10 per head ,they waite for you,there is a charge to get it ,blue hole is on local land owners private property,not sure now 2 yrs ago $5 ea ,it is a steep down hill walk on dirt steps very slippery in rain,suitable for active persons only,well worth it not as big as I thought but nice blue cool water by now steps maybe improved who knows just ask taxi when your there.taxi will also take you on island tour worth it to get some more people ,hire the taxi split the bill,do a deel for the whole vehicle fit in as many as possible, other side of island is town ,resorts etc, very nice.have fun exploring.
Written April 30, 2016
Hi, was that left facing the water or left facing land. Thank you
Written March 4, 2016
Hi All, we will also be arriving at Champagne Bay on a Royal Caribbean ship in April and wanted to know if the ship docks right at the beach or do I have to arrange transport to the beach? There are 10 of us so I want to plan ahead. Also is there anywhere else worth going to apart from Champagne beach?
I appreciate any help. Thanks Dossy
Written January 30, 2016
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