We moved from Luganville to the Oyster Island Lagoon anchorage because, one, it’s a pretty spot, and two, because there are two blue holes up different rivers there that can be accessed by dinghy.

The river up to Matevulu Blue Hole was about a mile long, shallow, clear, and incredibly lush. We didn’t see any sign of life along the river, which I thought was a little surprising.

There’s no mistaking when you’ve reached the Blue Hole. The water here is filtered perfectly clear by limestone underground, and I’m guessing the limestone caves eventually collapse in some areas creating these deeper holes where the color really pops.

While everyone got off the dinghies and stood around chatting, I turned around to find Lowe was already in the water and launching himself off the rope swing.

I’m not sure exactly how land rights work in Vanuatu, but it sure seems some families are far luckier than others. One hundred years ago nobody probably thought anything of owning this blue hole. Today, it’s a cash cow. One guy sat at the entrance and watched as we dinghied up. Before we’d even come ashore he made sure we knew it was 1,000 Vatu per person (~$10). When a cruise ship is in Luganville I guess the place can see hundreds of people. Can’t make easier money than that on a small island. We had the place to ourselves today.

We eventually figured out how to climb up higher than the ladder to launch ourselves. Full Tarzan mode.

The big banyan tree was so easy to climb, with roots crisscrossed like a ladder inside, that the kids eventually made their way up to the underside of the canopy. No swinging or diving from up there, though.

Everyone had a great time at the blue hole, and we’d have likely gone back every day if our fee had been good for a week instead of the day. Instead, the next day we just took the dinghy back up the river to find our own place to goof around in the clear freshwater.

While the water was crystal clear, the silt on the bottom was so light and airy you could stick your arm into it right up to your shoulder. Lowe liked making these rolling clouds in the current.

Some shots from around the lagoon. I’ve often heard of concrete boats, but don’t know that I’ve ever actually seen one in the flesh. It’s such a crazy concept to me, but apparently it works. Well, usually it works.