Vanuatu is an island archipelago consisting of approximately 82 relatively small, geologically newer islands of volcanic origin (65 of them inhabited), with about 800 miles (1,300 km) north to south distance between the outermost islands. The island archipelago is located some 1,750 kilometers (1,090 mi) east of northern Australia, 500 kilometers (310 mi) northeast of New Caledonia, west of Fiji, and southeast of the Solomon Islands. With reference to its location it has a sub tropical climate with warm to hot weather all year around.
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| Mele cascades-Hiking towards the main waterfall |
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| Eton-Crystal Clear blue |
The island of Efate which holds the capital, Port Vila has a variety of attraction to offer. The Mele cascade which is 15 minutes from Port Vila has refreshing plunge pools and a feel for a jungle walk without needing fitness. Eton Beach to the east of Efate is a cool, clear freshwater stream that meanders slowly in to warm salt water. It's a nice, sandy beach with a grassy area above, toilets, a sheltered hut, a couple of nice snorkeling spots and a breakwater for surf fishing. Vanuatu Ecotours provide a kayak safari up the Rentapao River or a bushwalk to Lololima Cascades (private waterfall and swimming hole) with excellent team of guides. Coongoola Cruise is a lovely day on an a classic sailing ketch from Havannah Harbour to crystal clear waters, fine white coral sand beaches, reef snorkeling, a turtle sanctuary with a beach barbecue, morning and afternoon tea and perhaps a few dolphins off the bow. Tour Ekasup Village to experience a traditional ni-Vanuatu village life. On Friday nights they have a Melanesian Feast in the village. Two big attractions that visitors to Vanuatu will always remember of this adventurous archipelago are its scuba diving and game fishing.
Scuba diving in Vanuatu is usually excellent, in the dive sites themselves, accessibility, water temperature and visibility. There are a number of professional dive operators – Tranquility, Nautilus and resident operators on Hideaway Island. There are reef and wreck dives for the novice and experienced divers as well as caves and swim-throughs. Vanuatu is, of course, home to one of the world’s most sought after dives, The President Coolidge. The 'Coolidge' is off the island of Espiritu Santo and, as it is recommended only for the experienced divers who have several days to explore and then wait a day before flying out (due to potential decompression sickness at altitude). There are many dive sites within half an hour of Port Vila. Dive costs vary depending on whether you have your own gear and how many dives you take - but as a guide… around VT6000 (AUD$80) for an introductory dive and VT4000 (AUD$55) for certified divers hiring all gear. Night dives have a VT1000 surcharge. If you plan a lot of dives, dive into a plan of buying 10 dives for around AUD$35 a dive.
Vanuatu offers some of the best fishing in the South Pacific. Sports and game anglers pull in marlin, Wahoo, Dorado, yellow fin tuna, swordfish and a host of other fighting fish. While Port Vila harbour and Erakor Lagoon are pretty much fished out and you’d have to be lucky to hook a good fish (it does happen though!), the offshore reefs and ocean offer one of the best blue water and coral fishing playgrounds in the world.
After a hard day outdoors a perfect day must end with a good meal to sum up the adventures. Dining is very much a part of the Vanuatu experience. With most resorts so close to Port Vila it would be a shame not to venture outside your resort. Sure, the resorts have good restaurants but there's so much excellent cuisine nearby. If you want to sample a Melanesian feast, most resorts have them (Iririki, Le Lagon, Erakor) or you can book a tour to a traditional village (Ekasup on Friday nights). There are more than 30 restaurants that tourist can get in contact with, with the help of their hotel reservation desk that are few minutes’ walk or by taxi/bus.
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