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Vanuatu
Vanuatu is a chain of 83 islands lying in the Pacific about 2000km Northeast
of Brisbane and is serviced by Air Vanuatu. Direct air services are
available from Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne. Connections are also
available from New Zealand and Fiji. The islands range from towering volcanic
cones to coral atolls with white sandy beaches and aquamarine lagoons.
The two main areas of interest for divers are the islands of Efate
and Espiritu Santo. The country's capital is Port Vila, which is located
on the island of Efate. Development is low key with a variety of low-rise
hotels and resorts. About an hour's flight from Port Vila is the more
remote destination of Espiritu Santo. Luganville is the capital and
the port for Santo and is the gateway to spectacular diving.
General Information | Port
Vila | Santo
GENERAL INFORMATION:
CLIMATE: The average temperature from November through March is 28 degrees
Celsius (about 83F). From April to October the average temperature is 23
degrees Celsius (about 74F).
CURRENCY: The Vatu is the unit of
currency. One Australian Dollar is worth approximately 82 Vatu and one US
Dollar is worth approximately 120 Vatu.
DINING: As a legacy of the island’s French history, there are many
excellent French and local restaurants in the town with moderate (by big
city standards) prices. All hotels and resorts also offer a wide variety
of dining opportunities.
DRESS: As the climate is warm and tropical, light cotton casual clothing
is recommended. Women should dress modestly in public places.
ENTRY REQUIRMENTS: Australians,
New Zealand, EU and US passport holders require a valid passport with
at least 6 months validity beyond their intended stay. All travellers
must have return or onward tickets and sufficient funds for their stay.
HEALTH REQUIREMENTS: Consult your
doctor for recommended medication and inoculations.
LANGUAGE: English, French and Bislama are the official languages. However,
there are over 115 dialects spoken throughout the islands.
SHOPPING: Port Vila is a duty free
port and there are a variety of duty free shops offering a range of goods.
There is also a colourful waterfront market selling flowers, fruit, vegetables
and local handicrafts. All major credit cards are accepted at hotels,
most restaurants and larger stores. Banks and money-changers are located
in the downtown area.
TIME ZONE: 11 hours ahead of GMT
TIPPING: Tipping and bargaining
are not part of their culture and visitors should refrain from these
practices.
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PORT VILA
Port Vila is a delightful, waterfront town situated on the main island of
Efate. For a long time regarded as a French town, Vila has a cosmopolitan
image, offering great duty free shopping, sidewalk cafes as well as an excellent
selection of fine cuisine restaurants. Diving in Vila offers a variety of
dive sites, from easy protected waters with no current, to shallow reefs
and deeper drop-offs, with running currents bringing in the pelagic species.
Dive vessels depart from within easy walking distance of the town centre,
with many dive sites close by.
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Iririki Island Resort
Located in Port Vila Harbour, this 69 acre private island was once
home to the British Commissioner of the New Hebrides. A courtesy ferry
connects passengers to Port Vila 24 hours a day, just a 3 minute journey.
The hotel has 70 air-conditioned "fares" (bungalows) which feature
International Direct Dial telephones, in house video and music systems,
ceiling fans, refrigerator, tea/coffee making facilities and a shaded
balcony which extends the full width of the "fare" giving extensive
water views. The hotel has a swimming pool, restaurant and bar. Sports
activities include snorkeling, canoeing, windsurfing, water-skiing,
catamarans and fishing. All non-motorized sports are complimentary
for guests. Wedding and Honeymoon packages are available.
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Le Meridien Port Vila Resort, Spa and Casino
Overlooking the Serene Waters of the Erakor lagoon, Le Meridien Port Vila Resort, Spa & Casino is set on 60 acres of tropical gardens, making the most of its glorious natural surroundingsThere are several restaurants, bars, the island’s only casino and a Namele Day Spa. Sporting facilities include a 9-hole golf course, floodlit tennis courts, 2 swimming pools, windsurfers, row boats, petanque, catamarans, surf skis, outrigger canoes and sail boats. Water-skiing is also available. All rooms have a refrigerator, tea/coffee making facilities, 3 in house video channels, CNN News Service, Satellite TV, and International Direct Dial Telephones. Most of the 150 rooms have private balconies with lagoon or garden views. There are 10 exclusive over water "fares" which are situated on the hotel's private island. These contain a master bedroom, spa bath, spacious living area and private deck with direct access to Erakor Lagoon. The hotel is about a 5-minute drive to the town of Port Vila and taxis are readily available.
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Le Lagon Resort
Situated on 75 acres of tropical gardens beside the crystal clear waters
of Erakor Lagoon, this hotel features a swimming pool, outdoor spa
complex and tennis courts. Other sporting facilities include a 12
-hole golf course, catamarans, windsurfers, outrigger canoes and
surf skis and also boasts a selection of restaurants and
bars. There are 141 guest rooms ranging from standard rooms, deluxe
rooms, to bungalows with garden or ocean views as well as 5 luxurious
suites. All rooms are air-conditioned and have a private balcony
or patio, ceiling fans, coffee/tea making facilities, refrigerator
and International Direct Dial Telephones. The hotel
is about a 5 minute drives to the town of Port Vila and taxis are
readily available.
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Tranquillity Island Resort
This is one of Vanuatu’s best kept secrets. Tranquillity is a Dive
Base and Resort with Outdoors and Eco Tourism activities including
swimming, snorkeling, Scuba Diving and other land-based activities,
or just relaxing on the idyllic beaches.
The Resort is based on 380 hectares of tropical jungle on Moso Island,
located on the north west of the island of Efate, the main land departure
point being 35 minutes bus ride and a 25 minute boat ride from Port
Vila.
Tranquillity has a large comfortable and sturdy Diving Vessel which takes
you to the dive sites, providing
you with 2 dives a day and shore dives or night dives on request. Visibility
is rarely less than 25 meters and ranges beyond 50 meters.
Accommodation is island style thatched bungalows on the waters edge,
each with their own flush toilets and hot and cold showers. The birds
wake you in the morning and you fall asleep to the soft sound of the
water lapping the shore.
The Resort also has a Turtle Sanctuary. This project has been developed
to raise and release baby Hawksbill turtles.
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Kaiviti Village Motel
Located a short walk from the downtown area of Port Vila, the property
is situated on a hill overlooking the harbour. This happy, friendly
hotel offers nine - 2 bedroom apartments and 28 studios (double/twin
or triple). Studio rooms have kitchenettes and 2 bedroom apartments
have full kitchens. Most rooms overlook the swimming pool, bar and
harbour, home to glorious sunsets. All rooms have International
Direct Dial Telephones. Laundry facilities are available and there
is a poolside snack bar. Restaurants and a supermarket are all within
a short walking distance to Kaiviti Village.
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The Melanesian Hotel
Located close to the Kaiviti Village Motel, the Melanesian is centrally
located just 8 minutes walk to the town centre of Port Vila. Select
from well appointed Hibiscus Rooms with kitchens, self contained
1 & 2
Bedroom Bougainville Apartments and fully air conditioned Orchid
Rooms. All rooms feature 24 hour room service, cable TV, IDD phones,
refrigerator, mini bar, tea/coffee making facilities
and furnished balconies. The resort boasts 2 restaurants, 3 bars,
a large swimming pool, gaming lounge, scuba wash house and 2 floodlit
tennis courts.
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The Moorings Hotel
The Moorings Hotel is Port Vila’s latest hotel accommodation on the harbour with amazing views, all ensuite rooms, pool and Moo’s Bar and Grill and more! With a gorgeous harbourfront location and only 5 minutes walk to town, The Moorings is the perfect spot to relax in tropical paradise.
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Chantillys
On the Bay
Located on the Harbours edge of Fatumaru Bay, 8km from the international
airport and only 3 minutes to the centre of town, Chantilly's is
conveniently located for all your needs. All rooms have modern furnishings
and offer harbour views from individual balconies. There are 12 large
studio apartments and 8 one-bedroom apartments, two of which offer
extended balconies. All apartments have kitchenette
facilities, air conditioning, satellite TV, IDD telephones, high speed
internet connection and other amenities. Chantilly's restaurant, 'Tilly's',
specialises in Tapas and also has an exciting a-la-carte menu. Dine
in air-conditioned comfort beside the aquarium wall or overlooking
the water.
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Breaka's Beach Resort
Set on a sweeping 2 km long white sand beach. Fringed with coconut
palms and beach Pandanus. Breaka’s is an intimate boutique resort
for adults and young adults over 15 years old. Nestled amongst beautifully
landscaped grounds, the architecture is a tribute to the island’s
colonial heritage and rich indigenous culture. The Resort building
has integrated modern and traditional materials such as coral, wood,
thatch, and local artifacts.
Ten fares directly face the ocean, while five other rest under the shade
of coconut trees. All fares have queen size beds and ceiling
fans (air conditioning is not necessary due to the fresh ocean breezes).
Toiletries, hairdryer, tea and coffee making facilities are also provided,
while the in-room massage is a favourite request by guests.
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Poppy's On the Lagoon
Poppy's on the Lagoon is set on the shores of Erakor Lagoon and boasts
first class self-contained accommodation in Vanuatu.
The accommodation features fully equipped kitchens, private balconies,
free cable TV and daily maid service. The lagoon provides safe waters
for swimming and water sports, and the gardens have been designed to show
off a wide range of tropical plants. The resort has white sandy beaches,
2 swimming pool areas and it is only a 15 minute walk (or a 2 min bus or
taxi ride) to Port Vila's charming town centre, where there are plenty of
restaurants and shops.
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Pacific Lagoon Apartments
The complex is located 4.5 kilometers from the heart of Port Vila
on the waters edge, at the mouth of picturesque Erakor Lagoon. Surrounded
by a mature garden in a peaceful and quiet setting a little out of
town, it is only a 5 minute ride by bus or taxi to the main shopping
centre and supermarkets. The apartments are modern and fully self-contained
with two separate bedrooms, a bathroom, separate toilet, lounge room/dining
room/kitchen, & an outside verandah. Comfortably appointed, they include
items such as full gas stove, microwave, refrigerator with freezer,
clock radio, television, crockery, cutlery, kitchen utensils, linen
and ceiling fans in every room. There is a fully equipped laundry
with token-operated automatic washing machines and dryer. Housemaids
service all apartments Monday to Saturday and babysitting services
can also be arranged.
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Edge Adventure Port Vila
Edge is the tour operator with a difference - they go where no other
operator in Vanuatu has ever gone before.
Edge provides fantastic tours all over Efate, Vanuatu, and all tours
are guaranteed to get the blood pumping and the adrenalin flowing.
You will get to see Vanuatu from some of the best vantage points
around the island. Edge's products will always be exciting and unique
adventures conducted in a fun atmosphere and in absolute safety.
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Nautilus Scuba
Nautilus offers diver’s easy, uncrowded access to Port Vila’s
wide range of idyllic dive sites with up to 30m visibility. It
is the longest running dive operation in Vanuatu, with the best equipment
and dive boats and friendly staff all come together to provide you
with a great diving holiday. All levels of certification are catered
for, and with such a wide variety of dive sites on offer, each dive
is very different. Some
of the well known sites include Mele Reef, Blacksands Reef and Caves,
the vast cavern of ‘Cathedral’,
as well as the historical shipwreck, the ‘Star of Russia’ which
was built by the same company that built the Titanic. Nautilus also
offers fishing excursions.
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Sailaway Cruises
Operates from Havannah Harbour, North Efate Island about a 40 minute
scenic bus ride from town. This is a cruise that really lives up
to all those visions, aboard the 42 ft long, 23 ft wide sailing trimaran "Golden
Wing". The northern side of the island is protected from South-easterly
Trade winds which means the seas are usually calm and the water exceptionally
clear for divers and snorkellers. Day cruises normally operate Sun,
Tue, Thu, Fri and Sat and include transfers, 2 dives, lunch and weight
belts. Overnight Sailing Safaris are also available, for 2-3 day
trips to the offshore islands of North Efate. Children are well
catered for with small masks and snorkeling vests while Sailaway
cruises also welcome non-divers and snorkellers.
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Hideaway Island Resort
Located in Mele Bay, Hideaway Island Resort is a short ferry ride to the main
island and is about 15 minutes drive from the town of Port Vila. It is located
in a marine sanctuary and offers budget dormitory style and lodge accommodation
as well as private ocean front bungalows. The Dorms have adjacent gardens overlooking
Mele Bay. The Lodge accommodation is on the beach with dramatic sea views,
and the Dorm Lodge. The Dorms and Lodges share communal bathrooms. The oceanfront
bungalows have coral walls, coconut beams and private bathrooms with an impressive
clam shell basin all combined in a pleasant tropical décor. With an
on-site restaurant and bar, this is a diver's paradise with dive sites
on your doorstep. The dive boat leaves the jetty for nearby sites, which include
walls, drop-offs, caverns, reefs, bommies and wrecks. Night diving is also
available.
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ESPIRITU SANTO
About an hour's flight from Port Vila is the more remote destination
of Espiritu Santo. Usually shortened to Santo, it is home to the
SS President Coolidge, the largest and most accessible shipwreck in
the world. This 22,200 ton luxury passenger liner was a WW2 troop ship.
She hit a mine and sank just offshore. Providing a multitude of dives
to do on this vessel aimed at different experience levels. The Coolidge
is also home for many corals and fish, schools of barracuda, Trevally,
and sharks. Another famous site is Million Dollar Point where the US
army disposed of its military equipment at the end of WW2. See tanks/bulldozers,
cranes, fork lifts, trucks, etc, all on the ocean floor and encrusted
in corals - a truly amazing sight. Tubana is another famous area with caves,
swim throughs, crayfish, plenty of soft and hard corals and all with
a visibility up around 50 meters (about 160 feet).You can also dive the USS
Tucker, a US Destroyer and the MV Henry Bonneaud, a coastal trader.
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Aquamarine Dive Centre
Since 1988 Aquamarine staff have developed a professional and personalized
service for divers looking for something different in their holiday.
Aquamarine has a small dive boat, three compressors, 70 tanks,
12 rental sets, a retail dive shop, and workshop. Aquamarine is
a registered PADI, SSI and TDI Dive Centre and Resort Association
Member, and a PADI Master Instructor is on staff. Due to the
geography and close proximity of the surrounding islands most dive
sites are protected from rough seas so dives are seldom cancelled.
Most dive sites are 5-15 minutes away by boat, while the Coolidge
is easily accessed from the shore.
A minimum of two (2) dives are scheduled each day and dives are customized
to each divers experience level and interests. Over 20 different
dive sites to choose from.
A free pickup and return is offered to all accommodations in Luganville.
The dive shop is centrally located in the centre of town on the main
street.
All year round diving is available and while November to April is considered
cyclone season, some of the best diving conditions are found
over this time. Visibility may vary from 10 - 60m; water temperature
varies from 24 - 30 deg C. It is recommended that a minimum of a
3mm wetsuit be used.
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Allan Power Dive Tours
Allan Power has over 30 years of experience and more than 100,000
dives on the SS President Coolidge. Their knowledge of the Coolidge
is extensive and the dedicated team of professional, experienced
dive guides lead you around the Coolidge, through areas such as
the decks, cargo holds, supply areas, shops and offices. Allan
Powers knowledge of other local dive sites is excellent and they
offer both shore and boat dives to many destinations. Dives are
done every morning and afternoon and spectacular night dives on the Coolidge
are also available.
Allan Power has built up a sheltered gearing up area which allows the
easiest and most convenient access to the Coolidge. Allan also maintains
a vibrant and active coral garden area to keep you entertained during the
safety stops. You will often find Allan "doing the gardening" at his coral garden.
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Bokissa Resort
Bokissa Resort is set amongst 175 acres of lush, unspoiled tropical
rainforest with palm fringed beaches. It boasts a ‘paradise
lost’ atmosphere of the outer islands and with no more than 35 guests
at any one time, no television or telephones, it is easy to imagine
why. All
farés have absolute beach frontage so you can walk out of your room
and off the beach snorkeling, and there is never a shortage of hammocks
to lie and appreciate the beauty of the outer islands. Each faré has
a large en suite with toilet, vanity, shower with instant gas-hot
water & hairdryer.
The resort has two dive-boats exclusive to Bokissa giving access
to over 20 dive sites including the famous wreck dives: the SS President
Coolidge, Million Dollar Point, USS Tucker and the Henry Bonneaud.
The moment you set foot on Bokissa Eco Island you smile to yourself.
As you survey the lush green rainforest overhanging the wide open
beach you wonder why it took you your whole life to find this place.
Your reverie is politely interrupted by a smiling staff member offering
you a complimentary arrival cocktail.
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Hotel Santo
Located in the town of Luganville, Hotel Santo is the longest established
of the Santo based accommodations. The hotel has hosted thousands
of divers from around the world and is a great place to meet locals,
while being priced to suit all budgets. The hotel
offers 22 air-conditioned rooms with private bathrooms and 8 units
with private bathrooms and ceiling fans. The hotel has a swimming
pool, drying room for wetsuits and dive gear and a number of cars
for hire for those who would like to explore the island at leisure. The
licensed restaurant and bar serves superb Melanesian cuisine and
specialises in fresh local seafood and other delicacies. Allan Power
Dive Tours is situated directly across the road.
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Deco-Stop
Divers Lodge
Looking for a relaxed stay in paradise, surrounded by
friendly people full of local knowledge, with the added bonus of
waking up to a million dollar view? Deco Stop lodge is the
place for you. Situated
on an acre of land on a hill overlooking the magnificent Segond Canal
and just a five minute walk from Luganville town centre, Deco Stop
consists of twin/double and quad share units. Each unit has fridge,
tea and coffee facilities, fan, insect screening and en-suite.
A unique covered swimming pool and deck area is joined to a restaurant
and bar where guests can enjoy reasonable priced tasty food while
taking in the breathtaking views of the surrounding islands. This
hotel is great value for money and also provides a spacious, secure
gear wash and drying area.
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Coral Quays Resort
Coral Quays has only recently changed owners and divers can now enjoy
their hospitality combined with upgraded facilities including some
rooms with air conditioning and fridge bar. Set in lush tropical
gardens on the waterfront, the hotel complex covers 6 acres. and
has 18 individual "fares" with
ceiling fans, private bathrooms and delightful views. The gardens
encircle the original estate villa which houses a spacious restaurant
and complete bar with veranda for open-air dining. The terrace
veranda offers a spectacular sunset view – the perfect setting
for evening cocktails or after dinner liqueur coffee.
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Aore Island Resort
Aore Resort, located on Aore Island, is just 3 kilometres across
the water from Espiritu Santo, is an ideal base for holiday adventures,
or to simply relax and enjoy the Melanesian way. Set on absolute beach
frontage against
a picturesque backdrop comprising 900 acres of coconut palms, cocoa,
beef cattle and lush tropical jungle. Aore Resort is designed to harmonise
with the local flora as well as cater to your every holiday indulgence. There
are 8 Beachfront (twin/double), 5 Deluxe Beachfront and 3 Deluxe
Garden view Bungalows, all with large balcony overlooking the beach and
ocean. All feature private bathrooms, refrigerators, electric fans and
tea/coffee making facilities. Divers can experience all the great dive
sites from the SS President Coolidge to the magnificent coral reefs with
local dive operators, and certified cave divers can find incredible fresh
water cave diving.
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The Beachfront Resort
The Beachfront Resort sits on a tropical seashore setting, making it Luganville’s only true beachfront resort located just 1.6 kms from town and only 10 minutes from the international airport. Beachfront Resort offers excellent accommodation overlooking the sheltered waters of Segond Channel and Aore Island. All bungalows are self-contained, air conditioned and/or fan cooled including ensuite, refrigerator, a kitchenette, insect screens plus toaster and tea/coffee making facilities. The fully licensed restaurant and bar, overlooking the water, provides good food and a selection of cold beers and wines plus the best pizza in town - eat in or take away.
  
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Moyyan-House By The Sea
Architect designed for the tropical climate, the small hotel, Moyyan, embraces its environment only twelve steps from Barrier Beach. Tastefully appointed, modern farés bring seclusion, privacy and comfort to the stunning surrounds of pristine beach and rainforest. After an adventurous day exploring Santo, Moyyan is the perfect place to relax, rejuvenate and enjoy.
Spacious bungalows sit on the edge of the beach, where offshore islands create a natural barrier and tranquil waters. Moyyan offers all that you might expect in house with a contemporary feel for the tropics with an accent on understated luxury.
Decked pathways lead through the tropical gardens to the spacious living area. The raised verandah is perfect for relaxing, and looking over the welcoming lagoon. The beach at Moyyan has tranquil, warm water in which it is safe to swim, snorkel and kayak all year.
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