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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

 

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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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