One of the key focus of my Cruise Trip to South pacific Islands was to explore the off beat/less known destinations.  When Port Vila appeared as one of the ports in the cruise itinerary, I was not particularly excited because it sounded like a big capital city which is not what I was looking forward to in this trip. After enjoying the untouched beauty of Mare  I was on my way to explore Port Vila, the capital of Vauatu.

Vanuatu is a South Pacific island country made up of around 80 islands spread across 1,300 kilometres. Port Vila, situated in the island of Efate is the capital harbour side town as well as a key economic centre. Though Vanuatu is the home of many attractions including Tanna island, I could visit only Port Vila, before heading over to Noumea.

The population of Port Vila(usually addressed as ‘Vila’ ) is about 300,000, which consists people mainly of Melanesian heritage. The most spoken language is Bislama , though people speak English in most of the touristy places. There is a small french speaking population as well.  Even though Vanuatu has its own currency Vanuatu Vatu (VuV), AUD is accepted and change is also returned in AUD most of the places.

How to Reach Port Vila ?

Flights: Direct flights are available from Melbourne, Sydney & Brisbane including the low cost Virgin Australia & Air Vanuatu. Most of the accommodations are in and around Port Vila which is a 10 minutes drive away from the airport.

Cruises: With multiple cruise lines operating throughout the year, cruises are also one of the key modes of transport to Port Vila.

How to Get Around?

Though there is no established public transport system in Vanuatu, a large number of private owned mini-buses/ vans operate in and around Vila carrying people around . These vehicles can be identified by the letter ‘B’ attached to their number plates. They are quite convenient and stop almost everywhere on request, even if there is no designated bus stop.  This also is a cheap mode of transport with just  AUD$1.50 for a trip around town.

Taxis are another mode of transport how ever they are not metered most of the times and hence pose a serious challenge to your bargain skills. The vehicles are not maintained very well and also the roads are not too broad.  We did hire a taxi for the day and it worked out very well for us . There are rental options available as well , however it would be good to check the road conditions ahead of it . Roads around Efate are not very broad and not lane marked.

When to Visit?

With the tropical weather, Cruises operate throughout the year, January & March being the rainy months.

Being the tropical country it is , the weather is generally good throughout the year. The wet season commences from November and continues till March. Best time to visit is  April to October with the  temperature between 18°C and 28°C. If you are shying way from the crowds & the peak season, you can still target the wet months. The best part of South pacific wet season is that the showers will be intermittent and will not interrupt activities as they usually do not impact any activity.

Things to See/Do in Port Vila

The time I spend in Port Vila was beautiful. Let us say that the vibrant & natural beauty just impressed me!

1. Mele Cascades

Being one of Efate’s most popular natural attraction, Mele Cascades is crisp, clear & refreshing water flowing over the rock steps. Apparently this natural reserve is now managed by foreign investors which explains the reason for charging a 25 AUD entry fee!  This is a prefect place for a short walk in the rainforest, dip in the pool and a relaxed afternoon! Though we reached till the entry point of cascades as we were running short of time, we did not get get in to the cascades.

2. Under Water Post Office

Tucked away in the Hideaway Marine island sanctuary is the world’s only under water post office. Visitors can snorkel or dive their way in to the under water post office and post the waterproof post cards. The staff at the post office, who are trained for diving, collects the postcards and make sure they are on their way to the destinations! . The post stamps issues by Vanuatu mainly focuses on eco-tourism and are very popular. Along with enjoying the aqua life abundance, it will be a great experience for kids to send post cards to their friends from this unique post office !

3. Blue Lagoon 

Blue lagoon is a natural swimming hole with rope swings & platforms to jump from. This beautiful lagoon gets crowded when the cruise sips arrives, however still enough spacious for everyone to have some fun. There is an entry fee of 15 AUD for adults and 10 AUD for kids. If you do not plan to get in to the water( then what is the point? ) you are allowed to ask for permission to visit without paying the fee. I will not personally want to do that assuming these entry fees will be contributing in preserving the Blue Lagoon for future.  There are picnic tables around for visitors to use.

4. Ocean Helmet Dive

As one of the highlights of my Port Vila trip,  Ocean Helmet drive was impressive. A short boat ride from the cruise terminal  took us to the ramp . Following the introduction & safety briefing by the PADI qualified instructors, we were made to wear a purpose built helmet which keep supplying the oxygen you need under the water . And then you walk down the ramp to the ocean bed! How cool is that .There is a rope tied to hold to keep you on the trail . The experience was like scuba diving but with no diving involved. The aqua-life is not abundant but  still you get to see corals & many colourful fishes.

It might sound surprising for some, but as a kid I was never taught swimming and so are many. Though I learned in later, I am sure there will be a lot of adults who cannot swim. The beauty of this activity is that it is suitable for swimmers & non swimmers and a perfect way to discover Vanuatu’s amazing under water world.

5. Beautiful Beaches of Efate & great spots for Snorkel & Dive 

Port Vila has many beautiful beaches ( and mostly empty!)

It boasts few good diving & snorkelling sites as well especially in the the caverns & the World War 2 remnants.  Most of them are situated in and around Port Vila & Efate ( Coolidge is located off the coast of Santo)

• Coolidge – Santo: SS President Coolidge dive site, off the coast of Espiritu Santo is popular among divers to explore the corridors of the US Naval vessel from the World war 2. If you are limited by time , probably this one will be the best to choose.
• Million Dollar Point – Santo:  Not sure what would have made the US Navy to dump their goods in the sea while they vacated Vanuatu after World War Two. However it is assumed that the collective cost of all the goods is around a million dollar which explains why it is named so.
• The Cathedral – Efate: A deep cavern just off the Pango peninsula (near Port Vila), the Cathedral’s geography creates shafts of light that play into unusual lighting effects. Divers go down into the cavern and follow the walls to exit through a ‘chimney’ at its rear to reach the middle of the reef.
• Hideaway Island – near Efate: A great place for beginners to snorkel with its abundant coral reefs close to the shore .

6. Turtle Tagging

Tranquillity Island & Turtle Sanctuary

Naiwe Beach at Blue Water

This is a Turtle farm where I happened to be. Unfortunately the ethical side of this farm in terms of treating the turtles/sharks is still something I am trying to figure out . I will park detailing it for now as I am still trying to understand it better before I comment on.

7. The National Museum of Vanuatu

Located inside the Vanuatu Cultural Centre, the National Museum of Vanuatu exhibits artefacts such as slit-gong drums, outrigger canoes &  ceremonial headdresses. There is an entry fee. Guides tour is also available.

8. Kava Bar

My first experience with Kava was from Fiji.  I got see the boards of Kava bars along the way in Port Vila. If you have not had the opportunity of enjoying a kava ceremony this is a good place to try . Kava is a sedative but non alcoholic traditional drink usually consumed in a conventional set up.  If you are after purchasing some good quality kava, Nakamal is a good option.

9. Colourful Markets of Vila

As I am the cruiseling visiting the ‘Vila’ , of course I was welcomed by the beautiful Malenesian people playing the customary welcome songs. Just outside the port was the colourful market aimed at the cruise shoppers.  The Reggae music & the colourful clothes created the perfect ambience ! I was not sure of the reason but there was a definite Bob Marley influence in all the sale items.  It is not a huge space but enough to keep you busy for 15-20 minutes.

This was just one of the pop up market. In my next hours in Vila, I came across few more very colourful and vibrant markets!

10. Duty free Shopping

I really dont know why it is a thing to do. But apparently people were so excited about the Duty Free shopping and I could see a lot of alcohol bottles joining us from Port Vila !

Why Port Vila is so enchanting?

For boards like this  “Vanuatu’s only Ice Cream”

Coconut Trees lined across the roads!

Bright coloured Vans everywhere!

Beautiful Beaches of Efate

Need more cruising destinations ? Read about Lifou here

Hope you enjoyed the post.. Any key attraction which you would like to recommend?