Vanuatu : Profile

Facts

• Vanuatu, formerly called the New Hebrides, is a group of over 80 volcanic islands in the Western Pacific. Espiritu Santo, Malekula, Efate, Erromango, Ambrym and Tanna are the main islands.

• Left alone by the Europeans for longer than other parts of the Pacific, Vanuatu leapt into the modern age quickly, while remaining a place where the rich Melanesian culture is kept very much alive. It is the chance to experience a little of this fascinating culture that brings most sailors to this country which has been endowed with less cruising attractions than its neighbours.

• With the exception of the northern islands, the number of natural harbours is rather limited, with the notable exception of the main island Efate which has several attractive bays.

• One of the greatest attractions of the islands is a visit to the live volcano on Tanna or Ambrym, where one can ascend into the crater, the closest one can get to an active volcano safely anywhere in the world. Even sailing by these islands one can be treated to a spectacular firework display, especially at night.

• The outer islands have an increasing number of stores and shops, stocked with basic items. However nothing will compare with the facilities available in Port Vila or Luganville. Many small island resorts are extremely helpful to yachts and one can arrange provisions as well as guides and tours through the local village chief.

• Many villages receive little or no contact with the outside world other than through yachts. Trading goods for local carvings and fresh produce is a major source of clothing, school supplies, and currency for these villagers. Carry second-hand clothing, notebooks, pencils and pens, fishing line and hooks, reading glasses, old magazines, etc. for bartering with locals.

Weather

The climate is semi-tropical. There are two distinct seasons. May to October is relatively cool and dry, while November to April is hot and humid. January to March are the rainy months. The cyclone season lasts from December until the end of March.

A basic but useful local weather website recommended by cruisers is www.meteo.gov.vu.

Much better information for long-term planning is the Rocket Guides website.

Main Ports

Ambrym:  Olal/Nebul Bay

Anatom Island (Aneityum):  Anelcauhat

Banks Islands:  Divers Bay, Ureparapara Island , Losalava, Gaua island , Milli Bay, Mota Lava Island , Sola * , Vureas Bay, Vanua Lava Island , Waterfall Bay, Vanua Lava Island

Efate:  Port Vila *

Epi Island:  Lamen Bay

Espiritu Santo:  Luganville *

Maewo Island:  Asanvari Bay

Malekula Island:  Port Sandwich , South West Bay

Tanna:  Lenakel * , Port Resolution

*Indicates a port of entry.

Related Reports

Pacific - List of Radio Nets (04 Mar 2010)

Port2Port 2010 Yacht Rally - Vanuatu & New Caledonia to Port Bundaberg (14 Feb 2010)

Are Propane and Butane interchangeable with most boat systems? (19 Jan 2010)

Vanuatu, Vanua Lava - Kastom Festival (02 Jun 2009)

Vanuatu Islands: Festivals and Traditional Custom Ceremonies (20 May 2009)

Kava – Southern Pacific way of life (20 May 2009)

Amongst Used-to-be Cannibals (20 May 2009)

Volcanic Activity Causes Magnetic Interference (13 May 2009)

Un-Charted Sandy Banks in Coral Sea (04 Apr 2009)

Port2Port Rally 2009 (02 Feb 2009)

French Polynesia to NZ - the logical route (11 Dec 2008)

Labo Village, South West Bay, Malekula, Vanuatu (08 Dec 2008)

Rah Island Canoe Race - Annually every September (15 Oct 2008)

The Maskelynes: A Comment on the Locals (30 Sep 2008)

Langkawi to Vanuatu via Philippines (22 May 2008)

Hawaii, Honolulu to Brisbane, Australia (22 May 2008)

Hong Kong to Sydney, Australia by 55' Power Boat (17 May 2008)

2008 North Ambrym Arts Festivals (21 Apr 2008)

Vanuatu: Pentecost Island Land Diving is on again this year (21 Apr 2008)

Yachts Gather At Ambrym Island, Vanuatu, For Opening Of "Yacht Club" With Ceremonial "Rom" Dance (15 Jan 2008)

Oceanswatch Heads for Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea and the Philippines (02 Oct 2007)

Boat Storage in South Pacific (04 Sep 2007)

Seeking volunteer crew (09 May 2007)

Port Vila Cruising Net Up and Running (09 Apr 2007)

Port Vila Music Festival (06 Nov 2006)

The North Ambrym Arts Festival 2007 (11 Sep 2006)

Music festival in Port Vila October 2006 (22 Aug 2006)

Fest'Napuan Oct 2006 in Port Vila (05 Aug 2006)

2006 Queensland Government South Pacific Boomerang Yacht Races (28 Jun 2006)

New anchorage in Tanna, Vanuatu (16 Jun 2006)

Valuable Advice For Visiting Yachts On Custom Marine Tenure In Vanuatu (06 Apr 2006)

Port2Port 2006 Vanuatu to Port Bundaberg Yacht Rally Is On (07 Feb 2006)

Memorable Visit To Banon Bay in Malekula, Vanuatu (23 Oct 2004)

Havannah harbour, Efate, closed for filming (08 Jul 2004)

25th Anniversary of Moon Handbooks South Pacific (24 Jun 2004)

Australian 4 year Multiple Entry Visa in Suva, Fiji (15 Dec 2003)

Latest Clearance News from Vanuatu (23 Nov 2002)

Related News

Vanuatu - OceansWatch Project 2010 (17 Feb 2010)

OceansWatch to tour the Australian East Coast (30 Oct 2009)

Powerful earthquakes off Vanuatu trigger warning of tsunami (08 Oct 2009)

OceansWatch - Vanuatu Trip, opportunities to get involved (02 Jun 2009)

Correction Regarding New Port of Entry in Vanuatu (23 Feb 2009)

Crew Needed for OceansWatch Yachts (29 Apr 2008)

Missing Schooner ALVEI found (06 Dec 2007)

Port2Port 2007 Friendly Yacht Rally From Vanuatu to Bundaberg (01 Oct 2007)

Oceanswatch: Bringing Yachts and Local Communities Together (25 Sep 2007)

Bizarre Story in Port Vila, Vanuatu (15 Jan 2007)

El Niño conditions are likely to continue into early 2007 (14 Nov 2006)

Tanna is a new port of entry in Vanuatu (30 Apr 2004)

Bundaberg Set to Become Australia's Favourite Cruising Destination (01 Nov 2003)