On December 17, 2024, a magnitude 7.3 earthquake struck Port Vila, the capital of Vanuatu, causing widespread damage to infrastructure, including roads and buildings in the city.  Since then businesses have been working tirelessly to fix the damage and be ready to welcome cruisers for the 2025 season.

Published 4 days ago

Open for Visiting Yachts

Roslyn J. Garae, Manager at Yachting World in Port Vila told Noonsite that “things are going pretty well here.  Our boys have been working tirelessly to fix the damage done by the earthquake on our seawall and they are doing a brilliant job.  I am very impressed and very positive all will be accomplished prior to the end of April,” she said.

“The Waterfront Bar & Grill is back in business and back to normal and many of the main streets in town which were damaged in the earthquake have already opened for people and vehicles to use. By the 19th of April all traffic was back to normal.

“I can confirm that many yachts are already scheduled to arrive at the beginning of May and Mid May and this includes the Pacific Island Rally which brings a lot of excitement for us as it will be the first to come in for this year’s season.

“The Rally members will be arriving in different dates however, they are definitely making it to Port Vila within the month of May so things are looking pretty good with us.

“Viki Moore (from Island Cruising NZ and director of the Rally) has already confirmed they will be arriving and has liaised with the Vanuatu Boarder Control officers to schedule the arrival of Rally members which will be at Port Resolution on Tanna Island prior heading to Port Vila.”

Roslyn also advised that airlines are flying to Vanuatu again.  “Flights to Port Vila from Australia are 10 flights through Santo, transiting from Santo to Port Vila via small islander planes.  There are about seven flights directly to Port Vila by Jetstar Airlines and Virgin Blue is making about five times a week so yes things are looking absolutely positive,” Roslyn said.

Arrivals from New Caledonia

Following unrest in New Caledonia in 2024, yachts there were welcomed to relocate to Vanuatu and check into the country at Port Vila.

Vanuatu Border Control says the arrival process remains the same for all boats including those coming from Noumea.  The following documents and information are required:

• Inward report
• Boat registration certificate
• Call sign
• Gross/Net Tonnage
• Photo of the Boat
• Last Port clearance from Noumea

“Skippers intending to visit Vanuatu from all countries including New Caledonia should send us the documents above and we will proceed with your approval. Just make sure you send a notification 24 hours prior to arrival,” said Darol from Vanuatu Border Control.

“If you have any queries, please contact Vanuatu Border Control by email at Customsborder@vanuatu.gov.vu

Yachts Welcome to Penama Islands for Nagol Festival

Vanuatu Tourism have developed a new itinerary especially for the months of April to June which is Nagol season, according to Brenda Andrew from Vanuatu’s Department of Tourism.

Nagol, also known as land diving or Ngol, is a traditional ritual practiced on Vanuatu’s Pentecost Island. It involves men and boys, sometimes as young as seven, jumping from 20-30 meter high wooden towers, with only vines tied to their ankles, as a rite of passage and to ensure a good yam harvest.

“The itinerary has been developed based on existing tours and activities in respective Islands to fully extend the Penama experience. In Vanuatu, Penama stands for Pentecost, Ambae, and Maewo islands, ” said Brenda.

“Any cruisers interested in visiting the islands for the Nagol experience should contact Vanuatu Tourism PENAMA officer William Mala Ph (678) 7770078 or email: wsmala@trade-vanuatu.gov.vu

“More information is contained in the PENAMA Triangle Adventure Itinerary from Vanuatu Tourism.”

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Related Links:

• Yachting World Vanuatu
• Vanuatu Tourism
• Biosecurity Vanuatu
• Vanuatu Customs

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