Port Vila, Vanuatu
Vila is the capital of Vanuatu, an archipelago of some 83 islands in the Coral Sea. Vanuatu is a new republic, having achieved independence from France and Britain in 1988. Before then the archipelago was better known as the New Hebrides, the name given the islands by Captain Cook. Cloaked in dense rainforest, these volcanic islands were little known until World War II, when the islands of Espiritu Santo and Efate served as Allied bases. Today increasing numbers of travelers visit Vila, drawn by its easy-going charm, superb white-sand beaches and pristine rainforest. The islands are also renowned for their excellent dive sites and for their big game fishing.
Vanuatu's visibility on the American scene increased when the CBS television series "Survivor" filmed in the archipelago. Vanuatu is also noted among anthropologist - its island of Tanna is home to the unique "John Frum" cargo cult.
Points of Interest
- Secret Garden
- Mele Cascades
- Eksasup Cultural Village
- Outdoor Adventures
- Aquatic Adventures
- Traditional Village
- National Museum
- Le Lagon
Glass Bottom Boat & Snorkel Safari
- Outdoor Adventures
Discover the underwater delights of Vila Harbor from two perspectives when you climb aboard a glass-bottom boat adventure that introduces you to the area's coral gardens and marine creatures. Then, a guided snorkeling expedition along the reef at Iririki Island affords truly up-close-and-personal sea life views.
Moderate Activity
AUD$79.95
Semi-Sub Reef Exploration
- Aquatic Adventures
Experience Vanuatu's underwater world onboard the custom-built, semi-submersible Reef Explorer vessel. Take in the scenery from the viewing room below deck or dive in for a closer look.
Moderate Activity
AUD$89.95
Cascades Waterfall
- Mele Cascades
- Outdoor Adventures
Cascade Waterfalls is an accessible, 50-metre high waterfall with naturally eroded rock swimming ponds, set amidst jungle-like rainforest.
Moderate Activity, Includes snack
AUD$89.95
Dream Cove Sail & Snorkel
- Outdoor Adventures
Come sail away with us onboard a classic 1960's yacht. Take in the breathtaking emerald waters of Iririki and Ifira Islands as you make your way towards Mele Bay. As we drop anchor at our destination, you'll come to understand why it's called Dream Cove. The bright turquoise water, colourful coral reef, and soft sandy beaches will make you question if you're even awake.
Moderate Activity, Includes snack
AUD$89.95
Ekasup Cultural Village
- Eksasup Cultural Village
Discover Vanuatu's cultural heritage when you explore one of its most popular attractions, Ekasup Village, a traditional Melanesian compound. Travel into the rainforest and meet the locals. Watch hunters demonstrate their skill, marvel at a dance performance and listen to tales of cannibalism.
Easy Activity, Includes snack
AUD$99.95
Thrilla in Vila - Jet Boat Adventure
- Outdoor Adventures
Get ready for a wet and wild adventure when you experience an exhilarating tour of Vila Harbor onboard a 330-horsepower jet boat. Hit speeds of 45 miles per hour as you splash along the coastline. Your captain will engage in some high-speed high jinks, so wear your swimsuit!
Moderate Activity
AUD$99.95
Bridges of Eden
- Outdoor Adventures
Your tour kicks off with a scenic drive to Eden on the River, a lush eco paradise just shy of Port Vila.
Moderate Activity
AUD$99.95
Lagoon Cruise
- Outdoor Adventures
You haven't seen Vila till you've seen it from "The Barge!" This infamous open-air pontoon-style vessel provides a fun-filled, good time for the whole gang! Sip a complimentary beverage, take in views of the island's villages, rainforest and resorts, and listen to stories told by your lively captain.
Easy Activity
AUD$99.95
Port Vila Highlights
- National Museum
This is an ideal orientation tour of Port Vila offering many points of scenic, cultural and historical interest. Skirt the scenic waterfront by motor coach, taking the Lini Highway into the harborside town area. Drive past the New Parliament House, local markets, the compact shopping area and the former French Quarter. View the distinctive architecture dating from the colonial era and other landmarks established by the Republic of Vanuatu. Take photos of Independence Square, the Irririki Island viewpoint and the picturesque harbor beyond. Visit a local Ni-Vanuatu village community to see how the villagers live. . Fresh seasonal fruit and a drink will be served at Mama's Market. There will also be an opportunity to shop for local craft and souvenir items.
Easy Activity
AUD$99.95
Port Vila Horse Trek
- Outdoor Adventures
Giddyup! Thrill to a horseback riding adventure at Club Hippique, a spectacular riding facility located on a 400-acre copra plantation. Set off on a magical ride through the rainforests. When you come to the turquoise lagoon both you and your mount can take a refreshing dip followed by refreshments!
Moderate Activity
AUD$109.95
Vila Pub Crawl
Vila has a reputation as one of the best party towns in the South Pacific. Experience the lively, social side of the island on a traditional pub-crawl tour. Sample Tusker - the islands' famed local brew - and visit four of the port's best pubs. Cheers!
Easy Activity
AUD$114.95
Best of Vila
- National Museum
Take a tour that allows you to experience the length and breadth of Port Vila, starting with a visit to
the National Museum.
Moderate Activity
AUD$119.95
CULTURAL VILLAGE AND BLUE LAGOON
Culture, Chocolate and Swimming - what more could you want in a half day tour!
Moderate Activity, Includes snack
AUD$129.95
Sea Scooter
- Le Lagon
The Sea Doo Sea Scooter takes your snorkel experience to the next level. Enjoy a guided snorkelling tour exploring the underwater world of Port Vila.
Moderate Activity
AUD$129.95
Helmet Dive Ocean Walk
- Aquatic Adventures
Don a mask, regulator, weight belt and protective shoes for a tour of Vila's underwater wonders. Scuba training isn't needed - you don't even have to know how to swim.
Strenuous Activity, Includes snack
AUD$139.95
Buggy Adventure
- Outdoor Adventures
Strap on your helmet and prepare for a thrilling, open-air dune buggy adventure! Traverse Vila's untamed wilderness, discover the bush-clad tracks of Rentapau Ridge, view the untouched natural beauty of Vanuatu and meet the friendly locals. It's a wild ride that includes photo stops and lots of mud!
Moderate Activity
AUD$149.95
Jungle Zipline
- Outdoor Adventures
Take your Port Vila adventure to new heights with this thrilling Canopy Zipline tour. Enjoy the best views in town as you fly through the lush, scenic rainforest on one of six different ziplines. Be sure to look out for the stunning hidden waterfall and other tropical treasures.
Strenuous Activity
AUD$149.95
Aqua Quad Safari
- Outdoor Adventures
- Aquatic Adventures
Take turns driving your own Zego Aqua Quad on a water adventure to stunning beaches and the many coves and sites in and around the Port Vila gateway.
Moderate Activity
AUD$159.95
Vila By Helicopter
Enjoy a spectacular view of paradise and see more of Port Vila and the surrounding lagoons and resorts on a 7 minute helicopter flight past your ship and around Erakor Island.
Moderate Activity
AUD$169.95
Le Lagon Pamper Package
- Le Lagon
A sanctuary for the soul. Relax, retreat and rejuvenate in the tranquil day spa.
Moderate Activity
AUD$179.95
Turtle Reef
- Outdoor Adventures
- Aquatic Adventures
Escape Port Vila and journey to pristine Havannah Harbour in North Efate where you will board a stunning glass bottom boat and snorkeling cruise amidst tropical islands.
Strenuous Activity
AUD$179.95
Certified Scuba Dive - The Twin Bommies
Vila is renowned for its excellent dive sites. Certified scuba divers can explore the Twin Bommies on a 45-minute dive that travels to a maximum depth of 59 feet - right where the vertical reef wall drops off into the deep. PADI-certified instructors refamiliarize divers with equipment and safety procedures before the dive.
Strenuous Activity
AUD$179.95
Island Discovery
- Traditional Village
Experience the wonders of Efate when you leave Vila behind and enjoy a narrated drive around the picturesque island. Your guide will share all the points of interest as you travel through incredibly varied scenery...
Moderate Activity, Includes meal
AUD$179.95
Certified Scuba Dive - Konanda Wreck
- Aquatic Adventures
Certified divers will thrill to the underwater exploration of the famed freighter "Konanda." Severely damaged in a typhoon, "Konanda" was deliberately sunk to provide a fascinating dive site. Descend to the bottom some 85-feet below the surface and explore the vessel's cabins and holds. A perfect introduction to wreck diving.
Strenuous Activity
AUD$189.95
Introductory Scuba Dive - Konanda Reef
- Aquatic Adventures
Explore the underwater world of Konanda Reef, a magical home to corals, tropical fish and moray eels, on a beginner's scuba diving adventure. No experience is required; participants are taught the basics at Vila's PADI dive school. A guided dive introduces you to the wonders of this popular water sport.
Strenuous Activity
AUD$199.95
ATV Adventure Tour
- Outdoor Adventures
We start with a relaxing scenic bus ride to the Cascades taking in all the sights along the ring road travelling to Rentapoa.
Strenuous Activity
AUD$199.95
Introductory Scuba Diving - The Twin Bommies
- Aquatic Adventures
Explore the underwater world of the Twin Bommies, a reef wall that's home to schools of tropical fish and bombora formations.
Strenuous Activity
AUD$199.95
Reef & Sports Fishing
- Aquatic Adventures
Spend a morning or afternoon fishing around some of the untouched reefs of Efate or Mele Bay. The sea mounts off Pango Point boast fish such as Yellowfin Tuna, Marlin, Sailfish, Wahoo, Mahi Mahi and Barracuda.
Strenuous Activity, Includes snack
AUD$209.95
Tranquility Island and Turtle Sanctuary
- Outdoor Adventures
- Traditional Village
Enjoy a taste of tranquillity as you encounter Vanuatu's majestic marine life on this one of a kind turtle sanctuary and snorkel experience. Sail by boat to the idyllic Tranquillity Island and get up close and personal with the island's Hawksbill turtles. Take a guided tour of the turtle sanctuary, before taking part in a short, guided nature walk across the island. Spend the afternoon at Jade Beach, where you can swim and snorkel from the shore, or hop on a tender to join in on a guided snorkel tour of the outer reef.
Moderate Activity, Includes meal
AUD$249.95