Vanuatu is a “Y” - shaped chain of 83 islands lying 2500km Northeast of Sydney (Australia), 2000km north of Auckland (New Zealand) and 800km west of Nadi (Fiji).  The total landmass is around 13,000 sq km.  The islands range in topography from towering volcanic cones to others covered in dense rainforest to yet others which are raised coral islands with wide beaches and deep natural harbours.

The people of Vanuatu, a name which means “Land Eternal”, are predominantly Melanesian.  The Ni Vanuatu have populated these islands for centuries and with more than 115 distinctly different cultures and languages still thriving here, Vanuatu is recognised as one of the most culturally diverse countries in the world. 

There are small communities of French, British, and Australian, New Zealand, Vietnamese, Chinese and other Pacific Islands people living in harmony with the Ni Vanuatu.  Until 1980 Vanuatu, then known as the New Hebrides, was jointly administered by France and Great Britain as a ‘Condominium’.

Port Vila is the capital of Vanuatu and lies on the south west coast of the island of Efate.  Free of skyscraper office blocks, the sleepy capital is set within a magnificent natural harbour.  It’s a charming potpourri of cultures, blending elements of Melanesian, English, French and Chinese tastes.  Along the main street there are duty-free shops, restaurants and handicraft galleries.  Port Vila Market comes alive on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 6.00am to 1.30pm.  Wander through rows of tropical fruits, vegetables, flowers, shells, artifacts, coconut crabs and souvenir stalls.  Savour the aroma of brewed coffee and freshly baked pastries tinged with the scent of blooming frangipani.

Within walking distance of the centre of town , a range of resorts offers a dozen different ways to cool off.  Swim snorkel or scuba dive; try your hand at sailing, windsurfing or fishing. And when you’ve worked up an appetite, choose from more than 20 different restaurants. 

The most fascinating landmark of Vanuatu’s capital is the Cultural Centre, which contains one of the most extensive artifact collections in the South Pacific. But these are only a few of the sights and interests in Port Vila - after all, half the fun of a holiday is discovering these things for yourself. 

All around Efate there are things to do or see.  There are beach and island resorts to visit within an hour’s drive -  bathe in a hot mineral spring or shower beneath a cascading waterfall, puddle or fish in a large fresh water lake, play a few rounds of golf or go horseback riding along a deserted beach.  There are daily bus tours of the island and scenic plane flights or you can charter a sailboat and see it at your own pace from the water.

Plus 11 hours UTC.

City Tour - See Port Vila from the comfort of an air-conditioned coach.  Stops are made at places to take photographs: Parliament Building, The Old Court House, Chief’s Nakamal, the Cultural Centre.

Horse Riding - Riding helmets provided, wear long pants, shoes and suncream on your face.  Horses for both experienced and novices are available.  The trail goes through a plantation with great views.

Nature Walk - A nature walk with a difference.  You’ll be exploring the bushes and the scenic lookout with expert local guides.

River Tour - A tour is a must for everyone with an interest in Nature.  You will be greeted by your local guide.  Then you go paddling down the river and discover the unspoiled greenery and see the lush tropical rainforest and flowing water hyacinth.

Traditional Village Tour - It’s not a tour itself but an experience of how Ni-Vanuatu lives.  You learn about custom medicine, food preparation and much more.

Traditional Custom Dance - Available on Cruise ship days or on a special occasion or island nights, when various dancers from outer islands perform.

Traditional Melanesian Feast - See how food is baked in ground ovens.  Dinner is served in Melanesian style.  Wide array of food to choose and more food than you can eat and there is Kava.

Round Island Tour - A full day where you’ll see all the sights of the Island Efate.  From the relative sophistication of downtown Port Vila to the untamed tropical surrounds and small villages of the other side of the island.

Museum and Art Gallery - Has exhibits on Vanuatu’s geology, history and customs including ritual clubs for killing pigs, arrows points made from human bones, pigs tusks, various carvings from different island groups of Vanuatu etc.

Cruise, Snorkelling and Scuba Diving, Sports and Recreation - A great variety of watersports, scuba diving, snorkelling, sailing, jetskis, paraflying.  Also available in most resorts: golf, tennis court, poker machines and casinos.  And around town there are a few night clubs and a movie theatre.

Aerial Tour - This is particularly spectacular, doors on or off.  See traditional lifestyles, around coral reefs, beaches, islands, lagoons and if lucky, dolphins and turtles, and as a finale Port Vila.