Vanuatu…
has the richness of the Melanesian culture and the unique
Bislama language…
The accessibility to good snorkelling, diving and deep-sea
fishing… the French influence...
From culture to adventure, romance to diving, the magical
Vanuatu Islands have it all…
Vanuatu means
'the land that always existed'. It is made up of 83
tropical islands north-east of New Caledonia, 500 miles
west of Fiji and 1250 miles north of Auckland, New Zealand.
Vanuatu has tropical rainforests, coral reefs, waterfalls,
hot springs and crystal clear waters.
There are over 120 distinct languages and many more dialects.
The lingua franca and national language is (pidgin English).
The official languages are Bislama, English and French.
Time difference - GMT plus 11 hours.
Currency - Vanuatu Vatu (VUV). Climate – Tropical
and generally pleasant all year
Here's a quick
Snapshot Guide to Vanuatu!
- Previously known as the New Hebrides as a condominium government
- Became independent in July, 1980
- Vanuatu means “Land Eternal”
- Government - parliament elected by people, Republic of Vanuatu
- People are Melanesian and natives known as Ni Vanuatu
- Population - approximately 180,000 Ni Vanuatu and other nationalities
- 115 dialects/languages. Main language English, French and Bislama
- Currency - Vatu (approx 10,000 Vatu = US$107.00)
- Immigration - visas not required for visits under 30 days
- Geography - 6 main provinces, over 83 islands
- International Airport in Port Vila, Efate (VLI)
- International services in/out via Air Vanuatu (NF).
From the USA via Air Pacific (FJ) or Air New Zealand (NZ)
- All domestic airports served by VanAir (Air Vanuatu)
- Food - excellent restaurants throughout country with French, Asian influences
- Native grown meats (organic), fish and vegetables grown throughout country
- Friendly, safe, hospitable country. Tipping not expected nor encouraged
- Ni Vanuatu are religious, modest, unassuming and welcoming.
Tourism - Efate
- Port Vila .. Capital City
- Sightseeing, great restaurants, good duty free shopping,
diving, snorkelling
- Cultural experience of interest, markets, artworks etc.
- Varied accommodations from deluxe, boutique, bungalows
Tourism
- Tanna
- (Yasur Active volcano) Adventure experiences
- Home of the John Frums and Kustom Villages
- Accommodations - quite basic bungalow style
- PDC recommendation: 2-3 nights at White Grass Ocean
Resort
Tourism - Espiritu Santo
- Gateway to Adventure, Wrecks & Rainforest
- Excellent diving on the wreck of The President Calvin
Coolidge and other reefs and wrecks in and around Santo
- Excellent fishing - deep sea & bottom fishing.
- Adventure & tour opportunities - Millenium Cave,
The World War II US Hospital, Loru National Park, Snorkel
at Champagne Beach, Vilvil Cultural Village, Nanda Blue
Hole
- Accommodations - varied from 4 star island resort to
bungalow/back pack style
- PDC recommendation: 4-5 nights at Bokissa Island
Resort, Aore Island Resort, Hotel Santo or Deco Stop
Tourism - Pentecost Island
- Annual event, Pentecost Land Dive, April/May (1st week
June)
This year’s land dives will take place on the following
Saturdays: April: 04, 11, 18, 25. May: 02, 09, 16, 23,
30. June: 06,13, 20, and end on 27 (last jump for 2009).
- Accommodation - very limited - guest house & bungalow,
village hospitality excellent
- Generally a day trip from Port Vila
Tourism - Malekula
- Interesting, remarkable cultural experiences, 25 different
language groups
- Home of the Big and Small Nambas
- Accommodations - basic, island hospitality
Tourism - all other islands
- Exciting cultural experiences but limited accommodations
- Village hospitality only available
Contact one of
our Vanuatu Specialist in the USA at 1-800-227-5317 for
more information on the exciting islands of Vanuatu.
We will customize a package for you. We also
invite you to check out the tourism website below.
