:::Pacific Destination Center

Vanuatu is an amazing, untouched and authentic archipelago of 83 islands in the South Pacific. There is a unique blend of intact tribal communities, resorts, beaches and geography ranging from accessible volcanoes to pristine underwater environments.

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'. Located 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, (a pidgeon style of 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 220,000 Ni Vanuatu and other nationalities which include French, British, Australian, New Zealand, Chinese and other Pacific Island races
115 dialects/languages. Main language English, French and Bislama
Currency - Vatu (approx 10,000 Vatu = US$114.00)
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). Daily service from Brisbane & Sydney, Australia.
All domestic airports served by 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
Business hours 7.30am-11.30am followed by the lunchtime siesta & then 1.30pm-5.00pm Monday to Friday. Restaurants, supermarkets, banks and the Port Vila Markets remain open all day. (Markets close on Sunday)
Temperatures in summer (November to April) reach the tropical 30os (86 F) and in winter (June, July, August) the average is 23o (73 F), making the climate balmy and sensuous.
Visitors do not need vaccinations and the urban water is safe to drink whilst bottled water is readily available.

Tourism - The Islands of Vanuatu

Efate

Port Vila ..the country's small seaside Capital. A scenic town overlooking a delightful harbour. Port Vila is the Gateway for visitors and an important business and commercial center for Vanuatu and the South Pacific
Sightseeing, French influenced restaurants, lively nightlife and kava bars, good duty free shopping, diving, snorkelling, eco & adventure tours.
Cultural experience of interest, markets – where the ni-Vanuatu people come to sell their produce and handicrafts, artworks etc.
Varied accommodations from deluxe, mid-range and inexpensive. Boutique style beach resorts, bungalow & hotels.
PDC recommends staying:
Le Lagon Resort, Palms Resort & Casino, Iririki Island Resort, Mango's Resort, Poppy's on the Lagoon, Erakor Island Resort, Chantilly's Hotel, awarded 2010 Best hotel of the year!
Retreat for Couples: The Havannah (Luxury tropical Retreat), Eratap Beach Resort (Superlative! voted 2010 Best Boutique Hotel), Ramada Breakas, Mangoes (not on beach)

Tanna

Yasur Active volcano & Adventure experiences
Home of the John Frums and Kustom Villages
PDC Recommends staying: White Greass Ocean Resort
Other properties are quite basic bungalow style - Evergreen Resort & Friendly Bungalows

Espiritu Santo

The country's "second island" Luganville is second largest town in Vanuatu.
Gateway to Adventure, Diving, Wrecks & Rainforest
Excellent diving on the Wreck of The President Coolidge and other reefs and wrecks in and around Santo
Excellent fishing - deep sea & bottom fishing - we recommend Fiesta Charters for day and overnight charters
Adventure & tours - Millenium Cave, The World War II US Hospital, Loru National Park, Snorkel at Champagne Beach, Vilvil Cultural Village, Nanda Blue Holes
Accommodations - varied from 4 star island resorts to bungalow/backpack style guesthouses.
PDC recommendation staying:
Bokissa Island Resort, Aore Island Resort, Deco Stop, Coral Quays, the Beachfront Resort and Oysters Island Resort.
Retreat for Couples: Moyyan House by the Sea (a gem), Ratua Private Island (low key rustic luxury), Bokissa Island Resort & Aore Island Resort
Cruises: "Luxury adventure cruising in sheltered waters" The luxury small ship "Island Passage" only 10 cabins / 20 passengers on 5 night cruises. Departs Luganville every Sunday Evening - 2011 May, June July, August & 04 Sept. Choose from Cabin, Stateroom or Bridge Deck Suite.
Early Bird price starts at US$3230 per person twin, requires booking/payment 6-months in advance.

Pentecost Island

Annual event, Pentecost Land Dive, April, May & 1st week June
Accommodation - very limited - guest house & bungalow, village hospitality excellent
Generally a day trip by air from Port Vila
Pentecost 'Land Diving' is included on all May & June departures of the Island Passage cruise ex Santo.

Malekula

Interesting, remarkable cultural experiences, 25 different language groups
Home of the Big and Small Nambas
Accommodations - basic, island hospitality

Tourism - all other islands

Torres & Banks Islands in the far north. Flights operate once/twice weekly. Exciting cultural experiences but limited accommodations
Village hospitality only available

Contact our Vanuatu Specialist who has been there several times - USA 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.