SURFING
Surfing Conditions in Vanuatu
Vanuatu offers perfect surfing conditions year-round, with the best time to surf being between March and December. From December to March, during the hot and humid season, tropical depressions can bring significant swells, much to the delight of surfers! Keep in mind, however, that this is also cyclone season. Popular surf spots can produce waves ranging from 1 to 2 meters high, with lengths of 40 to 50 meters!
Top Surf Spots
Vanuatu boasts some of the best surf spots in the world. Beginners and experienced surfers alike will find great waves at one of the many spots across the archipelago: Black Sand Beach, British Beach, Epao, Forari Bay, Mangea Reefs, Pango Point, Soumabal Point, Port Resolution, to name just a few of the beaches offering excellent surfing conditions.
Purists will want to test the waves at Breakas, Devils Point, Erakor Reef, Pounders, and Tapi Point, which are ideal for pro surfers.
For adventurers, a trip to Tanna in the south or Hiu, the northernmost island in the country, promises authentic, untouched surf spots where you’re likely to be the only one in the water.
Vanuatu Surfing Association (VSA)
Not only can you make lasting friendships with local surfers, but they’ll also be happy to answer any questions you have about surfing in Vanuatu. Check out the association’s profile. Click here to visit the VSA website.
Blue Lagoon
The Blue Lagoon is a fantastic place to take a family, as the lagoon provides a calm and easily accessible place to swim. For the older crowd, there are rope swings and trees you can jump off of into the water. If you are in Port Vila, the Blue Lagoon is a great place to get away from the main city and experience more of the backcountry of Efate.
Hog Harbour Blue Hole
Finally there are a few more “hidden” Santo blue holes farther north along the coastline that are also worth exploring. The first one (which we call the Secret Blue Hole or Hog Harbour Blue Hole) is located about 1.4 km after the turn-off to Champagne Beach – there’s no sign just a hut and some seats on the right hand side of the road with a track leading down to the swimming lagoon. It is one of the only Santo blue holes with a direct connection to the ocean.
Malo blue hole
This is a huge blue hole is located right in the middle of Malo Island’s north facing coastline (directly opposite Aore Island and Ratua Island). It is probably the most natural of Santo blue holes, very cool and refreshing and quite deep. The crystal river flowing out of the blue hole is stunning and leads to a shallow turquoise entrance lagoon framed by a small island (very, very pretty).
You can access the blue hole by catching a boat over to Malo and then asking one of the locals with a 4WD to take you there. Alternatively if you are staying at Ratua Island Resort, the tour desk can organise a kayak trip up the river to the blue hole. Nearly all of Santo blue holes require you to pay an entrance fee to the local landowner (about $5 AUD per person) so make sure to take some cash with you.
Nanda Blue Hole
The third blue hole, Nanda or Jackie’s Blue Hole is located at the top of Turtle Bay (about 1.5 – 2hr paddle north of the house). You can kayak there from the house however it is a long paddle (2hrs +) and only recommended for experienced sea kayakers. Make sure to paddle up the river on an incoming high tide (stay to the left) – its about 4km to reach the blue hole but its’ definitely worth the effort (like being in the Amazon without the crocs or nasties).
Jackie’s Blue Hole can also be reached by car (approx. 6-8 min. drive past Turtle Bay) and features a small cafe. It costs a little more for the entry fee than other Santo blue holes (1000vt vs 500vt for the others) but you do get a free coffee/tea and cake with entry. Note – there is now a second entrance to Nanda Blue Hole – just south of the main entrance – but this is not the actual blue hole – just a section of the river leading away from it – operated by a different custom owner! Still nice for a swim but nothing like the real thing.
