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Description
CRITTER SPOTTER - SCUBA DIVING ADVENTURES
Critter Spotter is a boutique diving operation based at Havannah Harbour in Vanuatu. The turquoise waters and coral reef are just steps away from the shore, providing easy access for your scuba diving adventures. The shallow reef starts right at our beach stairs, revealing a vibrant underwater world filled with colourful coral and marine life.
The Critter Spotter team have been diving in this area for many years and have become very familiar with the marine wildlife that lives in our waters.
Our base is our home! Literally our front yard – we go down our steps and we are in the water! Critter Spotter started with the intention of sharing our passion for the small stuff, the things most divers don’t see plus some of the regulars!
Critter spotter is owned and operated by John Warmington and Sandra Kaye long term residents and now citizens of Vanuatu.
Most of our dives are shore-based, we have found that we don’t need a boat ride to find interesting things! However, our oceancraft boat is a great way to get out to destinations such as Hat Island where we see amazing colourful corals and an abundance of fish life.
Description
Why Critter Spotter?
We are not for big groups! It’s personal and we will go at your pace and at your comfort level (within industry guidelines).
We customise our dives to meet your needs, from a one on one (private) to a small group experience with a maximum of 4 divers. We do not undertake training at our dive operation, and accept only certified divers, but we are happy to arrange a referral for those wanting to learn. If you have not dived for a while – do not fear - a refresher can be organised for you.
Diving is a big part of our lives, and we look forward to helping you explore the underwater wonders of Havannah Harbour, Vanuatu.
Our Critters
We are all about finding marine critters!! Expect the unexpected, the small stuff that many divers swim past! Like any dive there are no guarantees, and every dive is a chance to find and document something new.
Depending on which site we find Anemone fish, Angel fish, Damsel fish, Schooling fusiliers, jack mackerel (locally known as Mangaru), silver monos etc., Lion Fish, Coral cod, Devil scorpion fish, Leafy scorpion fish, Frogfish, Box and puffer fish, Porcupine fish, Crocodile fish (occasional), Moray eels - so far, we have documented 7 different species, Red Bass, Nudibranchs and flatworms – many species and a highlight are Halgerda carlsoni which is only found at “Nudi Rock”. A very well-camouflaged species but our guides know how and where to find them.
Turtles are regularly sighted – we have two main species, both endangered – Hawksbill and green turtles
Octopus and cuttlefish
Shrimps – numerous species including cleaner shrimps, anemone shrimps, squat shrimps (aka sexy shrimps), bubble coral shrimps and more. Squat lobsters (resident in crinoids), Sea kraits (snakes), Rays
DIVE PRICES
Shore Dives 9,000vt single, or Vt 17,000 double (includes refreshments)
Boat Dives (2) 22,000vt (includes fruit platter, tea, coffee, biscuits)
Night Dives 10,000vt
Allow Half a day minimum and if doing double dives Full Day. You will need to allow travel time from Port Vila – approx. 45 minutes each way.
EQUIPMENT HIRE
All scuba dives include tanks and weights. We do not offer nitrox facilities. We have available for hire Mask, Fins, Snorkel, BCD, Reg Sets, and Wet Suits. Camera equipment can be arranged. All BCD’S come with a whistle and SMB. Divers that come on our excursions will have weights and tanks included.
Our hire rates: (Per Day)
Full Kit 5,000vt
BCD & Reg 5,000vt
Partial Kit 3,500vt (bcd or regulator set)
Torch 1,200vt
Snorkel Gear 2,500vt (mask, snorkel, fins)
Tank Hire 3,000vt (Tank hire available for certified divers, presentation of certification required, tank hire 24 hours only)
(Tank hire surcharge for tanks brought back with less than 50bar)
Camera (per day) Olympus TG-7 (7,000vt),
GoPro (3,500vt)
Nikon D500 (ask for quotes)
Memory Cards 4,000vt
We are proud to be accredited PADI Scuba Diving operators, offering professionally guided diving experiences. Stay-and-dive packages are available for guests looking to combine relaxation with underwater adventure.
TRANSFERS
Organise yourself or we have a reputable bus service that will pick you up from your accommodation in Port Vila and then drop you back after you have finished your dives. Minimum rate of 5,000vt return visit for one to two individuals, 2,500vt for extra individuals.
UNDERWATER PHOTOGRAPHY
We also specialise in underwater photography. If you have a keen eye for underwater photography, then our lessons and workshops will have you engaged as we guide you through some land-based skills before heading on a journey beneath the surface. We have a wealth of experience and will guide enthusiasts in mastering camera settings, composition, and lighting, ensuring stunning shots of marine life. Underwater Photography Workshops – by arrangement
DIVE & STAY PACKAGES
At Karma Waters Villa, you’ll experience the tranquillity of pristine waters, breathtaking sunsets, and the warm hospitality that defines island living. Whether you're here to unwind, explore, or embrace the vibrant culture, we hope your stay is as special to you as this place is to us.
We offer just one exclusive villa, ensuring that you have most of the waterfront deck, daybed, and sun lounges to yourself. Designed for couples, honeymooners, and friends, or dive buddy’s the villa can be arranged with a king-size bed or two singles.
The Villa is self-contained with a fully equipped kitchenette with a medium size fridge. Air conditioning, ceiling fans, private bathroom, washing machine, plenty of cupboard space, Wi-Fi, books, games and more. Your villa has its own timber deck for your convenience with an outdoor table and chairs, some comfy lounge chairs and a webber bbq.
If you are a certified diver, bring a buddy, a loved one or a friend and head straight from your villa to explore the vibrant reef just offshore. Encounter the wonders of marine life with regular sightings of Hawksbill and green turtles, moray eels, octopuses, schooling fish, and more.
Don’t miss our thriving coral restoration garden, a testament to our commitment to marine conservation and a beautiful highlight of your underwater journey.
For more information on our diving and accommodation experiences check out our website www.critterspotter.com
Your home away from home awaits you!
Map & Directions
Port Vila, Efate, Vanuatu