Ferry services
Port Vila departuresStar Wharf
Fast ferry6–7 hours
Cheapest wayCargo boats
Fast ferry from5,000 VT

Travelling by sea

Ferry services

To travel from larger islands to the smaller islands, banana boats are a normal part of your journey. For longer journeys, if you have time on your side, a passenger ferry or cargo vessel lets you see a range of landscapes and a different side of Vanuatu culture.

Banana boats

  • A normal part of island travel.Heading to the Havannah and Taleva Coasts or any of the Shepherd Islands from Port Vila, you’ll find yourself on a smaller boat.

Cargo vessels

  • Cargo ships serve all inhabited islands.Not as comfortable as the passenger ferries, but the cheapest way to get around, and many ships have food on board.

Tickets & wharves

  • Buy from the company’s office.In Port Vila, boats depart from Star Wharf. The wharves have the most reliable, up-to-date information, because services change regularly.
Inter-island ferry in Vanuatu

Who sails where

Ferry routes
01

Port Vila – Malekula – Luganville

Vanuatu Ferry and Big Sista both run this route, taking around 24 hours end to end.

Both may make extra stops, such as Emae, Epi, Paama and Maskelynes, depending on passenger and cargo demand.

02

South to Tanna

A rougher journey because of the ocean currents. The MV Tanna Ferry and MV Tauraken run Port Vila – Erromango – Tanna, and then sometimes on to Aneityum.

03

Santo to Malekula

A number of smaller ships make this trip. You’re best to enquire at the wharf in Luganville.

04

Port Vila to Ambrym

The MV Brisk and MV Tina operate this route. Enquire at their wharf in Port Vila, near fisheries.

05

Banks Islands & Penama

Take a boat from Luganville and enquire locally. Learn more about Penama Province.

06

New fast ferry

Aelan Express now sails Port Vila – Litzlitz – Luganville. See the details below.

Faster by sea

Aelan Express & Vanuatu Ferry

Aelan Express

Fast ferry · Port Vila, Litzlitz & Luganville

  • MV Blue Wota, a high-speed passenger ferry.Sails between Port Vila, Litzlitz (Malekula) and Luganville (Santo). About 6–7 hours from Port Vila to Santo.
  • Fares from 5,000 VT.Check the website for current prices and bookings.
  • Schedule at launch.Departing Port Vila on Mondays and Thursdays, returning from Santo on Tuesdays and Fridays. Times can change, so confirm before you travel.
  • On board.Passenger-only service with air conditioning and a café. On days without scheduled sailings, the ferry is available for charter.
  • Contact.Phone +678 28200 · Email office@pbs.vu · Facebook: Aelan Express
  • Visit aelanexpress.vu

Vanuatu Ferry

Passengers, vehicles & freight

  • Passengers, vehicles and freight.Ferry, cargo and containers from Port Vila to Tanna, Malekula, Santo, Ambae, Ambrym and Pentecost. Vehicles carried include cars, 4×4s, trucks, vans, quads, scooters and motorbikes.
  • Four vessels.Vanuatu Ferry 3 (650 places) serves Malekula and Santo. Vanuatu Ferry 2 (197 places) serves Tanna. Vanuatu Cargo (328 places) serves Ambae, Ambrym, Pentecost and Santo. Vanuatu Islander is a cargo vessel.
  • One-way fares from Port Vila.Malekula Centre or Tanna: adult VT 9,900, youth VT 5,300. Santo: adult VT 12,200, youth VT 6,400. Babies VT 3,000. Fares as published by Vanuatu Ferry, so check before you travel.
  • Contact.Customer service Monday to Friday, 7:30am to 4:30pm, on +678 26872.
  • Book online · View schedule

Weather and demand

Ferries depend on weather and demand. Sailings can be delayed or cancelled when seas are up, particularly in cyclone season.

Confirm the day before

Check your sailing with the company or at the wharf the day before you travel, because schedules and stops change.

Have a backup plan

Never count on a ferry as the last link to an international flight. Have a plan B if a boat is your only way back to Port Vila.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ferries and cargo boats suit travellers with time, a flexible date and interest in a slower crossing, such as Port Vila to Malekula and Santo. They are not a good substitute when you have a fixed international flight or only a few days. Banana boats cover short hops to nearby islands. Ask at the wharf for the current sailing, because timetables change.
Passenger ferries are more comfortable than cargo ships, but they are still working vessels, not cruise liners. Longer routes can take many hours or overnight, with basic facilities and a moving deck. The southern run toward Tanna can be rougher. Bring water, snacks, motion-sickness care and patience.
Weather influences ferry schedules a great deal. Sailings can be delayed or cancelled when seas are up, particularly in cyclone season, and cargo demand also changes stops and times. Confirm the day before, and have a backup plan if the boat is your only way back to Vila. Never count a ferry as a guaranteed last link to an international flight.