🛳️ CRUISE SHIP PASSENGERS
Arriving by
cruise ship or expedition?
Your ship calls at one of Vanuatu's main ports. We'll show you exactly what to do with your time ashore — shore excursions, local transport, must-see sites, and recommended tours within walking distance of the dock.
- Port Vila
- Day tours
- Luganville
- Mystery Island
- Getting around
⛵ PRIVATE YACHTS & SAILING
Arriving on your
own vessel?
Everything you need before you arrive — ports of entry, customs clearance procedures, required documents, anchorages, marina facilities, provisioning, and weather windows. Download the official Yacht Stop Over Handbook.
- Clearance procedure
- Weather windows
- Regulations
- Marina
⛩ CRUISE SHIP PASSENGERS · PORTS OF CALL
Your ship calls at one of five destinations across the Vanuatu archipelago. Select your port below to see what's within reach during your time ashore.
Vanuatu's capital and main hub. The waterfront is a short stroll from the cruise terminal. Markets, restaurants, cultural sites, and tour operators are all within easy reach. Taxis and local minibuses depart from the terminal gate.
Getting Around
Taxi rank at terminalLocal minibus (bus)Walking Map availableEfate Driving mapCar Hire nearbyTOP THINGS TO DO
Handicraft & Artisan Market
Haos blong Handicraft in the city center, Port Vila markets, Seaside and Korman markets — 10 mins drive from town.
Snorkelling Spots in Port Vila and around Efaté
Iririki Snorkelling Cove, Top Rock, Pele Island, Hideaway Island
Efaté Island Loop & Picnic Spots
Full-day scenic drive around Efaté with coastal viewpoints, villages and picnic stops.
Art, Museum & Cultural Kastom Villages
You can visit the Museum and 3 cultural villages in Port Vila, such as Ekasup and Pepeyo Cultural Village.
Adrenaline Rush — Jungle Zipline
Perfect for cruise passengers seeking an island thrill, these high-energy shore excursions let you soar high over lush rainforest canyons.
Buggy Fun
Tear down muddy jungle trails and remote beaches on a self-drive adventure.
Vanuatu's second largest town and gateway to Espiritu Santo's world-class dive sites, blue holes, and pristine beaches. The town centre is a short walk from the wharf.
Getting Around
Taxi rank at wharfBicycle hireTour busesWalking mapTOP THINGS TO DO
SS President Coolidge Wreck Dive
World-famous WWII troop carrier wreck — all dive levels, 5 min from port
Million Dollar Point
WWII equipment dump site — snorkelling and diving
Champagne Beach
Pristine white sand beach — 45 min drive
Blue Holes
Natural freshwater swimming holes — Riri or Matevulu
A tiny uninhabited island off Aneityum, Vanuatu's southernmost inhabited island. Pure white sand, crystal clear water, and no roads — just beach, snorkelling, and relaxation.
Getting Around
Walk onlySnorkel from beachTOP THINGS TO DO
Snorkelling & Diving
Coral gardens and tropical fish right off the beach
Anelcauhat Village Visit
Short boat ride to the main island — local crafts and culture
Beach Relaxation
Pure white sand, shade huts, local food stalls
Champagne Beach — Espiritu Santo
📍 -15.143792, 167.120381Getting Around
Beach & island excursionsLocal food & souvenirsDriving mapTOP THINGS TO DO
Relax on Champagne Beach
Unwind on the soft white sand, sit under shady palm trees, and wade in the warm turquoise waters.
Feel the “Fizz”
Walk along the beach at low tide to feel the natural fizz between your toes.
Explore Nanda Blue Hole
Float peacefully in a tranquil freshwater hole surrounded by rainforest.
Snorkeller’s Paradise
Swim directly off the beach to view vibrant coral reefs and hundreds of local fish species.
Dive the S.S. President Coolidge
Explore the sunken 1942 luxury troopship, including its mosaic fountain, chandeliers and jeeps.
Beachside Seafood
Enjoy fresh lobster and crab cooked and served by local residents directly on the beach.
Dine in Port Orly
Visit Chez Louis or Towoc Restaurant to try local staples such as fresh fish paired with sweet potato.
Shop Souvenirs
Browse handmade crafts, traditional patterned sarongs, and other local gifts and souvenirs.
Pangi — Pentecost Island
📍 15°55′29″S, 168°11′27″ELarge cruise ships anchor offshore in Pangi Bay and passengers transfer ashore by tender boat because Pangi does not have a deep-water commercial terminal. Cruise calls for the Naghol season are generally timed between April and June.
Getting Around
Tender transfer to Pangi Jetty Guided village walk Rainforest trail to ritual site Cash onlyTOP THINGS TO DO
Market & Village Walk
Walk through Pangi village and browse a temporary open-air market with hand-woven baskets, carved wooden clubs and seasonal fruits.
Witness the Naghol Land Diving Ceremony
Experience the sacred South Pentecost land-diving ritual, with rhythmic dancing, custom chanting and divers leaping from timber towers using vines tied to their ankles.
Photography & Chief Q&A
After the final dive, visitors may inspect the wooden tower and speak with village elders about local traditions, subject to cultural and photography requirements.
Kastom Lunch Buffet
Enjoy a traditional feast including laplap, prepared with root vegetables, wild spinach and coconut cream and slow-baked in an earth oven.
Kava Demonstration & Tasting
Learn how South Pentecost kava is traditionally prepared and, where appropriate, sample a shell of the local drink.
Beachside Relaxation & Snorkelling
Spend the afternoon swimming and snorkelling in the tropical waters near the jetty, with time to purchase final handmade souvenirs.
Important Visitor Information
- Naghol season: Cruise visits are generally timed between April and June.
- Photography: The Naghol is sacred and photography/media access is governed by local tribal councils and cultural permit requirements.
- Footwear: The trail to the ritual site can be steep, muddy and slippery; suitable closed-toe trail shoes or hiking sandals are recommended.
- Cash: Pentecost has no ATM, bank or card facilities for these shore activities, so visitors should carry Vanuatu Vatu in small denominations.
Carnival Corporation
Carnival and its associated brands are the most frequent commercial visitors to Vanuatu, with strong deployments from Australian homeports.
Carnival Encounter
Introduces Carnival’s vibrant spirit and Encounter-class amenities to Vanuatu ports during the South Pacific season.
Carnival Adventure
Brings Carnival’s signature fun and Adventure-class amenities to Vanuatu ports during the South Pacific season.
Grand Princess
Adds Vanuatu to her South Pacific route, showcasing Grand-class comfort and signature Princess style at local ports.
AIDAsol
Adds Vanuatu to her South Pacific route, showcasing vibrant Sphinx-class comfort and signature casual German style at local ports.
Royal Caribbean Group
Royal Caribbean deploys some of its largest ships to the South Pacific, with regular multi-island itineraries calling at Vanuatu.
Quantum of the Seas
Known for its heavy rotation of itineraries stopping at Port Vila — one of Royal Caribbean’s flagship Quantum-class ships in the South Pacific.
Voyager of the Seas
A mainstay for multi-island itineraries in Vanuatu, offering a full range of onboard experiences on Voyager-class hardware.
Anthem of the Seas
Joins the regional schedule during high-occupancy months, bringing Quantum Ultra–class amenities to Vanuatu ports.
Celebrity Solstice
A premium Solstice-class favorite, bringing upscale dining, lawn-club relaxation, and stylish modern luxury to Vanuatu's multi-island itineraries.
International & Other Cruise Lines
Independent and boutique lines that visit Vanuatu outside the two major commercial groups.
MS Sirena
Brings Oceania’s boutique luxury and Sirena-class charm to Vanuatu ports during the South Pacific season.
All schedule details are current as of November 2026.
Source: Updated Port Vila Schedule – November 2026, Prepared by the Vanuatu Travel Information Center. Sailing schedules can change, so confirm with each operator's website before you travel..
Expedition Cruises
Small-ship expedition cruising is one of the fastest-growing segments of the global cruise industry, and Vanuatu’s dispersed islands, rich culture and marine biodiversity make it a strong fit. A 2026 research report prepared by LOTUS for the Vanuatu Tourism Office highlights the sector’s scale and the operators already including Vanuatu on their itineraries.
These Expedition Cruise Network (ECN) member lines currently include Vanuatu on published itineraries.
PONANT
This French expedition line runs 26 itineraries across the Pacific Islands, with two — departing from Darwin — including Vanuatu.
Visit PONANT
Silversea
Part of Royal Caribbean Group. The Grand South Pacific Expedition sails Perth to South America, covering 57 ports across 11 countries with a stop in Vanuatu.
Visit Silversea
National Geographic
An Adventure Life itinerary — “Rites and Relics: Fiji Firewalking, Vanuatu Volcanoes” — called at Espiritu Santo, Ambrym and Moso Island, though it is no longer on sale.
Visit National Geographic
Heritage Expeditions
Runs seven South Pacific itineraries, two of which visit Vanuatu — “Discover the Secrets of Melanesia,” departing from Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea.
Visit Heritage Expeditions
Coral Expeditions
This Australian-based line’s key Vanuatu itinerary is “The Passage Through the Melanesian Arc,” departing from Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea.
Visit Coral Expeditions⛵ PRIVATE YACHTS & SAILING · PORTS OF ENTRY & CLEARANCE
All yachts arriving in Vanuatu must clear customs, immigration, biosecurity, and health at an official port of entry. Do not go ashore until cleared. The process is straightforward and officials are generally available 7 days a week at the two primary ports.
Ports & Harbour Contacts
Biosecurity Vanuatu clearance is required before fresh food, plants, or animals may be landed.
Port Vila HQ — Shefa / Efate
Biosecurity Vanuatu, PMB 9086, Tagabe Road, Port Vila
Ph. +678 33580 / +678 23519
Luganville Office — Sanma / Santo
Biosecurity North, Luganville, Santo
Ph. +678 33818
Lenakel Office — Tafea / Tanna
Biosecurity South, Tanna
Ph. +678 7775206
biosecurity.gov.vu/travellers
Ports of Entry
Port Vila — Efaté
Main international port. Customs, immigration, biosecurity and health available 7 days. Anchor in quarantine zone south of the main wharf.
Luganville — Espiritu Santo
Second city. Full clearance services. Alongside wharf or anchorage available. Close to the SS President Coolidge wreck dive site.
Lenakel — Tanna
Seasonal entry point. Limited services. Nearest port to Mount Yasur volcano. Pre-notify customs at least 24 hours before arrival.
Port Resolution — Tanna
Sheltered anchorage at Port Resolution. Enter in daylight; anchorage can accommodate up to 40 boats in approximately 8m depth.
Sola — Banks Islands
Remote northern entry. Minimal infrastructure. For yachts cruising the northern island group. Pre-notify customs minimum 48 hours.
Clearance Procedure & Required Documents
Step-by-Step Clearance
Hoist quarantine flag on approach. Do not go ashore or receive visitors until cleared.
Port Vila: south of main wharf. Luganville: designated Q anchorage east of town.
Call Vanuatu Port Authority to notify arrival. They will coordinate the boarding party.
Customs, immigration, biosecurity, and health officers board together. Have all documents ready.
Clearance fees payable in VUV or USD. Cruising permit valid for duration of stay.
Free to go ashore, receive guests, and cruise to other islands. Carry permit at all times.
Required Documents Checklist
- Valid passports — All crew and passengers
- Ship's registration / certificate of registry
- Crew list — 4 copies recommended
- Passenger list — 4 copies
- Last port clearance certificate (zarpe)
- Health declaration form — All persons aboard
- Ship's stores declaration
- No fresh food ashore — No fruit, vegetables, meat before biosecurity inspection
- Firearms must be declared — Stored in bond for duration of visit
- Pets require valid health certificates
Full fees, contact list, anchorage guide, regulations
🌎 Provinces Map — Cruise Ports & Yacht Anchorages
Reference maps by province. More provinces will be added as they're supplied.
Shefa Province
Sanma Province
Tafea Province
Malampa Province
Penama Province
Torba Province
🗺 Yachts Suggested Itineraries
Suggested sailing routes for yacht visitors. Additional yacht itineraries will be added once supplied by VTO.
The Efate Escape
A gentle first cruise — Port Vila as base, exploring the anchorages and islands of Efaté.
- Port Vila — clear in
- Visit the Mele Cascades, Tanna Coffee Factory and Hideaway underwater Post Office
- Tour Port Vila Market, handicraft centers and artisans
- Dive into the eastern island swimming spots — Blue Lagoon, Eden Falls, Eton Beach
- Havannah Harbour
The Central Islands Loop
Explore the cultural heritage of the islands.
- Anchor in Okai
- Dive the beautiful reefs of Maskelyn Conservation Area
- Go on the Big Nambas Amokh Tribal Tour
- Walk the Manbush Trail
- Sail across to Ambrym
- Meet Ambrym's master wood carver
- Experience the cultural dance and practices
Penama Tour
A deep dive into Penama Province's culture, waterfalls and traditions.
- Anchor in Pangi
- Experience the land diving
- Visit Sara Village and discover the legacy of Walter Lini
- Spend a day at the Melsisi Waterfalls followed by traditional kava tasting
- Sail up to Asanvari Yacht Club
- Dive into Munga Underwater Cave
- Cool off at Naone Falls
- Cross over to Lolowai Bay
- Trek the Manaro Trek
- Relax in a hot spring
Santo Pristine Beaches and Cool Springs
Blue holes, white-sand beaches and Santo's WWII history.
- Anchor in Luganville
- Experience the cool blue holes
- Swim at Champagne Beach and Lonnoc Beach
- Have a lobster at Chez Louis in Port Olry
- Tour the local markets and WWII Museum
- Take on the Millennium Cave
- Cool off at the Tafuntari Waterfalls
Sailing Seasons & Weather
When to go
Water temperature: 24–29°C year-round. Wetsuit optional outside cyclone season. SE trade winds 15–25 knots, comfortable beam reach on most passages.
Marinas & Berths
- Port Vila Marina — Alongside berths, fuel dock, fresh water, Wi-Fi, chandlery (limited)
- Santo Fishing Club (Luganville) — Moorings available, basic facilities, close to SS Coolidge dive site
- Havannah Harbour (Efaté) — Secure anchorage, resort facilities available to visiting yachts
- Luganville town anchorage — Anchorage off town wharf, dinghy access to shore
Yacht Clubs
Additional map pins will be added when exact location details are supplied.
Port Resolution Yacht Club — Tanna, Tafea Province
Restaurant and bar (BYO permitted), with fresh water available by jerry can. The sheltered anchorage accommodates up to 40 boats in approximately 8m depth. There are no entrance markers, so vessels should enter in daylight.
- Good internet and SIM cards available
- One local shop sells fuel
- Cash only
- Coordinates: 20°10'S / 169°50'E
- Contact: Meet with Werry on VHF 16 · Ph. +678 778 7259 ·
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Sola Yacht Club — Vanua Lava, Torba Province
Run by Robert and Serah Dini, who warmly welcome cruisers. Sola is also a port of entry for Torba, with customs and immigration services, a clinic, ATM and market nearby.
- Contact: Ph. +678 522 5222
Walla Island Yacht Club — Malekula, Malampa Province
A community-created yacht club welcoming visiting cruisers. It provides an island information centre, inland tours to historical sites, Slow Food activities and nighttime activities.
- Contact: Etienne Tiasinmal · Ph. +678 5685852 or +678 7114485 ·
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Yachting World — Port Vila, Shefa Province
Marina and yachting services base in Port Vila, offering berths, moorings, and support for visiting cruisers.
- Contact: Ph. +678 23273 ·
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. · yachtingworld-vanuatu.com
Asanvari Yacht Club — Maewo Island, Penama Province
Following the community-led relaunch of the Asanvari Yacht Club in August 2026, local customary fees are requested to maintain infrastructure and support the village.
- Facility & Anchorage Access: The local operators charge a small community fee — traditionally around 500 Vatu per boat — which grants access to the "Sparkling Waters" beachfront facilities, yacht club zone, and fresh waterfall piping.
- Kastom Fees: Separate small fees apply if you request the community to perform traditional kastom dances, cook a village feast (kaikai), or guide you to local landmarks like the Cave of the Moon.
Provisioning
Supermarkets
Au Bon Marche and other supermarkets in Port Vila.
Fresh Produce
Port Vila Central Market and Luganville Market — open daily.
Fuel
Fuel docks at Port Vila Marina and Luganville wharf. Carry jerrycans for outer islands.
LPG
Refills available in Port Vila. Bring adaptors — fittings vary.
Chandlery
Very limited. Bring essential spares. Nearest chandlery is Noumea or New Zealand.
Cruise & Yacht Partners
Australian Cruise Association
Connects Australian cruise networks to Vanuatu, enhancing South Pacific itineraries and regional tourism links.
Superyacht Australia
Connects Australia’s superyacht sector with Vanuatu, expanding luxury cruising and South Pacific experiences.
South Pacific Sailing Network
Promotes collaborative sailing across Vanuatu, uniting island destinations and enriching South Pacific voyages.