SHORE EXCURSIONS CREDIT

Delve deeply into the traditional culture of Melanesia by touring Ekasup. Learn about hunting and fishing the local way; hear about the Vanuatu black magic and how they create crafts.

Drive into the heart of the dense Erakor rainforest to tiny Ekasup, a village with no electricity that still practices the traditional ways of their ancestors. In a display of the tribe's once fierce nature, the chief and several warriors armed with clubs, spears, bows and arrows typically welcome visitors.

Few aspects of their lives have changed, as you'll witness firsthand through fascinating demonstrations. Watch how natural medicines are derived from herbs, roots and tree bark. See how the villagers trap game and preserve and prepare traditional foods. Marvel at the dexterity of the weavers who can quickly transform natural materials into sturdy baskets, mats and hats. Discover the villagers' other creative outlets, which include the ancient art of sand drawing, playing musical instruments and performing traditional dances. Your visit to Ekaksup village will be a total immersion in the ancient Melanesian way of life.

Discover the wonderland of marine life that lies beneath the surface of Port Vila Bay by cruising on a glass-bottom boat and then snorkeling at a sheltered reef nearby.

Depart right from the pier in a glass-bottom boat and begin your leisurely cruise around Port Vila Bay. Designed specifically for maximum viewing of the sea life below, the boat features large, clear panels on the bottom and comfortable seating throughout. Of course, there's no telling exactly what you will see, but the highly knowledgeable boat captain will cruise over the spots most likely to be teeming with marine life.

You may see larger creatures such as green sea turtles, hawksbill turtles and spotted eagle rays, which often swim near the surface of the water, even breaching it at times. All sorts of tropical fish also populate the reefs, including brightly colored clown fish, odd-looking little dragon fish, and humpback grouper, a beautiful polka-dotted species that's highly endangered.

Later, you'll have a chance for an even closer look at the marine life by snorkeling along a reef near beautiful Iririki Island. Afterwards, you'll cruise back to the pier.

OVERVIEW

Snorkel the crystal-clear waters off Tranquility Island and then laze around the beach while your barbecue lunch is being prepared. A short but immensely scenic boat ride will bring you to the island, which lies off Efate’s northwestern tip. On the way over, you may spot spinner dolphins, a tropical species named for their habit of leaping out of the water and spinning in the air as many as seven times before falling back into the sea. The underwater wonders off Tranquility Island will be just as mesmerizing as you will discover while snorkeling. You can expect to see an ever-changing parade of brilliant blue tangs, orange-and-white clown fish and multi-colored parrot fish. Sea turtles are also abundant. Feel free to enjoy the island’s idyllic setting before settling in for lunch on the beach. Afterwards, you may opt to snorkel again or follow a windy trail into the bush for a different perspective of the island.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Look for acrobatic spinner dolphins while cruising over to Tranquility Island.
• Snorkel an offshore coral reef that is teeming with marine life.
• Spend free time relaxing on the island’s beautiful beach.
• Enjoy a barbecue lunch on the beach with the option to snorkel again after dining.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing with a swimsuit underneath.
• Bring a hat, towel and sunscreen.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Gain an understanding of Melanesian life through authentic experiences that showcase the culture, beginning with an enlightening visit to a traditional village. While interacting with the villagers, you will learn about their local customs, rituals and dances. It will be a fascinating look at a way of life that hasn’t changed substantially over time. The island’s casual ambiance will be especially apparent at horseshoe-shaped Moana Bay Beach. During free time on this gorgeous stretch of white sand, you can bask in the sun, stroll along the shore and take a refreshing swim in the turquoise waters. For a look at Melanesian handicrafts, you will browse a bustling marketplace with merchandise such as lava stone jewelry, woven baskets and colorful mission dresses, a style that 19th-century missionaries introduced to better cover the bare skin of the women, who typically wore only a short skirt of barkcloth. The dresses have since become a symbol of great national pride.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Become immersed in Melanesian traditions by visiting an indigenous cultural village.
• Interact with the villagers and watch a dance performance that reflects the culture.
• Enjoy free time relaxing however you please at Moana Bay Beach.
• Browse a marketplace with an abundance of handmade local crafts.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing with a swimsuit underneath.
• Bring a hat, towel and sunscreen.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Ride horseback through a lush rainforest and on to a beautiful stretch of sand, where you will have the opportunity to swim in the sea with your horse. The venue for this adventure will be Club Hippique, the last word in its name meaning “equestrian” in French, one of the three official languages on Vanuatu. During the introductory briefing, you will be paired with a horse that suits your riding ability and level of confidence. Then, off you will ride, following the guide through a former plantation and a serene rainforest. Your destination will be Erakor Point, a laid-back idyllic setting that a sugar-white beach rims. Feel free to tether your horse and simply relax at your leisure or ride bareback into the sea. Your horse is used to swimming, which will make the experience all the more pleasurable. Keep an eye out for dugongs, a marine mammal much like a manatee often spotted in these waters.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Ride a horse through the rural countryside and on to the beach at Erakor Point.
• Feel confident while riding as the horse will be matched to your abilities as an equestrian.
• Relax on the beach or ride into the sea and swim with your horse.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing with a swimsuit underneath.
• Bring a hat, towel and sunscreen.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Walk through a rainforest and tropical gardens and cross over three suspension bridges, one of them spanning the rushing Retnapao River. You will follow a naturalist guide that will describe the lush flora within the Bridges of Eden and how many of the plants are used for medicinal purposes. It will be an eye-opening look into the traditional culture that flourishes on the Vanuatu archipelago. The first bridge is the shortest and easiest to walk across, which makes for a good introduction. The other two bridges are progressively harder to cross but still manageable. You are sure to feel confident after finishing the bridge circuit and can loop through it again, if you wish. The bridge adventure ends with a short but exhilarating zipline ride. Afterwards, you might take a refreshing swim, further explore the gardens or simply snack on a platter of fresh fruit while taking in the gorgeous scenery.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Cross three lengthy suspension bridges high above the rainforest floor.
• Walk through the rainforest and tropical gardens within the Bridges of Eden.
• Add to the thrills with a short but adrenaline-pumping zipline ride.
• Take a refreshing swim and relax while enjoying a platter of fresh fruit.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Bring a swimsuit and towel.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Visit attractions that showcase the remarkable diversity on Éfaté, one of the main islands within the Vanuatu archipelago. While touring the Aelan Chocolate Factory, you will learn how the company helps local growers rehabilitate their plantations and improve the way they grow and harvest cocoa used for chocolate. The resulting artisan sweets are delicious and range from pure dark chocolate to blends made with ingredients such as crystallized turmeric and nangai nuts. For an enlightening immersion into traditional life, you will drop by the Pepeyo Cultural Village and see firsthand the local fishing methods, how hunters set traps and a fire-walking demonstration that is absolutely mesmerizing. The island is perhaps best known for its natural beauty, which is on full display at the Blue Lagoon. Feel free to swim in the turquoise waters, which are always tranquil, shimmering and crystal-clear. Or if you prefer, simply relax along the shaded shore of this idyllic tropical setting.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Tour an artisan chocolate factory that only uses ingredients grown within the archipelago.
• See how traditional ways such as fishing and hunting are practiced in a tropical village.
• Swim in the brilliant turquoise waters of the spring-fed Blue Lagoon.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Bring a swimsuit and towel.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Zip around Port Vila harbor in your own aqua quad boat and continue on to Ifira Island, whose residents are mostly the area’s indigenous people. After a briefing to ensure that you maximize the adventure, you will hop on a two-person aqua quad, a small speedy pontoon-like boat that is easy to maneuver. You can take the helm or just ride along as a passenger and switch positions later if you like. As you race through the harbor waters and even carve out turns, the aqua quad will stay flat and stable much like an ATV on land. It is great fun, especially if you open up the throttle. In time, you will pull into Ifira Island, which being at the harbor’s entrance somewhat shelters the sea from wind and waves. As you wander about, you will learn about traditional village life and how it has changed over the centuries.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Race around the shelters waters in Port Vila harbor in a two-person aqua quad boat.
• Ride along as a passenger or take the helm and follow the guide safari-style.
• Explore a traditional village on the island of Ifira at the entrance to the harbor.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Cruise through the crystal-clear waters off Port Vila in a semi-submersible boat that allows you to view the underwater wonders without getting wet. The reefs are teeming with marine life so there will be plenty of see through the Reef Explorer’s large windows below the water line. You may spot neon-colored parrot fish, orange-and-white clown fish, brilliant blue tangs and Moorish idols, a boldly patterned fish with a protruding beaklike mouth. You may also see tiny seahorses, starfish and humbugs, a black-and-white striped fish named for its cantankerous aggressive nature. Five species of marine turtles inhabit these tropical waters and it is always a thrill when one gracefully swims by. The Reef Explorer will anchor off Iririki Island, where you will have the opportunity to ease into the water and snorkel for an even closer look at the marine life. Or remain on board and stay dry while watching the ever-changing parade of colorful creatures.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Observe the abundance of marine life off Port Vila without getting wet.
• Watch the tropical fish parade by through the boat’s windows below the water line.
• Get an even closer look at the marine life by snorkeling once the boat anchors.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.