Vanuatu Islands discovery cruise / 300nm / 25 Jul - 2 aug 2024

9 days / cat 3 Island cruising / Event #2456 / SALT LINES: LAST CREW POSITION AVAILABLE

Overview

Embark on a nine-day sailing adventure across the enchanting islands of Vanuatu, exploring a blend of cultural richness and natural splendour. Your journey begins in Port Vila, where vibrant markets and a lively waterfront set the scene. From there, sail north to Espiritu Santo, famous for its crystal-clear blue holes and wartime relics submerged beneath the waves. Next, discover the serene beauty of Maskelyne Island, a haven for kayakers and snorkellers alike, with its tranquil waters and abundant marine life. Venture into Penama Province, where the rugged landscapes offer thrilling hiking opportunities and the chance to witness active volcanoes up close. In Malampa Province, immerse yourself in the local culture and enjoy the unspoiled beaches and traditional villages. Shefa Province offers a glimpse of Vanuatu's political heart, coupled with its scenic coastlines and welcoming locals. Conclude your voyage in Sanma Province, a region celebrated for its spectacular coral reefs and lush rainforests. Each destination on this itinerary promises a unique perspective of Vanuatu’s diverse islands, making for an unforgettable exploration by yacht. We’ll assess the weather at the time and build a passage plan from the options below.

Passage plan

Crew registration

Secure your place on the crew with deposit options from 20%.

Expedition Description

Port Vila

Port Vila, the vibrant capital of Vanuatu, is not just the gateway to the archipelago but a melting pot of Pacific cultures. This bustling harbour city is known for its lively marketplaces, offering everything from fresh produce to artisan crafts. The deep natural harbour of Port Vila makes it a perfect starting point for sailors, providing easy access to the wider Vanuatu island chain. Historical sites, including remnants of the colonial era and WWII, abound in and around the city, providing a fascinating glimpse into its past. The surrounding waters are ideal for diving, with wrecks and reefs that attract marine life, making Port Vila a compelling stop for cultural immersion and aquatic adventures.

Espiritu Santo

Espiritu Santo, the largest island in Vanuatu, offers an intriguing blend of natural beauty and historical significance. Known for its stunning blue holes, crystal-clear rivers, and white-sand beaches, Santo is a paradise for nature lovers. The island’s history is equally captivating, with numerous WWII relics both on land and underwater, including the famous SS President Coolidge wreck, one of the largest and most accessible shipwrecks in the world. For sailors, Espiritu Santo provides excellent anchoring spots and the chance to explore both the lush inland and the idyllic coastlines.

Maskelyne Islands

The Maskelyne Islands are a cluster of small islands off the south coast of Malekula, renowned for their traditional Melanesian culture and magnificent marine environments. These islands offer an authentic experience of island life, with opportunities to participate in village traditions and ceremonies. The surrounding coral reefs are teeming with fish, making snorkelling and diving must-do activities. For sailors, the calm waters and the warm hospitality of the local communities make the Maskelyne Islands a peaceful and enriching stop.

Penama Province

Penama Province is where the rugged beauty of Vanuatu comes to the forefront, featuring some of the most active volcanoes in the Pacific, including the awe-inspiring Ambrym, known for its vast ash plains and spectacular lava lakes. The province offers adventurers a chance to trek through diverse landscapes, from lush rainforests to volcanic deserts. Sailing around Penama provides a unique perspective on these dramatic natural features and the chance to visit remote communities that are as welcoming as they are isolated.

Malampa Province

Malampa Province, encompassing the islands of Malekula, Ambrym, and Paama, is characterised by its rich cultural heritage and dramatic landscapes. Malekula, the second largest island, offers intricate tribal dances and ancient ceremonies, providing insight into the kastom culture of Vanuatu. The waters around Malampa are known for their vibrant coral gardens, ideal for snorkelling and diving. Sailors will find Malampa's unspoiled nature and cultural depth a compelling mix that captures the essence of Vanuatu.

Shefa Province

Shefa Province is where Vanuatu’s political and cultural heart beats strongest, encompassing Port Vila and several other islands. This province offers a mix of urban excitement and island serenity, with numerous cultural festivals and culinary experiences highlighting Ni-Vanuatu traditions. Shefa’s diverse landscapes, from volcanic peaks to serene lagoons, provide endless opportunities for exploration both on land and by sea, making it a microcosm of Vanuatu’s broader attractions.

Sanma Province

Sanma Province is celebrated for its spectacular natural beauty and vibrant local life, centred around the island of Espiritu Santo and the smaller surrounding islands. The province’s coral reefs are among the best in the world for diving, offering a riot of underwater colour. On land, dense tropical forests and traditional villages invite exploration. For yachtsmen, the deep waters and safe anchorages of Sanma Province provide an ideal base from which to explore both the rich marine life and the lush landscapes of northern Vanuatu.

ACTIVITIES INCLUDED

• Adventure ashore

• Coastal exploring

• Cultural excursions

• Dining out

• Fishing

HERE’S WHAT YOU’LL EXPERIENCE ONBOARD

Weather impact

With any regatta or expedition we have to plan around the weather. We always aim to plan our events to coincide with the optimum time of the year, for the best conditions. Safety and comfort of the crew and vessel, always takes priority over the original schedule. Sometimes we’ll need to adapt the schedule and modify plans, to maximise the onboard experience and enjoyment to keep everyone happy and safe.

Extra reading

• Past events

• Why sail with us?

Itinerary

You can fly directly into Bauerfield International Airport in Port Vila on or before the 25th of July 2024. When you arrive we'll familiarise you with the yacht, systems and safety equipment and you will join us for a crew welcome dinner. Our crew will assemble on the 26th of July at the Yachting World, Port Vila Marina, 30 minutes south of the airport and we will aim to depart (subject to weather) around midday on the 26th of July 2024 and leave the marina, heading NW for the first of our island anchorages.  You are welcome to stay onboard from the date you arrive but if you plan to arrive prior to 25th of July, you will need to arrange accommodation ashore. 

Once we leave behind the hustle and bustle of Port Vila, the rest of the island and the anchorages of this spectacular island nation are ours to share with the schools of tropical fish, lush tropical forests and friendly ni-Vanuatu (the term used to refer to the people of Vanuatu). Sailing just 30 nautical miles from Port Vila, one is immediately brought back centuries in time.

The rustic scenes of mangroves covering the shorelines fill the view from the calm seas around the islands, while smoke comes out of coastal and hillside villages to indicate where communities live. The ni-Vanuatu have close attachment to their land and are very proud of their traditions and culture. Each tribe welcome visitors in their own unique ancestral traditions among their beautiful village houses built of local timbers and woven grass mats.

Our cruising passage will take us through the islands further north of Efate, to experience the isolation and peace of remote places and see something of the culture of Vanuatu. One of the great things we’ll enjoy in Vanuatu is taking o the water for a snorkel. Their waters are littered with planes, old sailing ships, destroyers and most famously the SS President Coolidge. There are spectacular coral reefs and clear water drop-offs, including some of the deepest offshore canyons in the world and often with exceptional water clarity and you can have a lot of fun just day sailing, swimming, snorkelling and beach-combing along deserted coves.

Heading north of the archipelago, around 170 nautical miles from Port Vila, is Espiritu Santo (nicknamed Santo), the largest island with a reputation for being an adventure playground. In Malekula, the second largest island in the Vanuatu archipelago of islands lies the Maskelynes, a set of beautiful islands with a multitude of safe anchorages, beautiful sandy beaches and friendly people.

We’ll island hop our way through the archipelago to standout spots with secret beaches to discover, deserted bays to snorkel and scenic lookouts where you can watch the sun slip into the sea. We expect to return to the Port Vila Marina, later afternoon on the 1st of August and you can plan to disembark on the 2nd of August and fly out of Vanuatu.

Inclusions

Your crew package includes; all meals onboard, crew meals in Vanuatu and various stopover ports, accommodation onboard, your Ocean Sailing Expeditions crew shirt, marina fees, the use of a PFD (personal flotation device), PLB (personal locator beacon), and a safety tether. Your bedding, a pillow and towel are also included along with suncream.

Private Cabins

There are 2 and 3 berth options available in singles and doubles. If you reserve a 3-berth cabin for the use of 2 or less people, the rate is the 3-berth rate, less a 10% discount. If you reserve a 2-berth cabin for the use of 1 person, the rate is the 2-berth rate, less a 10% discount.

Exclusions

Your crew package excludes; accommodation ashore, flights and transport to and from departure and arrival ports, alcohol, toiletries, clothing and wet weather gear.

Its always recommended that you book flights with date flexibility incase of unforeseen changes due to weather or schedules. Accommodation options if you want to stay ashore either side of trip: AirBNB, Booking.com,  Wotif &  HomeAway.

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