Port Vila, Vanuatu

Port Vila is the capital of Vanuatu. This sleepy town is set on the edge of a magnificent natural harbour. It’s a charming potpourri of cultures, blending elements of Melanesian, European, Chinese and French tastes. Along the main road are shops, bakeries, duty free shopping, banks and restaurants. The food is wonderful, and there’s a casino and nightclubs for those looking for nightlife.

Vila is a great place for families and non-diving partners. It’s also great for fishing.

Resorts in Port Vila & Surrounds

Hideaway Island

Don’t just Get Away, Hideaway! ™

12 kilometres, and a 2-minute ferry ride, from the centre of Port Vila is a small coral atoll called Hideaway Island and Marine Sanctuary Resort. Hideaway is an eco-friendly Resort: Power is generated around the clock on the island, water is fed from the top of the pristine Cascade waterfalls and outside of the office there are no phones or faxes to ruin your holiday.

The reef around Hideaway Island has been protected as a Marine Sanctuary for 18 years. The fish are very friendly and you can hand feed hundreds of the tame fish just metres from the shore.

Accommodation on the Island has been built with a traditional Melanesian skills and materials, scattered amongst the jungle and tropical plants that cover the island. There is a range of rooms to suit all budgets.

Tranquillity Resort

Tranquillity is an Eco Tourism Dive Base and Resort located on the jungle clad Moso Island, a 25-minute boat ride from Port Vila. Here you can go swimming, snorkelling, Reef-walking, Scuba Diving, Kayaking, Hiking, Cave Exploring or just relax on the sunny beaches.
The waters around Moso Island have been blessed with an abundance of marine life, and are one of the most wonderfully diverse marine sites out of Vila.

The dives are mainly all boat dives, and include deep drop-offs, reefs and bommies, colourful soft and hard coral gardens, wrecks, caves and thermal vents, and drift dives.

Do not expect to find the usual Western style beach resort at Tranquillity. It’s very basic, and perfect for people wanting an Island style experience.

The Havannah Resort

Everything about The Havannah oozes luxury.  From the designer bungalows to the breathtaking views to your private deck or plunge pool and a restaurant and bar that serves gourmet delights focusing on the fresh seafood caught daily and a wine and beverage list to enhance such an inspirational menu.

Diving and Fishing are both a specialty at The Havannah where you are just metres from The Marlin highway and the wonderfully diverse marine sites offering an incredible abundance of marine life.  Or if you prefer, simply relax in one of the ‘beach beds’ on the beautiful white sandy beach.

The Grand Hotel and Casino

Offering quality hotel accommodation right on the prime waterfront in Port Vila next to where all the fishing charter boats are located.

The Grand Hotel and Casino is right in the hub of all the shops, restaurants and local markets and only a short ferry ride to Iririki where guests have access to water sports, a day spa and pool overlooking the ocean.

Pick up a bargain at the markets, meet the locals on a traditional village tour, experience the French influences, culture and fabulous wine, and make the most of pristine beaches and unbelievable natural beauty of Efate Island.

Iririki Island Resort & Spa

Set among 69 acres of lush tropical gardens with sweeping views of the crystal clear blue waters of Vanuatu, you’ll soon discover why the locals call it paradise.  Iririki offers a wide variety of accommodation to suit all budgets and is now more family friendly than ever. The complimentary ferry runs 24 hours a day on demand and offers you the chance to enjoy the colourful markets, shops, restaurants and bars in the township.

There's an abundance of activities and tours to choose from such as kayaking, windsurfing or swimming at some of the world's best snorkelling spots - enjoy the rich and active tropical sea life in the crystal clear, warm waters that make Vanuatu truly unforgettable.

Mele Beach Retreat

Your home away from home.  Mele Beach Retreat has all the luxuries, comforts and mod cons you have at home with daily maid service added in on top. Mele Beach is located right beside the golf course and a short walk to Hideaway Island.

A personalised fishing charter service on a 6.7m Stabicraft with Shimano fishing rods and reels is available from Mele Beach Retreat with a skipper who is very familiar with the surrounding waters and famous Marlin Highway.

Coongoola Day Cruise

This is a “Must do” excursion ideal for all ages, either for guests staying at Tranquillity or in Port Vila.

“Coongoola” is a spacious 23 mtr timber sailing ketch with twin diesel back up power, dinghies, snorkelling gear, and can carry up to 60 passengers.

Visit secluded coves and beaches of fine white coral sand. Snorkel or dive in crystal clear warm water. Feed tame fish, maybe see dolphins at play, and visit a baby turtle conservation rookery. Enjoy a dip in the clear crystal water, Snorkel the coral reef, savour a delicious BBQ lunch, soak up the sun with a cool drink or two, or curl up on the sand under a palm tree and relax.

Cruise includes transfers from Tranquillity and Port Vila, morning / afternoon tea, BBQ lunch and snorkelling gear.

Santo, Vanuatu

Home to the world's largest accessible WWII wreck - SS President Coolidge

• Wrecks, wrecks and more wrecks!
• The World famous wreck of the SS President Coolidge
• Million Dollar Point, USS Tucker and the Tui Tawate

A one-hour flight from Port Vila is the island of Espiritu Santo, an island of lush beauty and golden beaches. This once sleepy island came to prominence during WWII when over 100,000 US and Allied troops were stationed there to repel Japanese invasion. One such American, Lt James Michener, was so inspired by Santo that it became the basis of his book "Tales of the South Pacific". Today Santo is a Mecca for divers from all over the world because of the diversity of the diving offered, ranging from live coral to spectacular wrecks.

It is the final resting place of the 22,000 tonne liner turned troopship “SS President Coolidge" and the destroyer “USS Tucker", both victims of US placed mines.

Due to the close proximity of surrounding islands and the tropical climate, dive sites are well protected and the waters remain calm and warm year round. Water temperatures range from 25 to 30° C with visibility from 10m to 40m. All dive sites can be reached within 15 to 30 minutes of departure from the dive shop by either boat or shore access.

The diving

The main draw card in Santo is the wreck of the SS President Coolidge. This luxury ocean liner was converted into a US troopship during WWII and sank off the coast of Santo after hitting a mine.

Lying with the bow at 18 metres and the stern in 73 metres, the 198 metre long wreck is awesome. Almost completely intact, you can swim through the numerous holds and decks viewing the reminders of her glory days as a cruise liner and her days as a troop ship. There are guns, cannons, jeeps, helmets, trucks and personal supplies left by some of the soldiers, as well as the beautiful porcelain statue of “The Lady,” chandeliers and a mosaic tile fountain. The wreck is covered in coral and is home to a plethora of sea life such including turtles, barracuda, lionfish, and a host of reef fish.

There are more dives available on the “Coolidge” than you’ll have time for, but when you want to take a break from it, there are several other wrecks to check out, Million Dollar Point where millions of dollars worth of military equipment were dumped after WWII, plus coral reefs to explore.

Gearing up to Dive SS President Coolidge

The dive operation:

There are several different dive operators all offering guided dives. We use Santo Island Diving, whose guides are highly trained and qualified dive guides on the Coolidge and who have been guiding on the Coolidge for many years. They are fully qualified to cater to novice, advanced and technical divers.

Aore Island Resort is a magnificent beachfront resort set on a secluded private tropical island 3km across the bay from Luganville town. Working cattle and coconut plantations surrounds the resort.

The accommodation at Aore Island Resort is in 16 comfortable well-appointed bungalows built along the beach, surrounded by lush tropical gardens. All rooms have private bathrooms, fridges, electric fans and tea/coffee making facilities. The resort also features a quality open-air restaurant and bar on the beach, which provides you with stunning views.  Enjoy entertainment from the locals while you dine on your feast from the kitchen.

Aore Island diving operation is on site to take you to all the great diving spots including the SS President Coolidge.

Deco Stop Lodge

Deco Stop is nestled in tropical gardens on a hillside overlooking Luganville. The views are spectacular and there is no better place to be at the end of a great day's diving than sitting on the deck with a long cold drink in hand, watching the sun set over the Segond Channel.
Deco Stop is the perfect resort for dive groups or couples. All units have been recently refurbished and feature a small fridge, tea and coffee making facilities, ceiling fan, insect screening and private bathroom and are made up daily with crisp fresh linen, towels and flowers.
The bar, restaurant, pool and sundeck all overlook the ocean. The fully stocked bar and restaurant offer tasty options for your dining pleasure and local tours can be organised on your behalf.

At night you'll often find the entertainment in the bar, plus custom dancing and string band nights.
Deco Stop is serviced by Santo Island Diving who do door to door pick up.

Flying to Vanuatu

Dive Fish Snow Travel have
Special Diver's/Anglers Airfares

Air Vanuatu has been flying the “Friendly Skies” for nearly 24 years. Since December 1987, the airline has served Vanuatu proudly, carrying visitors and residents to and from the beautiful Vanuatu islands.

Air Vanuatu operates a new Boeing 737-800 on its international services to and from Australia, New Zealand and Vanuatu. This aircraft captures the true essence of the Vanuatu islands - the sea, sand, mountains and volcano. Calm interior colours, leather seats and the welcoming smiles of Ni Vanuatu cabin crew make the in-flight experience one you will enjoy.

• Daily flights from Vila - Santo - Vila
• Auckland - Vila - Auckland flying every Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday & Sunday

100 Things I learnt on my holiday to Vanuatu

This great little brochure has some real gems and ideas to make your trip to Vanuatu even more enjoyable.

Email us here for your copy – travel@divefishsnow.co.nz

Ph: 09-479 2210 Toll Free NZ: 0508 348 334 Free Phone AU: 1-800-042-195 Email: divetravel@divefishsnow.co.nz

Win a Dive Holiday to Papua new Guinea
Winning details announced in June!

Dive Fish Snow Travel is proud to be associated with Papua New Guinea’s most professional airlines, dive operators and Resorts. Thanks to the wonderful people at Air Niugini, PNG Tourism, Walindi Resort and Madang Resort, you can be in to win a trip for 2 for an incredible 14 night holiday to one of the world’s last frontiers forworld class diving. Experience wrecks, swim throughs, pygmy seahorses, big fish, colourful corals, mantas, a huge number of fish species and so the list continues, all in the warm sparkling clear waters of this underwater photographers paradise.

The Prize Includes for two people:

• Return economy class airfares ex Brisbane to Port Moresby and internal airfares within PNG on Air Niugini.
• 7 nights accommodation at Madang Resort with airport transfers and 10 dive package.
• 7 nights accommodation at Walindi Resort in a beachfront Bungalow with airport transfers and 10 dive package – includes 3 meals per day, tanks and weight belt and daily laundry service.

As a DiveTimes Subscriber you are already in the Draw to win this great prize - if you are not a subscriber you can Enter here »

Our Special Feature - Happy to Answer your questions.

We hope you enjoyed reading our special feature on Diving & Fishing the Vanuatu. Our Dive & Fish Travel Specialists are only too happy to answer any questions you may have.

You can contact them either by replying to this newsletter or sending your queries or comments to travel@divefishsnow.co.nz or simply give us a call.

Ph: 09-479 2210 Toll Free NZ: 0508 348 334 Free Phone AU: 1-800-042-195 Email: divetravel@divefishsnow.co.nz

Forward this newsletter to your Dive Buddy or Fishing mates. If you enjoyed reading it so will they.