Vanutau comprises 83 islands scattered over 12,000 square kilometers (4,633 square miles) of ocean. The islands are linked by sea and by air. The more populous islands (Efate, Tanna, Espiritu Santo) have a reasonably developed internal transport infrastructure with roads and gas stations, but don't count on these in the outer islands.

Getting Around

By Air

Air Vanuatu runs regularly scheduled service throughout the islands. The planes are small and loud, and many of the “airports” are simple airstrips, often made of grass. The airports at Port Vila, Whitegrass (Tanna), and Luganville (Espiritu Santo) have sales desks that are open daily from 6am to 6pm. The main office in Vila is open Monday to Friday 7:30am to 5pm and Saturday 8am to 11:30am. Fares depend on distance to destination. Vanuatu Helicopters fly just about anywhere in the group on request, and price is by arrangement. Their office is on the seawall on the Vila waterfront by the Nambawan Café. There are also smaller charter operations (see More Information).

By Ferry

There is no regular ferry service between Port Vila and the various other islands of the group. Several operators run mixed cargo/passenger services when they fill the boat; news of impending departures is available on public radio and by asking at the harbor. The boats are cramped and uncomfortable, if not downright dangerous, and the journeys are long, so this mode is best avoided by all but the hardiest and most adventurous of travelers. Transport around the coast of the outer islands is by speedboat; prices and timetables are by negotiation. Ask a local.

By Bus

On Efate only, any minivan with a red B on the license plate or in the window is a bus. There are designated bus stops, but buses are hailed anywhere with a raised arm or other conspicuous signal to the driver. Routes are decided ad hoc, depending where passengers want to go. Prices within Vila are VT100 per person. The fare doubles to destinations in the immediate outskirts of town, and you’ll need to negotiate if you plan to go further — it is wise to do the negotiating before setting off. Other companies (such as Adventures in Paradise) operate larger, air-conditioned vehicles for charter and tour groups. Some do airport and resort transfers by arrangement.

By Taxi

On Efate, taxis are vehicles with a T on the license plate, on the roof, or in the window. You can hire a taxi to take you on a tour. On other islands, taxis are usually pick-up trucks, and you’re likely to have to ride on the deck. On the outer islands, you can usually hail any private vehicle and come to an agreement with the driver.

More Information

Air Vanuatu: tel. 23-878; www.airvanuatu.com.vu

Vanuatu Helicopters: phone: tel. 77/44-106; www.vanuatuhelicopters.com

Air Safaris: tel. 77/45-207 or 77/92-227; email: flights@airsafaris.vu

Air Taxi-Vanuatu: tel. 554-4206; www.airtaxivanuatu.com

Unity Airlines: tel. 24-475; email: unity-airlines@vanuatu.com.vu

Fresh Cargo Ltd: tel. 22-660; email: freshcargovanuatu@gmail.com

Ifira Shipping Company Ltd: tel. 24-135

Toara Coastal Shipping Company: tel. 22-370

Adventures in Paradise: tel. 25-200; email: paradise@vanuatu.com.vu

When to Go

Climate

Vanuatu has a tropical climate with a dry season (warm days, cool nights, little rainfall) between May and October. Tourists and yachties avoid the hotter, more humid and cyclone-prone rainy season. The wettest month is March, and the driest is August. Coastal temperatures range between 23?C in (73°F) August to 27?C (81°F) in February; the annual average temperature is 26°C (79°F).

Calendar of Events

John Frum Day takes place in February, when a cargo cult (a tribal religious practice born out of historical contact with technologically advanced societies) based in a village in southeast Tanna celebrates its deity with song, dance, and feasting. During Naghol (Land Diving), young men on Pentecost island leap from 30m- (98 ft.-) high bamboo platforms with vines fastened around their ankles in order to guarantee a rich yam harvest. The timing depends on the yam season; it’s usually in April or May. The Vanuatu Marlin Classic is a 10-day tag and release fishing competition held in June in Vanuatu’s little-known but world-class game fishing grounds. There is great fishing and rich prizes. Intended to keep the "kastom" (traditions) of north Ambrym alive, the three-day Back to My Roots Festival, held in August, is open to visitors. The highlight is the spectacular Rom dance.

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