Kreuzfahrt nach
Port Vila

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.

Make the most of your time in Port Vila on this excursion which will take you from one end of the port to the other, as you take in some of Port Vila’s most fascinating cultural attractions along the way.

Visit the National Museum where you’ll learn about Vanuatu’s unique geology, history, rich culture and customs.

Located within a privately owned tropical garden, is the Nicholai Michoutouchkine and Aloi Pilioko Foundation. The eye-catching artwork collection consists of various mediums, memorabilia, ornate carvings and masks.

Upon arrival at the the urban Pango Village, you will be welcome by fierce looking warriors performing a traditional dance to the beat of tribal drums. Enjoy a leisurely stroll around the Mama’s markets shopping for local handicraft products and souvenirs before you head back to the ship.

Go for a guided paddle over Port Vila’s offshore coral reefs in a completely clear kayak and experience a fresh new vantage point on the underwater world. Afterwards, do some swimming or snorkel exploring on your own.

Beauty from above & below the surface

Depart the pier on a 10-minute boat transfer to meet your kayaking guide for a safety briefing and gear-up before embarking on a unique tropical adventure in your single or double-seat kayak. Glide through the crystal blue waters of Port Vila in a clear kayak offering unparalleled 360-degree visibility into the reef landscape below the surface. The clear, calm waters of Snorkelers Cove brim with plentiful corals and abundant fish life – and your guide will help you identify and understand what you’re seeing immediately beneath your feet as you float over this vibrant marine playground.

After about 30 minutes of above-the-water exploring, you’ll have a second half hour to don a mask and snorkel to slip beneath the surface for a free-form personal inspection of what’s going on today in this bustling reef. It’s a beautiful world.

Your outing concludes with a short 10-minute boat ride back to the pier.

With its blend of cultural exchange, chocolate-making insights, and refreshing swim time at a lapis blue lagoon, this comprehensive excursion will open your eyes – and several other senses – to Vanuatu’s diverse cultural and natural assets.

Visits to a cultural community and a chocolate factory

The drive from the pier to Pepeyo Cultural Village takes just 30 minutes but carries you deep into the realm of Vanuatu’s rich traditions and identity as an island nation. During your 45-minute visit to this lively community, varied presentations will showcase the local ways of life – from utilitarian aspects like fishing and hunting to the more celebratory rituals of firewalking and musicmaking. Overall, you’ll leave with a clearer understanding of what it is like to be Vanuatuan.

Next up on the agenda is a visit to the ACTIV Center, where local handicrafts, artworks, and – above all –chocolate delicacies are presented. See works sculpted by artisans from all six provinces of Vanuatu. Visit a shop offering local vanilla, pepper, and other spices. And view the chocolate-making process underway in a full-scale factory where award-worthy products are produced and sold. The AELAN Chocolate brand sources its raw cocoa from co-ops around the islands; you’ll have the chance to savor a delicious taste or two of the finished products.

A swim in the blue lagoon

Despite the vibrance of what you’ve already seen, a short drive onward brings you to perhaps the most colorful stop of the day – the crystal blue waters of Efate’s only true Blue Lagoon. A large nature pool of gorgeous aquamarine, it fairly begs you to jump in for a swim. Or you could simply relax in the setting and watch the young locals who often swing crazily into the water for other visitors’ entertainment. Local fruit refreshments will be provided during your hour-long visit. Afterwards, the scenic drive back to the pier takes about 35 minutes.  

Learn about Port Vila's colonial history in a brief yet insightful journey. Visit Erakor Wharf, Independence Park, and key viewpoints for a snapshot of Port Vila's scenic and historical landmarks.

Port Vila

The perfect introduction to your Vanuatu visit! See the best city sights and take a journey of discovery as we learn about the traditional villages of Port Vila, the chaotic British and French colonial history, and encounter Port Vila life today as we finish the tour at the bustling Central Market and Mahitahi Handicraft Market.

Nothing plays havoc with a visit to Paradise like finding throngs of other visitors visiting the same places that you are. This adventurous excursion offers two delightful chances to leave the crowds behind as you explore a pair of nearly secret “happy places.”

Forest Waterfalls and Natural Pools

A half-hour drive from the pier brings you to the start of a trail leading to Port Vila’s best-kept secret waterfalls and freshwater pools. Hike in along pristine pathways and raised boardwalks that wind through a lush tropical landscape to reach a series of interconnected cascades that tumble into crystal-clear natural pools surrounded by pristine green nature. Bolder swimmers can make their way to the upper pools and swim to a hidden cave under the main falls, where a hidden ledge allows you to sit behind the rushing water torrents. Those feeling less ambitious might prefer to just drift in lazy comfort within the lower pools.

Moana Bay Beach

After an hour at the falls, reboard the van for a scenic 20-minute hop to Moana Bay Beach, a privately owned stretch of shoreline that seems ripped from the pages of a coffee table book about perfect beaches. Often described as one of the best strands in Vanuatu (and for an archipelago with plenty of beaches, that’s saying something), this classic horseshoe-shaped bay is all about soft white sand, azure blue water, and little else. If a saltwater swim is on your to-do list today, your tour guide will be on hand to point out the best spots for entering the water in this calm refuge. Otherwise, you’ll have better than an hour here to soak up the unspoiled beauty of this place – and nibble on the fresh tropical fruit platter provided. Tea or coffee is on hand, too. At the end of your beach break, the port is about 20 minutes away.

Experience a half-day in the life of an Oceanian as you visit a traditional Vanuatu community, bask on the shores of a secluded beach, and graze the bustling stalls of Port Vila's renowned handicraft market.

A cultural village and a crescent beach

Your immersion begins with a 30-minute drive and a leap backward in time as you leave the modern port city in the rearview and visit a traditional cultural village where age-old Vanuatuan customs and rituals remain unchanged by any hint of progress. As welcoming as they are fascinating, the Indigenous locals will guide you through many aspects of how they live, work, and celebrate life here in their rainforest hamlet.

A different sort of daily rhythm prevails at your next stop – and has much to do with the gentle dance of the tides and the sun. You’ve arrived at idyllic Moana Bay Beach, where you’ll spend the next 90 minutes swimming, sunbathing, or just kicking back and taking in the exquisite scenery of this secluded paradise of soft white sand and crystal-clear Pacific water – far from the crowds and close to perfect.

Handicraft Market

Following the tranquility of the shoreline, prepare to be re-immersed in bustling city life as you circle back to town and the charming chaos of Port Vila Handicraft Market. Within its rows of colorful stalls, this vibrant island marketplace seems to have it all – handwoven baskets, intricately carved wood crafts, sewn fabrics, worked metal, and other unique artisanal objects that reflect the Vanuatuan culture. Spend an hour or so grazing and engaging with amiable locals – and maybe spot something that will look great in your living room or den back at home. Afterwards, the pier is just a 15-minute drive away.

Learn about marine conservation efforts firsthand from local staff at Mangaliliu Village, where they share their conservation practices and efforts to preserve the marine ecosystem.

Mangaliliu Village, Snorkel, Coral Gardens

The reefs surrounding Vanuatu are world-renowned for their visibility and rich sea life. On this eco-focused excursion, you’ll snorkel the coral gardens of Mangaliliu Village and gain an insider’s view on the marine conservation programs in place to help preserve this fragile, precious ecosystem.

Mangaliliu is 30 minutes from the pier by van, and you’ll be greeted by the local dive team and introduced to the conservation area on today’s agenda. With three hours to spend here, you’ll have plenty of time to ask questions, learn about which practices have yielded the best results – and to gear up and spend a generous amount of time in the water exploring and appreciating the vibrant coral landscape and diverse marine life that thrives here. While you never know what you’ll see, be on the lookout for notable local reef residents like the striped clownfish, polka-dotted humpback groupers, and the occasional sea turtle or ray gliding by your field of vision. Once back on land, a planned stop at the local canteen provides beautiful water overlooks and a quick refreshment of local tropical fruits. But don’t overeat – your full lunch is yet to come, and it will be scenic, too.

Harborside lunch & crafts in Port Vila

The scenic drive back from Mangaliliu leads straight to Port Vila harbor and the Moorings Hotel, overlooking Fatumaru Bay. Replenish your internal fuel reserves with a relaxed buffet lunch, and digest the full plate of natural wonder you’ve encountered this day. After lunch, you’ll visit Mama’s Market, final stop on this outing. Take some free time to browse the busy stalls offering local crafts, jewelry, flowers, and produce – then reboard the van for the short transfer back to the pier.

Visit a tropical paradise on Efate for a thrilling walk across a series of rope suspension bridges crisscrossing a Vanuatuan river and its stunning canyon at successively greater heights. Catch outstanding views, enjoy fresh fruit in the gardens, and perhaps a dip in the swimming hole.

Rope suspension bridge walk in the river canyon

From Port Vila pier, it’s a scenic 45-minute drive to reach Eden. Eden on the River, that is – a former cattle farm that’s been creatively transformed into an adventure park with a natural river canyon as its main attraction. After a safety briefing, you’ll be ready to take on the delightful challenge of crossing the progression of suspension bridges that span the river’s canyon.  

The trek begins gently, winding through landscaped gardens to reach the first rope bridge. At just 23m / 75 ft long, it’s perfect for building your confidence as you get a feel for the footing. The excitement builds as you come to the second bridge, twice as long as the first and suspended around 3m/10 ft over the river. The final suspension walkway spans the full breadth of the canyon at a height of some 23m / 75 ft over the river. It’s a thrill – and a bit of a test of nerves for some – but those who muster their courage are rewarded with stunning views of this unspoiled Eden.

Refreshments in the garden & a possible swim

Having survived the gauntlet of the bridges intact, savor a freshly picked tropical fruit platter from the gardens. Depending on timing and river conditions, you might be able to take a quick dip in the park’s freshwater swimming hole. Or wander the beautiful gardens until the return drive to the pier begins.

There’s no faster way to get acquainted with a distant culture than to taste what the locals nibble and sip daily. This sampling excursion ventures into Vanuatu’s bustling capital of Port Vila to bring you inside the facilities of producers whose tasteful commodities are a part of everyday island life.

Coffee, chocolate, kava, coconut oil

Full-bodied and aromatic, Tanna Coffee is carefully roasted from Arabica beans grown in volcanic soils and sourced from small-hold farmers throughout Oceania. You’ll spend 30 minutes at their roastery and enjoy a complimentary tasting session. Then it’s on to Aelan Chocolate Factory, an award-winning, cooperative enterprise that prides itself in making not only the irresistible semi-sweet stuff but also a range of artisanal products reflecting the region and its unique cultural heritage. You’ll spend your 30 minutes here observing how cacao becomes chocolate, how the famously numbing kava beverage is derived from ground pepper roots, and how coconut oil gets extracted. Sample the chocolate and enjoy a small gift container of their finished coconut oil.

Rum & spirits distillery 

Not far from Aelan Chocolate in distance but worlds away on the flavor spectrum, the 83 Islands Distillery crafts small-batch rums made from locally sourced heirloom sugarcane and infused with signature Vanuatuan essences – including kava. Sampling their array of flavored rums and gins provides a delightful sensory journey into the local palate, served up by knowledgeable hosts at a uniquely designed tasting bar. At the end of your hour-long tour and tasting, the drive back through town to the pier takes about 20 minutes.

Just off the north coast of Efate, an even smaller volcanic island rises from the Pacific waters. Home to pale turquoise lagoons teeming with colorful marine life and four tiny villages with tough-to-pronounce names, Pele Island deserves to be on any snorkeler’s or beach explorer’s must-see list. Conveniently, this remote utopia is just an hour from Port Vila by van and small boat.

Pele Island

As you approach, you’ll be welcomed by thick stands of emerald palms, white sandy beaches, crystalline waters – and the Paramount Chief of the island, who will take you on a brief tour of his village while providing insights into this tropical paradise’s history, culture, and day-to-day lifestyle. After the walk, set up shop for your afternoon of delightful leisure here. There’s plenty to do – or as little as you wish. Sunbathing, swimming, kayaking, breeze-appreciating. But perhaps the main attraction on Pele is found below the surface. Grab some complimentary gear and hop on the boat for a lift out to the famous lagoon snorkeling site a hundred meters offshore. The water is magnificent – and so is the underwater scenery.

Prefer to stay behind for other shoreside activities?  No problem. Either way, you’ll want to work up an appetite because “Wawa George,” the island cook, is whipping up a tropical buffet lunch for you. More freeform activity time follows. There are also friendly locals to mingle with before afternoon tea is served, and fond farewells are exchanged along the shoreline as you reboard the boat for the trip back to the main island. You’ll long remember their smiles and waves, and the magical place they live.