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Tenaya -Introduction to Vanuatu - Katie and Jim Thomsen

Tanaya - Port Resolution


White Hawk - Paul and Lynn
Sunstone - Tom and Vicky Jackson


Grand Pa’s Maps - Mike Bickell


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Cruising Vanuatu


Places Covered - Please note the dates of these reports and treat with CAUTION

Anse de Lavaissiere 21°29.50'S, 166°03.65'E - report dates from 2010      
Aneityum - Anelcouhat 20°14.40, S169°46.80'E– Grand Pa’s Maps - Mike Bickell    
Itchyepthav – 20°08.50'S,169°46.60'E Grand Pa’s Maps - Mike Bickell    
Lenakel - Tanna 19°32.00'S,169°15.90'E – Grand Pa’s Maps - Mike Bickell
Port Resolution 19°31.60'S,169°29.80'E – Grand Pa’s Maps - Mike Bickell
Port Resolution 19°31.60'S,169°29.80'E- See Tenya website for plan
Efate Island - Port Vila – 17°44.70'S,168°18.70'E Grand Pa’s Maps - Mike Bickell
Port Vila 17°44.30'S,168°15.60'E - report dates from 2013   
Efate Island - Port Vila 2 17°44.10'S,168°18.40'E – Grand Pa’s Maps - Mike Bickell
Efate Island - Havannah Harbour 17°36.30'S,168°12.00'Eposition approx –Grand Pa’s Maps - Mike Bickell
Havannah Harbour 17°33’08S,168°16’9E - report dates from 2001/2      
Na ora Mantou 17°25’60S,168°19’4E - report dates from 2001/2      
Emae island 17°03.10'S,168°22.23'E- report dates from 2010      
Epi Island - Revolieu Bay 16°43.30'S,168°08.50'E – Grand Pa’s Maps - Mike Bickell
Lamen Bay, Epi 16°35.80'S,168°09.80'E - report dates from 2010       
Epi Island - Lamen Bay 16°35.70'S,168°09.80'E   Grand Pa’s Maps - Mike Bickell
Awei Bay, Maskelyne Islands 16°32.10'S,167.46.20E- report dates from 2010       
Lanur Island 16°30’79S,167°35’6E - report dates from 2001/2      
Gaspard Bay, Malekula 16°28.60'S,167°48.87'E - report dates from 2010      
Port Sandwich Malekula 16°26’36S,167°46.8E - report dates from 2001/2       
Hook point, Malakula 16°24.99'S,67°24.24'E - report dates from 2010      
Malakula Island - Banam Bay 16°20.40'S,167°45.30'E – Grand Pa’s Maps - Mike Bickell
Craig Cove 16°15’36S,167°55’21E - report dates from 2001/2      
Baouma Point, Ambryn 16°11.66'S,168°01.92'E - report dates from 2010      
Lumbumbu Bay, Malekula 16°11.14'S,167°00.23'E - report dates from 2010      
Crab Bay 16°10’10S,167°31’87E - report dates from 2001/2      
Ranvetlam 16°10’10S,167°31’87E - report dates from 2001/2      
Ravetlam, Ambryn 16°09.80'S,168°06.45'E - report dates from 2010      
Malekula Island - Crab Bay 16°09.40'S, 167°30.20'E– Grand Pa’s Maps - Mike Bickell
Port Stephen 16°06’42S,167°28’10E - report dates from 2001/2      
Port Stanley, Norsup 16°03 '69S,167°23’89E - report dates from 2001/2      
Malau, Malekula 15°59.52'S,167°11.05'E - report dates from 2010      
Malekula Island - Wala Island 15°58.50'S,167°22.40'E – Grand Pa’s Maps - Mike Bickell
Aore Resort, Luganville 15°32.20'S,167°10.84'E - report dates from 2009      
Aore Resort 15°32.00'S,167°10.10'E – Grand Pa’s Maps - Mike Bickell   
Espiritu Santo - Luganville 15°31.50'S,167°09.90'E – Grand Pa’s Maps - Mike Bickell
Luganville 15°24’55S,167° 34’0E- report dates from 2001/2      
Asanvari 15°22’65S,168°07’94E- report dates from 2001/2      
Loltong Bay 15°22’65S,168°08’8E - report dates from 2001/2      
Loltong, Pentecost 15°22.72'S,168°08.87'E - report dates from 2013      
Santo - Oyster Island 15°22.70'S,167°11.70'E– Grand Pa’s Maps - Mike Bickell
Oyster Bay, Port Peterson 15°22.35'S,167°11.45'E - report dates from 2010      
Asanvari, Maewo 15°22.60'S,168°07.96'E- report dates from 2010      
Lolowai, Ambea 15°16.90'S,167°58.70'E - report dates from 2010      
Santo - Hog Harbour 15°08.50'S,167°07.20'E – Grand Pa’s Maps - Mike Bickell
Port Orly 15°02.17'S,167°05.02'E- report dates from 2010      
Lakona Bay, Gaua Islan 14°18.22'S,67°25.89'E - report dates from 2010      
Gaua 14°16.20'S,167°24.60'E Grand Pa’s Maps - Mike Bickell   
Sola, Port Patteson 13°52.38'S,167°33.24'E - report dates from 2010      
Reef Islands, Banks Group 13°38.19'S,167°30.39'E - report dates from 2010      
Ureparapara Island Divers Bay 13°36’61E,167°20’23E - report dates from 2001/2      
Ureparapara – 13°32.60'S,167°20.00'E Grand Pa’s Maps - Mike Bickell    
Lateu or Scarf Bay 13°15’00E,166°38’95E - report dates from 2001/2      
Hayter Bay 13°148’8S,66°35’69E- report dates from 2001/2      
Torres Islands - Tegua 13°14.80'S,166°35.90'E – Grand Pa’s Maps - Mike Bickell
Vanua Lava - Waterfall Bay 12°46.50'S, 167°23.20'E– Grand Pa’s Maps - Mike Bickell


Vanuatu notes on harbours and anchorages
Listed roughly South to North


Contributors to Vanuatu
Beth Bushnell Splinters Apprentice 2001, 2009, 2010, David Caukill 2013, George Curtis 2002
Ports of entry Vila, Luganville, Sola, Tanna.
Cruising permit from Customs required. Then check in at ports with Customs Luganville, Sola, Tanna. No pre notification yet. Wait onboard for Quarantine to clear vessel then proceed ashore to clear Customs and Immigration.
Visa issued on arrival initially for 1 month but once /cruising Permit obtained maybe extended to 4 months.
Control of foreign yachts; Relaxed but important to check in enroute. Attitude of officials; Friendly, helpful.
Repair and hauling facifities; Port Vila .
Old fathom charts are best if you can find them.
Cruising Guides; Miz Mae’s guide, Vanuatu by Tiews and Hearne, Tusker guide on CD (free), Rocket guide on CD (expensive). All obtainable in NZ or Australia.
No port radio services
Can subscribe to Vanuatu weather forecasting and they will send daily to you via email.” Rag Of The Air” on 8173 usb at 1920 GMT gives a synopsis of weather for the pacific islands including Vanuatu islands
Yacht Club In Port vila
Visa; these are issued for 1 month renewable up to a total of 4 months and can be issued in Vila or Luganville. We discovered that after obtaining our cruising permit (free) from customs it was possible to obtain visa extensions for 3 months from Immigration by explaining we would be going straight to the Banks and Torres. This safes a lot of messing around as otherwise one is supposed to give a weeks notice of visa renewal.
There is a fee of 3,000 vatu payable on entry for quarantine and on exit port dues are levied at 7,000vatu for the first 30 days then 100vatu /day. In 2001 1pound=200+ vatu.
Duty Free fuel and booze obtainable with clearance papers.

Anse de Lavaissiere - report dates from 2010
21°29.50'S,
166°03.65'E

Not as good as it looks. We found there was an irritating roll with SSE 20kts. Good holding 10m sand. In future we would look at the SE corner of Ilot Nani. It appeared flatter and less gusty. There is a village ashore which we did not visit. As we left we went north around Pointe Menah, inside the reef, entrance marked by Red and Green buoys, 4m in passage, into Anse Ouasse. There are a series of 6 bays all of which looked good to anchor but the first looked really good. The water was flat, no surge, with a village in the south corner. We wished we had anchored here thr previous night. The north exit is very easy just keep close in and skirt the fringing reef. The water was clear and we had 26m in the channel.

Aneityum - Anelcouhat – Grand Pa’s Maps - Mike Bickell 20°14.40'S 169°46.80'E

Itchyepthav – Grand Pa’s Maps - Mike Bickell 20°08.50'S 169°46.60'E

Lenakel - Tanna – Grand Pa’s Maps - Mike Bickell19°32.00'S169°15.90'E

Port Resolution – Grand Pa’s Maps - Mike Bickell 19°31.60'S 169°29.80'E

Port Resolution - See Tenaya, Katie and Jim Thomsen for plan 19°31.60'S 169°29.80'E


EFATE ISLAND

Port Vila, Vanuatu. Lat 17.44.3S, Long 168.15.6E

Port of Entry, Capital of Vanuatu Some anchoring but not the worlds best holding. Mooring Buoys or Wall med moor through Yachting World, VHF 16 or email in advance. They have a web site full of useful info.
Formal Requirements for Yachts Entering/Departing: Cruising Permit from Customs necessary , no charge. Need to list islands to visit so take a list with you. Anchor by Quarantine buoy till Quarantine come out to clear you( Fee 3000vatu).
Port Vila Harbour never answer the VHF so best to call Yachting World on vhf 16 after 0800 local and they will in form quarantine/customs for you. No clearance at weekends or public holidays. Hours from 0730-1130, 1330-1630..
A cautionary warning to anyone coming into the inner harbour - the power lines that cross from the mainland are marked on the chart as being 27m height over the MAIN channel.(Reported June 2013 as being only 19m).
Visa Given on entry initially 1 month but once cruising permit in hand can revisit Immigration and they will grant visas for 4 months. Initial charge of 4000vatu to clear in but no charge for extension. On exit 700vatu for first 30 days then 100vatu/day to customs.
Location/Existence of: Harbour master Main wharf Customs/immigration Main wharf Health authorities At hospital in town Police In town
Attitude of officials Friendly, helpful not officious.
Some repair facilities in other bay - most things can be fixed here other than electronics. Port Officers (Sam and Jess Bell) are a good source of local advice.
BMA charts better than DMA, Old fathom ones the best if you can find them as show lots of anchorages.
Cruising guide on CD Tusker guide (free),  The digital Rocket guide is expensive but is up to date and accurate.
 Books Vanuatu by Tews and Hearne, old but useful. Miz Mae’s guide still some around useful. Do not trust the GPS positions of any of these.
Port radio exists but they never answer
Fiji weatherfax maps posted daily on wall of Connect Internet Café, Waterfront Restaurant.
Vanuatu YC along main street past banks, very hospitable.
Water at Yachting World, free if using their moorings otherwise charged
Fuel; Yachting World alongside quay. Duty Free fuel on leaving worthwhile.
Gas; visit by dingy.
Chandlery; Can get some bits and pieces
Banks; ANZ, Westpak, Bank of Vanuatu, FPB. All take UK debit cards.
Good central market, produce changes almost daily and is seasonal so early in May there were no Tomatoes. Best supermarket is the Bon Marche to the south of town. Turn right out of Waterfront , up the hill about 10min walk or take the bus 100 vatu.
Lots good quality restaurants/hotels;. Waterfront has yachtie specials and reductions on Beer.
In town PO and international phones. Digicel Mobile phones work in 80% of the islands, cost 500vatu for Sim card with 250 vatu credit. Calls to UK 60vatu/min (165vatu = £1, 2009) Several internet cafes, but Connect Café at Waterfront , part of Yachting World set up has wifi to the moorings (not all furthest cant get it). 800vatu for 1hour, 3000vatu for 24hrs (to be used within 1 month of first login).
Best mailing address; Yachting World
Showers, YW Laundry; YW, 1000vatu per load, wash dry and folded.
Airport international.
Full hospital public and private (best).
Good place to stock up before heading north. All fresh fruit, veg and meat are taken off boat on entry by Quarantine.
A pleasant town, lively. Good place to leave boat to do inland trips or visit Tanna by air. Crew change possible but see Yachting world web site for forms necessary for new crew to enter country. It is not cheap. Food prices are 20% higher than NZ more like Europe but can get imported goods at a price.
See also

Efate Island - Port Vila –See Grand Pa’s Maps - Mike Bickell 17°44.70'S 168°18.70'E


Efate Island - Port Vila 2 – Grand Pa’s Maps - Mike Bickell
17°44.10'S
168°18.40'E


Havannah Harbour lat 17°33’08S, long 168°16’9E
Anchor in the SE by the mangroves. The holding is excellent in thick mud in 5m. Villagers from the island have their gardens here and will stop to offer fruit etc. We saw a Dugong here. There is a track to the main road and the bread man passes at approx 7.15 each morning.

See Also
Efate Island - Havannah Harbour –Grand Pa’s Maps - Mike Bickell 17°36.30' 168°12.00'E position approx

NGOUNA ISLAND

Na ora Mantou lat 17°25’60S, long 168°19’4E
Useful but rolly anchorage. 15m sand and coral.

ESMAE ISLAND

Emae island - report dates from 2010   17°03.10'S,    168°22.23'E
Emae island, Vanuatu Lat 17.03.007S,Long 168.22.23E Useful stop between Efate and Epi heading N or S to avoid overnight passage. Anchor. Nice anchorage on sand with scattered coral patches easily seen in clear water in 6-14m. Reef forms a nice bight to drop in. can be rolly if wind drops. Protected in normal trade conditions. Water unlikely Small concern ashore but we did not visit. I have been told can do local style meals. Mobile phone Vanuatu Digicel, works here Make sure you have a light at night as local trading boats sometimes arrive after dark. Village ashore not visited.

EPI ISLAND

Epi Island - Revolieu Bay – Grand Pa’s Maps - Mike Bickell 16°43.30'S 168°08.50'E

Lamen Bay lat 16°35’89S, log 168°09’7E
Lamen Bay, Epi, Vanuatu Lat 16.35.8S, Long 168.09.8E Good anchorage enroute through Vanuatu. Easy entry, well protected in normal Trade wind conditions. Anchor Water might be possible ashore in small quantities Small shop Small lodge ashore Mobile phone (Digicel) works here. Airport in north of bay with flights to Port Vila daily. Small clinic Pleasant anchorage in 5-10m sand. Good holding but can be rolly depending on swell. Villagers keen to meet people and friendly. Dugongs in the bay.

See Also:
Epi Island - Lamen Bay – – Grand Pa’s Maps - Mike Bickell 16°35.70'S 168°09.80'E

MASKELYNE ISLANDS

Awei Bay, Maskelyne Islands, S. Malakula, Vanuatu. 16.32.10S, 167.46.20E
report dates from 2010:
Pretty, well sheltered, good snorkelling on reef. Reef table to south covers, just, at HW otherwise land locked, 7m sand. Water visibility can be low at times. anchor Always flat amongst the islands. Good place to wait for crossing down to Port Vila. We left via SW passage ,easy but tide rips outside in 15-20kts SSE made for an unpleasant trip across to the SW corner. No mobile phone although it does work amongst some of he passages. Canoes will come and call, trading for fruit and vegetables although we found some people just wanted to be given stuff. Friendly people but quite shy especially the ladies.

LANUR ISLAND

Lanur Island lat 16°30’79S, long 167°35’6E
Anchor behind island in 12-15m ( not the 8m on the chart) sand. Rarely visited, no village, quiet.

MALEKULA ISLAND

Port Sandwich Bellande Wharf just North of waypoint 16°26’36S, long 167°46.8E provides a very secure anchorage, possibly a cyclone hole, with access to a small shop 20 minutes walk towards Lamap. We tried another anchorage a mile further up the river which is designated as a cyclone hole but we were unable to get the anchor to set! The approach into Port Sandwich is not easy with reefs and muddy water from the Murder River, but the Electronic Cruising Guide provides a series of waypoints and panoramic views. Good walking ashore and friendly French speaking people. (Added by G Curtis 2002)

Gaspard Bay, Malekula - report dates from 2010    16°28.60'S,    167°48.87'E
Secure anchorage with good protection from northerly winds unusual for Vanuatu. Good all round protection by reefs (three) from SE. A lovely peaceful anchorage with good holding in mud and all round protection. We managed with care and reasonable light to tuck right up into the top 7m basin. Entry waypoint lat 16.28.06S, long 167.48.87E.
The reef to starboard on entry is steep to and contiguous so easy to follow. Watch for a spur just as you round the reef on your left about 200m in you need to do a real jig to port,.GPS Lat 16.28.30S, Long 167.49.15E We use Maxsea11 and found it not too far off bit north and slightly east,
Clinic in Port Sandwhich 7 miles away No village or canoes . A family of DUGONG live here . We had 8 or 9 around at times. Water visibility is not good due to the Mangroves but it possible to see the reefs as discoloured areas.
Hook point, Malakula - report dates from 2010   16°24.99'S,    167°24.24'E
Vanuatu, Hook point, Malakula Lat 16.24.986E, Long 167.24.237E Beautiful, quiet bay with no village tucked behind 2 reefs. Much more sheltered than it looks on the chart but tuck well in on sand 5m. Anchor Nothing here but you and a good reef for diving and snorkelling. The visibility is 10m+, the reef was easy to see and miss, tuck well in but beware of a largish reef in the s part drys at LW. No roll at all with SSE 20 knts and S swell offshore.

Banan bay lat 16°20’37S, long 167°45’26E
Anchor 5-15m sand. Isolated coral heads close in. Good custom dancing.

Malakula Island - Banam Bay – Grand Pa’s Maps - Mike Bickell 16°20.40'S,167°45.30'E   

Lumbumbu Bay, Malekula 16.11.14S, 167.23.388
Nice stop going up West coast. anchor Not a place to hang around if the wind is likely to change, any west could make it very unpleasant. Water was murky so reefs tricky to seat HW. Mobile phone outside bay. Dropped in 4mm just off the remains of a jetty. This is still used by traders and we just got out the following morning before a large assult craft type boat arrived, might have been interesting if we’d still been there. Canoes came to say hello, quite shy.

Crab Bay lat 16°10’10S, long167°31’87E
Care needed, as the water is not clear and lots of reef to miss. Anchor in 5-15m mud.

Port Stephen lat 16°06’42S, long 167°28’10E
Well-sheltered 12m mud.

Port Stanley, Norsup. Lat 16°03.69S long 167°23.89W provides good holding in sand and reasonable shelter. Norsup boasts a hospital and some small stores. (Added by G Curtis 2002)

Malau, Malekula 15.59.52, 167.11.05
Good bay more sheltered than it appears from the chart, it has a wonderful river with cool water for bathing and laundry. Anchor in 6m sand. It is tucked back better than it looks on the chart and the wind doesn’t seem to get here. No roll with 20kts SE. Mobile phone works. Laundry in the river. Better than paying 1000vatu per load at Aore. Very friendly folk soon out with canoes to welcome us and trade. School ashore sells excellent fruit and vegetables. It’s lovely to sit in the cool river and do the laundry, even if the locals do think you are a bit mad! A lovely stop before or after Luganville.

Wala Island, Malekula – Grand Pa’s Maps - Mike Bickell 15°58.50'S, 167°22.40'E

ABRYMN ISLAND

Craig Cove lat 16°15’36S, long167°55’21E
This is a deep, tight anchorage with a steeply shelving shore. We anchored in 15m and hung back in 20m. There is a wreck ashore and anchoring with a line ashore to it might be a better option. It is better sheltered than it looks on arrival but a bit of swell tends to roll round the corner. Tel , shop, bread.

Baouma Point, Ambryn, 16.11.664S, 168.01.918E
Hot springs. Anchor 7m black sand off a shelving black sand beach with an obvious cave on the shore. Nothing here but hot springs. Go ashore and just behind the beach the river is hot. It can be very hot so careful when you pop a toe in. To the east around the corner is a small bay with hot water springs entering the sea. A lovely soak in hot sea water. Pleasant overnight anchorage.

Ranvetlam lat 16°09’1S, long 168°06’5E
The place for TamTam carvings, see Chief Joseph.
Anchor of the black sand beach in 5m, good holding but can roll and the williwaws off the volcano can be fierce. More comfortable and better holding than Ranon. Tel, veg, fruit.Good diving on the black cliff wall.

PENTECOST

Loltong Bay lat 15°22’65S, long 18°08’8E
Offers some shelter from westerlies and northerlies. Anchor behind reefs in 3-5m sand.: Water available.  2 very small shops.  There is an entrepreneurial "Yacht Club" established on the shore by Jacob and run by his brother Matthew. With a day 's notice they can prepare a good meal and organise dancing etc.  
Chief Richard is welcomes visitors; he is in poor health but still expects  visit.
Mobile phone coverage but not 3G. Laundry,  clinic 
There has been trouble reported here in the past but things appeared OK in recent visits.  The kids still jump on your dingy when ashore so anchor it off.
Straightforward entrance following the leading marks through the reefs to a pool 3-5m hard sand. Good shelter and no roll unless a W wind. One boat reported theft from their boat here, minor but annoying.
Nice snorkelling and diving on the reefs.

ESPIRITU SANTO

Luganville lat 15°24’55S, long 167° 34’0E

Aore Resort Lat 15.32.2S, long 167.10.84E
Best berthing for Luganville, can anchor on opp side of channel near Luganville but open to daily S/SE winds. Mooring buoys may be available at Aore Resort Luganville is a port of entry.
Formal Requirements for Yachts Entering/Departing: Must go see Customs with your cruising permit. They will issue new one for further cruising. Call customs on VHF. No requirement for visas. 8)
Location/Existence of: Harbour master is located on Main wharf Customs/immigration on the Main wharf. Immigration is in a dilapidated building at the start of the port road. Health authorities at the Hospital up the hill Police Just past port up the hill
. Attitude of officials; Friendly but firm. Repair hauling facilities very limited No port radio services
 Weather; Rag of the Air on 8173 at 1900UTC is best bet
 17) Other Facilities: Water at Aore free on mooring Fuel In town by jerry can and dingy. Gas in town No chandlery bank with ATM at Westpak. Yes good shopping, market very variable and seasonal Hotels and good quality resorts around , some good restaurants. PO main street, mobiles work. 3 internet cafes in town. Best is to the Right on joining the main road from Aore ferry.
 Mailing address Aore resort Showers Aore resort, cold free, hot pay. Laundry Aore 1000vatu per load Airport flights daily to Vila. Hospital 2nd largest in Vanuatu but very limited always short of medication. Aore resort moorings are checked regularly call on vhf 16 or 68. They will allocate a buoy on tonnage. 1200vatu/night includes water jerry canned from jetty. Ferry to Luganville runs 5x daily at 250vatu per return trip. They have phone, interent services, good restaurant with Island night every Sunday. Yachts may use the resort facilities swimming pool etc, small book swap and a Dive Centre ,run through Santos Island Diving. Good outfit 11700vatu for days diving.

Luganville 15°24’55S, long 167° 34’0E
Good shopping including superb meat. Gas refills, e-mail, diesel, petrol.
Leslie Bianchessi, who runs the Natangora café in town, is very welcoming to visiting yachtsmen and provides lots of useful advice.
The anchorage on the South Side of the Sound at 15?31’35S 167?09.92E is excellent holding but a bit bouncy. We were unable to get a mooring at the Aore resort. An excellent small restaurant, The Beachfront Resort bar, offers bar, food and laundry facilities but going ashore can be a bit wet through slight surf. Water is available there but has to be brought over the beach in cans. We were unable to get duty free fuel other than in very large quantities so had to refuel in cans from a garage. (Added by G Curtis 2002)

Aore Resort – Grand Pa’s Maps - Mike Bickell   15°32.00'S, 167°10.10'E

Espiritu Santo - Luganville – Grand Pa’s Maps - Mike Bickell 15°31.50'S,167°09.90'E

Oyster Bay, Port Peterson, Espirtu Santo, 15.22.354S, 167.11.45E
A cyclone hole. Land locked but tricky to get in not possible with more than 2.4m draught. Anchor with resort ashore. The entry is severely restricted by depth 2.4m max. There is an alternative outer anchorage, turn right after crossing the first reef (no marks, 4-6m) and drop in 10-15m near the outer island in sand.
The inner reef pass is now marked by 2 sets of red/green posts, pass between them at HW(max depth 2.4m) then turn right to cross the lagoon through the gap between the 3 islands (depth 3-4m) and into the inner lagoon. Anchor anywhere in 8-12m mud. Excellent holding and shelter from all directions. Tusker CD guide (free) is good for here and its waypoints are good. C-maps/Maxsea is way out here even 2006 charts. The detailed chart is needed.
The old Miz Mae guide gives a northern entrance, don’t even think about it. It would need to be snorkelled and marked in calm weather to attempt. It is shallow 1.9m and tortuous with current running across the entrance.
The Tusker guide has now been replaced by the Rocket guide but you have to buy that via the intenet. Lots of boats have the free Tusker guide so try and get a copy. It does not look like enough has improved to warrant the cost of the new guide.
Water.Small amounts from Oyster island Resort Nice restaurant at resort not expensive Telephone at resort, mobile no signal Fax from resort. Free Wifi at resort. Sometimes it can be picked up onboard, depends how close to the resort you are anchored. Resort will hold mail Showers,hot at resort or cold (Free) on beach laundry at resort 2000vatu /load The Resort is encouraging yachts to visit. The ICA now use this as their check in port. Very welcoming and relaxed. Trouble is it is a long way from Luganville to resupply. There is a bus at 7am daily returning around 3pm or Taxi at 1500-2500vatu each way. The airport is nearer.
Good snorkelling around the reefs, trips around can be organised via the resort as can Diving trips. Oyster Island Resort, Box 183 Luganville, Espirito Santo, Vanuatu. Tel +678 36283, emailstay@oysterislandresort.com.

Oyster Island – Grand Pa’s Maps - Mike Bickell 15°22.70'S, 167°11.70'E


Port Orly Lat 15.02.17S, Long 167.05.02E
Lovely, sheltered anchorage, quiet, sand beach. Good stop before or after banks islands. White sand good holding in 10m. Thion island has fringing reef but close too there is a small projection as you round up into the anchorage but it is clearly seen. The small wooded islet can be left either side. If leaving it to Port be aware the reef off its south side sticks out a fair way but there is 6-7m of water and water visibility is good. Passing it to north and starboard there are some isolated coral heads to watch for but most have plenty of water over them. This is a lovely anchorage with good snorkelling and diving around the small islet and the reef to the NE. Canoes do come from the village but do not visit boats. The trip across to Espiritu Santo is easy by dingy and the river is navigable at HW for 0.5nm. It is possible to work your way into the bay by the village and river but there are lots of coral heads and you need good visability. Not good in north winds and NE swell can work its way in making the anchorage roll a bit. Usually very flat and restful. Mobile (Digicel) works here. Water: none but might be able to get some from the village across the bay. Small basic shop in Orly village Bus runs from Orly to Luganville once a day. Small clinic

Hog Harbour – Grand Pa’s Maps - Mike Bickell   15°08.50'S   167°07.20'E

MAEWO ISLAND

Asanvari lat 15°22’65S, log 168°07’94E
Anchor in 10-15m on hard sand/coral. Good custom dancing. Beautiful waterfall for washing/bathing.
The large isolated coral head at the w end of the bay is an exquisite dive. Amazing big fish, mantas, Corals one of the best dives I’ve ever done.

AMBEA ISLAND

Lolowai, Ambea, 15.16.9S, 167.58.7E
Enter following the leads over the reef table. Approx 2m at LW. All round shelter once inside lagoon even from northerlies. Anchor in 12m mud, good holding Water ashore Fuel small quantities via jerry can Bank 1 small shop Small guesthouse basic PO, telephone, mobile service. Air services Main hospital for Ambae, Pentecost and Maewo islands. The Crocodile has been returned to Sola. Nice walks around town and to the capital.

BANKS GROUP

SANTA MARIA

Lakona Bay, Gaua Island, Banks Group, 14.18.22S, 167.25.89E
Good stop enroute Banks/Torres island. Usually in NE/SE wind and swell the anchorage is flat and restful but if the swell is too southerly it creeps round the island and it can roll horribly. Anchor on black sand in 5-15m, good holding, gently sloping beach off the small stream.: Might get water from village Lots of canoes happy to trade Fruit and vegetables for basics soap, matches, flour, salt, torch batteries. They get few trading boats and rely on yachts to help supply. No mobile phone service Friendly villagers. Polite and inquisitive.
Trade with the villagers for fruit and veg. Water music performed in the far village.

Gaua Grand Pa’s Maps - Mike Bickell 14°16.20'S,167°24.60'E

VANUA LAVA

Sola, Port Patteson, Banks Islands, 13.52.38S, 167.33.24E
North anchorage Lat 13.45.54S, Long 167.33.167E Port of Entry for Vanuatu. Customs check port for internal movement. If you arrive here you must visit the Customs Officials with your Cruising Permit and Ships Papers. Anchor.South 8m sand North 3-10m excellent holding sand/mud The S anchorage always rolls. The swell creeps in, anchoring fore and aft can help but often it is just too uncomfortable.
Try the northern anchorage. It may be a lee shore but the sea doesn’t get in. the holding is excellent, and you will get a good nights sleep. Its only 5 miles away. We sat out 30kts SE in comfort. The wind sent some strong bullets round the headland but no sea or swell. Formal Requirements for Yachts Entering/Departing: The Port Police control the harbour and act as harbour master. See Customs in a small building beside the port police.. No visas required; issued on entry. Health authorities are in the same building. They will be eternally grateful for any medical supplies you can bring. There is an Irish Doctor based there for 2 years on a VSO scheme. Cant miss the Police building as there are usually Police sitting outside and a large Vanuatu flag on the flagpole.
Control of foreign yachts; Relaxed, friendly but firm. Attitude of officials; Relaxed , helpful and friendly. No repair or hauling facilities but there is a boat mechanic who repairs outboards. No port radio services Water in village. Ask anyone they’ll point you to a tap. Bank open only 2 days a week and no foreign currency. 3 shops with basics. Fruit and veg from villagers , just ask. A small guesthouse with basic huts and local food. PO yes, Telephone yes. Mobile yes. Air to Luganville daily. Clinic and hospital with Doctor for next 2 years. NO SWIMMING under any circumstances. The Sulphur river now has a resident saltwater Crocodile population of 8 and increasing. They have attacked locals although to date, not fatally.

Vanua Lava - Grand Pa’s Maps - Mike Bickell 12°46.50'S 167°23.20'E

REEF ISLANDS.

Reef Islands, Banks Group, 13.38.19S, 167.30.386E
Beautiful reef anchorage only 15miles from Sola. Anchor 12m sand behind the reef. Visibility needs to be good to find the clear sand patches between the coral heads. There is an obvious large sandy patch further south but it tends to get more slop across the reef at HW. Port of Entry, Sola Good in normal trade wind conditions but watch the weather. When rounding the southern edge of the reef keep a good watch, it sticks out then head north before NE to close the reef and search for an anchoring spot. Stunning anchorage behind the reef. Excellent diving and snorkelling in clear water but watch the currents on the south edge of the reef. It runs hard at springs. Big fish, sharks. Nice walking ashore on the deserted islands. The inner lagoon has Stingrays, baby sharks and loads of small fish. Locals may be present. These islands are uninhabited but owned by villages on neighbouring islands.

UREPARAPARA ISLAND Divers Bay lat 13°36’61E, long 167°20’23E
A sunken volcano crater. Don’t anchor where the guides say but off the village between 2 arms of the fringing reef. There is less roll here and fewer katabatic winds. Trading for fruit, veg, and crayfish.
Water is not too clear so reefs can be difficult to see.

Ureparapara – Grand Pa’s Maps - Mike Bickell 13°32.60'S, 167°20.00'E
TORRES GROUP -this group is isolated but well worth the effort few boats visit and it is unspoilt

TEGUA ISLAND

Lateu or Scarf Bay lat 13°15’00E, long 166°38’95E
Much more sheltered than it looks on the chart. No roll in an E 15kt wind. The bottom is sloping sand with flat coral heads further in to the bay. Anchor in 10m of clear water. Lovely snorkelling. Coconut crabs. Fruit, veg.

Hayter Bay lat 13°148’8S, long 166°35’69E
Crystal clear waters mean finding a spot between the large coral heads is easy. !5m sand. Don’t try to get in close its very foul. Coconut crabs. Fruit, veg. A beautiful anchorage but open to the west. One family lives ashore. Just jump overboard for fabulous diving. Reef Island off the entrance offers good, diving but watch the sharks. There are some very aggressive Grey Reef Sharks around
Around the corner to the north we swam with Manta Rays.

Tegua – Grand Pa’s Maps - Mike Bickell 13°14.80'S, 166°35.90'E