20 Best Boat & Sailing Tours in Vanuatu

You haven't experienced the real Efate (that's the main island, FYI) until you explore the waters and islands of the Havannah Harbour, where Sailing Vanuatu has you covered!

Your day with Sailing Vanuatu begins with hotel transfers to Gideon's Landing, where you'll board their beautiful yacht for a full-day adventure through the sheltered waters of Havannah Harbour.

The Major Tom day tour delivers exactly what you're after: snorkelling at gorgeous spots teeming with tropical fish and vibrant coral, followed by a delicious BBQ lunch served fresh onboard. After refuelling, you'll cruise to Lelepa Island where the experience becomes truly special. Local staff from Lelepa guide you through their village, sharing stories about their community and way of life.

The visit to the mama's markets is a highlight, giving you the chance to browse authentic handicrafts while directly supporting the local community, something the team from Sailing Vanuatu takes genuine pride in. One final swim and snorkel session caps off the day before sailing back, sunburned (hopefully not) and satisfied. With transfers organised for you and everything included, it's refreshingly straightforward: just book online, show up and enjoy.

For an easy, family-friendly way to explore Port Vila’s underwater world without getting wet, Vanuatu Watersports' glass-bottom cruise offers a fun and accessible marine experience for all ages.

This unique semi-submersible glass-bottom boat operates exclusively in Port Vila Harbour, transforming marine exploration into an accessible underwater adventure. Sit comfortably in an enclosed viewing room beneath the water's surface, peering through four underwater windows as vibrant tropical fish and coral reefs glide past like you're inside a living aquarium.

The hour-long journey cruises around Port Vila Harbour, taking you to the back of Iririki Island, where you'll spend 15 minutes feeding fish, which is always a highlight that guarantees close encounters with abundant marine life. While you're certain to see plenty of tropical fish and growing coral formations, you might even spot a turtle if you're lucky.

We love how accessible this experience is. It's perfect for non-swimmers, children, grandparents or anyone who simply prefers staying dry while discovering the ocean's treasures.

For a wildlife-focused experience, Malog Bungalows offers a rare chance to encounter one of the ocean’s most gentle and elusive creatures.

These gentle marine mammals, often called "sea cows," are best spotted during low tide when they swim closer to the reef and mangrove areas to feed.

The tour operates by boat, allowing your expert local guides to search multiple locations until dugongs are found. You'll be casually guided by one of the Malog Bungalows family members, who will encourage you to take a gentle swimming approach to encourage the dugongs to come to you. With 20 litres (5 gal) of fuel reserved specifically for this purpose, you're virtually guaranteed an encounter with these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.

If you want to snorkel over coral, you could also be taken to some stunning sites with drop-off rock formations and beautiful reefs with thriving coral.

All snorkelling gear is provided, with regularly updated equipment and adjustable fins to accommodate different foot sizes. You can generally swim for as little or as long as you want, as the waters are in protected island areas, making for usually easy swimming conditions. Small refreshments like coconut and banana keep your energy up during snorkelling sessions.

For anglers seeking a fully equipped charter experience around Efate, Top Gun Sport Fishing delivers flexible trips tailored to different skill levels and fishing styles.

Top Gun Sport Fishing offers premium fishing charters around Efate with options for four, six, eight or 10-hour adventures targeting pelagic species at various Fish Aggregating Devices.

Whether you're after the prized dogtooth tuna and giant trevally around the island's numerous reefs and underwater structures, or fancy deep dropping and jigging for the famous red ruby snapper, their experienced Maverick (hence the name!) caters to everyone from seasoned anglers to complete beginners.

All trips include transportation within Port Vila, complete fishing gear, tackle and bait, plus snorkelling equipment, ice, water and light meals. The fully licensed operation accommodates up to five passengers and offers customised trips, overnight adventures, and various fishing techniques, including live bait trolling, downrigger fishing, jigging and casting.

Moso Island Day Tours' full-day escape showcases hidden caves, thriving reefs and some of the clearest waters near Efate, making this Moso Island adventure a standout choice.

Your eight-hour journey begins with a scenic boat ride to hidden caves and dramatic coastal landscapes on the eastern side of Moso Island, where you'll enjoy three separate snorkelling sessions in waters teeming with fish, coral and even a dedicated giant clam site.

Along the way, your guide will slowly follow the coast where sea turtles nest to help you spot them gliding in the water (we lost count after 40 turtles on our last tour - no joke!)

The experience includes a relaxing lunch break on a secluded private beach, where you can feed local drum fish and soak up the island atmosphere.

All snorkelling equipment, refreshments, lunch and transfers are provided, making this an effortless way to discover one of the most captivating destinations from Vanuatu's main island.

The mission of Roawia Turtle & Snorkeling Tours is simple: experience Efate’s nearby islands and some of the region’s most vibrant underwater spots.

The guides ensure you don't miss any of the incredible marine life, including sea turtles, vibrant fish, giant clams and thriving coral gardens.

Choose from multiple tour options, with the signature turtle tour including transport and lunch, or opt for combination tours that take you to various snorkelling spots around Eretoka (Hat/Artok) and Lelepa Islands. While their base at Mangaliliu is a snorkelling attraction in itself, going the extra mile with Roawia Turtle & Snorkelling Tours is something you won't regret.

Their base features proper changing rooms and gear storage, plus an on-site restaurant serving meals from 8 am to 2:30 pm daily. All guided tours require advance booking and operate during the same hours as the restaurant.

Another fantastic fishing charter, Reel Cast Fishing Charters brings together authentic island knowledge and serious offshore adventure, offering a truly local-led fishing experience around Lelepa.

Whether you're targeting yellowfin tuna, marlin, dogtooth tuna or giant trevally on the open ocean, or seeking coral trout and bream around the vibrant reefs, this locally-owned operation ensures an unforgettable experience.

Both half-day (5 am to 10 am) and full-day (5 am to 3 pm) options include professional Shimano tackle, experienced skipper, all gear, bait, hotel transfers and snorkelling equipment. Full-day trips feature a hearty lunch and beverages, while half-day adventures include light refreshments.

What sets this charter apart is the aim to provide quality equipment, while still offering that true local experience you won't find with larger operators.

If you're seeking a flexible day on the water, whether fishing, sightseeing or snorkelling, Bob's Game Fishing & Boating Charters perfectly suits smaller groups wanting it all.

Whether you're casting lines for wahoo, mahimahi, yellowfin tuna, marlin or sailfish, or simply cruising around the offshore islands, this flexible charter service caters to your preferences.

Choose from fishing expeditions, scenic sightseeing tours, snorkelling adventures amongst untouched coral reefs, or combine activities for the ultimate day out. During your aquatic exploration, keep your eyes peeled for dugongs, sea turtles and spinner dolphins that frequent these waters.

With charter options ranging from 1 hr 30 min sunset cruises to full 8-hour adventures, all trips include fishing gear, refreshments and snacks. The boat comfortably accommodates up to four adults, making it perfect for intimate groups seeking personalised attention.

Tamtu Island Tours' small-group island escape offers a relaxed day trip and a simple, personal way to experience Mavea Island's reefs and beaches.

Escape to the pristine paradise of Mavea Island with local guide Quensta for an authentic island adventure that showcases the best of Santo's East Coast.

This intimate tour combines vibrant coral reefs and secluded white sand beaches where you can truly disconnect from the world.

Travel by traditional banana boat (motorboat) to explore untouched coral gardens and snorkel around a fascinating plane wreck (bring your own gear). The experience includes fresh tropical fruit platters enjoyed on the beach, plus an esky with ice so you can bring your favourite drinks and snacks.

With a maximum of eight guests per trip, you'll enjoy personalised attention from Quensta and his welcoming family on this laid-back tour whilst discovering hidden snorkelling spots that most tourists never see.

The Tisiriq Lagoon Outrigger Tour offers a serene paddling experience through one of Malekula's most scenic estuaries, providing a calm and immersive way to connect with nature.

This peaceful waterway meanders through a lush estuary dotted with towering mangroves, while distant mountains create a dramatic backdrop to your scenic adventure.

The traditional outrigger canoe offers the perfect pace to soak in the tranquil atmosphere as you glide along the slowly flowing river. For those seeking a bit more excitement (or who are feeling lazy), banana boat tours provide a faster-paced alternative to explore this captivating landscape.

According to our very own travel manager, Robin, the natural rhythm of paddling through these calm waters creates an almost meditative experience that's hard to find elsewhere in Vanuatu.

Arrange with canoe guides at the lagoon entrance or through your accommodation host.

For a relaxed island day that combines snorkelling, village life and a proper beachside meal, Pele Island Beach and Snorkeling Tours is a great all-in-one escape from the mainland.

This small-group experience includes boat transfers from the mainland wharf, snorkelling gear and guided fish feeding just 300 m (330 yards) offshore where colourful coral fish dart between stunning coral formations.

After working up an appetite underwater, you'll be treated to a hearty barbecue lunch featuring locally-sourced beef, chicken and fresh fish (when available), accompanied by rice, bread and tropical fruits. The afternoon continues with a guided village walk, offering insights into local island life and traditional customs.

Operating daily with complete snorkelling equipment provided (masks, fins and snorkels), this tour is one of the best ways to experience Pele Island in just one day. The experience runs as a full-day adventure, typically booked through local tour operators or resort partnerships - so ask at your accommodation reception.

A slow-paced cultural paddle through one of the Maskelynes' most unique ecosystems, Lavrisi Yacht Club's outrigger canoe experience offers a peaceful mix of nature and local storytelling.

Your host Philip and his family welcome visitors with authentic cultural experiences that showcase the traditional ways of life in the Maskelyne Islands.

This enlightening two-hour journey takes you through mangrove channels with natural tunnels leading to the central "lake" of the mangroves. You'll learn to identify different types of mangroves and discover how they can be used, whilst spotting the diverse creatures living within this plentiful ecosystem.

The tour finale is a visit to The Lost Island, where you'll enjoy refreshments whilst learning about ancestral history on one of the finest beaches in the Maskelyne Islands, a stunning sandbar that's simply unmissable.

Note that the images below are of a motorboat version of the tour (during its trial phase), although the tour is now done at the more fun and natural pace of an outrigger canoe.

If you need one more Lelepa option, Naromin Tours and Fishing combines snorkelling, conservation and local culture.

This locally-operated tour takes you on a scenic 30-minute boat ride to stunning locations, including Lelepa Island and Hat Island, where calm waters provide perfect snorkelling conditions.

The highlight is exploring Pasi's Rock for fish feeding and snorkelling, followed by a visit to the giant clam shell conservation farm where endangered species are being restocked.

What makes this experience special is the genuine cultural component. You'll visit a local village and school, gaining a real insight into how locals live during this heartwarming experience.

The tour includes complimentary transfers from your accommodation, all snorkelling gear, refreshments and lunch on full-day packages. With options ranging from five-hour half-day adventures to eight-hour full-day experiences, plus speciality night fishing charters, there's something for every type of traveller seeking to discover Vanuatu's marine wonders.

For a relaxed reef-based escape that combines snorkelling, beach time and optional scuba diving around Moso and nearby islands, Tranquility Island Resort's "Island Explorer Day Cruise" offers plenty of variety in a single outing.

This full-day escape to Hapi Tok Beach takes you aboard the "Island Explorer" and is one of our favourite ways to experience Havannah Harbour. This eight-hour transfer and cruise whisks you away to what many locals consider Vanuatu's most spectacular beach, and we couldn't agree more. Pure white sand stretches before incredibly clear waters that are perfect for swimming and snorkelling.

Your adventure kicks off with a convenient morning pickup from Port Vila at 8 am, followed by a scenic 40-minute cruise where you might spot turtles bobbing their heads on the surface (something we've been lucky enough to witness ourselves). The experience includes two guided snorkelling sessions at pristine reef locations, a delicious beach barbecue cooked over driftwood fires, and optional activities like kayaking and bush walks.

Between adventures, you'll find yourself relaxing under swaying tropical trees with refreshing drinks from the onboard bar. We're particularly fond of the morning tea featuring Tanna Coffee and sweet buns, plus the afternoon tea with fresh fruit platters. It's those little touches that make all the difference.

And by operating in the Havannah area, which is the island's rain shadow, it's one of the most reliable weather-wise excursions you can book.

Adventurous travellers keen to go beyond day trips will find Eco Adventure Maskelyne's multi-day outrigger journey offers an immersive way to experience the remote beauty of the Maskelyne Islands.

This challenging yet rewarding journey features two nights of camping on different islands, with well-trained local guides ensuring your safety throughout. You'll feast on traditional laplap at the first campsite, followed by the likes of fresh lobster, crabs and reef fish with coconut milk at the second location.

The experience includes snorkelling amongst vibrant coral reefs, hiking to panoramic viewpoints on rocky Vulai Island, and the rare opportunity to encounter dugongs in their natural habitat.

Evenings come alive with traditional custom stories around the campfire, whilst campsites offer modern conveniences like stored rainwater, lighting and (surprisingly) good mobile network coverage if you get with Digicel.

Experience the ultimate big game fishing adventure with this unique overnight package with Tropical Island Tours.

Unlike any other fishing operator in the region, this tour combines world-class angling with authentic island hospitality, featuring overnight accommodation at the charming Pele Island Beach Bungalow.

Your complete fishing package includes all necessary equipment, rods, reels and bait, though experienced anglers are welcome to bring their own gear. The adventure begins with a pre-fishing dinner, followed by a full day pursuing trophy fish in tropical paradise waters, and concludes with a beachside BBQ celebration of your catch.

What sets this experience apart is the operator's genuine local connections; his wife hails from Pele Island itself, providing exclusive access to the best fishing spots around the island's waters. This intimate knowledge ensures you'll discover hidden gems that other tours simply can't reach.

For a locally run fishing trip that keeps things simple yet highly rewarding around Lelepa Island, Lelepa Fishing Charters delivers an authentic day on the water with plenty of action.

Operating a seven-metre "Banana Boat," this 100% Ni-Vanuatu owned and operated charter is run by local Lelepa islanders who bring invaluable local knowledge to every trip. The tepid waters remain ideal year-round for targeting species like marlin, with both light game fishing and light reef fishing available to catch a huge variety of game and reef fish.

All tours include bus transfers, light refreshments, fishing gear, bait and an experienced skipper, while full-day excursions feature a beach barbecue lunch with juice and water.

Whether you're fishing solo or with mates, you'll benefit from expert advice and local insights that give you the best chance of success, all at a more reasonable cost than larger game boats.

Join Eretoka Fishing & Tour Adventure for a snorkelling and cultural island experience that combines reef exploration with living heritage around Eretoka and nearby Lelepa, offering a well-rounded day in the water and ashore.

The snorkelling adventure takes you to multiple locations featuring vibrant coral reefs teeming with colourful marine life, with backup spots at nearby Lelepa Island when weather demands flexibility. What's more, all snorkelling gear is provided, including masks, snorkels and fins.

Beyond the reefs, you'll enjoy interactive fish feeding experiences and rare giant clam sightings, where you'll learn about these massive creatures' vital role in the marine ecosystem.

But it's not all about the water, as you embark on a guided village tour with local guides who share captivating stories about their community and traditional way of life. You'll walk through the village that is part of the UNESCO Chief Roi Mata's Domain, experiencing how his ancestors enjoy island life today whilst discovering cultural artefacts, legends and traditions passed down through generations.

Travellers interested in history and sacred heritage sites around Efate and its surrounding islands will find the Chief Roi Mata's Domain Tour offers a rare glimpse into one of the most important cultural legends in the region.

This immersive experience takes you across three sacred 17th-century locations that tell the remarkable story of the chief who brought lasting peace to Efate and its surrounding islands. Your adventure begins at Roi Mata's mainland village, where you'll explore ancient stone remains once used for mystical rituals and witness a magnificent banyan tree that has stood sentinel for centuries.

From there, board a local boat to explore the mysterious cave on Lelepa Island before reaching the final destination: the mass burial site on Artok Island where Chief Roi Mata and his followers were laid to rest.

The full-day tour includes a delicious lunch featuring authentic Vanuatu dishes like laplap and simboro, while preserving oral traditions that have kept this sacred story alive for over 400 years.

Join Max's Island Tours for a private island escape that focuses on simplicity, calm waters and complete relaxation.

With Max as your charismatic guide, you'll enjoy boat transport to this private island paradise, where unbelievably blue waters and powdery white sand create the perfect tropical escape.

The experience includes fresh local fruits, complimentary snorkelling gear, and plenty of time for swimming and relaxing in the shade of coconut palms. An esky with ice is provided for your own drinks, making it easy to stay refreshed throughout the day.

Limited to just four guests per trip, this tour ensures a personalised and uncrowded experience, though larger groups can be accommodated with two days' notice.