27 Best Snorkelling Tours in Vanuatu

Experiencing amazing coral seascapes in the most local way is what Eretoka Fishing & Tour Adventure's "Island & Snorkelling Tour" is all about!

One of the most culturally immersive day tours on Efate, the "Eretoka and Lelepa Island Snorkelling Tour" takes you beyond Port Vila and into a full day of reef exploration, living village culture and one of Vanuatu's most significant historical sites.

Departing by boat from Lelepa Landing at (with transfers from Port Vila), you'll head out to Eretoka Island (also known as Hat Island), the sacred burial site of the legendary Chief Roimata, where his story is told by the chiefs of Eretoka themselves.

Three snorkelling spots follow across Eretoka and Lelepa Island, including fish feeding sessions and a reef known for its giant clam shells. All snorkelling gear is provided.

Back on shore, local mamas share their handicrafts and serve seasonal fruit and taro or manioc chips before a village walk that covers canoe building, island food preparation and local storytelling. Lunch, featuring fish, island vegetables, rice and chicken, is included, and you're back in Port Vila.

Pick your adventure: snorkelling over vibrant coral or with the dugongs (or both!), with Malog Bungalows.

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.

Escape to Pele Island for the day, a paradisical place just off the shores of Efate, on a comprehensive beach club day with Pele Island Beach and Snorkeling Tours.

Run by a father and daughter team from the local community, the Pele Island Beach and Snorkelling Tour is a full-day island escape that runs daily from 9 am to 3 pm, departing by boat from Emua Wharf on Efate.

Just a short ride offshore, Pele Island sets an unhurried pace from the moment you arrive. The morning is spent snorkelling the reef around 200 to 300 m offshore (all gear included), feeding fish and bringing the marine life in close.

Around midday, a generous barbecue lunch is served on the beach: beef steak, chicken, sausage, freshly caught fish when available, rice, bread and fruit, with water included throughout the day.

The afternoon brings a guided village walk and afternoon tea, with time to kayak or snorkel from shore before the boat heads back at 3 pm. Return transfers from Port Vila to the wharf are available at an additional cost.

Discover one of Santo's best-kept secrets with the exclusive "Lowetheweth Secret Trekking & Snorkelling Tour", offered solely by Santo Heritage Tours.

One of Santo's best-kept secrets, this full-day tour heads about an hour from Luganville to a private, secluded stretch of coast at Turtle Bay, where the beach meets the bush in the most satisfying way.

On arrival, you choose your adventure: a guided bush trek or a snorkelling session, both finishing with a beach barbecue lunch.

The "Bush Trek and Beach Barbecue" takes you up a steep track through thick tropical forest, where your guide shares the plants, trees and traditions that have shaped life here for generations.

Halfway up, stop to catch your breath and crack open a fresh coconut before the relaxed walk back down.

Prefer the water? The "Snorkelling and Beach Barbecue" puts you out on a remarkable plate coral reef teeming with tropical fish, followed by that same laid-back lunch in a spot that feels like it belongs entirely to you.

Tucked along Tanna's rugged north-west coast, the Blue Cave is one of Vanuatu's most extraordinary natural secrets, and this three-hour tour is your ticket inside.

A 30 to 40-minute boat ride along the coastline brings you to the cave entrance and, if you're lucky, you might even spot dolphins along the way before you slip into the water and swim your way in.

How you enter depends on the tide; at high tide, a brief dive beneath the rock gets you there, while low tide allows a straightforward snorkel or swim through. Either way, what's waiting on the other side is well worth it.

Snorkel gear and life jackets are provided, groups are capped at six guests per boat, and guides brief you on everything before you enter. Once inside, the time is yours to swim, snorkel and soak it all in.

Two departures run daily, at 9 am and 1 pm, with pickup from your accommodation or the tour office near Whitegrass Airport.

Run by Enoch's Sunset Bungalows, this "Pele Island Day Trip" is a full day of genuine island life, capped at just ten guests, taking you through a traditional village, beneath ancient banyan trees and out to a local marine conservation area to snorkel among giant clams and colourful fish.

Starting with a boat transfer from Emua Wharf, you'll arrive on Pele Island around for a coffee and orientation before the day unfolds at a refreshingly unhurried pace.

The guided village and bush walk reveals the contrast between traditional thatched buildings and modern construction, with an optional mountain walk leading to sweeping views across to the Shepherd Islands.

A boat trip to the marine conservation area follows, with all snorkelling gear included, before a proper island lunch of local fruit, barbecue chicken, sausage, fried rice and fresh lemon juice at midday.

The afternoon is yours to swim, beach-lounge or simply do very little until the 3:00 pm departure.

The Naniu Pele Island Day Tour is a full-day cultural immersion to Pele Island, combining village life, reef snorkelling and a hands-on coconut demonstration that locals call the "Tree of Life" experience.

Your day begins with a hotel pick-up and transfer to Emua Wharf, where a boat ride and welcome drink kick things off on the right note. A guided village walk takes you through everyday island life: the church, freshwater collection, fruit trees and traditionally built homes, all at an unhurried pace that feels genuinely refreshing.

Time at the beach follows, with swimming and snorkelling before a barbecue lunch featuring beef, steak, vegetables, rice and fresh tropical fruits like banana and pawpaw, all generously cooked with coconut cream.

The coconut demonstration then brings it all together, with basket weaving, leaf plate-making, coconut grating and a traditional fire-starting display. A final snorkel at a nearby conservation reef rounds out the day before your return transfer.

Valeva Cave on Efate is home to the second cave post office in the world and the first in the South Pacific, and that alone makes it worth the detour. Add a guided cave tour, open-water snorkelling with turtles and dugongs, and an optional kayak through an underground lake tunnel, and you've got one of the more memorable half-days on the island.

A local guide from Siviri Village walks you through the cave's history and cultural significance before you spend 30 to 45 minutes exploring inside, keeping an eye out for bats, swallow nests and the cave's serene underground lake.

From there, it's straight into the water at your own pace. Turtles and dugongs are known to pass through, so it's worth taking your time. Before you leave, browse the handicraft shelters at the entrance, and don't miss the chance to post a letter or Polaroid photo directly from inside the cave.

100% locally owned and operated by the people of Lelepa Island itself, this tour is a full-day experience that packs snorkelling through a marine sanctuary, a guided rainforest walk, kayaking, white coral beaches and a visit to Chief Roi Mata's Domain (Vanuatu's only UNESCO World Heritage Site) into one community-led adventure.

Your journey starts with pick-up from your Port Vila accommodation, followed by a drive to Havannah Harbour and a boat crossing to the island.

Once there, you'll snorkel Lelepa's Marine Protected Area, hand-feed reef fish, explore a sunken aircraft wreck at around 3 metres depth and spot giant clams (turtles and dugong are sometimes seen, though not guaranteed). A barbecue lunch with local beef, chicken, tropical fruit and vegetarian options is included, as are snacks and refreshments throughout.

The day ends with time in Lelepa village, farewell songs from the village children and a warm lukim yu before the boat returns you to the mainland.

From cascading waterfalls to the world's only underwater post office, Peter Ora's Luxury Shore Tours and Transfers packs a full day of adventure, culture and flavour into one well-organised tour of Port Vila and its surrounds.

Starting at 9 am at Mele Cascades, you'll have time to swim in the natural pools before heading to Tanna Coffee and the renowned Gaston Chocolate Factory, where locally grown cocoa becomes organic chocolate before your eyes.

The centrepiece of the day is Hideaway Island, where a short ferry ride leads to snorkelling over vibrant coral reefs and, if you're feeling adventurous, a swim down to the world's only underwater post office to send a waterproof postcard.

You'll also pass through Mele Village, the largest village in Vanuatu, before being dropped back to your cruise ship or hotel by around 3:30 pm. Peter himself leads every tour, and all vehicles are fully air-conditioned with fruit and water provided throughout.

Moso Dream Eco Tours and Transfers' "Moso Island Snorkelling Day Tour" is a full-day escape from Port Vila that combines genuine cultural immersion with some of Vanuatu's best snorkelling.

Picked up from your hotel, you'll make the 45-minute drive to Moso Landing, then a short two-minute boat ride across to Sunae Village on Moso Island, where a flower lei welcome awaits.

The day unfolds at a relaxed pace: a village walk, morning tea with tropical fruit, a boat trip into the Blue Cave, and snorkelling above vibrant coral gardens where turtles and giant clams are regular sightings.

A barbecue lunch back at the village keeps you fuelled for an afternoon of beach snorkelling, fish feeding and a coconut-leaf weaving session with the locals. All transfers, meals and entry fees are included, with return to Port Vila by 5 pm.

Run by Havannah Eco Lodge, this half-day "Snorkelling Tour" takes you out to four different snorkelling spots around Lelepa Island, hopping off the boat at each stop to discover what lies beneath the surface at your own pace.

Between snorkels, there's time to relax on the beach, soak up the surroundings and, if you feel like stretching your legs, take an optional walk through a local village for a taste of everyday ni-Vanuatu life.

Snorkelling gear (fins, mask and snorkel) is available to hire on the day at an additional cost, so you don't need to pack your own.

Lunch is included and kept satisfyingly simple: fish and chips. Tea, snacks and water are also provided throughout to keep you going between stops. All up, a relaxed, unhurried four hours on the water around Vanuatu.

Can't decide whether the morning calls for snorkelling, fishing or exploring the Blue Cave? Tanna Evergreen Resort rolls all three possibilities into its "Tanna Ocean Experience".

This half-day marine trip allows guests to choose between snorkelling, a Blue Cave tour or game fishing. For the snorkelling option, equipment is provided along with a beach towel, bottled water and a snack, keeping the packing list pleasingly short.

Trips typically depart at around 8:30 am and return at approximately 12:30 pm, making the experience around four hours. Special departure times can also be requested.

There is a minimum of two people. Children aged five to 11 pay half price, while those aged 12 and over pay the adult rate.

Location: Tanna Evergreen Resort, west coast of Tanna.

Price Range: $$

An islet with an incredible story, Tenstick Island is also known for its giant clam snorkelling on the southwest shores of Malekula.

Your guided tour reveals the island's intriguing past, including how ten sticks of tobacco were once paid by the French military for the island. And learn about the remarkable story of French military forces redirecting their fire from a village to this small island after intervention from a missionary.

Today, the area is a marine sanctuary, so dive into the sheltered bay waters to observe giant clams in stunning shades of blue and green, resting four to five metres below the surface.

The experience includes island exploration and cultural insights shared by local guides, with the added opportunity for men to climb the island's mountain whilst learning traditional stories passed down through generations.

Contact George Fred for community tour arrangements, who can be contacted through local bungalow accommodations, such as South West Bay Beachfront Bungalows.

Mangaliliu might be well known for its shore snorkelling, but the community offers an enhanced experience with more opportunities to see turtles on the Roawia Turtle & Snorkeling Tours.

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.

Spend the day snorkelling and beach hopping on Moso Island with Tranquility Island Resort, which offers pick-ups from Port Vila.

Their full-day trip includes bus pickup from Port Vila (30-45 minutes), followed by boat transfer to either the resort itself for snorkelling around the pristine house reef, or to the spectacular Hapi Tok Beach on the back of the island when weather permits. You'll enjoy two guided snorkelling sessions of 20-25 minutes each, with a delicious barbecue lunch served on the beach between sessions.

All snorkelling gear is provided, including masks, snorkels and fins, plus refreshments are served on board during your return journey.

Scuba divers can add dive packages to explore 15 dive sites around Moso Island, Lelepa Island and Hat Island, including the turtle-rich house reef, colourful Owens Reef, where you might spot sharks, and the impressive cave at Hat Island that can accommodate 20 people.

New to diving? Try their "Discover Scuba" session, with different pricing depending on whether you bring your own gear or use theirs. Better yet, stay at the resort to facilitate easy-going PADI courses.

Experience the absolute best snorkelling spots closest to the capital on one of the two snorkelling tours with Vanuatu Watersports Port Vila.

The team takes you to their exclusive bay called Paradise Cove or Wota Rua, meaning "two waters" in the local language. This location, unlike anywhere else near Port Vila, is accessed via a 15-minute boat ride around the harbour corner, where Vanuatu Watersports has exclusive access rights, meaning you'll have this underwater paradise virtually to yourself.

The experience is extraordinary: you'll moor directly above their coral restoration site, where all their growing coral formations are visible right below the boat. Swim through fascinating coral bommies and encounter incredible marine life, possibly dugongs, dolphins, titan trigger fish, and massive parrot fish alongside countless tropical species. While you won't usually spot turtles at Paradise Cove itself, keep your eyes peeled during the journey, as they're frequently seen enroute.

Iririki Island Snorkel offers a different adventure with a quick boat ride to the back of Iririki Island for 1 hr 30 mins of snorkelling at the island's best snorkelling spot.

Both experiences prioritise marine conservation. Paradise Cove's sheltered location means fins aren't essential (though available on board), which helps protect the delicate reef systems from accidental damage. All snorkelling equipment is provided including masks, snorkels, pool noodles and life jackets, with minimum age restrictions of five years and basic swimming ability required.

An opportunity to see giant clams without having to dive ridiculously deep, Penamun Clam Snorkeling Tour has created an accessible sanctuary off the shores of the Masekyne Islands.

This unique conservation project showcases four different species of tridacna clams, including the impressive Tridacna Maxima and Tridacna Squamosa, in a shallow-water habitat that provides easy access for snorkellers remaining on the surface.

The 30-minute snorkelling experience (though you're welcome to stay longer) takes place just off the shores of Bonvilau Village beach. With that, this experience combines marine conservation with community tourism, as local guide John shares his knowledge about these remarkable creatures.

The entrance fee includes refreshing local fruit and drinks, making it excellent value for money. There are options to add transport, a salusalu (neck garland) and even a stringband to the package.

Operating Monday to Saturday, visitors need to bring their own snorkelling gear to explore this underwater garden.

A day trip from the main island with plenty of snorkelling opportunities, not to mention decent snorkelling gear provided, Moso Island Day Tours is a top choice for underwater fun.

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.

Of course, the smogsaboard of boating adventures, Bob's Game Fishing & Boating Charters, definitely has snorkelling on the menu!

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.

Combine south coast sightseeing with a stop for snorkelling on a guided tour with Lavanua Tours & Transfers.

This five-hour adventure tour combines Vanuatu's most stunning natural attractions with convenient duty-free shopping in Port Vila. Begin your journey at the serene Eden on the River, where cascading waterfalls create a tranquil oasis perfect for reconnecting with nature.

The highlight awaits at Banana Bay Beach Club, where you'll snorkel in waters teeming with vibrant marine life before enjoying a delicious barbecue buffet lunch on pristine white sands.

Your adventure culminates at the spectacular Blue Lagoon, where you can swing from a rope into the inviting natural pool for an adrenaline-pumping finale. Professional guides ensure top-notch safety throughout, whilst air-conditioned transport keeps you comfortable between destinations.

A stop at Fung Kuei Duty Free Vanuatu provides the perfect opportunity to browse premium products and local souvenirs before concluding your memorable day.

Experience the ultimate fix of incredible snorkelling and authentic island life with Naromin Tours and Fishing.

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.

Another Pele Island snorkelling-plus-hike adventure awaits with the acclaimed Vanuatu Ecotours.

We absolutely love this dual-island adventure that perfectly combines hiking, cultural immersion and marine exploration across two exciting islands. You'll start by choosing between the challenging "Volcano Walk" up Mt Marou (472 m/1,549 ft) for sweeping views across the Shepherd Islands or the more leisurely "Village Walk" that can be adapted to your fitness level.

After your morning trek on Nguna Island, you'll be whisked away to neighbouring Pele Island for a delicious buffet lunch prepared by local mamas using the freshest ingredients. The afternoon is yours to snorkel the marine conservation area, swim in turquoise lagoons or simply relax on white sand beaches.

What we find particularly meaningful about this tour with Vanuatu Ecotours is its commitment to supporting local communities who are actively conserving their reef and forest resources. Your adventure becomes both memorable and impactful.

Tamtu Island Tours takes you to some of Santo's most fascinating yet untouched snorkelling sites - the only caveat is that you'll need to bring your own gear.

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.

Allan Power Dive Tours' "The Best Snorkelling Tour" lives up to its name: a 1 km drift snorkel along one of Santo's most rewarding stretches of coastline, carrying you from the famous Million Dollar Point all the way to the SS President Coolidge.

The current does most of the heavy lifting, making this comfortable and manageable for most fitness levels. Along the way, you'll glide over vibrant coral, spot turtles and marine life, and pass genuine WW2 wreckage, including submerged bulldozers and other relics left behind from the war.

Once you reach the Coolidge end, you're rewarded with hot drinks and Allan Power's legendary sweet buns at the base. All snorkel gear is included, and the guides know this stretch of coastline as well as anyone.

Transport is available from Luganville and surrounding areas, departing one hour before the tour.

Swap the shoreline for the outer reef on a guided snorkelling trip with Volcano Island Divers, based at Whitegrass Ocean Resort on the west coast of Tanna.

The "Snorkelling Safari" is a two-hour guided boat adventure, taking the guesswork out of finding a good patch of reef. A professional divemaster accompanies the trip and all the essential gear, including a mask, snorkel and fins, is provided.

There are two departures each day at 9 am and 1 pm, although trips depend on weather and ocean conditions. With equipment included, it is also a refreshingly straightforward way to get out on the water without packing half a dive shop into your luggage.

Location: Whitegrass Ocean Resort, west coast of Tanna.

Price: $$

For snorkelling with a little more purpose, guests at Rockwater Resort may be able to join conservation snorkelling expeditions in the resort's marine sanctuary.

These outings support efforts to remove crown-of-thorns starfish from the reef, combining time in the water with hands-on marine conservation. The resort describes coral within just five minutes' snorkel of the property, so you don't need a lengthy boat ride before the underwater sightseeing begins.

There is also the chance for spontaneous wildlife encounters. When turtles or whales are spotted offshore, resort guests may be able to snorkel out to see them without a boat, although sightings are naturally never guaranteed.

Rockwater recommends beginners practise with a mask and fins in the swimming pool first. Once you're on the reef, avoid touching or standing on coral and follow the resort team's instructions, particularly during conservation activities.

Location: Rockwater Resort, Ocean Road, Ipak Bay, North West Tanna.

Price Range: Free for resort guests.