15 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!

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.

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.

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.

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

This unique adventure takes you to a private and secluded location where pristine beach meets untouched bush, with a dramatic escarpment rising above waiting to be explored.

The easy uphill trek through terrain that will surprise you leads to a site of deep cultural significance, where traditional customs once demonstrated the vital importance of the bush to Santo's people. During your journey, you'll pause to enjoy a refreshing coconut before making your way back down.

After rinsing off with a fresh water shower, dive into the team's favourite snorkelling spot for exceptional snorkelling over reef tops featuring spectacular plate coral and an abundance of tropical fish. The adventure concludes with a delicious beach barbecue, making this a truly comprehensive island experience.

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 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.