Sailing Times and Distances for Vanuatu

Planning a sailing adventure across the South Pacific? Check out how Vanuatu’s LINK#TT059 islands can fit into your voyage with this guide to sailing times and distances.

Whether you’re cruising on a Transpacific route or planning stops among the archipelago’s 80+ islands, we’ve got all the information you need to navigate the waters around Efate LINK#D017, Espiritu Santo LINK#D053 and the surrounding islands.

From rugged coastlines to lush volcanic peaks, Vanuatu offers plenty of stunning scenery and safe harbours for sailors looking to explore the South Pacific at their own pace.

About Sailing to Vanuatu

Vanuatu’s official ports of entry for yachts are Port Vila (Efate) and Luganville (Espiritu Santo). All arriving vessels must notify the Vanuatu Port Authority and Customs at least 48 hours in advance and submit the relevant entry documentation, including a Customs Declaration and Crew List.

Upon arrival, yachts will be inspected for clearance by Health, Customs, and Immigration authorities.

Yachties must apply for a 30-day permit before arrival. When departing Vanuatu, you must clear out with officials at the port where you entered.

Check out Sailing Guide to Vanuatu: Tips for Yachting in Vanuatu for full procedures, anchorage info and local regulations.

Vanuatu Pocket Guide Placeholder Image
Ā© SPTO

Sailing Times and Distances in the South Pacific to Vanuatu

The South Pacific is a beloved playground for sailors, with crossings between island nations often taking less than a week. Vanuatu sits along key cruising routes connecting Fiji, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Solomon Islands, and French Polynesia.

So, how long does it take to sail to Vanuatu from other Pacific nations like Fiji, Tonga and New Zealand? Here are approximate distances and sailing times, calculated using an average cruising speed of 10 knots.

  • Fiji to Vanuatu: 522 nautical miles / 2 days 4 hours
  • Cook Islands to Vanuatu: 1817 nautical miles / 7 days 13 hours
  • American Samoa to Vanuatu: 1,230 nautical miles / 5 days 3 hours
  • Kiribati (Tarawa) to Vanuatu: 2,347.9 nautical miles / 9 days 18 hours
  • New Caledonia to Vanuatu: 292 nautical miles / 1 days 5 hours
  • Nauru to Vanuatu: 1,038 nautical miles / 4 days 7 hours
  • New Zealand (Auckland) to Vanuatu: 1,195 nautical miles / 4 days 23 hours
  • Solomon Islands to Vanuatu: 698 nautical miles / 2 days 21 hours
  • Australia (Brisbane) to Vanuatu: 1,1016 nautical miles / 4 days 5 hours
  • Papua New Guinea to Vanuatu: 1,330 nautical miles / 5 days 13 hours
  • Samoa to Vanuatu: 1151.5 nautical miles / 4 days 19 hours
  • Tokelau to Vanuatu: 1,267 nautical miles / 5 days 6 hours
  • Wallis and Futuna to Vanuatu: 908 nautical miles / 3 day 8 hours
  • Niue to Vanuatu: 1,244 nautical miles / 5 days 4 hours
  • Tonga to Vanuatu: 956 nautical miles / 3 days 23 hours
  • French Polynesia (Tahiti) to Vanuatu: 2,407 nautical miles / 10 days 1 hour
  • Tuvalu to Vanuatu: 844 nautical miles / 3 days 12 hours
Vanuatu Pocket Guide Placeholder Image
Ā© SPTO

Sailing Times and Distances from the Pacific Rim to Vanuatu

For the adventurous sailor, reaching Vanuatu from the Pacific Rim is a true bluewater voyage, but entirely possible in under a month. Whether you're departing from Asia or the Americas, this route will take you through some of the most remote and scenic parts of the Pacific.

Note: All times and distances below are calculated assuming an average sailing speed of 10 knots.

  • Hawaii to Vanuatu: 3,077 nautical miles / 12 days 20 hours
  • Indonesia (Bali) to Vanuatu: 3,148 nautical miles / 13 days 3 hours
  • Mexico to Vanuatu: 5,605 nautical miles / 23 days 8 hours
  • Los Angeles to Vanuatu: 5,216 nautical miles / 21 days 18 hours
  • The Philippines to Vanuatu: 3,381 nautical miles / 14 days 2 hours
  • Hong Kong to Vanuatu: 3,993 nautical miles / 16 days 15 hours
  • Singapore to Vanuatu: 3,984 nautical miles / 16 days 15 hours
  • Chile to Vanuatu: 6,218 nautical miles / 25 days 22 hours

More About Sailing and Travel Times in Vanuatu

That's it for our guide to the sailing times and how long it takes to sail to Vanuatu. Find out more about sailing to Vanuatu, as well as more travel times and distances, in the guides below:

Finally, plan your trip to Vanuatu with ease using The Complete Travel Guide to VanuatuĀ LINK#TT059 and get tips from the Vanuatu Travel Tips: 30 Tips for Travelling in Vanuatu LINK#TT068.