Sailing Guide to Vanuatu: Tips for Yachting in Vanuatu

Vanuatu is made up of over 80 islands, with the main ones being Efate (home to the capital Port Vila), Espiritu Santo, Malekula, Erromango, Pentecost, Ambrym, Tanna, and Ambae.

Logistically, Efate is the primary island for yacht visits, as it houses the capital Port Vila and the main harbour facilities. However, Luganville on Espiritu Santo is also a very popular arrival point and well-equipped.

Find out more about the different islands in The Best Islands to Visit in Vanuatu LINK#TT022.

Vanuatu can be included in South Pacific sailing itineraries, where most yachts approach from New Caledonia, Fiji or other Pacific islands. The journey from Nouméa to Vanuatu is approximately one to two days - see sailing times in How Long Does it Take to Sail to Vanuatu LINK#T048.

Sailing to Efate (Port Vila)

Efate is the most developed island in Vanuatu and the main service centre. Repair facilities and yacht services are primarily located on this island, such as Vila Marine and superyacht agents like Port of Call Vanuatu, so it's a good place to start and stock up before long voyages.

The island offers excellent provisioning options and marine services. Check out the Information, Shops & Services in Port Vila LINK#D018 for services that might be helpful.

Berthing instructions for Lapeitasi Port, Port Vila's port of entry, can be obtained from Customs on VHF Ch.16 on arrival. See the "Clearing Customs for Yachts in Vanuatu" section below for more details.

As for experiencing Efate as a visitor, the island offers stunning natural beauty with a mix of sweeping beaches LINK#TTD082, cool (and hot) swimming holes LINK#TTD137, fascinating Melanesian culture witnessed through "culture villages" and museums, and excellent snorkelling LINK#TTD099 and scuba diving opportunities LINK#TTD097 around the coral reefs.

Head to The Complete Travel Guide to Efate and Port Vila LINK#D017 to start planning your visit.

Sailing to Espiritu Santo (Luganville)

Espiritu Santo is Vanuatu's largest island and offers good facilities for yachts. While not as developed as Efate, repair facilities and yacht services, like Total Marine Solutions, are available on this island, making it a suitable place to provision and prepare for long voyages.

The island offers decent provisioning options and marine services. Check out Information, Shops & Services in Luganville LINK#D054 for services that might be helpful.

Note that you currently cannot communicate with Customs via VHF radio in Luganville. Ensure to communicate via email prior to arrival for berthing instructions. See the "Clearing Customs for Yachts in Vanuatu" section below for more details.

As for experiencing Espiritu Santo as a visitor, the island offers stunning natural beauty such as glorious beaches, freshwater swimming holes known as Blue Holes LINK#TTD137, captivating culture villages and WW2 museums, and world-class snorkelling and scuba diving opportunities, including the renowned SS President Coolidge wreck.

Head to The Complete Travel Guide to Espiritu Santo and Luganville LINK#D053 to start planning your visit.

Sailing to Tanna (Lenakel)

Tanna is a culturally rich and geologically fascinating island in Vanuatu. While not as developed as Efate or Santo for yacht services, the island offers unique experiences and basic provisioning options for visiting sailors.

The main port of entry is Lenakel Port, where you'll find the primary customs facilities and basic services for yachts. Alternatively, Port Resolution Nipikimanu Yacht Club provides an atmospheric anchorage closer to the island's volcanic attractions, though this is not a main port of entry. Permission to enter here can be granted by Customs for a fee.

Berthing instructions for Lenakel Port can be obtained from Customs on VHF Ch.16 on arrival. See the "Clearing Customs for Yachts in Vanuatu" section below for more details.

As for experiencing Tanna as a visitor, the island offers stunning natural beauty with active volcanic landscapes, traditional Melanesian culture witnessed through authentic village experiences, natural wonders like the giant banyan tree and the Blue Cave, and excellent opportunities to witness the dramatic lava displays at Mt Yasur volcano.

Check out The Complete Travel Guide to Tanna LINK#D071 to learn more.

Sailing to the Outer Islands

The northern islands (Malekula, Banks Islands and Pentecost) and southern islands (Erromango and Aneityum Island) are much less developed than Efate and offer a more traditional way of life.

It is possible to clear at Sola on Vanua Lava in the Banks Islands; however, you should check with customs before arrival, as there aren't always the proper authorities to clear you on the island.

Before anchoring at outer islands, you'll need to obtain proper clearance from Port Vila, Lenakel, Luganville or possibly Sola; see the section below for more details.

There are plenty of anchorages around Vanuatu with large sheltered bays found across all provinces. See the "Sailing Around American Samoa and Clearing Out" section below to check out anchorage options.

Once you have cleared in and are ready for domestic cruising, sail to Malekula LINK#D035 for multi-day hiking through lush jungles to visit the Big and Small Nambas tribes, or head to Ambrym for hiking up not one but two active volcanoes. Between April and June, don't miss the unique phenomena like the land diving on Pentecost.

Plan your visit starting with The Best Islands & Provinces to Visit in Vanuatu LINK#TT022.

What are the Ports of Entry in Vanuatu?

There are four official ports of entry for visiting yachts and small craft in Vanuatu. These are Port Vila on Efate, Luganville on Espiritu Santo, Lenakel on Tanna, and Sola on Vanua Lava (when Customs officials are available).

You must clear into one of these ports first before heading anywhere else in the country. Even if your heart is set on visiting a gorgeous outer island or popular cruising spots like Mystery Island or Malekula, you'll need to tick this box first.

According to some cruisers we spoke with on our last visit, it is possible to contact Customs to clear at the gorgeous Port Resolution in Tanna for additional fees. This must be arranged in advance and is subject to officials' availability.

Arriving anywhere other than an official port of entry without prior written permission from Customs can incur hefty fines or prosecution.

Vanuatu Yacht Arrival Procedure

All vessels heading to Vanuatu need to give Customs at least 24 hours' advance notice of arrival via email.

You'll need to include your vessel name, the last three ports you've visited, estimated date and time of arrival, intended port of entry, skipper's name, contact details, full crew and passenger list, and a list of any goods you plan to land. See the "Essential Documents for Yacht Clearance Checklist" below for the full list.

Once you enter Vanuatu's exclusive economic zone (roughly 200 nautical miles of any Vanuatu island), you're required to fly the yellow Q flag. When you arrive at Port Vila or Lenakel, you can call Customs on VHF Channel 16 to announce your arrival and await instructions.

Note that VHF communication is not currently operating in Lunganville, so you need to make alternative arrangements with the Customs team via email.

Nobody goes ashore until you've completed Customs, Immigration and Quarantine clearance. The authorities in Vanuatu take this seriously, and arriving crew should expect thorough compliance checks.

Yacht Clearance Process in Vanuatu

After you arrive at your port of entry, the vessel's master needs to report to Customs, Quarantine and Immigration. In some ports, officers will come to your vessel, whilst in others you'll need to head ashore to complete the formalities.

Interactive inward reporting and passenger arrival forms are available online and can be completed and emailed to Customs before arrival.

Once you're cleared, vessels wanting to cruise beyond the main ports and visit other islands must declare their intended movements and apply for approval. This is usually done by obtaining an Inter-Island Cruising Permit, which allows you to move freely within the country without re-reporting to Customs until you either depart Vanuatu or apply for an extension.

Essential Documents for Yacht Clearance Checklist

Make sure you have these documents ready before arrival:

• Clearance from your last port
• Passports for all crew and passengers
• Completed crew and passenger lists
• Ship's registration papers
• Completed inward reporting form
• Completed passenger arrival forms
• List of goods to be landed or declared
• Inter-Island Cruising Permit (if you want to visit other islands in Vanuatu)

A list of the forms that can be completed in advance can be found on the Vanuatu Customs & Inland Revenues Department's website.

What Can't You Bring into Vanuatu on a Yacht?

Any firearms or ammunition on board must be declared on arrival. These will either be surrendered to Customs for safekeeping or sealed on board if Customs are satisfied they can be securely stored.

Certain goods are strictly prohibited, including narcotics, obscene materials and some types of firearms, with severe penalties for breaches.

We can attest that Vanuatu's biosecurity rules are also quite strict. Fresh meat, fruit, vegetables, animals and foreign garbage must not be taken ashore without permission, and some items may not even be allowed to remain on board after arrival.

What are the Port Dues and Fees for Yachts in Vanuatu?

All visiting yachts and small craft are required to pay port dues. The standard charge is VT$7,875 for the first 30 days or part thereof, with additional daily charges applying after this period.

Port dues are paid to the Ports and Harbours office, or to Customs at your final port of departure if the Ports office is unavailable.

How Long Can You Stay?

Visiting yachts arriving under their own power from a foreign port can remain in Vanuatu without paying import duty for up to 18 months within a 24-month period. For administrative purposes, an initial stay of six months is usually granted, with extensions required if you plan to stay longer - see Vanuatu Tourist Visa: Do You Need a Visa to Visit Vanuatu? LINK#TT077 to learn more about visa extensions.

During this time, the vessel must be for private use only and cannot be sold, hired, chartered or used commercially unless it meets specific superyacht criteria and has obtained the correct permissions.

While Vanuatu keeps things relatively straightforward for cruising sailors, the rules are crystal clear. Follow the process, clear in properly, and you'll find the country a rewarding and welcoming place to explore by yacht.

Domestic Cruising

Once you've cleared Customs, Immigration and Quarantine at your port of entry, you're free to explore Vanuatu's stunning islands by yacht, but there are a few important rules to follow first.

Before setting sail to other islands, you'll need to declare your intended movements to customs and obtain what's called an Inter-Island Cruising Permit.

You cannot visit places like Mystery Island, Port Resolution or any other anchorage outside the official ports of entry without proper clearance first.

Jumping the gun and visiting these spots before getting your permit or written permission from the Director of Customs is considered an offence. The potential fines and prosecution aren't worth the risk.

The same goes for going ashore anywhere in Vanuatu before completing your arrival formalities. Patience is key here.

What You Need to Know About Vanuatu's Inter-Island Cruising Permit

This handy permit is typically valid for up to six months and stays with the vessel's master throughout your journey. You can cruise between islands following your approved itinerary without constantly reporting back to customs.

The Inter-Island Cruising Permit can be completed before arrival and is typically processed on the same day as you clear in.

You'll only need to check in again when you're ready to depart Vanuatu for international waters or if you need to extend your permit.

Important Rules While Cruising in Vanuatu

Even with your permit in hand, all quarantine and biosecurity rules remain in effect. Fresh produce, animals and foreign waste cannot be landed without permission, and any goods you plan to give away or donate must be declared to customs.

The Best Marinas and Anchorages for Yachts in Vanuatu

Malampa Province (Malekula, Ambrym, etc.):

• Port Sandwich: Excellent cyclone hole/natural harbor.
• Port Stanley: Good SE shelter.
• Maskelyne Islands: Calm, great snorkeling/diving, traditional villages.
• Ambrym (Craig Cove/Nopul): Active volcanoes, culture (Rom Dance).

Tafea Province (Tanna):

• Port Resolution: Home to a village-run Yacht Club, nearby hot springs/caves.

Sanma Province (Espiritu Santo):

• Luganville (Segond Channel): Access to SS President Coolidge, Million Dollar Point, town.
• Port Orly / Champagne Beach: Stunning eastern Santo anchorages.

Shefa Province (Efate):

• Port Vila: Capital city hub.
• Yachting World: Marina in Port Vila with full facilities, including assistance with customs clearance

Penama Province (Ambae, Pentecost):

• Ambae (Lolo Y Bay): Anchorage inside an extinct volcanic crater (coral pass needed).

Torba Province:

• Ureparapara Island: Unique volcanic caldera shape (northernmost). 

It's important to note that you should anchor in sand or mud to protect coral reefs.

When it's time to say goodbye to Vanuatu, you'll need to officially clear out through Customs, Immigration and Quarantine.

Again, you can only do this at one of four official ports: Port Vila, Luganville, Lenakel or Sola. Make sure you allow plenty of time for the paperwork, especially if you're departing near a weekend or public holiday LINK#TTD024.

Process for Yachts Before Departure

You'll need to give Customs a heads-up about your departure plans. If you surrendered any firearms or ammunition when you arrived, give them at least 48 hours' notice so they can sort everything out.

Double-check that you've met all your temporary admission conditions and haven't overstayed your welcome without getting an extension first.

Final Checks and Payment

Before you can wave goodbye, you'll need to settle all your port dues. This includes any extra daily charges if you've stayed longer than the initial 30-day period.

Head to the Ports and Harbours office to make these payments, or pop over to Customs if the Ports office isn't available at your departure port. Customs will also make sure you're not taking anything you shouldn't be and that all your clearance requirements are sorted.

Learn more about departure fees in our guide, Vanuatu Tipping & Tax Guide for Travellers LINK#TT013.

You're Free to Go

Once everything's cleared, you're free to head off to your next international destination.