The Best Snorkelling in Vanuatu: Top 8 Places to Snorkel

Unlike the blue holes that islands like Espiritu Santo are famous for, the "blue holes" on Tanna LINK#D071 are more like natural swimming pools in the reef, lined with colourful coral. Let's start with the simply named Blue Hole #1.

This natural wonder serves as a fish nursery, where vibrant marine life thrives among stunning coral wall formations that create an underwater gallery of colours and textures.

The crystal-clear waters offer excellent visibility for snorkellers of all skill levels, making it an ideal spot to observe tropical fish in their natural habitat. While the experience is best enjoyed at low tide for optimal water conditions, the site remains easily accessible during high tide, ensuring you can visit throughout the day.

For just VT$500 per person, your visit directly supports the local community. You can pay in cash on-site or conveniently settle your fee at White Grass Ocean Resort.

Another option to slide deep into the reefs of Tanna, Blue Hole #2 is only a few hundred metres north of Blue Hole #1, so it would almost be silly not to go!

This underwater sanctuary showcases vibrant marine life, but timing is absolutely crucial for the best experience.

Visit during low tide, ideally in the morning when visibility reaches its peak, and the water remains calm. The challenging limestone walk requires proper reef shoes or aqua socks, and be sure to avoid stepping on delicate coral formations.

While the trek to reach this secluded spot can be challenging, the reward of snorkelling in this untouched marine environment makes every careful step worthwhile.

The afternoon and high tide periods significantly reduce visibility due to waves, so planning around optimal conditions is essential.

Again, there may be locals taking small entry fees to access their kastom land.

Have you ever snorkelled over an army truck, a tank or even some old Coca-Cola memorabilia?! Well, you can at Million Dollar Point off the shores of Espiritu Santo LINK#D053.

This isn't just a beach; it's an underwater museum born from one of World War Two's most spiteful decisions.

In 1945, when French colonial authorities refused to buy surplus American military equipment at six cents on the dollar (thinking they'd get it for free), the Americans responded with remarkable pettiness. For two solid days, they dumped millions of dollars' worth of trucks, bulldozers, tractors, jeeps and even Coca-Cola bottles into the sea near Luganville.

Today, Million Dollar Point offers visitors the extraordinary sight of this underwater military graveyard just metres from shore. You can explore through snorkelling, scuba diving or even reef walking at low tide, discovering everything from bulldozers to bottles scattered across the ocean floor and rocky coastline.

A snorkel spot combined with lunch with a view? Yes, please! In Vanuatu, you can only rely on the more developed Efate Island LINK#D017 for experiences like Top Rock.

The professional setup impresses from the start, with excellent signage, a welcoming entrance and hedged pathways guiding you to this stunning limestone cliff location.

Descend through a large cavern that provides easy sea access for snorkellers of all experience levels. The exceptional water clarity makes spotting small tropical fish effortless, while lucky visitors might encounter turtles gliding through the coral gardens.

After your underwater adventure, savour a delicious lunch "with a view" atop the cliff, where you can admire breathtaking panoramas of the neighbouring Nguna and Pele islands while supporting local vendors.

It's also possible to visit the site via organised tours with Yumi Tours from Port Vila.

Another spectacular option for snorkelling from Tanna, Port Resolution entices with its sheltered waters.

This magnificent bay, framed by towering cliffs, serves as your gateway to some of east Tanna's most spectacular beaches and snorkelling spots. The charming Ireupuow village provides essential amenities with its basic shop, local market and simple restaurant, making it an ideal base for yachties and visitors from land.

A short walk west of Ireupuow brings you to the cliff-top Port Resolution Nipikimanu Yacht Club where it's possible to grab a meal, and you'll reach the protected marine sanctuary at Yewao Point, where calm waters offer exceptional snorkelling opportunities right up to where the coral reef begins.

Another path north of the village unveils a glorious stretch of white sand leading to premium surf breaks, with deep swells rolling along 2.5 km (1.6 mi) of coastline to Yankaren Para.

Dubbed "Nemo City" thanks to its carpet of anemone housing clown fish, the shores off the coast of Mangaliliu on the east coast of Efate are an amazing place to snorkel if you jump on a tour.

We absolutely love this hidden gem where incredible snorkelling meets fantastic dining. The peaceful 1 to 1 hr 30 mins snorkelling adventure starts right from the waterfront at Back to Eden Restaurant, where your guide will lead you to an enchanting underwater world locals call "Nemo City".

This magical sea anemone garden is home to dozens of vibrant clownfish darting between stunning coral formations. You'll also discover iridescent giant clams scattered across the seabed and colourful schools of tropical fish gliding through the crystal-clear waters.

Keep your eyes peeled for sea turtles, according to Yumi Tours, which offer packages there from Port Vila, they've seen up to five turtles on a single tour! It's genuinely thrilling when one of these creatures majestically glides past.

Everything's taken care of for you with all snorkel gear provided, and the best part? You literally step into the water from the restaurant's doorstep.

The waters surrounding Moso Island, particularly around Tranquillity Island Eco Resort, are a haven for snorkellers. So much so that the resort offers snorkelling day trips from Port Vila, so everyone can get to experience it.

If you're looking for an unforgettable marine adventure, this eco-resort on Moso Island should be at the top of your list. They have a dedicated turtle sanctuary, where baby hatchlings are lovingly cared for until they're ready to take on ocean life.

It's one of the best places to spot hawksbill and green turtles gracefully grazing on seagrass around the pristine house reef, which non-guests can experience by taking a full-day adventure that includes scenic transfers by road and boat, a delicious lunch, guided snorkelling sessions, access to bush walking trails and complimentary kayak use.

Scuba divers, don't miss the chance to add a dive package and explore the numerous sites around Moso Island. New to diving? We recommend trying their "Discover Scuba" session.

The resort's "Island Explorer" day cruise offers another fantastic way to experience these crystal-clear waters. Their dive shop in Port Vila makes booking a breeze with convenient hotel pickups.

This exclusive snorkelling spot is only accessible via Watersports Port Vila in Port Vila.

Snorkel Paradise Cove, one of Port Vila's most spectacular snorkelling spots. The visibility here is simply incredible, and you'll be amazed by the vibrant coral formations teeming with colourful reef fish and the occasional larger marine species.

What makes this experience truly special is its exclusive location near the Dream Cove community. Watersports Port Vila holds the only snorkelling rights in the area, which means you won't be battling crowds for the perfect underwater photo.

We're particularly drawn to the eco-conscious coral planting initiatives you'll participate in during your visit. There's something incredibly rewarding about helping preserve the marine ecosystem while exploring this underwater paradise.

The logistics are spot-on too. You'll travel in well-equipped boats with first aid-trained skippers who genuinely care about your safety and comfort throughout the 1 hr 30 mins experience. All essential snorkelling gear is provided (mask and snorkel, though no fins to protect those delicate reefs), and the boats feature shade canopies and easy access ladders.