Vanuatu Ferry Guide: How to Use the Ferry for Interisland Travel in Vanuatu

Ferry travel in Vanuatu provides an important transport lifeline between the country’s main islands and more remote communities. While flights are the fastest way to get around, ferries offer a more affordable option for travellers with flexible schedules, particularly for routes between Port Vila and Espiritu Santo, as well as selected outer islands along the way.

Main Ferry Services in Vanuatu

Port Vila to Espiritu Santo

The crown jewel of Vanuatu's ferry routes connects Port Vila (on Efate) with Luganville (on Espiritu Santo). We're big fans of this route because it's both reliable and incredibly scenic.

Two ferry operators cruise between Port Vila and Santo: Vanuatu Ferry and Big Sista.

Both operators typically sail once per week in each direction, making stops at islands like Malekula and Epi along the way.

The full journey takes around 24 hours, which might sound long, but trust us—the views are worth every minute.

Ferry Schedules and Routes

Vanuatu Ferry

Vanuatu Ferry generally departs Port Vila on Tuesday afternoon and arrives in Espiritu Santo on Wednesday afternoon. You'll usually stop at Malekula early Wednesday morning before continuing north.

The return journey typically leaves Santo on Thursday, getting you back to Port Vila by Friday. From what we've experienced, Vanuatu Ferry tends to be more organised than some operators, though schedules can still shift due to weather or cargo demands.

Our advice? Always double-check departure times close to your travel date and check for updates on the Vanuatu Ferry Facebook Page.

Big Sista

Big Sista runs a similar weekly schedule, usually departing Port Vila on Monday night and returning from Santo on Thursday night. Like Vanuatu Ferry, they'll stop at Epi and Malekula when needed.

Southern and Other Interisland Ferry Routes

If you're planning to explore the southern islands, be prepared for a bumpier ride. Routes between Port Vila and Tanna (sometimes via Erromango and Aneityum) are operated by vessels like MV Tanna Ferry and MV Tauraken.

These southern crossings can get quite rough due to strong ocean currents, so pack some seasickness tablets if you're prone to motion sickness.

You'll also find smaller ferries connecting Santo to Malekula, Port Vila to Ambrym, and routes into Penama Province and the Banks Islands. These services are less predictable and usually need to be arranged locally at the wharf.

When you board the boat, your luggage gets sorted into different shipping containers based on where you're headed. Once onboard, you'll need to show your ticket and maybe even remove your shoes before going upstairs.

We highly recommend packing a small bag for your shoes (trust us, you don't want to leave them abandoned on the lower deck). Also bring socks, slippers or clean shoes to wear around the ferry. The metal surfaces can get really hot in the sun!

Vanuatu Ferry Facilities

Upstairs you'll find two decks: one with passenger seating and an outdoor area. The earlier you arrive, the better your choice of spots will be.

Many passengers bring mats or blankets to spread out on the floor, which can actually be quite comfortable. Just avoid high-traffic areas unless you fancy being someone's stepping stone!

The sofa seating looks tempting and comfortable. However, as the boat fills up, they'll squeeze extra passengers between you if there's space available.

With Vanuatu's hot climate and the number of people onboard, we recommend grabbing a seat near the doors for better airflow. Others prefer sleeping on the top deck, which stays nice and cool at night (assuming it doesn't rain!).

There's a small café onboard stocked with sandwiches, pastries, snacks and hot and cold drinks, all reasonably priced. The selection does get picked over as the journey progresses though.

If you're an instant noodle fan, they're a solid option. Just buy hot water from the bar. Otherwise, we'd suggest bringing your own snacks to be safe.

You'll find plenty of toilets for both men and women throughout the boat. They're fairly clean and equipped with sinks and mirrors for freshening up.

Big Sista Facilities

Once aboard, you'll find benches and bunks scattered throughout the boat. There's a designated "business class" lounge on the upper deck that's less crowded, sometimes air-conditioned, and offers padded seating for sleeping (if available).

To access business class, simply head up the stairs through the curtain. Someone will come round to collect the fee and give you a wristband.

Like on the Vanuatu Ferry, many passengers bring woven mats or sleeping rolls to stretch out in the corridors. Since most stops happen during the night, pack an eye mask and earplugs to block out announcements (unless you're getting off at one of those stops!).

The lower deck has a small kitchen selling drinks and food, though availability varies. They tend to run out quickly with limited choices, so we strongly recommend bringing your own food and water for journeys on the Big Sista.

There's also a toilet and a tiny outdoor space at the back where you can get some fresh air and enjoy the views.

Facilities on Cargo Boats

If you're considering cargo vessels that also take passengers, prepare for an even more basic experience. These offer outdoor seating only with minimal facilities, but they're certainly an adventure in themselves!

Ferry travel is significantly cheaper than flying. An adult ticket between Port Vila and Espiritu Santo typically costs around VT$10,000-$12,000 one-way, including a limited luggage allowance.

Fares for outer islands and cargo boats vary quite a bit, so it's best to confirm prices locally before you travel.

Booking Your Ferry in Vanuatu

Don't expect to book your ferry tickets months in advance; that's just not how things work in Vanuatu. Tickets are usually purchased in person at ferry offices or directly at the wharf, sometimes only the day before departure.

According to locals, schedules can change frequently, so we always recommend:

• Confirming sailing dates shortly before travel
• Building buffer days into your itinerary
• Having flights as a backup if you're on a tight schedule

For the most reliable information, head to the wharf offices in Port Vila or Luganville; they'll have the most up-to-date details on departures and any schedule changes.

While the larger islands serve as the main hubs for each province in Vanuatu, getting to those picture-perfect tiny offshore islands is surprisingly straightforward once you know the options.

For areas where tourism is well-established, island resorts typically operate their own boat transfers between the mainland and their respective islands.

Islands where this convenient service operates include:

• Hideaway Island Resort, Port Vila
• The Moso and Tranquillity Island Resort on Moso Island, Port Vila
• Iririki Island Resort, Port Vila
• Erakor Island Resort, Port Vila
• Aore Island Resort and Freshwater Plantation, Espiritu Santo
• Dany Island Resort, Dany Island

For the more remote outer islands where tourism isn't established, local chartered speedboats are your ticket to adventure. Just make sure they have lifejackets – safety first!

We recommend organising these transfers through your accommodation, as they can contact local skippers who happen to be on the island and operating during your visit. From our experience, this approach saves you time and ensures you're working with reliable operators who know the waters well.

As there's a lot to go through when it comes to smaller boat travel, check out How to Catch a Boat Transfer in Vanuatu: The Complete Guide LINK#T023 to dive more into the details.