Where are the Vanuatu Islands

Where are the Vanuatu islands. They are located in the heart of the South Pacific, Vanuatu is an archipelago of over 80 islands that offers a unique blend of adventure, rich culture, and untouched natural beauty. 

For sailors and cruising yachts, this tropical paradise is a must-visit destination. Whether you're stopping for a short visit or planning to spend the cyclone season, Vanuatu’s diverse offerings make it an unforgettable stop on any Pacific cruising itinerary. 

Where are the Vanuatu Islands

Sailing to Vanuatu typically involves passage from New Caledonia, Fiji, or Australia. Port Vila on Efate Island and Luganville on Espiritu Santo are the main ports of entry, both equipped with customs, immigration, and quarantine (CIQ) services. You’ll need to:

  • Obtain a cruising permit before arriving. This is usually processed alongside your entry documents.
  • Notify customs at least 24 hours in advance of arrival. Use the Advance Notice of Arrival (NOA) form available online.
  • Prepare to be boarded by customs and quarantine officers upon arrival.
  • Yellow Q flag must be flown until clearance is granted.

Best time to sail: The cruising season typically runs from May to October, outside of cyclone season. The prevailing trade winds from the southeast make eastward passages challenging, so careful route planning is essential.

Where are the Vanuatu Islands

Marinas and anchorages:

  • Yachting World Marina (Port Vila): Full-service marina with fuel, water, moorings, repairs, and provisioning.
  • Aore Island Resort (Luganville): Offers moorings and facilities for visiting yachts.
  • Countless sheltered bays such as Havannah Harbour, Port Resolution (Tanna), and Asanvari Bay (Pentecost Island) provide stunning anchorages, many with nearby villages open to visitors.

Where are the Vanuatu Islands

Provisioning and Supplies. Vanuatu is not a provisioning hub like New Zealand or Fiji, so plan ahead:

  • Fresh produce is widely available at local markets in Port Vila and Luganville. You'll find bananas, coconuts, taro, yams, sweet potatoes, papaya, and fresh herbs.
  • Meat and dairy can be expensive and are often frozen. Local beef is of high quality.
  • Stock up on essentials before arriving — imported goods are pricey and not always available.
  • Drinking water is accessible at major ports, but it's wise to have a watermaker or a good filtration system for village stops.

Where are the Vanuatu Islands

Key Supermarket Chains in Vanuatu

Au Bon Marché

  • The leading supermarket chain in Vanuatu, especially on Efate Island in Port Vila.Au Bon Marché is your best bet for comprehensive grocery shopping, especially if you're provisioning for a yacht visit, staying self-catering, or planning a longer stay.

  • Well-developed network: Its wholesale division operates from Nambatu, and it maintains six well-stocked supermarket outlets—including locations in Nambatu (main outlet), Manples, Downtown (Chinatown), Freshwota, Central, and Tassiriki—plus four fuel service stations also branded ABM
  • Known for fresh produce, dairy, French cheeses, charcuterie, wines, spirits, and local beer. The stores offer quality international and local items—though pricing can be on the higher side
  • Favored by both locals and travelers; described as "the main supermarket chain in Port Vila" and super convenient to visit

LCM Supermarket

  • Based in Luganville on Espiritu Santo, this is a notable supermarket and wholesaler in the northern part of the country

Punjas Supermarket

  • Another grocery option listed among supermarkets/grocery stores in Port Vila Cybo. Historically, "Punjas" refers to a well-known company active in Fijian retail and trade; its presence in Vanuatu may reflect a local outlet or affiliate, though fewer details are available.

Organic Paradise & Local Convenience Stores

  • Smaller-scale grocery options—Organic Paradise caters to health-conscious shoppers, likely offering organic produce and specialized goods
  • Local convenience-type stores such as Chew Store also serve everyday needs in Port Vila

Practical Info for Visitors

  • Au Bon Marché is your best bet for comprehensive grocery shopping, especially if you're provisioning for a yacht visit, staying self-catering, or planning a longer stay.
  • LCM Supermarket is the go-to place when you're in Luganville.
  • For unique items or dietary preferences, look out for Organic Paradise or smaller local stores and markets.

Where are the Vanuatu Islands

Where are the Vanuatu Islands

Vanuatu’s culture is a rich tapestry of Melanesian customs, languages, and traditions. Known as one of the most culturally diverse countries in the world, over 100 indigenous languages are spoken here.

Village stops are a highlight for yachties. To make the most of your experience:

  • Ask permission before anchoring or going ashore near villages.
  • It is customary to bring a gift (called “sevu-sevu”), such as kava root, rice, or school supplies.
  • Dress modestly: Women should wear skirts or dresses that cover the knees when visiting villages.
  • Always greet locals with a smile and a friendly “Halo!” (Hello in Bislama).

Where are the Vanuatu Islands

Custom Ceremonies. Don’t miss cultural displays like:

  • Rom dances on Ambrym Island — a dramatic performance involving masks and sacred rituals.
  • Naghol (Land Diving) on Pentecost — the original bungee jumping, where men leap from wooden towers with vines tied to their ankles (April to June).
  • Kava ceremonies — an essential part of Ni-Vanuatu social life. Locally brewed from the root of the kava plant, it’s mildly sedative and traditionally consumed at dusk in “nakamals” (kava bars).

Where are the Vanuatu Islands

Local Food and Must-Try Dishes - Vanuatu’s cuisine is a delightful reflection of its culture — simple, fresh, and flavour packed, with ingredients sourced from both land and sea.

Staples:

  • Lap lap: The national dish made from grated yam, taro, or breadfruit mixed with coconut cream and sometimes meat, then baked in banana leaves over hot stones.
  • Tuluk: A cassava dough stuffed with meat and steamed.
  • Simboro: Rolled island cabbage filled with vegetables and coconut cream.

Seafood:

  • Poulet fish, tuna, lobster, and reef fish are abundant. Many villages are willing to trade or sell seafood directly to visiting yachts.

Fruits and Drinks:

  • Enjoy fresh coconut water, pineapple, mango, passionfruit, and papaya.
  • Locally brewed beer like Tusker and fresh island cocktails are popular in Port Vila’s waterfront bars.

Where are the Vanuatu Islands

Connectivity and Communication

  • SIM cards are available from Digicel and Vodafone at the airport or in town. Coverage is good on main islands, patchy in outer areas.
  • Wi-Fi is available in cafes, marinas, and some anchorages, but speeds can be slow.
  • HF radio nets (such as the Pacific Seafarers Net) are useful for weather updates and connecting with other cruisers. With Starlink not so many using HF anymore

Where are the Vanuatu Islands

Health and Safety

  • Malaria is present in some outer islands — take precautions and use mosquito nets.
  • Medical facilities are limited outside Port Vila and Luganville. Carry a well-stocked first-aid kit.
  • Tap water in villages may not be potable — always boil or filter.

Environmental Awareness

Yachties are encouraged to practice low-impact cruising:

  • Dispose of waste responsibly. There are no pump-out stations, so avoid discharging in anchorages.
  • Avoid anchoring on coral reefs; use moorings where available.
  • Respect local conservation areas and no-fishing zones.

Where are the Vanuatu Islands

Vanuatu is more than just a picturesque sailing destination, it’s a vibrant, living cultural mosaic waiting to be explored. Whether you’re anchoring in a remote bay, attending a traditional ceremony, or sharing fresh-caught fish with a local family, you’ll find that the Ni-Vanuatu people and their traditions are as unforgettable as the landscapes.

For cruising sailors seeking authenticity, adventure, and community connection, Vanuatu is the South Pacific’s best-kept secret, and one that rewards those who take the time to explore it deeply and respectfully. Sail to Vanuatu. Cruising is just the best lifestyle.