Embedded Files
Inter-Island Ferries
Inter-Island Ferries
You will only want to take the inter-island ferries if you're travelling with a lot of time to spare, can sleep like a log, and don't mind discomfort in order to save money. The transits are long, slow, and uncomfortable. The ferries may also be cancelled due to bad weather. There are also several different ferry companies, and the schedules change frequently. You can purchase ferry tickets at the relevant company's head office in Port Vila, and all ferries depart from the Star Wharf. Most of the ferry companies have Facebook pages where they also post their schedules, so check there for times.
Passenger ships are slightly more comfortable and may have a snack bar on board where you can buy basic food and drink. Cargo ferries will have very limited seating - if any - but will be cheaper.
Port Vila - Malekula - Luganville (via Emae - Epi - Paama - Maskelynes)
Port Vila - Malekula - Luganville (via Emae - Epi - Paama - Maskelynes)
Vanuatu Ferry and Big Sista are two companies that sail from Port Vila to Malekula to Luganville, with the full trip to Luganvillee taking 24 hours. Depending on the demand, these companies may also stop on Emai, Epi, Paama, and Maskelynes islands. If you wish to get to one of these islands, check with the company office which ferries will be making these additional stops.
+678 26872
Big Sista (Facebook Group Only)
+678 7797776
Port Vila - Tanna (via Erromango)
Port Vila - Tanna (via Erromango)
The ferry between Port Vila and Tanna takes 12 hours, although the seas are significantly rougher on this journey and more prone to being cancelled. The MV Tauraken takes this route.
+678 29873
+678 7716 121 / +678 5656 689 / +678 7794 522
Port Vila - Ambrym (also Ambae - Pentecost - Paama - Epi)
Port Vila - Ambrym (also Ambae - Pentecost - Paama - Epi)
The MV Brisk and MV Tina operate the route between Port Vila and Ambrym. Do note though - in December 2018 the lava lakes in Ambrym drained by tectonically induced stress. Ambrym is still an interesting island to visit and hike, but you can no longer see molten lava here, and there is very limited tourism infrastructure.
Espiritu Santo - Malekula / Banks Island / Penama Province
Espiritu Santo - Malekula / Banks Island / Penama Province
If you are looking to go from Espiritu Santo to either Malekula, Banks Island, or Penama Province, you will need to go to the wharf in Luganville and ask around for schedules. These routes are serviced by smaller ships, but are usually based on demand.
Inter-Island Flights
Inter-Island Flights
Air Vanuatu is the only airline operating inter-island flights. The airline only owns 6 planes, although there may be fewer if any plane has an issue or needs servicing. Flights are often cancelled or delayed, so make sure you get travel insurance that covers cancelled or delayed flights. When travelling in the Pacific, I strongly recommend paying for a travel insurance that will cover the cost of your accommodation if your fight is cancelled. Technically, Air Vanuatu will give you accommodation if your flight is cancelled - BUT you can only discuss this at the Air Vanuatu counter of the airport, not over the phone. These counters are only serviced between 9am and 5pm, and if a manager is not on duty you won't be able to get your hotel voucher. Plus, the voucher will be for a very cheap and unpleasant hotel - it's simply not worth the effort to go through this. Instead, just get yourself a good travel insurance. I've had 10 Air Vanuatu flights booked (admittedly, all during cyclone season), and I've had 5 leave on time, and 5 be cancelled and rebooked. Travel insurance is definitely worth it in the world's most disaster prone country.
If you do need to call Air Vanuatu, here are the contact numbers:
Vanuatu: +678 20200
Australia: +61 (02) 8335 4600
New Zealand: +64 (09) 373 3435
During any natural disaster or mechanical issue, the Air Vanuatu hotline will get inundated with calls. Customer service is also very different in Vanuatu versus Australia - it is a lot less professional and accommodating, but please do keep in mind that Ni-Van staff are paid significantly less than Air Vanuatu staff based in Australia and New Zealand, and very few developing countries approach customer service in the same way that Australians do.
Because of this, if you really do need to call Air Vanuatu, I recommend calling the Australian number from Vanuatu. You can actually make international calls via Skype without needing an international SIM card, and from Vanuatu to Australia it costs only 3 cents per minute. The wait time will be a lot shorter and you're more likely to get quick assistance. And potentially a job offer (true story). Air Vanuatu is chronically understaffed, so please be kind to their staff.
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse