6 Night Cruise sailing from Port Vila roundtrip onboard Island Passage.
The island group where we cruise is decorated with small tropical islands; each surrounded by soft white sand beaches and coral reefs and inhabited by people for whom time is an abundant commodity.
If you like discovering nature, pacific cuisine, taking long walks, swimming, snorkeling, fishing, meeting local people or simply lying on these magnificent, deserted, white sand beaches, then this will be the cruise for you.
Daily Itinerary:
Day 1 Sunday - Dinner
At 4 pm on Sunday we all meet at the charming waterfront cafe du Village on Port Vila Harbour. The crew will transfer you by tender to "Island Passage" waiting at anchor in the Bay. Enjoy a welcome aboard cocktail and let your crew introduce you to the onboard delights of your home for the next 6 nights. During a scrumptious welcome dinner we leisurely cruise to our overnight anchorage across the lagoon.
Day 2 Monday - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After a relaxed start to the morning, a swim and an a la carte breakfast we head north cruising towards our first destination, the beautiful Havannah Harbour. The spectacular narrow entrance at the Hilliard Channel provides great photo opportunities, and we anchor off our favourite pristine sandy beach at Lelepo Island. Experience the stunning snorkelling over the coral; a voyage of discovery in one of the tenders with the Bosun or beach combing as the sun goes down. This evening's dinner will be served under the stars on the aft deck.
Day 3 Tuesday - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Another glorious day at Havannah Harbour and the chance to join one of our talented fishing guides who will do his utmost to ensure the catch of your dreams ... amazing tropical Tuna, Wahoo or Mahi Mahi which our chefs will prepare for you. Lunch is served underway as we cruise the lengths of the lagoon and get up close and personal to the beaches surrounded by dense tropical jungle and dramatic volcanic cliffs. Within the lagoon there are numerous atolls fringed by coral-encrusted shallows. Swimming, snorkeling and fishing will beckon or join the shore parties to explore the nearby villages. "Island Passage" will overnight in the harbour and we enjoy the crew night with a superb BBQ buffet on the aft deck to celebrate a perfect day in paradise.
Day 4 Wednesday - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We bid farewell to Havannah Harbour this morning. Guests that are "hooked" on the tropical fishing can have another chance today as the fishing tenders can follow the ship on this morning's cruise. Our destination today is Pele Island, however if the conditions permit then the Captain will make a detour north to Mataso Island. Totally untouched and remote, this tiny island and reef with its azure waters and thick tropical forestation is a destination few travellers ever experience.
Day 5 Thursday - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today is spent immersed in the true cultural experience of Vanuatu. The people of Pele will dance, sing and welcome you into their traditional village life. During the day the tenders run a shuttle between the ship and the shore so you can explore this remote village and get to know the friendly Chief and the people at your leisure. As the sun goes down a farewell Kava ceremony and more "kustom dance' will provide an amazing end to the day on Pele and Kakula Islands. These islands are typical of the South Seas by having white sand beaches fringed with tropical rainforest. Snorkeling, swimming and visits to the villages will make this a memorable and most relaxing day in paradise.
Day 6 Friday - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Another leisurely start to the day, the landing craft will make trips to the amazing coral gardens off Pele. This area is known as one of the best snorkeling spots in Vanuatu. The ship's tenders will be the perfect for exploring such a large area and underwater highlights will include spectacular drop-offs and stunning coral gardens. Turtles nest on the islands' volcanic sand beaches. Jungle walks will reveal the island's birdlife - and the afternoon snorkelers are likely to encounter turtles. Fishing is available, or perhaps swim or walk ashore, or just relax with a book on the top deck and enjoy the stunning vista. In the early afternoon we make our way back outside Havannah Harbour and South to Mele. Tonight the Island Passage crew farewell you at the Captain's cocktail party. The last night aboard is traditionally a fun affair with the guests enjoying a great night with all their new acquaintances.
Day 7 Saturday - Breakfast
You wake to the aromas of your last meal aboard being prepared. "Island Passage" anchors close to the Port Vila waterfront that has many small shops and a local market located next to the waterfront - perhaps the perfect opportunity to purchase local art and craft or just soak up the vibrant atmosphere. Make sure you swap addresses with your fellow adventurers and say your last goodbyes to the crew. We will transfer you ashore in the tenders at 0930.
