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Itinerary:

Day 1: Luganville
We start our Vanuatu experience in Luganville, Vanuatu’s northern capital and the commercial centre for Espiritu Santo and surrounding islands. Although within 1800km of the equator the temperature remains moderated by the nearby Segond Channel. Wander through town, check out the market or watch the activity along the waterfront, with people converging from throughout the region there is always something interesting happening in town.

Days 2-6: Vanuatu
Our route depends on weather and opportunities that present themselves. This is real expedition cruising, our goal is to make several landings each day as we explore the central islands of Vanuatu; what follows are some of the places we hope to visit.

Aese Island
Our first landing of the expedition, a great opportunity to become familiar with our tenders as we head ashore to explore and enjoy the beautiful beach.

Ambae
Clothed in thick forest that reaches down to the coast from the volcanically active Mt Lombenben and shaped like an up-turned boat. It was Ambae that gave James Michener the vision of the mysterious island Bali Hai in his book Tales of the South Pacific.

Pentecost
A rugged island with beautiful white sand beaches that rises to a mountainous spine where large tracts of rainforest still remain.  Traditional beliefs run strong here in the home of Naghol or land diving, men leap from tall wooden towers with just springy liana vines to break their fall. Our visit is planned to coincide with the Naghol ceremonies and we hope to witness one of the world’s great cultural events as men make the great leap of faith. Here on the isolated southern coast full kastom villages still exist, and many traditional beliefs and dress customs are still followed.

Malekula
Vanuatu’s second largest island it is also the most linguistically and culturally diverse, over 30 different languages spoken on the island. We explore the southern shoreline, home of the Small Nambas tribal group and the least developed and most traditional part of Malekula. Much of the coastline is protected by mangroves and several parts of the island remain undeveloped with excellent opportunities to explore by tender, kayak or on foot. Coral reefs not only protect the coastline but also provide excellent opportunities to explore the watery realm.

Maskelyne Islands
Beautiful and rarely visited the islands off the south coast of Malekula offer first-class snorkeling opportunities, coral gardens surround the archipelago. Here the use of traditional large sailing canoes has survived and they are frequently used in day to day life.

Tomman Island
Also called Urur, Tomman is an extremely attractive island, with coral gardens and golden sand. The local people retain many of their ancient customs, including grade-taking and male circumcision. The practice of binding young boys heads to give them an elongated cranium has however died out.

Ambryn
Also referred to as the Black Island due to of its dark volcanic soils, it is certainly appropriate particularly within the enormous central caldera which is largely devoid of vegetation. Glimpse into another world as the clouds part to reveal the twin volcanic peaks of Mt Marum and Mt Benbow. Experience traditional village life with its ancient beliefs and practices that have led to some of the most well developed and highly skilled carvers in Vanuatu.

Day 7: Espirito Santo
We return to Luganville and Espirito Santo this morning in time to catch connecting flights to Port Vila and international destinations. Or stay and explore more of Espirito Santo and Vanuatu, the options range from active hikes to relaxing on the beach.