Efate
From CruisersWiki
Efate Cruising Guide
An online cruising guide for yachts sailing to Efate, Vanuatu.
(Click links for more information) | |
| 17°40′S, 168°25′E |
---|---|
| Photo gallery |
| Local chartlet |
Map of Efate - click for larger view |
Efate is an island in Vanuatu, in the South Pacific.
It is the most populous island in Vanuatu, and contains the national capital, Port Vila.
Cruising the region
The main areas worth visiting on Efate Island are Port Vila, Mele Bay, and Havannah Harbour (or Port Havannah). These are described below. There are also some anchorages adjacent to offshore islands.
Charts
- Source
- Chart Number - Chart Name
- Chart Number - Chart Name
- Source
- Chart Number - Chart Name
Radio Nets
See Vanuatu Radio Nets.
Also see World Cruiser's Nets.
Weather
See Vanuatu Weather.
Note that Efate is part of the Shefa province of Vanuatu and so the local weather for Shefa will indicate the weather for Efate.
Assuming that you are heading for Port Vila as your first port of call, you can enter the wide Mele Bay from nearly any sea angle. There is a lighthouse on the southern entry point, Pango Point, and there are no obstacles or obstructions in the bay.
After entering Mele Bay, follow the lead lines at 078T (066M) into the outer harbour of Port Vila. From there see the notes on Approach to Port Vila.
Havannah Harbour has to be approached through the southern Hilliard Channel which is wide and deep and contains no obstructions. There is no pass into or out of Havannah Harbour to the north, except for dinghies at high tide.
Check-in facilities (Customs and Immigration)
There is only one check in facility -- Port Vila. See Vanuatu Customs & Immigration.
Berthing Options
Ports
Marinas & Yacht Clubs
See Yachting World Vanuatu in Port Vila and also the section below on #Havannah_Harbour.
Anchorages
Mele Bay
There is a small anchorage just north of Mele Island, in Mele Bay. This is about the only area in the bay where the depth is shallow enough to anchor, as depths range up to 300 metres in this otherwise sheltered bay.
Havannah Harbour
Note: Waiting for more information on this from some local sailors. There is anchoring space in Havannah Harbour where the depths allow, close to the shore on the NE side of the harbour, and there is also a small marina present.
Offshore Islands
Iririki Island
This is the most obvious island from Port Vila, because it's in the middle of Port Vila Harbour. It is entirely occupied by a resort, there are no other habitations on the island.
It can be visited by ferry from Port Vila. There are hobie cats and other activities on the island, there is also a restaurant.
Mele Island
Mele Island (also known as Hideaway Island) is in Mele Bay, not too far from Port Vila. There are regular charter boat trips from Port Vila that visit the underwater post office on the island, which is what the island is best known for. There is also a resort on the island and regular dive tours which run to the resort and the surrounding marine park. Anchoring room is available to the north of the island.
Lesser known is that the Mele islanders are distinct from most of the rest of the ni-Vanuatu population, in that they are Polynesian rather than Melanesian.
Lelepa & Moso Islands
These islands form the northern and western edges of Havannah Harbour. There is apparently an anchorage on the north western side of Lelepa Island but I'm not sure that it would have any advantages over anchoring in Havannah Harbour.
Nguna Island
Nguna Island forms the north eastern edge of Undine Bay on the north coast of Efate. There are anchorages off its north western corner.
Emao Island
This island is off the north eastern corner of Efate. There is a reported anchorage just off its western shore.
Yacht Services and Repairs
See Port Vila.
Things to do Ashore
Tourism
- Blue Lagoon
- Mele Cascades
Grocery & Supply Stores
See Port Vila.
Eateries
Internet/WiFi
See Vanuatu Internet.
WiFi coverage can only be expected in Port Vila but there is 3G coverage throughout Havannah Harbour.
Laundry
See Port Vila.
Motorbike & Car Rentals
See Port Vila.
Garbage Disposal
See Port Vila.
Transportation
List transportation (local and/or international.)
Routes/Passages To/From
List popular passages/routes, timing, etc.
Cruiser's Friends
Contact details of "Cruiser's Friends" that can be contacted for local information or assistance.
Forum Discussions
List links to discussion threads on partnering forums. (see link for requirements)
External Links
- Efate on wikipedia
References & Publications
See Vanuatu References & Publications.
Personal Notes
Personal experiences?
Last Visited & Details Checked (and updated here)
Date of member's visit to this Port/Stop & this page's details validated:
Contributors to this page |
---|
Names: Lighthouse, Haiqu, Delatbabel |
|
---|
| HOMEPAGE | Wiki Contents | South Pacific | Vanuatu | Efate | |