Making the most of Port Vila
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
Cruise ships arriving in Port Vila berth at the commercial pier on Wharf Road, about three kilometres south-west of the town centre. Very large ships often anchor instead and use tenders to bring guests ashore.
Reach Port Vila aboard a locally operated shuttle van or by taxi. People in good physical condition may choose to walk.
Carry a printable map.
Vanuatu, formerly the New Hebrides Islands, is an archipelago of 83 islands in the south-west Pacific Ocean, north of New Zealand and east of Australia.
Port-Vila, the capital city of Vanuatu, is located on the island of Efate within the province of Shefa.
Without skyscraper office towers, Port Vila occupies a magnificent natural harbour. Its charming mixture of cultures combines Melanesian, English, French and Chinese influences. The Cultural Centre holds one of the world's most extensive collections of Pacific artefacts.
Active visitors also have plenty of opportunities, especially for watersports.
This colourful cosmopolitan port offers fine restaurants, duty-free shopping, diving, fishing, eco-tours and excursions such as Hideaway Island and Mele Cascades waterfall.
Getting around
Taxis, minibuses, private buses and hire cars are available around Port Vila, which is also easy to tour on foot.
In today's jaded world, Ekasup Cultural Village is a breath of fresh air.
Nearby places
The waterfall trip is a must in Port Vila, although it costs roughly $10 US. Its 15-20-minute walk through lush green paths is not too demanding. Expect wet feet, as you must cross a few wet stretches before reaching the waterfall. Spectacular!
Food and shopping
The markets occupy the middle of town and open every day except Sunday, from shortly after dawn until traders decide to pack up, usually starting around 3 or 3:30. By dusk, around 5:30 in winter, the last sellers have gone. Food dominates the large covered space. Produce includes fresh fruit, vegetables, seafood and laplap, a common dish of grated yams, bananas, taro, manioc or kusava covered with coconut milk. Extras such as local cabbage, crab or other seafood are sometimes added before it is wrapped in pandana leaves and baked over hot rocks or coals. In front of and just…
Money
The local Vatu (VT) is worth approximately 1 US cent, equivalent to 0,7 Euro cents.
Many businesses accept credit and debit cards on major networks such as Cirrus, Maestro, etc. ATMs are available in Port Vila, and AU$ is also widely accepted.
Across Vanuatu, visitors are not expected to tip, haggle or bargain.
Staying connected
Vanuatu has three official languages: English, French and Bislama.
Internet access is available through some cafés offering customers free WiFi and from wireless hotspots in downtown Port Vila.