Arrival and airport access
Nearest airport
Bauerfield International Airport (VLI)
Ground access
Port Vila provides the main international gateway, with domestic links to outer islands.
Discover the destination
Welcome to Vanuatu
Vanuatu is a South Pacific expedition yacht destination with volcanoes, reefs, diving, culture and remote island cruising.
Superyacht Guide Award
Superyacht Guide Destination Star
★★☆☆☆
2 Stars - Good yachting destination
Preliminary Superyacht Guide destination note pending full editorial assessment. Vanuatu has recognised yachting merit but has not yet been assessed for a higher Destination Star rating.
Preliminary Listing
Pacific Destination
Editorial Review Pending
Last reviewed: May 10, 2026
Destination Stars are editorial ratings based on cruising appeal, marina access, hospitality, scenery, events, seasonality and available information.
Destination intelligence
Key facts at a glance
The essentials for planning a visit, cruising or shore-side operations.
- Region
- Asia Pacific
- Local area
- Vanuatu Archipelago
- Country
- Vanuatu
- City / area
- Port Vila / Espiritu Santo / Tanna
- Type
- Expedition island cruising region
- Cruising area
- South Pacific / Melanesia
- Best season
- May to October
- Nearest airport
-
Bauerfield International Airport
VLI - Charter appeal
- High specialist expedition appeal
- Marinas
- 4 marinas in the destination area
Explore Vanuatu
The destination guide
Vanuatu is one of the South Pacific’s most rewarding expedition yacht destinations, combining volcanic islands, reefs, diving, culture, blue holes, beaches and remote anchorages.
For yachts, Vanuatu can include Port Vila, Espiritu Santo, Tanna, Pentecost and numerous outer islands. It is particularly attractive for guests seeking active volcanoes, traditional culture, wreck diving and natural adventure.
The destination requires careful local support, clearances, weather planning and cultural sensitivity. Properly planned, it offers a powerful and authentic South Pacific cruising experience.
Superyacht highlights
- Volcanoes, reefs and expedition cruising
- Port Vila, Espiritu Santo and Tanna routes
- Diving, blue holes and wreck sites
- Traditional culture and remote island visits
- Strong adventure and explorer-yacht appeal
Plan the visit
Travel, berthing and planning
Operational details and access information for the destination.
Marina and yacht access
Marina access
Port Vila supports yacht access, while outer-island cruising is anchorage-led.
Berthing
Local support, clearances and anchorage planning are essential.
Planning details
Best time to visit
Dry season is generally preferred for cruising and island exploration.
Coordinates
-17.740500, 168.312500
The waterfront
Marinas and berthing
Marina profile
Waterfront · Marina
Yachting World Marina Port Vila
★★☆☆☆
2 Stars - Good marina standard
- Location
- Port Vila , Vanuatu
- Max length
- 35.00 m
Marina profile
Waterfront · Marina
Port Vila Yachting World Marina
★★☆☆☆
2 Stars - Good marina standard
- Location
- Port Vila , Vanuatu
- Max length
- 35.00 m
Marina profile
Waterfront · Marina
Port Vila Marina
★★☆☆☆
2 Stars - Good marina standard
- Location
- Port Vila , Vanuatu
- Max length
- 35.00 m
Marina profile
Waterfront · Marina
Luganville Marina Santo
★★☆☆☆
2 Stars - Good marina standard
- Location
- Luganville , Vanuatu
- Max length
- 30.00 m
Time ashore
Hospitality and experiences
Hotels and accommodation
Ratua Private Island; The Havannah Vanuatu; Iririki Island Resort; boutique island lodges
Restaurants
Port Vila restaurants, resort dining and yacht hospitality
Attractions and places
Mount Yasur; Espiritu Santo; blue holes; reefs; wreck diving; villages; outer islands
Events
Vanuatu dry-season cruising, cultural ceremonies and expedition yacht activity.