The Republic of Vanuatu sits in the South Pacific Ocean, some 1,750 km east of Australia, 500 km north-east of New Caledonia, west of Fiji, and south of the Solomon Islands. Two of the archipelago’s 83 volcanic islands – Matthew and Hunter – are also claimed by the French overseas department of New Caledonia.
The nation’s largest town and gateway is the capital Port Vila, found on the island of Efate. Luganville, located on the largest island of Espiritu Santo, is the nation’s second-largest town.
Diving in Vanuatu is exciting and interesting, from the easy, protected waters of the marine sanctuary, to shallow reefs, deeper drop-offs, and world-class WWII wrecks. All Vanuatu diving offers crystal clear, warm waters teeming with fish life. Port Vila is a great area to dive in Vanuatu, offering various dive sites and marine life. The running currents found here attract large pelagic species providing fantastic encounters.
The landscape beneath the water mirrors that found above: mountainous terrain with plunging cliffs, caverns, and overhangs, massive caves, and intricate interconnecting underwater tunnels with chasms formed by solidified lava; all a fantastic backdrop for the abundance of life thriving in these waters.