Vanuatu Surf Travel Guide
The South Pacific archipelago of 83 small islands can rival its sister island nations of Fiji and Samoa for wave quality, just with half the crowds. Known for its variety and tropical perfection, rather than size, most surfing is on the Southern reefs of Efate Island.
Quick Facts
Underrated surf destination only moments from Australia & NZ
Less consistent and crowded than Fiji
Pristine, warm waters and incredible flora and fauna
Diverse adventures, climb active volcanoes, dive WW2 wrecks, meet cannibal tribes
Where to surf
Eratap Island
Eratap Island provides both a right and a left and is a wave that provides for all levels. The Right at Eretap can be world class with long barrels and walls. A pulse of SE groundswell and light winds will see it turn on, best at higher tides. The left at Eretap is more user friendly and can be surfed on all tides and is offshore in trade winds The Eratap Beach Resort is one of the most highly rated in Vanuatu
Breakas
Also known as Pounders, this left and right on south side of Efate Island breaks on a sharp reef for more experienced surfers.
Devil’s Point
One of most consistent waves in Vanuatu, a consistent long right on Efate island. Best at lower tides.
Pango Point
Can get busy on weekends due to proximity to Port Vila. Coral reef bottom. Intermediate wave, both left and right hand waves. Located on the south side of the island. An easy take-off leads to a long wall and the odd barrel section.
Lenakil
Lenakil is probably Vanuatu’s most famous left due to its location in front of the village on Tanna Island. The wave breaks on a shallow reef and can get thick and heavy on a solid groundswell
Port Resolution
Port Resolution is on the Eastern Side of Tanna Island and can be exposed to the ESE trade winds. It also gets plenty of swell. Close to the active volcano Yasur, there is hot water springs found around the bay. Explore around the point for a variety of waves including a right point break.
When to go
Vanuatu’s best waves happen when the winds are light allowing reefs with the best exposure to SE swells to turn on. Winds are often light and variable from October through to May. The high surf season is from April through to September, when winter Storms east of New Zealand provide the ideal southeast swells which the best breaks need. Trade winds from the East can be gusty from May to September.The water temperature doesn’t drop below 25 degrees Celsius all year, so its boardshorts all the way.
Attractions
When you’re not surfing, Vanuatu is an adventure playground with a variety of other activities to enjoy such as fishing, kayaking and snorkelling the beautiful coral reefs that the islands are famed for. In addition the active volcanoes, spectacular coral reefs and a vibrant diverse culture create a unique holiday experience. WWII has left a lasting legacy of shipwrecks which attract divers from all over the world.
The Country
Vanuatu is a country in the southwestern Pacific Ocean, consisting of a chain of 13 principal and many smaller islands located about 800 km west of Fiji and 1,770 km east of Australia. Formerly jointly administered by the English and French Vanuatu achieved independence in 1980. A series of active volcanoes dominate a land full of rugged mountains, high plateaus, rolling hills and low plateaus, beaches and offshore coral reefs. More than 100 local Melanesian languages are spoken; with Bislama, an English-based Melanesian pidgin, English and French recognises as the three official languages.
Getting There
A four-hour flight from Australia direct flights are available from Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne to the capital of Port Vila. The resort will then provide direct transfers to the best surf destinations.
Travel Information
Time Zone
UTC/GMT +11
Currency
Vatu (VT)
Calling code
+678
Electric
220 V and 50 Hz