Efate (French: Éfaté) is the most populated island in Vanuatu, home to capital Port Vila.
Towns
[edit]Other destinations
[edit]Understand
[edit]Efate is the hub of tourism in Vanuatu, home to the vast majority of resorts and other tourist infrastructure. In addition to the main island, there are a dozen or so islands in the immediate vicinity, many of which also host resorts.
Get in
[edit]
Most visitors arrive in Port Vila by plane or cruise ship, see that article for details.
Get around
[edit]The island can be circumnavigated in 2-3 hours via the 140 km paved ring road.
There is no public transport: you'll need to rent a car, charter a taxi or join a tour.
See
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- 1 Eretoka Island. An uninhabited island known for its somewhat comical appearance (hence its common nickname, Hat Island) and the burial place of Vanuatu's last chief Roi Mata, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Islanders consider the island tapu and it's off-limits to visitors.
- 2 World War II Relics Museum, ☏ +678 777 7205. By appointment. A small shed contains a motley collection of WW2 artifacts. The main draw here is the wreck of a F4U Corsair that crashed here on approach to Efate, which is located in water shallow enough to snorkel (only 2m deep) and can be visited by boat (2500 VT). There used to be a second Corsair here as well, but that was shipped off to Adelaide for restoration in 2009.
- The vast grove of palm-fringed coconut plantations.
Do
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- 1 Blue Lagoon, Eton Beach. Swimming spot on the east side of the island, known for its startling blue color (on a sunny day) and rope swings that let you plunge into the deep water. There is no beach and only minimal facilities, so bring what you need. Popular with tours from Port Vila. Adults 1500 VT.
Eat
[edit]Drink
[edit]Sleep
[edit]See Port Vila for listings of hotels in/near the city.
- 1 Trees and Fishes, Port Havannah, North West Efate, ☏ +678 555 1894, [email protected]. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 10:00. A private resort focused on angling and relaxation, situated on the shores of Port Havannah. Accommodation consists of self-contained studios and villas with air-conditioning. The resort is well known for its professional sport fishing and spearfishing charters. Restaurant and bar, swimming pool, complimentary use of kayaks and snorkelling gear. Doubles from around 28,000 VUV.
- 2 The Moso, Moso Island (2 mins by boat from Tanoliu village), ☏ +678 555 2210, [email protected]. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 11:00. An adults-only boutique resort located on a secluded beach on Moso Island. Accommodation is in five beachfront villas and two pool villas, featuring king beds, private decks, and indoor/outdoor showers. The resort is off-grid and villas do not have televisions. Restaurant, pool, day spa. Complimentary use of snorkelling gear and kayaks. Villas from around 48,000 VT.
Stay safe
[edit]Like most of Vanuatu, Efate is at risk of both earthquakes and cyclones. A large earthquake in Efate in December 2024 killed 19 people and damaged nearly all houses to varying degrees.