
moderate
6 hours
Suitable for travelers in average health who can get on/off small boats and swim short distances; basic mobility required for short shoreline walks.
Blue lagoons, an underwater post office, and a waterfall-swim—this six-hour combo from Port Vila stitches three of Efate’s most memorable water experiences into one accessible day. Expect calm snorkeling, a shaded lunch, and local guides who make every stop feel easy and essential.
The day begins with a harbor breeze that smells faintly of coconut oil and diesel as small tourist buses thread Port Vila’s waterfront toward the launch point. Within half an hour the shoreline slides away and the ocean opens—bright, shallow, and impossibly blue. Onboard, a local guide from Yumi Tours outlines the plan: three stops, one packed lunch, plenty of water, and time to swim until your shoulders tell you to climb back onto a sun-warmed boat.

Oils and chemicals harm coral—use reef-safe sunscreen and reapply after swims.
Rocky lagoon entry points and coral fragments make reef shoes useful for comfort and protection.
Bring a dry bag and secure loose items—sea spray and quick launches are common.
Cruise passengers must provide ship name and docking times so pickup and drop-off align with tender schedules.
Efate’s coastline has long been a meeting place for Ni‑Vanuatu communities and later European traders; Port Vila grew into a regional hub during the Anglo‑French condominium era of the 20th century.
Hideaway Island is part of a marine sanctuary—visitors are asked not to touch coral or feed wildlife, and to use reef‑safe products to protect the reef.
If you prefer your own fit and clarity, bring your mask and snorkel—tubes and masks may also be provided.
Protects coral and reduces sunburn risk during long exposure on deck and in shallow water.
Protects feet entering/exiting reefs and rocky lagoon shorelines.
Useful in tropical showers during Vanuatu’s wet season (roughly November–April).
summer specific