Diving Efate (Port Vila) – Reefs, Caverns & Wrecks

About Efate (Port Vila) – Reefs, Caverns & Wrecks

Efate is the gateway to Vanuatu and the base for Port Vila, the capital, offering an easy mix of reefs, caverns and wrecks just minutes from town. The Hideaway Island Marine Reserve shelters Mele Reef, a pristine coral garden that is the classic house reef and training site, while the Cathedral is a light-filled underwater cavern popular with photographers. Twin Bommies and the Efate Pinnacles deliver pinnacle and seamount action with schooling fish and sharks, and Paul's Rock off Moso Island is a remote gorgonian wall for advanced drifts. History lovers can explore the SS Tucker, the Star of Russia and the Semle Federesen wrecks, and adrenaline seekers head to Devil's Point and Buninga Passage for pelagic drifts. Efate is the most accessible and best-equipped diving region in the country.

Highlights

• ✓Mele Reef (Hideaway Island): a protected coral garden and the classic training house reef
• ✓The Cathedral: a light-filled cavern with glassfish, soldierfish and lionfish
• ✓Twin Bommies and the Efate Pinnacles: pinnacles and seamounts with schooling fish and sharks
• ✓Paul's Rock: a remote gorgonian wall off Moso Island for advanced drifts
• ✓Wrecks and drifts: the SS Tucker, Star of Russia, Semle Federesen, Devil's Point and Buninga Passage

Getting There

Fly into Bauerfield International Airport (VLI) in Port Vila. Most dive sites are a short boat ride from the town wharf or nearby resorts, and several, like Mele Reef and the Star of Russia, are reachable from the shore. Operators run regular trips around the Efate coast and to Moso and Lelepa islands.