Snorkeling in Efate: Sailing day cruise with lunch
Two snorkel stops, a beach market, and lunch cooked fresh on deck
Snorkel two coral reef sites off Efate aboard the sailing yacht Major Tom, with a local guide, fresh BBQ lunch prepared onboard, and a stop at Mamas Market for local handicrafts. The five- to seven-hour day includes hotel pickup and transfers, snorkel gear, life jackets, and access to kayaks and stand-up paddle boards. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
5h–7h
Step-by-step itinerary
Sailing, snorkeling, lunch, and beach visit
- Set sail, enjoy 360 views
- Snorkel in secluded bay
- Buffet BBQ lunch onboard
- Set sail to second location
- Second snorkel
- Island, beach visit, mamas market
- Return sail, enjoy 360 views
- Transfers back to hotel
The Experience
Major Tom is the only sailing day cruise operating in Efate, and the boat leaves Port Vila heading straight into the Havannah waters—protected anchorages where the coral sits close enough to see from the surface. You snorkel the first reef in a secluded bay, then the crew prepares a buffet BBQ lunch fresh on the yacht while you rest on day beds or hammocks. A local guide and the captain's crew stay with you throughout, speaking English or French, and the boat carries everything: snorkel kits, life jackets, fresh filtered water, and restrooms.
The second snorkel happens after lunch, and between the two sites you sail past the 360-degree views of the Havannah—the reason people choose a sailing day over a speedboat. The beach visit lands at Mamas Market, where you can shop for local handicrafts before the return sail back to Port Vila. If you want to move beyond snorkeling, kayaks and stand-up paddle boards are available on deck at no extra cost.
Hotel pickup and transfers are included for hotels listed in the Port Vila area; if your accommodation is outside the general zone, check with the crew before booking. The tour may not align with cruise ship schedules, so confirm your ship tender time with staff. Anyone with health or medical conditions should advise the captain when you board.
What’s included
- Hotel pickup and transfers within Port Vila.
- snorkel kit, life jackets and safety equipment.
- two snorkel sites in the Havannah waters.
- sailing and cruising the protected anchorages.
- fresh filtered drinking water.
- buffet BBQ lunch prepared onboard.
- beach visit and Mamas Market stop.
- local guide and captain's crew in English or French.
- kayaks and stand-up paddle boards available for use.
- restroom onboard.
Operated by Sailing Vanuatu
Is this one for you?Book this if you want to sail rather than speed across the water—the five to seven hours aboard Major Tom means you spend the day moving through the Havannah at the pace of the boat, not racing between stops. The snorkeling is the anchor, but the sailing itself is what makes this day different from a speedboat version.
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Top questions
What are the two snorkel sites like in Efate?
The first snorkel happens in a secluded bay with a backdrop of coral and sealife; the second site is reached after lunch and the midday sail. Both are in the protected Havannah waters off Efate, shallow enough for snorkeling from the surface.
Is the snorkel gear provided, or do I need to bring my own?
Major Tom provides an individual snorkel kit for each person, along with life jackets and all safety equipment. You don't need to bring or rent gear separately.
What happens between the two snorkel stops?
After the first snorkel, the crew prepares a fresh buffet BBQ lunch onboard while you relax on day beds or hammocks. You then sail to the second snorkel site, taking in the full 360-degree views of the Havannah waters.
Can I do something other than snorkel during the day?
Kayaks and stand-up paddle boards are available on deck at no extra cost. You can also visit Mamas Market during the beach stop to browse and buy local handicrafts.
Does the price include drinks?
Fresh filtered drinking water is included. Cocktails and bar beverages are available for purchase onboard.
How do I get to the boat if my hotel is outside Port Vila?
Hotel pickup and transfers are included for hotels listed in the Port Vila area. If your accommodation is outside the general zone, contact the crew to confirm whether pickup is available or to arrange an alternative meeting point.
Snorkeling in Efate: Sailing day cruise with lunch
5h–7h · EN · FR · at your hotel
from US$ 166 per person
★★★★★★★★★★4.93229 reviewsVerified traveler reviews via our booking provider
