Efate Sailing Day Cruise: Snorkeling, Beach & BBQ Lunch

Summary

Sail Efate’s blue waters, snorkel coral reefs, taste island barbecue

You’ll sail Efate’s coast with a local crew, snorkeling bright reefs and relaxing on beaches only reached by boat. Enjoy a barbecue lunch onboard and browse island handicrafts before drifting homeward on sun-warmed decks. It’s not just about seeing Vanuatu—it’s about feeling its rhythm for yourself.

What’s the experience like?

Someone’s handing me a mask and snorkel before I’ve even found my sea legs. The deck of Major Tom feels warm under bare feet—kind of sticky from salt spray. Our guide, Joseph, grins as he points out the coastline of Efate slipping by. There’s this soft humming from the engine that fades once the sails catch; suddenly it’s just wind and laughter and the slap of water against the hull. I never thought I’d get used to that smell—salt, sunscreen, grilled chicken drifting up from below deck.

We stopped off Lelepa Island (or maybe it was Moso? Joseph joked about “weather roulette” for island choices). The water was so clear you could see every ripple over coral—tiny neon fish darting around my ankles when I finally slid in. Someone tried paddle boarding and fell in with a splash; everyone cheered. There was this moment underwater where everything went quiet except for my own bubbles—I still think about that silence sometimes.

Lunch showed up just when hunger hit hard: big platters of barbecue, fresh fruit, something sweet I couldn’t pronounce (Li laughed when I tried to say it in Bislama). After eating too much, we sprawled on day beds or hammocks while a couple of locals set up little tables with woven baskets and shells. The sun kept shifting behind clouds but never really disappeared—just softened everything for a while. On the way back to Gideons Landing, nobody said much; just wind in our faces and someone humming softly near the bow. It felt like we’d all known each other longer than a day.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Sailing cruise with snorkeling and lunch

• Transfer to Gideons Landing
• Board Major Tom at 10:00am
• Sail and enjoy sightseeing
• Snorkel and use water toys
• Relax on day beds or hammock
• Enjoy buffet BBQ lunch onboard
• Visit Lelepa Island or Moso
• Visit Palaf Bay beach and snorkel
• Sail back to Gideons Landing
• Transfer back to hotels

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Efate sailing day cruise?

Yes, transfers to and from hotels within Port Vila are included.

Do I need to bring my own snorkel gear?

No, an individual snorkel kit is provided for your use during the tour.

What islands might we visit on this sailing tour?

The itinerary includes Lelepa Island or Moso Island depending on weather conditions.

Is lunch provided during the sailing cruise?

Yes, a buffet BBQ lunch is served onboard during the trip.

Are stand-up paddle boards available?

Yes, stand-up paddle boards are available for guests to use.

Can children join this sailing day trip?

Yes, but anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Are there shopping opportunities during the tour?

Yes, you can shop for local handicrafts at one of the beach stops.

Is this Efate sailing tour suitable for all fitness levels?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup and return transfers from Port Vila hotels, your own snorkel kit to use throughout the cruise, life jackets and safety equipment provided by the crew, a barbecue lunch served onboard with fresh fruit options, access to stand-up paddle boards or kayaks if you want them, plus time at local beaches where you can shop handmade crafts before heading back in the afternoon.