Snorkeling in Port Vila: Turtle Encounter at Nemo City

Swim straight into a reef teeming with clown fish and coral, with a guide steering you toward the turtles.

Snorkeling in Port Vila with a live guide takes you from Back To Eden Restaurant into Nemo City, a sea anemone garden home to dozens of clown fish, giant clams and schools of tropical fish, with a chance to spot sea turtles. The activity runs 1 to 1.5 hours. Snorkeling gear, pickup and all fees are included. Children from age 9 are welcome.

The experience

You're picked up and taken to Back To Eden Restaurant, where the snorkeling begins right at the waterfront. A guide leads you into the water and out to Nemo City, a sea anemone garden where clown fish school in the coral. The same stretch holds some of the largest and most iridescent giant clams you'll see, plus schools of tropical fish moving through the reef. If the conditions align, you might spot one or two sea turtles. Some departures have seen up to five on a single outing.

The whole thing takes between 1 to 1.5 hours in the water. All snorkeling gear is provided, so you show up with nothing but a swimsuit. The guide stays with the group throughout, pointing out the reef life and steering you toward the best spots. An air-conditioned vehicle handles the transport to and from the restaurant, and all fees and taxes are built into the price.

What’s included

• Snorkeling gear (mask, fins, snorkel).
• live English-speaking guide.
• air-conditioned vehicle pickup.
• all entry fees and taxes.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:30

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (12 to 60 years) · Child (9 to 11 years) · Under 9: can't be booked

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 43 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Yumi Tours & Transfers Vanuatu

Is this one for you?You're doing the snorkeling yourself with a guide steering the group, so this suits anyone comfortable in the water and curious about reef life, not a boat tour where you watch from above. The shallow reef right off the restaurant beach and the small group size make it accessible for first-timers and families with children from age 9 onward.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (9 to 11 years). Children under 9 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

Can I snorkel in Port Vila if I've never done it before?

Yes. The guide leads you through Nemo City and stays with the group the whole time. Children from age 9 are welcome, and the reef sits in shallow water right off the restaurant beach, so there's no long swim to the sites.

What exactly is Nemo City?

Nemo City is a sea anemone garden just offshore from Back To Eden, home to dozens of clown fish living in the coral. It's the first major stop on the snorkel, and the guide will point out the anemones and the fish that shelter inside them.

Will I definitely see sea turtles?

Turtles aren't guaranteed, but they do appear regularly on these snorkels. Some departures have spotted up to five in a single outing. You'll definitely see clown fish, giant clams and coral regardless.

What's included in the price?

Snorkeling gear, pickup from your hotel or meeting point, all entry fees and taxes, and the guide are included. You don't need to bring or rent equipment.

How long does the whole activity take?

The snorkeling itself runs 1 to 1.5 hours in the water. Add time for pickup, transport to Back To Eden and getting in and out of the gear, so plan for a morning or afternoon block of about 2 to 2.5 hours total.