Efate
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Efate is an island in Vanuatu, in the South Pacific.
It is the most populous island in Vanuatu, and contains the national capital, Port Vila.
The main areas worth visiting on Efate Island are Port Vila, Mele Bay, and Havannah Harbour (or Port Havannah). These are described below. There are also some anchorages adjacent to offshore islands.
Charts
See Vanuatu.
Weather
See Vanuatu Weather.
Note: Efate is part of the Shefa province of Vanuatu and so the local weather for Shefa will indicate the weather for Efate.
Passages
Islands
Iririki
This is the most obvious island from Port Vila, because it's in the middle of Port Vila Harbour. It is entirely occupied by a resort, there are no other habitations on the island.
It can be visited by ferry from Port Vila. There are hobie cats and other activities on the island, there is also a restaurant.Communication
See Vanuatu.
Assuming that you are heading for Port Vila as your first port of call, you can enter the wide Mele Bay from nearly any sea angle. There is a lighthouse on the southern entry point, Pango Point, and there are no obstacles or obstructions in the bay.
After entering Mele Bay, follow the lead lines at 078T (066M) into the outer harbour of Port Vila. From there see the notes on Navigation to Port Vila.
Havannah Harbour has to be approached through the southern Hilliard Channel which is wide and deep and contains no obstructions. There is no pass into or out of Havannah Harbour to the north, except for dinghies at high tide.
Entrance
There is only one check in facility -- Port Vila. See Vanuatu Entrance.
Berthing
Ports
– port of entry || 
– marina || 
– anchorage ||Marinas & Yacht Clubs
See Port Vila and also the section below on Havannah Harbour.
Anchorages
Mele Bay
Havannah Harbour
Havannah Harbour (or Port Havannah) is a large calm water harbour and sailing ground on the north western side of Efate. It lies between Efate to the east and the islands of Lelepa and Moso to the west. There are huge amounts of anchoring space in Havannah Harbour where the depths allow, close to the shore on the eastern side of the harbour, all along the shore. Up in the north east corner there is good anchoring room in shallower depths on sand. The middle of the harbour is quite deep.
Havannah Beach and Boat Club [[Efate#Havannah Beach and Boat Club|Havannah Beach and Boat Club]] -17.573667°zoom′13, 168°14.780'E with some moorings, marina berths and good shelter. They have toilets and showers ashore and a small yacht charter operation. Moorings cost 1000 vatu per day. Contact phone: 7799077 or 5553578
Port Havannah has quite a bit of WWII history attached to it. Some is discussed on The wikipedia page. There is a small WWII museum on the eastern shore containing a few odd relics of the era.
The snorkelling close to shore is very good. Large amounts of coral and fish can be spotted. Crayfish can also be found although with the amount of coral around they have many hiding holes and can be difficult to catch. Sea anemones and their associated colourful clown fish are fairly common and will delight any children familiar with the film Finding Nemo.Mele Island
Mele Island (also known as Hideaway Island) is in Mele Bay, not too far from Port Vila. There are regular charter boat trips from Port Vila that visit the underwater post office on the island, which is what the island is best known for. There is also a resort on the island and regular dive tours which run to the resort and the surrounding marine park. Anchoring room is available to the north of the island.
Lesser known is that the Mele islanders are distinct from most of the rest of the ni-Vanuatu population, in that they are Polynesian rather than Melanesian.Lelepa & Moso Islands
Lelepa & Moso Islands [[Efate#Lelepa & Moso Islands|Lelepa & Moso Islands]] 17°32.989'S, 168°14.152'E Nguna Island
Emao Island
Amenities
See Port Vila.
Provisioning
See Port Vila.
Eating out
See Port Vila.
Transportation
See Port Vila.
Things to do Ashore
Tourism
- Blue Lagoon
- Mele Cascades
Friends
Contact details of "Cruiser's Friends" that can be contacted for local information or assistance.
Forums
List links to discussion threads on partnering forums. (see link for requirements)
Links
- Efate at the Wikipedia
References
See Vanuatu References & Publications.
Comments
We welcome users' contributions to the Wiki. Please click on Comments to view other users' comments, add your own personal experiences or recommend any changes to this page following your visit.
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Names: Lighthouse, Haiqu, Delatbabel |
