Pele Island Tour, Vanuatu (Is It Worth It?)
Pele Island is only 18km north of Efate, Vanuatu’s main island. It’s renowned for its white sandy beaches, lush vegetation, and coral reefs teeming with marine life, making it one of the best spots in Vanuatu for snorkeling.
While you can stay on the island, most visitors choose to take one of the day tours from Port Vila.
The island’s a perfect retreat to unwind, snorkel, and engage in local culture. You also get to meet the welcoming locals, and the chance to experience traditional Melanesian cuisine.
When I was in Vanuatu we took a Pele island tour (well, actually we gate-crashed one..) and it was one of our best days in Vanuatu! It looks like a bit of a tourist trap if you judge a book by its cover, but once you get past that it’s actually great food, epic snorkeling, and a fun way to meet other travelers.
Here’s a write-up of what to expect on the tour, the best tour operator I found (and the one I used!) and my tips on doing the Pele Island tour while you’re in Vanuatu.
1️⃣ Take a Day Tour with Vanuatu Ecotours (Who I went with!) [Jump To Review] or [Book Now]
For a rich cultural experience and a well-balanced itinerary with pickup and drop off from Port Vila, I suggest Vanuatu EcoTours. You’ll snorkel, feast, and have an opportunity to relax on the island’s beaches.
2️⃣ Go Self Guided [Find Out How]
If you have more time, you can get a boat transfer and even stay on the island – experiencing the magic of Pele island long after the tourists have left for the day.
Looking for another day out in Efate? Checkout the Lelepa island tour as well!
Table of Contents
What is the Pele Island Tour
The Pele Island tour is a day trip offered by several tour operators in Vanuatu. This excursion allows you to experience the natural beauty and tranquility of Pele Island, located just off the coast of Efate. It typically includes transportation to and from the island, guided activities like snorkeling and hiking, a traditional Melanesian meal, and sometimes a visit to a local primary school.
Typical Itinerary
A typical tour starts early, around 7:00 AM, with pickup from your accommodation in Port Vila. The journey to Emua Wharf takes about 30 minutes, followed by a brief boat ride to the island. Upon arrival, you are welcomed by the locals and given an overview of the day’s activities.
The itinerary usually includes:
Boat Transfer: You’ll be driven to a nearby village where you’ll board a small boat for the transfer to Pele Island. The boat ride takes about 30 minutes and offers scenic views of the surrounding waters.
Snorkeling: The first activity often involves snorkeling in the island’s clear waters.
Beach Time: After snorkeling, you can relax on the beach, sunbathe, or swim at your leisure.
Lunch: A traditional Melanesian lunch is usually served around midday.
Island Tour: Post-lunch, some tours offer a guided walk around the island, providing insights into the local flora, fauna, and village life.
Return Trip: In the mid-afternoon, you’ll board the boat back to the mainland, followed by transportation back to your accommodation. You can expect to return by late afternoon, around 4:00 PM.
The Good and the Bad
No travel experience is perfect, and this tour is no exception. Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons to help you decide if this day trip is the right fit for you:
Pros
- Scenic Beauty: The main draw of this tour is the island itself. If you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle and unwind in a beautiful natural setting, this tour delivers!
- Snorkeling: I’m a huge fan of water-based activities, so this was one of the highlights.
- Cultural Experience: Beyond the stunning scenery, you’ll get a chance to enjoy a delicious traditional lunch and learn about the local customs and way of life.
- Relaxation: After exploring, you’ll have ample time to simply relax on the beach, soak up the sun, and listen to the calming sound of the waves.
Cons
- Weather Dependent: As with any outdoor activity, weather can significantly impact your enjoyment. If it’s raining or windy, the boat ride might be less comfortable, and snorkeling visibility could be reduced. Ideally, try to schedule your trip for a day with clear skies and calm seas.
- Limited Facilities: The island is relatively undeveloped. Don’t expect luxurious facilities. Toilets and changing areas might be basic, so be prepared for a rustic experience.
- Travel Time: The combined travel time by car and boat can be tiring.
Who You Should Book With
Choosing the right operator for your Pele Island Tour can make a big difference in your experience on the island.
I recommend booking with Vanuatu Ecotours. They strike a good balance between cost, inclusions, and providing a meaningful and sustainable experience. Their focus on eco-friendly practices and cultural education adds a unique dimension to the tour.
Most importantly, they’re locally owned (unlike some of the companies on the island), so you know the profits are staying in the community!
Vanuatu Ecotours
Vanuatu Ecotours specializes in eco-friendly and adventure tours, focusing on sustainability and community engagement. Their guides provide a personalized experience and the cooks serve a fantastic buffet lunch.
Cost:
14,000 Vatu ($118), with discounts for children.
You can check their website for the latest pricing here
Inclusions
- Return boat and bus transfers
- Knowledgeable local guides
- Village exploration
- Snorkeling in the marine conservation area
- Buffet lunch
- Snorkeling gear and life jackets
Key Info
Getting to Pele Island On Your Own
Its also totally possible to do a self guided pele island tour, and even stay the night (or two!) if you want.
Getting to Pele Island is pretty easy since it’s close to Efate Island. Catch a local boat from Emua Wharf, which is an hour’s drive from Port Vila. The boat ride only takes ten minutesand costs between 1,000 and 2,000 VT per person return.
If you go on a weekday, you’ll probably find someone already heading to Pele Island and can hitch a ride for a lower price.
Staying at Pele Island
The only accommodation on Pele are some very cute but basic beach bungalows called Turtle Beach Bungalows. The cottages are located metres from the water and have shared bathroom facilities.
I didn’t stay but wished I had as it would be magical to experience the island after the day’s throng of tourists had left.
You can find them on AirBNB here
Tip: Look at the host, Charley’s other listings and he puts up each of the bungalows as separate AirBNB listings.
Tips for a Great Experience
To make sure your day trip is as enjoyable and smooth sailing as possible, here are some helpful tips to keep in mind.
Book in Advance: To secure your spot and ensure availability, book your tour ahead of time.
Check the Weather: Weather conditions can significantly impact your experience. Check the forecast and try to choose a day with clear skies.
Pack Essentials: Bring sunscreen, a light jacket, a hat, a reusable water bottle, and a waterproof
Stay Hydrated: It can get hot, so make sure you drink plenty of water throughout the day.
Vanuatu Travel Planning Cheatsheet
🚑 Should I buy travel insurance for Vanuatu?
100% YES! — Vanuatu’s healthcare system faces challenges, with limited hospital and medical facilities, and treatment costs, including pharmaceuticals, being expensive, often requiring immediate cash payment.
If anything serious happens to you, medical evacuation may be the only option and that’s EXPENSIVE.
If you DO get insurance, also be aware many policies won’t cover adventure activities like diving, climbing active volcanos, or scooter riding (as it’s a high risk activity)!
(that’s right, check the t&c’s)
I highly recommend World Nomads as you can get specific add-ons for these activities (Which are some of the main reasons I went to Vanuatu!)
🎫 Do I need a visa for Vanuatu?
Probably not! Many countries are entitled to 30 day tourist ‘visa on arrival’. However, some other countries do need a pre-approved Visa. Check the list of Visa exempt countries here
💉Do I need any vaccinations for Vanuatu?
YES! Make sure you are up-to-date with all your vaccines. Common travel vaccines include Hep A/B + Typhoid, and Diphtheria + Tetanus.
As always, talk to your GP or specialized travel doctor a few weeks BEFORE you leave.
💸How do you pay for things in Vanuatu?
Cash is king in Vanuatu, but electronic payments have come a long way. You’ll want to get some folding tender out from an ATM when you land.
Generally, street food stalls, mum-and-dad shops and small businesses will only take cash, whereas larger bars, restaurants, hotels and resorts will be perfectly happy taking card.
I personally use a Wise debit card for all my international money needs as they only convert the funds when you make a payment, plus they offer a much better spread (margin on the true exchange rate) than the banks do. They work in all the ATMs I tried (although the ATMs do charge a fee of 700VUV to withdraw from a foreign card – around $6 USD) which is annoying but unavoidable. Taking out larger sums at once will minimise the hit.
🚌 What’s the public transport like in Vanuatu?
In short – basic!
Local buses are just dudes in minivans who operate in the grey area between a bus and a taxi. Get in, say where you’re going and they’ll take you as far as they want, provided there are enough other people on board to make the trip worthwhile.
Domestic flights from Port Vila to the outer islands are irregular and unreliable. Even more so since Air Vanuatu went into receivership.
Unfortunately, hiring a car is your most effective way to get around, but it’s waay overpriced for what you get.
📲 How do I get internet/data/wifi in Vanuatu?
Prepaid SIM cards are cheap and available to tourists and locals alike (You don’t need a pricey tourist SIM!) but they can be a little hard to come by. Your best bet is actually to buy a Vodafone or Digicell SIM at the Airport – yep, I can’t believe I’m saying that!). The sales assistant will get the SIM all set up and activated for you.
Another (better) option is the Saily eSIM. This is a little more expensive but works from the moment you land is is SOOOOO much easier than the in person verification process required for a local sim.
TIP: I used to use Airalo but now find Saily a much better product – you can get 5% off with code SPECIAL5
✈️ What’s the best site to buy flights to Vanuatu?
For finding cheap flights, I recommend Skyscanner. Once you find the flight you’re looking for, I’d then suggest booking directly with the carrier (even if it costs a few $$ more than with one of the aggregators/agencies).
💧Can you drink the water in Vanuatu?
Safest not to — tap water in Vanuatu may be OK (the locals drink it) but is generally untreated and not recommended for tourists. Purchase bottled water for drinking and teeth brushing, or get water purification tablets.
I always use these Aquatabs and also recommend a Brita Water Bottle for as some of the tab water wasn’t exactly clear either!
