Diving in Port Vila & Efate

Explore 23 dive sites in Port Vila & Efate, Vanuatu. Ocean conditions, marine species, and dive centres.

Best Time to Dive in Port Vila & Efate

The warmest water temperatures in Port Vila & Efate occur in January, averaging 29.0°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 29.0°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 29.0°C (air: 26.0°C)
  • February: 29.0°C (air: 26.3°C)
  • March: 29.0°C (air: 25.8°C)
  • April: 29.0°C (air: 25.7°C)
  • May: 29.0°C (air: 24.3°C)
  • June: 29.0°C (air: 23.8°C)
  • July: 29.0°C (air: 23.3°C)
  • August: 29.0°C (air: 22.9°C)
  • September: 29.0°C (air: 23.5°C)
  • October: 29.0°C (air: 24.2°C)
  • November: 29.0°C (air: 25.0°C)
  • December: 29.0°C (air: 26.1°C)

Marine Life in Port Vila & Efate

Home to 329 recorded species including 272 reef fish, 16 sea cucumbers, 12 sea snails & nudibranchs, 6 seagrass & algae, 6 hard corals, 4 whales & dolphins.

Dive Site Difficulty in Port Vila & Efate

Port Vila & Efate has 2 intermediate dive sites - suitable for experienced divers.

Recommended Packing List for Port Vila & Efate

Based on average water temperature of 29.0°C.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 29°C water needs minimal exposure protection
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories

Marine Protected Areas in Port Vila & Efate

  • Whitesands Reserve - Recreation Reserve (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Nguna-Pele - Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category VI)
  • Ringi Te Suh Marine Conservation Reserve - Forest Conservation Area (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Nguna Pele Marine Reserve - Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Vendik Protected Area - Forest Conservation Area (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Ringi te Extension Reserve - Forest Conservation Area (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Emua - Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Erakor and Empten Lagoon - Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Hideaway Island - Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Nagha mo Pineia Protected Area - Marine Reserve (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Lekavik - Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Nguna-Pele Marine Protected Area - Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category VI)

Getting to Port Vila & Efate - Nearest Airports

  • Bauerfield International Airport (VLI), Port Vila - 6 km away, approx 21 min travel time
  • Whitegrass Airport (TAH), Tanna Island - 218 km away, approx 253 min travel time
  • Santo Pekoa International Airport (SON), Luganville - 270 km away, approx 309 min travel time

Dive Sites

Dive Centres