The Cathedral - Port Vila & Efate

Xcalak, right down at the southern edge of Mexico’s Caribbean coast, feels like stepping back twenty years. It’s part of the Xcalak Reefs National Park, and you feel that protection. We love it because it’s remote, no crowds, just wide-open spaces underwater. The reefs here are just healthier, you can tell. We’ve had dives where the visibility hit 20 meters easily, just beautiful light shafts. Our favourite spots are where the Finger Coral grows thick, and you can hover watching the yellowhead wrasse dart between them. You’ll definitely spot schoolmaster snapper, big ones, and we’ve had good luck seeing the porkfish cruise by in their silvery schools. Keep an eye out for larger visitors too, we’ve seen eagle rays glide past and even a manatee once, totally unexpected. It’s a peaceful dive, ideal for anyone who wants to escape the bustle and just soak in a genuinely thriving reef. Come here if you value healthy coral and a quiet dive over big infrastructure.

Location: Port Vila & Efate, Vanuatu, Central & South Pacific
Coordinates: -17.780500, 168.257400
Type: reef

Marine Protected Area: Erakor and Empten Lagoon

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)

Nearest Dive Centres to The Cathedral

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.

Notable Species

Dugong (Dugong dugon) - Whales & Dolphins
Black sea cucumber (Holothuria atra) - Sea Cucumbers
Boring Clam (Tridacna crocea) - Clams & Mussels
Bristle-toothed Surgeonfish (Ctenochaetus striatus) - Reef Fish
Banded sea krait (Laticauda colubrina)
Bullethead Parrotfish (Chlorurus sordidus) - Reef Fish
Banded Goatfish (Parupeneus multifasciatus) - Reef Fish
Orange-lined Triggerfish (Balistapus undulatus) - Reef Fish
Small giant clam (Tridacna maxima) - Clams & Mussels
Redfin Butterflyfish (Chaetodon lunulatus) - Reef Fish
Citron Butterfly (Chaetodon citrinellus) - Reef Fish
Butterfly fish (Chaetodon vagabundus) - Reef Fish
Blackedge thicklip wrasse (Hemigymnus melapterus) - Reef Fish
Kihikihi (Zanclus cornutus) - Reef Fish
Latticed Butterflyfish (Chaetodon rafflesii) - Reef Fish
Saddleback Butterflyfish (Chaetodon ephippium) - Reef Fish
Batavian Parrotfish (Scarus psittacus) - Reef Fish
Blue-lined Tang (Zebrasoma scopas) - Reef Fish
Bleeker's Parrotfish (Chlorurus bleekeri) - Reef Fish
Threadfin (Chaetodon auriga) - Reef Fish

Recommended Packing List for The Cathedral

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