Excursion Immersed in melanesia tour at Port Vila

Experience a half-day in the life of an Oceanian as you visit a traditional Vanuatu community, bask on the shores of a secluded beach, and graze the bustling stalls of Port Vila's renowned handicraft market.

A cultural village and a crescent beach

Your immersion begins with a 30-minute drive and a leap backward in time as you leave the modern port city in the rearview and visit a traditional cultural village where age-old Vanuatuan customs and rituals remain unchanged by any hint of progress. As welcoming as they are fascinating, the Indigenous locals will guide you through many aspects of how they live, work, and celebrate life here in their rainforest hamlet.

A different sort of daily rhythm prevails at your next stop – and has much to do with the gentle dance of the tides and the sun. You’ve arrived at idyllic Moana Bay Beach, where you’ll spend the next 90 minutes swimming, sunbathing, or just kicking back and taking in the exquisite scenery of this secluded paradise of soft white sand and crystal-clear Pacific water – far from the crowds and close to perfect.

Handicraft Market

Following the tranquility of the shoreline, prepare to be re-immersed in bustling city life as you circle back to town and the charming chaos of Port Vila Handicraft Market. Within its rows of colorful stalls, this vibrant island marketplace seems to have it all – handwoven baskets, intricately carved wood crafts, sewn fabrics, worked metal, and other unique artisanal objects that reflect the Vanuatuan culture. Spend an hour or so grazing and engaging with amiable locals – and maybe spot something that will look great in your living room or den back at home. Afterwards, the pier is just a 15-minute drive away.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Melanesian culture, Moana Bay Beach, swimming, handicraft market, shopping

Note

Please note: This tour involves an extensive amount of activity with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off transportation. This tour is recommended for active guests who are in good physical condition, and can swim well in water over their head. Guests must be physically fit and be competent swimmers as you are swimming in open water. Guests should be aware there are certain inherent risks involved and participation is at your own risk. This tour is not suitable for pregnant guests, guests with back and/or neck problems, guests with heart and/or respiratory problems, guests prone to seasickness, guests with limited mobility, and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear a swimsuit under a cover-up with reef shoes, non-slip shoes and bring sun protection, biodegradable sunscreen, insect repellent, a towel, bottled water, camera (bring a dry bag or waterproof camera) and change of clothing from the ship; jeans and high-heels are not permitted. There are no changing facilities at Moana Bay Beach. Wildlife, fish and marine life sightings are not guaranteed. Operation of this tour is subject to weather conditions.  Coaches, guides, hotels, restaurants, equipment, and services are the best-available in the area, but may not be up to the standards of those found on other excursions. Please be aware that restrooms may be rustic.  The transportation is natural air-cooled. The tour sequence may vary. Space on this tour is extremely limited; we suggest you book well in advance to avoid disappointment.