Small-Group Lelepa Snorkel, BBQ

Port Vila: Lelepa Island Day Trip with Snorkeling & BBQ. Rated 4.8 across 98 reviews. Runs 8 hours. From $114.78.

Overview

A resort pickup in Port Vila starts this full-day trip, followed by a drive of roughly 35 to 40 minutes to Havana Harbour and a boat ride of 15 to 20 minutes out to Lelepa Island. The day runs about eight hours door to door, with hotel pickup and drop-off included. Once on the island, guests get a tropical refreshment before heading into the water.

The snorkeling is the core of the experience and it happens inside a marine protected area. Guests can hand-feed reef fish, look for giant clams, and swim over a sunken plane wreck, with kayaks and snorkel gear provided. Multiple reviewers single out the variety of snorkel stops across the day. Lunch is a beach BBQ of local beef and chicken with bread and salad, followed by free time on the sand or in a hammock.

The afternoon shifts to culture. A short bush walk through the rainforest covers plants used locally, including traditional medicine, and the guide shares stories about the island's history and Chief Roimata, whose domain is Vanuatu's only UNESCO World Heritage site, inscribed in 2008. The day ends in a local village with tea, coffee, handicrafts and carvings for sale, and songs from the children as a farewell. This suits travellers who want a mix of water, food and genuine village contact in one outing.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Resort pickupThe operator collects guests from their Port Vila resort, as arranged at booking.
2. Van to Havana HarbourA van transfer of about 35 to 40 minutes from Port Vila to Havana Harbour.
3. Boat to Lelepa IslandA boat ride of roughly 15 to 20 minutes across to the island, with an island refreshment served on arrival.
4. Snorkeling and kayakingTime in the marine protected area off the beach and from the boat, hand-feeding reef fish, viewing giant clams and snorkeling a sunken plane wreck.
5. Beach BBQ lunchLocal beef and chicken served with crispy bread and salad, then free time to relax on the beach or in a hammock.
6. Rainforest bush walkA short trail into the rainforest where the guide points out plants used for local purposes, including bush medicine.
7. Village visitTea and coffee in the village, a display of local handicrafts and carvings available to purchase, and farewell songs from local children.
8. Return to Port VilaBoat back to Havana Harbour and a van transfer of about 30 minutes, arriving back in Port Vila.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will help travellers get the most out of this day.

• What to bring. The listing asks guests to bring comfortable shoes, a hat, swimwear, a towel, camera, snacks, sunscreen and water. There is a bush walk as well as beach time, so footwear that handles both helps.
• Water clarity. Multiple reviewers praise the variety of snorkel sites, including the plane wreck and the giant clams, and one reviewer describes crystal clear water. The listing also invites guests to hand-feed the reef fish inside the protected area.
• Group feel. Reviewers often mention guides who share folklore and island history throughout the day. There is also a siesta period after lunch for relaxing on the beach or in a hammock.
• Food and drink. Lunch is a beach BBQ of local beef and chicken with bread and salad, and reviewers call it tasty. An island refreshment arrives on landing, and tea and coffee are served at the village, though snacks and water are the traveller's own supply.
• Handicrafts. The village stop includes a handicraft display, and one reviewer found the craft markets had a wide variety that worked well as small gifts.
• Clothing rules. Smoking, alcohol and drugs are not allowed, and the listing rules out nudity and see-through clothing. Modest swimwear and a cover-up for the village visit fit the setting.

Common issues. The tour runs every day except Saturday, so travellers with tight schedules should check availability on the booking page. Personal expenses and travel insurance are not included, and handicraft purchases in the village cost extra. Some feedback in the review summary notes that clearer advance information about which activities are included, and about possible itinerary changes, would help. Cruise ship passengers can be given special timing if needed, which the operator arranges.

What To Decide Before Booking