Major Tom Sailing Cruise, Lunch

Major Tom -Sailing Day Cruise, with Snorkeling, Lunch & More!

★ 4.9 230 verified reviews on the listing

from $161.85 per person, live price on the listing

Opens the operator's official listing with live dates. Book there; nothing is charged on this site. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the sailing starts (local time), per the live booking page.

Duration: 5 to 7 hours (approx.)
Meeting point: Port Havannah, north Efate (hotel transfers from Port Vila)
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the sailing starts (local time), per the live booking page.
Meal: Included in the ticket

Major Tom -Sailing Day Cruise, with Snorkeling, Lunch & More!. Rated 4.9 across 230 reviews. Runs 5 to 7 hours (approx.). From $161.85.

Overview

Major Tom is a sailboat, and this day out with Sailing Vanuatu is built around the protected waters of Port Havannah on the island of Efate. You board at Gideons Landing Restaurant & Eco Lodge at 10:00am, and from there the boat spends the day cruising between snorkel spots, with around five to seven hours on the water all told. Hotel transfers within the general Port Vila area are part of the package, so the day starts and ends at your accommodation door.

The rhythm of the day is simple. The crew sails you to a couple of snorkelling locations, and the gear is provided: an individual snorkel kit for each guest, plus stand-up paddle boards for anyone who prefers to stay on the surface. There is also a beach visit with a mamas market stop, and reviewers often mention the crew's friendly, relaxed approach. A barbecue lunch is included. Cocktails and other bar drinks are not included but can be bought on the boat.

It suits travellers who want a water-based day without hiking or long drives, and the tour carries a maximum of 25 travellers. Families with children are welcome, though anyone under 18 needs a supervising adult.

What's Included

Included

Air-conditioned vehicle (Transfers to and from Hotels listed/ within Port Vila location)
Toilets on board (Restroom on board)
Sailing / Cruising the protected Havannah waters
Use of Snorkelling equipment (Individual snorkel kit for use)
Lunch (BBQ lunch)
2 Snorklel Spot location
Stand-up-paddle boards available for use
Beach Visit / Mamas Market
Local tour guide, Captains Crew
Life jackets & Safety equipments
Fresh filtered drinking water
Hotel pickup, as detailed at booking

Not Included

Cocktails/ bar Beverages - available for purchase

Itinerary

Hotel pickupAn air-conditioned vehicle collects guests from listed hotels within the Port Vila area and drives them to the departure point.
Board at Gideons LandingThe boat departs from Gideons Landing Restaurant & Eco Lodge in Manga'asi at 10:00am. Aim to arrive about 5 minutes early and look for the sailingvanuatu signage on the road.
Sail Port HavannahThe itinerary lists several stretches on the water, cruising the protected Havannah waters, with durations of 1 hour, 1 hour and 30 minutes at various points in the day.
Snorkel stopsTwo snorkelling locations are on the schedule. Snorkel kit and paddle boards are provided.
Beach and mamas marketA beach visit with a mamas market stop. Bring some cash if you want to buy anything.
Stop at Gideons LandingA 1-hour stop at Gideons Landing Restaurant & Eco Lodge, as listed in the itinerary.
Final sail and returnA last 30-minute stretch back to the departure point, then the transfer returns guests to their hotels. The whole experience runs about 5 to 7 hours.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will help the day run smoothly, from what to pack to how the schedule works.

Bring cash. Cocktails and bar drinks are sold on board and not included, and the beach stop includes a mamas market. One reviewer recommended bringing a bit of cash for the island stop, so it is worth having some on hand.
Pack reef shoes. One reviewer specifically flagged reef shoes as something not to forget. Snorkel gear, paddle boards and life jackets are all provided, along with fresh filtered drinking water, so there is no need to bring your own equipment.
Pace of the day. Reviewers describe the day as relaxed, with plenty of time in the water or just hanging out on the boat, and several mention the laid back vibes. Most travellers can participate, according to the listing.
Food on board. Lunch is a barbecue, and reviewers repeatedly called it delicious, with one noting there was plenty of food. Anyone with a health condition should tell the captain.
Kids on board. Children are welcome, and one reviewer described how an 8-year-old was made comfortable with guidance and support in the water. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Photos after the trip. One reviewer mentioned that photos from the day arrived by email afterwards, in great quality. It may be worth asking the crew whether photos will be sent, rather than assuming it is a guaranteed service.

Common issues. The tour is not wheelchair accessible, so travellers with limited mobility should weigh that before booking. It also requires a minimum number of travellers to run; if that minimum is not met, you are offered a different date or experience, or a full refund. Weather can force a cancellation, with the same remedy of a new date or a full refund. Cruise ship passengers should check with the operator first, since the schedule may not line up with tender times. Transfers outside the general Port Vila area are not included, so confirm with the operator if your hotel is not listed.

What To Decide Before Booking

What is included in the price?

Hotel pickup and drop-off within the general Port Vila area, the sailing cruise through Port Havannah, two snorkel stops with an individual snorkel kit, paddle boards, a beach visit with a mamas market, a barbecue lunch, fresh filtered drinking water, and the services of a local guide and the captain's crew. Restrooms are on board and life jackets are provided.

Do I have to pay for anything extra?

Cocktails and bar drinks are available for purchase on board but are not included. You may also want cash for the mamas market on the beach stop. If your hotel sits outside the general Port Vila area, the transfer is not covered, so check with the operator before booking.

Where does the tour start and what time?

The boat departs at 10:00am from Gideons Landing Restaurant & Eco Lodge in Manga'asi, marked by sailingvanuatu signage on the road. Aim to arrive about 5 minutes before departure. The day ends back at the same point, and the whole experience runs approximately 5 to 7 hours.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes, transfers to and from listed hotels within the Port Vila location are included in an air-conditioned vehicle. If your accommodation is not listed or you are unsure whether it qualifies, contact the operator to confirm before booking.

Is this tour suitable for kids or people with limited mobility?

Children can join, and one reviewer described the crew making a young swimmer feel comfortable and supported, but anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. The boat is not wheelchair accessible, so travellers with serious mobility limits should consider that carefully. Service animals are allowed and most travellers can participate.

What is the cancellation policy?

Cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before departure are not refunded or accepted. If the operator cancels for poor weather or because the minimum traveller number is not met, you are offered a different date or experience, or a full refund.