Efate
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Positives
- Quality coral reefbreaks
- Yachting and sailing stop-over
- Warm and empty line-ups
- Good tourism facilities
Negatives
- S-SW swell shadow
- Lack of consistent spots
- SE swell/wind exposure
- Expensive flight and trip
Efate surf travel guide
Vanuatu's sleepy capital and economic centre Port-Vila sits on Efate, pretty much in the middle of the archipelago. It is set within a magnificent natural harbour inside Mele Bay surrounded by half a dozen spots and is more associated with honeymoons than surfaris. There are no lagoons or barrier reefs: there are only fringing reefs ranging from 100m to 2km wide. Those with time and patience will undoubtedly score some good waves, but the inconsistency and onshore wind factors make Efate a bit of a gamble for a week or two surf trip.
Surf spots in Efate
Research the 11 surf breaks in Efate and discover what spots suit the current conditions.
Break lowdown
We’ve collated the wave data giving you a unique insight into the 11 breaks in Efate.
When to go
Surf and weather statistics to help plan your surf trip to Efate
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Library
Helpful surf travel videos and articles featuring Efate.
Travel Information
General
- Current Time
- Tourists
- 116,000
- Population
- 307,145
- Tourist Info
- Tourist Info
Security
Health
Money
- Currency
- VUV
- Exchange rate
- $1 = 106.05 VUV
Cost of living
Communication
- Dialing in
- +678
- Dialing out
- 00
- Language
- French, English, Bislama (all official) plus many other local languages
Electricity
- Plug Type
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Visas
No visa is required for members of the EU for stays up to 90 days. Most of the rest of the world can visit visa free for 30 days.
Getting There
Six international airlines (Virgin Australia, Air NZ, Air Vanuatu, Air Caledonie, Air Pacific, FlySolomons) fly to Port Vila (VLI), from Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Noumea and the Solomon Islands. Domestic: Vanair services the hubs of Tanna and Espiritu Santo on new ATR-72 aircraft then on to all major islands in 20 seat Twin Otter with 7ft board capacity. Domestic dep tax is VUV200 or around $2.20!
Getting Around
There is no public transport. Privately owned mini buses and taxis are plentiful and relatively cheap. Small cars are fine for getting around Vila, but a 4WD is recommended in north Efate, depending on rain. It takes 3 to 4 hours to drive around Efate. Rent a car at Discount Rentals for 7 days from $33/d with 100km (60mi) free daily. 4WD is double the price.
Accommodation
Pango Paradise Cove Resort has 10 self contained units and 6 deluxe studios: $1087 for 5n/2p. Erakor Island Resort, waterfront bungalows (from $215/dble). Breakas Beach Resort $200/dble inc breakfast. Treetops Lodge bungalows $460/7 nights, inc breakfast. Kaiviti Hotel ($90/dble). Guest Houses like basic Tafea ($30/dble). Expect to pay $10 for a cheap meal.
Activities
It's heaven for diving, fishing and golf courses. Numerous kava 'nakamals' are found around Port Vila. Mele Cascades are only a 12km drive.
Hazards & hassles
Shallow, razor-sharp reefs with no channels. Reef-cuts and snapped boards frequent. There is one hospital in Vila with limited resources. Efate is relatively malaria free. Tap water in urban areas is safe but not in rural areas.
Handy Hints
A gun is not needed. Don't forget reef boots, sunblock and alarm clocks. The Vanuatu are strongly linked with France, expect French ex-pats and Australian and Japanese tourists. Ni-Vans are the islanders. Locals surf here and have set up Pango Beach surf shop in the village.
Due to global pandemic, Visas, Getting There, Getting Around or Accommodation information and pricing may have changed. Always check Government Travel Advice before travelling.