Full Day Snorkelling Cruise in Tranquility Island Resort

Imagine spending a day sailing around Efate Island in Vanuatu, soaking up sunshine, swimming in crystal-clear waters, and exploring untouched coral reefs — all while being guided by friendly, knowledgeable locals. For $115.26 per person, this full-day snorkelling cruise offers a well-rounded mix of adventure and relaxation, including hotel transfers from Port Vila, a tasty BBQ lunch, and opportunities to observe hawksbill turtles at a dedicated conservation site.

What we really love about this trip is how it balances authentic natural encounters with comfort and convenience. The guides are praised for their expertise, ensuring you see turtles, eels, and vibrant coral formations. Plus, the chance to relax on white-sand beaches after snorkelling makes it feel like a true getaway. One thing to consider is that the tour operates only in calm weather — if seas turn rough, the trip can be cancelled, which might affect your planning.

This cruise suits travelers who enjoy water-based activities but also want a leisurely, scenic day out. Families with children, snorkelling enthusiasts, or anyone eager to see Vanuatu’s marine life in its natural habitat will find plenty to love. If you’re after a day that combines adventure, wildlife, and stunning scenery, this tour ticks many boxes.

Key Points

• Scenic Sailing: Cruise around Efate in a relaxed, scenic manner aboard a small boat, in the rain-shadow side of the island for more reliable weather.
• Marine Encounters: Snorkel in reef areas teeming with turtles, colorful fish, and coral, with guides ensuring you see the best sights.
• Turtle Conservation: Visit Tranquility Island’s turtle sanctuary, where efforts are made to protect hawksbill turtles, making this both an exciting and educational experience.
• Beach Relaxation: Enjoy plenty of downtime at pristine beaches, perfect for sunbathing or simply soaking in the peaceful surroundings.
• Delicious Food: A highlight is the beachfront barbecue lunch featuring local steak, salads, and French bread — simple, tasty, and satisfying.
• Convenience: Round-trip hotel transfers from Port Vila eliminate stress and allow you to relax from start to finish.

A Deep Dive into the Experience

Starting with the Journey: From Port Vila to Havanah Harbour

Your day begins with a pickup around 8:00 am, where a mini bus whisks you from your hotel to Havanah Harbour, a scenic drive through lush, jungle-clad hills. The ride itself sets the tone for the day — calm and picturesque, showcasing the island’s natural beauty. Upon arrival, a brief safety talk on the boat prepares you for the day ahead. The boat itself is accessed via a tender, adding a touch of adventure right from the start.

One of the things we love about this setup is how smoothly it transitions from land to water, making sure everyone feels comfortable, whether you’re a seasoned snorkeller or a first-timer. The guides serve tea and Tanna coffee with sweet buns, elevating the experience with local flavors and a friendly vibe.

Tranquility Island: Turtles and Conservation

The first stop is Tranquility Island, home to an eco-resort and turtle sanctuary dedicated to hawksbill turtles. Here, the focus is on conservation and education. Travelers consistently praise the guides — like Emily and Nemily — for their expertise and patience, making sure everyone gets the best shot at seeing these majestic creatures.

One reviewer notes, “Nemily made sure I saw all of the many turtles and other underwater gems,” highlighting the value of knowledgeable guides. Watching a turtle being released by a fellow traveler adds a memorable, emotional touch, emphasizing the tour’s meaningful aspect beyond just fun.

While snorkeling around the calm waters near the island, you’ll see vibrant coral gardens, schools of colorful fish, and possibly eels hiding in the rocks. For those not interested in swimming, the beach offers shaded spots to relax, or kayaking and bush walks are available — offering options for all activity levels.

Snorkelling at Moso Island: Coral & Wildlife

Next, the boat heads to Moso Island, just off Efate’s northwest coast. This unspoiled spot is praised for its pristine reefs, where many reviews mention seeing sea turtles, eels, and abundant fish. Several travelers have been lucky enough to swim alongside turtles or even spot a dugong — a rare treat.

Expect to spend a good chunk of time with your snorkel gear exploring underwater. The guides are attentive, helping you spot turtles and colorful reef formations. As one reviewer describes, “We saw turtles, coral, and lots of fish, and were super lucky to swim with a dugong too.” The reefs here are said to be more vibrant and better suited for snorkeling than some other spots.

The snorkelling here is the main event, but it’s complemented by the peaceful surroundings of Moso Island, with its natural beaches and untouched landscapes. It’s a great chance to connect with nature in its purest form.

Lunch: Beachside BBQ and Tropical Flavors

After a morning of activity, it’s time to feast. The tour’s barbecue lunch is served directly on the beach, featuring local steak, fresh salads, and French bread. Many reviews highlight how satisfying and flavorful the meal is — simple but well-prepared. Cold drinks are also included, making it easy to stay refreshed.

One guest remarked, “The BBQ lunch was the highlight of the trip,” which speaks to how well the food rounds out the day. The combination of good food and stunning scenery makes this a real highlight, especially after some energetic snorkelling.

Afternoon Relaxation and Return Journey

Post-lunch, you may choose to relax on the beach, take a stroll, or paddle around in a kayak. The tour concludes with a scenic sail back to Havanah Harbour, often spotting dolphins or spinner dolphins along the way — a magical end to a fulfilling day.

The return trip offers a chance to reflect on the day’s highlights, with the guides sharing local stories and insights. The whole experience wraps up around 4 pm, with comfortable transportation back to your hotel in Port Vila.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out

Based on reviews, the knowledgeable guides are a major asset. Travelers frequently praise guides like Nemily and Emily for their patience, friendliness, and ability to spot wildlife. Their expertise turns snorkelling into a more rewarding experience, especially if you’re lucky enough to see turtles, eels, or even a dugong, as one guest did.

Another highlight is the stunning scenery — from the lush hills on the drive to the pristine beaches and clear reefs. The tour’s choice of calm, rain-shadow waters around Efate means fewer weather-related cancellations and calmer seas, which many travelers appreciate.

The value for money is also frequently mentioned. For the price, you get a full day of activities, transportation, a delicious lunch, and the chance to see some of Vanuatu’s most beautiful marine life and islands.

Considerations

A key consideration is the weather — the tour is weather-dependent and can be cancelled if seas are rough, as some reviews mention. Also, the boat used isn’t the traditional yacht shown in some promotional material; some travelers were surprised that the vessel was smaller and less luxurious but still functional and safe.

Finally, alcohol isn’t included, so if you wish to enjoy drinks with lunch or on the boat, you’ll need to bring cash or purchase on site. Also, the physical activity level is moderate; you should be comfortable swimming and walking on uneven surfaces.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

If you love snorkelling, beach scenery, and wildlife, you’ll find this trip rewarding. It’s particularly suited for families, couples, or solo travelers who enjoy a mix of adventure and relaxation. The guides’ friendly nature makes it accessible even for those less experienced in water activities. Those seeking a calm, scenic day with memorable wildlife encounters will come away delighted.

It’s ideal if you want to combine a sailing adventure with wildlife conservation, all wrapped up in a day of sun, sea, and sand — and don’t mind a bit of physical activity in a beautiful setting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, round-trip transfers from Port Vila hotels are included, making it easy to start and end your day without extra logistics.

What is the tour duration?
The entire experience lasts approximately 8 hours, from pickup in the morning to return in the late afternoon.

Do I need snorkeling experience?
Not necessarily. The guides are very attentive, and the calm waters make snorkelling suitable even for beginners. Gear is provided.

What should I bring?
Bring your swimwear, towel, sunscreen, hat, and cash if you want to buy drinks or souvenirs. Optional items include waterproof camera or GoPro.

Is there vegetarian food available?
Yes, vegetarian options are available if requested when booking.

Can I snorkel if I don’t swim well?
You can relax on the beach or opt for kayaking or bush walks instead of snorkelling if preferred.

What if the weather is bad?
Tours are weather-dependent and may be canceled if seas are rough. You can then reschedule or receive a full refund.

How many people typically go on this tour?
The tour is limited to a maximum of 27 travelers, ensuring a more intimate experience.

Are there any hidden costs?
Most essentials are included — transportation, lunch, snacks, and gear. Drinks are cold but not included unless you buy them.

Is this experience suitable for children?
Yes, many reviews mention children enjoying the day, especially with guides attentive to young snorkellers.

Final Thoughts

This full-day snorkelling cruise offers an excellent blend of marine wildlife encounters, scenic sailing, and relaxed beach time, all at a reasonable price. The guides’ local knowledge enhances the experience, turning simple snorkelling into a chance to see turtles and vibrant reefs in a peaceful, uncrowded setting.

While weather is a factor, most travelers find the day well worth the effort, especially with the delicious BBQ lunch and the chance to unwind on pristine beaches. It’s a fantastic option for anyone wanting an authentic, active, and scenic introduction to Vanuatu’s underwater world.

Perfect for families, couples, or solo adventurers, this tour is a memorable way to connect with nature, enjoy the island’s natural beauty, and learn about conservation efforts firsthand. Just pack your sense of adventure and your snorkel gear — the sea’s waiting.