PORT VILA HARBOUR AND MELE BAY, EFATE, VANUATU

Port Vila: boating safety

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Port Vila, on the island of Efate, is Vanuatu's capital and the main arrival and clearance port for cruising yachts sailing between Fiji, New Caledonia and Australia. Visiting boats lie on swing moorings or the sea-wall marina in the inner harbour.

LIFE IN DANGER AT SEA
Call +687 29 21 21
Call COSS Nouvelle-Calédonie on +687 29 21 21. On the radio: MAYDAY on VHF 16, or DSC on channel 70.

Vanuatu: all rescue numbers → On the rescue map → Print an emergency card →

Harbour and marinas

Yachting World, Port Vila's marina, asks yachts to call it on VHF 16 after clearance to arrange a sea-wall berth or a swing mooring. Boats using the southern entrance to the inner harbour must call the harbourmaster on VHF 16 or 12 before entering or leaving. The inner harbour is 30–40 m deep and has wrecks on the bottom.

Yachting World Marina, Port Vila · Yachting World Marina, Port Vila · Yachting World Marina, Port Vila ▾
yachtingworld-vanuatu.com (2026-10-14): “After you have finished the clearance formalities, contact Yachting World on VHF 16 and, if you wish, arrange for a berth at the sea wall marina or a swing mooring.”
yachtingworld-vanuatu.com (2026-10-14): “Yachts using the southern entrance are required to call the harbormaster on VHF 16 or 12 before entering or leaving.”
yachtingworld-vanuatu.com (2026-10-14): “The inner harbour is 30 to 40 metres deep, cluttered with wrecks”

Weather

The Vanuatu Meteorology and Geo-hazards Department (VMGD) publishes marine, high-seas, severe-weather, tropical-cyclone, volcano and tsunami warnings, and local forecasts including Port Vila.

Vanuatu Meteorology & Geo-hazards Department ▾
vmgd.gov.vu (2026-10-14): “Warnings All Marine High Seas Severe Weather Volcano Tsunami Tropical Cyclone”

Hazards

The tropical cyclone season normally runs from November to May, but cyclones can occur in any month. Vanuatu is also on the 'Ring of Fire': volcanic eruptions, earthquakes and tsunamis are possible.

UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office – Vanuatu travel advice · UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office – Vanuatu travel advice ▾
gov.uk (2026-10-14): “The tropical cyclone season in Vanuatu normally runs from November to May, but cyclones can happen throughout the year.”
gov.uk (2026-10-14): “Vanuatu is in an active seismic region known as the ‘Ring of Fire’. Volcanic eruptions, earthquakes and tsunamis are possible.”

Currents can be extremely strong when swimming, diving or snorkelling, coral cuts easily and there are sharks in Vanuatu waters. Local inter-island boats are infrequent and many lack current seaworthiness certificates.

UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office – Vanuatu travel advice · UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office – Vanuatu travel advice ▾
gov.uk (2026-10-14): “Take care when swimming, diving or snorkelling in the sea as currents can be extremely strong. Coral reefs can easily cause cuts and scrapes.”
gov.uk (2026-10-14): “Boats travelling between the islands should have current sea-worthiness certificates, but many do not.”

Hospital and medical

Medical care in Vanuatu is basic: Port Vila has clinics offering primary care, and serious cases are evacuated to Australia or New Zealand, so carry insurance that covers medical evacuation.

UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office – Vanuatu travel advice ▾
gov.uk (2026-10-14): “Medical facilities in Vanuatu are basic and limited in range and availability. There are medical clinics in Port Vila, some with Australian-trained GPs, which offer primary care. More serious cases will require evacuation to Australia or New Zealand.”

Frequently asked

Who do I call in an emergency at sea near Port Vila?

Call COSS Nouvelle-Calédonie on +687 29 21 21. On the radio: MAYDAY on VHF channel 16, or a DSC distress alert on channel 70.

Where do I get the marine forecast for Port Vila?

The Vanuatu Meteorology and Geo-hazards Department (VMGD) publishes marine, high-seas, severe-weather, tropical-cyclone, volcano and tsunami warnings, and local forecasts including Port Vila.

Read before you sail

Ran aground? What to doCold water shock and hypothermia: what to doPerson overboard: what to doEngine failure: what to do when you lose power

Nearby destinations

Nouméa 293 nmFiji — Port Denarau 518 nmVava'u TongaGold Coast / Moreton Bay AustraliaBay of Islands New ZealandWhitsundays AustraliaAuckland and the Hauraki Gulf New ZealandSydney Harbour Australia

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