House of travel Samoa & Vanuatu Brochure 2017 | Page 7

© Samoa Tourism
© Vanuatu Tourism
Cool off in the Blue
Holes Fishing & Diving Visit Mount Yasur -
Vanuatu's Volcano
Fancy swimming in a glistening
sea of sapphires? You can in Santo
- Vanuatu’s largest island. Like fish? Get amongst it with
Vanuatu’s unparalleled fishing and
diving opportunities. For the avid
fisherman, Vanuatu’s Pacific waters
attract a year-round supply of diverse
fish species, from blue marlin to
black marlin and some of the largest
yellowfin and dog tooth tuna you
could throw your rod at. Boasting
some of the best reef and deep sea
fishing in the South Pacific, the most
opportune times to visit are March
through to November. For the adrenaline junkies, Mount
Yasur is one of the most active
volcanoes in the world – and one
you can simply walk up to and peer
into a magnificently fiery mouth. If
you dare. This (very) active volcano
resides on the south-east tip of
Tanna Island and sits 361 metres
high. You can ascend the hot-headed
beast in roughly 45 minutes but we
recommend you do so with a guide -
on account of the projectiles magma,
toxic gas and frequent avalanches.
For divers, there are ample reefs,
wrecks, caves and swim-throughs.
Big Blue is Vanuatu’s only PADI 5-star
Instructor Development Dive Resort
located on the seawall in Port Vila;
they’ll accommodate both beginners
and veterans alike. Most dive sites
are all within half an hour of Port
Vila, while in Santo, there lies the
wreck of President Coolidge - a 21,936
ton luxury liner. As the largest most
accessible wreck dive in the world,
it’s not to be missed. This one doesn’t come without risks,
expect violent explosions and regular
bouts of ground shaking, but fear
not, there’s a daily danger rating
ranked between 0 and 4; anything
above 2 and the area is closed. Don’t
be disheartened, ev en on days when
it’s open, the volcano shudders with
shooting debris and a deafening
roar. Visit Yasur for a spectacular
sunrise, or just after sunset when
its mesmerising lava glows in the
darkness.
The Nanda Blue Hole is a naturally
forming lake with water the
deepest shade of royal blue.
Surrounded by lush tropical
forest, the dark blue colouring is
created from layers of limestone
and coral and although it’s
dark, once you’re in, the water’s
perfectly clear.
Forgive the relatively basic
changing facilities and cool off
from Vanuatu’s high temperatures.
There are rope swings to throw
yourself off and a bungalow, bar,
boardwalk and small picnic area;
not bad for a very reasonable
$7 NZD per person, which includes
a complimentary coconut!
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