Vanuatu (previously known as the New Hebrides Islands) is an archipelago nation consisting of 83 islands in the southwest Pacific Ocean, north of New Zealand and east of Australia.
The British and French who settled the New Hebrides in the 19th century agreed in 1906 to an Anglo-French Condominium, which administered the islands until independence in 1980. European settlers released several saltwater crocodiles on the island, although today's population on the island officially stands at 2 or 3 medium-sized individuals on the Banks Islands and no breeding has been observed. Despite its proximity to Papua New Guinea, crocodiles do not naturally occur on Vanuatu.
The climate is tropical, and almost always warm, with temperatures in the 20s and 30s celsius. The wet season runs from November to April, and can be very rainy and humid. Cyclones may occur from December to April.
HOW TO REACH
By boat - Vanuatu's main ports are Port-Vila on the island of Efate and Luganville on the island of Espiritu Santo.
The Pacific and Orient (P&O) Cruise lines operate regular cruises through Vanuatu waters.
Tallship Soren Larsen, sails from Fiji to Port Vila and Santo and explores the northern Banks Islands once a year. 2008: Sails from Lautoka to Yasawa island then Vanuatu - 18 nights from 31 Aug-18 Sept.
Subsequent 11 night cruises explore the Banks Islands, then the isolated islands of central Vanuatu, depart from Port Vila via Tanna island to New Caledonia on 19 Oct
By plane - The main international airport is located in Port-Vila with flights to and from:
Australia - Brisbane - Air Vanuatu (Qantas code share and Pacific Blue
Sydney - Air Vanuatu (Qantas code share)
Melbourne - Air Vanuatu
New Zealand - Auckland - Air Vanuatu and Air New Zealand
Fiji - Nadi - Air Vanuatu and Air Pacific
New Caledonia - Nouméa - Air Vanuatu and Aircalin
Singapore - Singapore Airlines
Solomon Islands - Solomon Airlines
Direct flights from both Sydney and Brisbane to Luganville with Air Vanuatu
STAY SAFE
Port Vila is, on the whole, a very safe and friendly environment. You are unlikely to encounter any trouble unless you do something extremely provocative.
There are no seriously poisonous snakes, spiders, or insects on Vanuatu, however there are various poisonous aquatic animals that you should beware of if you are swimming, snorkeling, or diving in the area. The most dangerous of these is the stonefish. Saltwater crocodiles are present, so the likelihood of an attack is minimal.
RESPECT
Throughout Vanuatu, and especially outside of Port Vila in the villages, life is strongly influenced by "kastom" -- a set of traditional customs and taboos that apply to all kinds of matters. Be aware of this, and respect locals' requests with regard to "kastom".
When visiting villages, women should dress modestly, wearing clothes that cover the shoulders and knees.
Christian religion is very strong. It seems common to invite and welcome visitors to attend local church services on a Sunday
