Orange-Spotted Filefish

Port Vila, on the southwest coast of Efate, provides access to coral reefs, steep drop-offs, caverns, and historic wrecks within Mele Bay and Port Vila Harbour. Warm tropical waters support reef fishes, anemones, sea turtles, moray eels, nudibranchs, and other Indo-Pacific marine life. The area’s best-known wreck is the Star of Russia, an iron-hulled sailing ship built in 1874 and later used as a floating warehouse before sinking in the harbour during the Second World War era. Resting at approximately 33 meters (108 feet), its surviving framework has become both a marine habitat and a reminder of Port Vila’s maritime history. Shallower reefs near Mele and Hideaway Island offer contrasting environments suitable for less experienced divers and snorkelers.

Fun Fact: Vanuatu Post opened its underwater post office near Hideaway Island in May 2003. Divers and snorkelers can deposit waterproof postcards approximately three meters beneath the surface.