Inter-Island Passenger Boat Transport

Hi all!

LP says that there are two passenger boats around the islands called the Island Gateway and Pelsaert. Does any one know if they are still running as i cant get either by phone??

Many thanks

I don't know anything about those two boats, just wanted to point out that there are plenty of others. Catch is that most are VERY basic boats that carry both cargo and passengers, and have no fixed schedules. For this reason, few tourists travel on them, which actually makes them a great way to make local friends on an island you are going to before even reaching it!

Great pic Laszlo.

The boats to the outer islands leave from a wharf about 50 m from the market in Vila. Left as you face the harbour. Go there and ask around. They always put a big blackboard sign outside about 2 days before departure. One boat also leaves from the Ifira wharf in Wharf Road. It is called "Savannah" and goes roughly every 4 days only to Santo.

My kinda boat!

I recently emailed the tourist info in Vanuatu with the exact same question. This is the reply -

"In regards to transportation by ship to Santo and Tanna , the two ships mentioned no longer operate.
A passenger boat that is servicing the islands to Santo and Tanna is “ Fresh Cargo “. It is a big catamaran that can carry up to 70 people . To travel to the islands it normally leaves in the morning and arrives at the destination in late evening.
For bookings contacts are as follows : Tel , ( 678 ) 22660 or mobile 7760660 or email Freshcargovanuatu@gmail.com
For booking arrangements I advise you to contact the company direct . Prices to Santo for adults is VT 8,500 each way."

And in response to a direct enquiry to the Fresh Cargo company:

"We do a weekly trip between Vila and Santo, leaving on Friday at 6am, arriving in Santo midnight.
Return to Vila Saturday mornings.
No tanna trips are currently schedulded."