Island hopping / getting around by boat

We, a couple of two, plan to go to Vanuatu next summer for around 2,5-3 weeks. Whats still keeps us wondering a bit is the means of getting around. As flying is not only very expensive but also ensures to get less local experience, i'd hope to be able to do at least part of the trip over seas.
As Tanna is said generally to hard to reach that way, i focus more on the route Vila - Maleluka - Ambrym - Santo, thus hoping to squeeze in a stop at (one of) the islands on the way.

Information online is hardly exisitng, and it's not clear if outdated:
More or less there currently seem to be two ferry services (and the freighter brisk):
http://www.malampa.travel/ferries.html

Then there are a few other ships mentioned as regards passenger transport:
http://www.santovanuatu.com/santo?id=31

Does anyone have experience or current updates on boat travel?

Hi,

We travelled in Vanuatu in August (Efate, Santo, Aore, Tanna) and had to do it by air. Before we left, we tried to contact Big Sista which goes from Efate to Santo via Epi and Ambryn, but received no reply. When we arrived, we tried to buy tickets but unfortunately the ferry was under maintenance for the whole month we were there.

If you’re on a limited timeframe, I would take the easy option and buy air tickets. If not, then wait and see. Obviously bear in mind that things might change by next summer (i.e. improved overwater infrastructure).

One thing I would say is that it’s really worth getting to Tanna. It is very rural, offers a very local experience and there is the amazing Mount Yasur there, one of the most accessible active volcanoes in the world. There IS a volcano on Ambryn but I would do some research to see if it's as impressive. On Tanna, we stayed at Port Resolution Yacht Club which, while basic, was one of the most authentic places in which we’ve stayed. Highly recommended.

Good luck!

Kia, Atlas and Boots

Hi Kia,

thanks for your reply.
I've read that the Big Sista had problems this summer, not very reassuring indeed, that's why i'm looking for alternatives, as there seem to be a few.
Have you heard anything about other ships / options when you were there? Especially when the Big Sista was broken?

Skipping Tanna for Ambrym, is something i have in mind, the eruptions / lava is likely less impressive, but the caldera landscape might be more worthwhile. Yet I'm not sure, if travelling to ambryn (and get out again) might turn out even more complicated than Tanna.

Hi,

Have you heard anything about other ships / options when you were there? Especially when the Big Sista was broken?

We contacted another company (Vanuatu Ferry Santo) which sent us a timetable (I've put it up on Google Drive here in case you want to take a look). The address from which we received a reply was vanferry.santo@gmail.com so try that. Just beware that response rates are very erratic! I wouldn't make any decisions this far ahead. We left it until we were actually in Vanuatu to buy the air tickets and they were still quite cheap.

The eruptions / lava is likely less impressive, but the caldera landscape might be more worthwhile.

Yes, we met a couple that had spent 5 days in Ambryn and certainly enjoyed it. They said it was one of the least developed of Vanuatu's popular islands so really gives you a chance to see the real Vanuatu.

Kia, Atlas and Boots

Hi Agree w OP!! Tanna is worth it!! At Port Resolution there are other bungalows as well. Island dream on the ridge overlooking the logoon is great!!!. Rocky Island right on the point thru the village at the end of White beach is also good. Ambrym is good but the volcano tek is 2 days and Yasur on Tanna iis 10x better!! Marum does not erupt in front of U like Yasur!! I would flag Malekula and go to Lamen Bay on Epi and Stay w Tasso at Paradise Sunset Bungalows . Lots of BIG turtles to swim with and maybe a dugong!! Also try Pele a beautiful small island just off Efate. There are lot of bungalows. I reommend Simoa w Mark Cell 5686685 and Miriam, or Launamoa Village with Seth and Cynthia. Look a this link for Sunrise bungalow and it will help you with backpacker accoodation all over the Vanuatu Islands. It is fantastic. www.positiveearth.org/bungalows/SHEFA/pelesunrise.asp The bunglaow is rite on the beach and there is good snorkelling in the marine reserve. Ask the locals at the Vila market the locals will help u get a truck to the wharf Mon - Sat about 12 to 1 pm 500 VT and then a boat with themm to Pele 500VT
Have Fun!!

@Kia: they seem to have a facebook page now, where they also provide current updates:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Vanuatu-FERRY-Limited/690422517676564
@rob_s_nz: that's valuable recommendations!
Thanks both of you!
Aww... so much interessting things to do, to little time!

If anyone has experiences with non-air transport in Vanuatu, keep em coming!

Quick update: When combining international flights / with domestic flights via air vanuatu, it is just around 150€ extra, for including Tanna & return, as well as a return flight from Espiritu Santo to Australia.

We'll try our chances with going by ferry one way from Port-Villa to Luganville one way, as there seem to be at least 3 boats around to do that route regularly, for the worst we will spend more time in port vila, or book a the connecting flight on the spot.

We'll skip Ambrym as getting there & out is neither easier nor cheapre than going to Tanna seperately.

Happy for any further Vanuatu recommendations, especially for Tanna & Espiritu Santo

Cheers

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