Snorkelling for a newbie

Hi all,

I've never snorkelled before but I've always loved swimming. I would like to try some snorkelling in Vanuatu. Should I get a guide or is there a lagoon or a spot where it's easy for beginners to snorkel? Also, where do you recommend for snorkelling where I can just get there from a short swim out from the beach? And should there be any concern about the sharkies hanging around the snorkelling vicinity?

I'm a reef aquarium enthusiasts so I would like to see the fish in their natural habitat so I figured snorkelling would be a great idea. I've decided to purchase snorkelling gears so I can't wait to try my hands on it at around early December this year.

Your feedback is greatly appreciated.

No concerns with sharks anywhere you are likely to go. Two safe places definitely worth a snorkel areHideaway Island, 20 minutes by bus and 10 minutes on free boat, and Lelepa Island, 40 min bus and 1 hour boat ride. You can book Lelepa at any of the travel shops for abouts $30. Hideaway, just get on a bus and tell them where you want to go. It will cost around $1.00.

There are plenty of snorkeling trips on sale but before you pay out a heap of cash go to Big Blue Dive shop, on the waterfront in the middle of town and ask them, they are really good guys and will help you.

"No concerns with sharks anywhere you are likely to go."

Hmm,.....don't think so. Sharks can definately be an issue around Vanuatu. I was snorkelling off Wala island (North Malekua). A boat had been arranged, but initially the boat owner told us it was not possible to snorkel, because a shark had been spotted. A short time later the boat took me out, but with a couple of extra people on board, the idea being that they too would be in the water to keep an eye out! Quite what they planned to do if the shark approached I don't know! Upon returning to the shore I was handed some freshly cooked shark, it had been caught (using someones dog as bait) whilst I was out in the water.
Unfortunately each year one or two people are taken by sharks around Vanuatu. Locals will know where safe spots are.

regards
Cuppa

Awww that's not good to hear. I was thinking of snorkelling by myself around Hideaway island but it seems like it's a good idea to go as part of a guided group.

Also, what is the cost of living in Vanuatu like? I'm taking my grandma for an 8-day trip of rest and recreation so I would like to indulge her abit (massage, fine seafood dinner etc) so I want to know how much money to budget. I'm thinking of taking $1000-$1500 AUD. Do you think that'll be enough?

Hi Augustine,

Don't worry too much about the sharks, you wont find them anywhere near Efate anyway. Cuppa has a point, as there are some reef sharks neer the islands up north, but not much to be seen in Port Vila. Considering Ni-Vanuatu kids spend most of their day in the water 2 shark attack a year are minimal, they dont really like humans anyways.

As for your budget... be careful! This is one expensive place. With most things its more expensive than Australia, and with some other things its alot cheaper. Any bus anywhere is $1.20, beers are around AUS Prices, and accomodation is marginally more expensive. If you want pampering... well to be honest I have no idea how much massages cost, but really fine dinner will be up to $35 dollars a head. There are cheaper options if you want, and some of them are quite good.

Honestly, I would be fine myself on that budget, and have a cracking good time. Is your grandma bringing money too, might be too little for two people.

If you have anymore questions just ask bmiqueu@hotmail.com

benji

Hi Benji and everybody else. Thank you for your comprehensive reply.

Should I be concerned about reef sharks like black-tip ones?

The budget is not too much of an issue. I just don't want to bring too much cash with me. If neccessary, I could take around $3000 for the trip just in case. And there's always the cards (savings and credit). I'm not much of a beer drinker or party person so most of the money would go into eating, discovering the island, souvernirs and relaxation (those island massages) etc.

Can you guys suggest good scuba diving/snorkelling operators for beginners?

Also, I would like to do abit of kayaking and tours around the islands and villages.

Thanks. =)

Hi,
I was in Port Vila a week or so ago. Did a snorkeling trip around the harbour with Nautilus Charters, Willie and David.
Really simple basic stuff, but they had good quality gear and knew where the fish would be. Lots of fun.
They have a glass bottom boat, so if grandma is not up for snorkeling, she can still see what is going on under the water.

Have fun.

Thank you Mrsmith. I've heard about Nautilus. Do you know how much a half day or full day trip cost for 3 people?

I would love to try my hands on some good snorkeling sites and maybe hiring a bicycle to cycle around the city.

Thanks in advance.

Hi Augustine,
A half day trip cost about 2200 vt per head, really good value. There was a little place on the main street in Port Vila, next to the markets, that hire bikes and scooters but I don't know how much they charge. I just walked around the town, it is really not a big place and you won't be spoiled for choices. The local buses cost 100vt for anywhere you want to go in town.
There is a place on Iririki Island caller Snorkeller's Cove, you can get to the coral reef without needing a boat.

Graham