Vanuatu - Jellyfish / Kids / Adventure

Dear All,

We are heading off to Vanuatu in 3 weeks time (Mid Sept 2011) for a 2 week holiday. Going in a group thats a mix of kids from 8 to 14 yrs old.

We are going to be staying in Port Villa at Le Lagoon Resort.

I was looking for suggestion, ideas and tips on some of the following:

SNORKELLING
Most of the kids /grownups in the group enjoy snorkelling. Any easy to access snorkelling spots near the Lagoon / Island?

JELLYFISH
We were told that kids (and adults) must wear the lycra suits to prevent from Jellyfish stings. Is that the case? We have been to Fiji a few times and never encountered that. Will we need body suits for everyone?

VOLCANO
Some of us in the group would like to visit the Volcano. Can this be achieved in a day trip (Leave early come back late).
Is it safe for kids to go and visit the volcano

ACTIVITIES
What activities can be done on the Main Island (Waterfalls, Abselling.....)

MALARIA
Will we need Malaria medication if we are going to be on Port Villa for most of the time?

Thanks

travellinaussie71

Any easy to access snorkelling spots near the Lagoon / Island?

There's shallow water snorkeling right in front, though coral is patchy. Lots of large, colorful sea stars. For better snorkeling, you'll have to go elsewhere.

We were told that kids (and adults) must wear the lycra suits to prevent from Jellyfish stings.

Never heard this nor seen anyone wearing it in Vanuatu.

Some of us in the group would like to visit the Volcano.

WHICH volcano? Vanuatu has several.
The one on Tannma may just be possible as a rushed day trip by air, but most people stay overnight.

Will we need Malaria medication if we are going to be on Port Villa for most of the time?

If you want to play safe, yes.
But I think the risk in Vila is quite low and many people don't take pills.
If you choose not to, do take treatment dosage and watch for symptoms vigilantly, as malaria can be even more dangerous to kids than to adults.

For malaria risk you can check a travel website like fitfortravel. I think the risk in Vanuatu is high enough for anti-malarials to be recommended just about everywhere except Port Vila.

I have been to Tanna if that is the volcano you are thinking about and I would never take kids there. If it is still as active as it was when I visited it is dangerous and people have been killed. I did see a family sitting up on the top, quite relaxed and watching it. So, no it is not particularly safe for anyone, but plenty of people do it - and it is an amazing sight. It is really about the risks you feel comfortable about.

Thanks for your reply. Yes I was referring to the Volcano at Tanna. I dont think we will take any kids with us (if we do go there).

Which Snorkeling spots would you recommend around Le Lagoo. I was told there is an island not far from the Lagoon that has beautiful snorkeling???

Thanks for your inputs on the Jellyfish. Even i was a bit amused by that.

++I lived right beside Ifira for two years only 30m from the water and didn't ever see any jellyfish there or in Vila.++

++The island with diving is probably Erakor. There is a boat that takes people out there. Ask a bus driver to take you to the Erakor wharf. You can also dive on the reef off Pango Beach. It would be at least 1km long and only about 50m off the beach. Take a bus to Pango and the beach is on your left. Buses are 150 pp. If you want to rent any gear or do a course talk to these guys. Their shop is down a driveway just off the main street where it turns uphill.++

++http://www.nautilus.com.vu/++</i>

++These guys do day trips to Tanna but most people like to see the volcano at night.++

++http://www.unity-airlines.com/++</i>

++For other stuff grab a brochure from your hotel foyer. There is a big one called "Jasons" that covers everything on Efate.++

I have never heard of a malaria outbreak on Efate.

From the Vanuatu tourism board Health section:

Malaria is endemic in Vanuatu however visitors do not need vaccinations, although anti-malarial medication is recommended if you are travelling outside of Port Vila and Efate.

http://vanuatu.travel/getting-here/travel-tips/travel-tips.html

Hi travellinaussie71

I found a pretty good site tonga-world thats just come online and you can get some great deals for adventure stuff for the whole family this may help you. tonga-world

best of luck on your travels Active Eddie

Hi there, snorkeling is ok at le Lagon, but they have hideaway island on the other side of town, in town the is semi sub that takes people out snorkeling, called the reef explorer, they might be interested in zegos, (u power) they are fantastic water toys, both are on Facebook.

Tanna volcano is a great night visit,

Warehorse saloon is a great family restaurant, gotta take your camera.

Buggy fun is another great family tour

Enjoy your holiday

Lived there for several months a few years back - never stung by a jellyfish and didn't take malaria tablets. but check with you doc re malaria... Things could have changed. But remember, some side effects can be unpleasant/nasty.

Tanna is a must, but do stay overnight. The volcano is best in the afternoon. Plus it is a very long day. Re: bringing the kids. Would depend on their endurance (it is a long day) and the level of activity of the volcano. If the lake is low, I would take them. It's a great adventure. A visit to a kustom village would also make the side trip and overnight stay worthwhile.

Do a trip out to the cascades. Hire a car for the day and do a whole loop of the island. The sand buggy is lots of fun and you get to see some of the settlements around Vila.

Horse riding is also available - I had fun several times.

Oh, and there is a turtle sanctuary ( I forget where) near Vila that allows you to see baby sea turtles up close. If you ask nicely you might even be able to hold one.

If you have anynother questions - PM me.

We are not sure where the Oceania cruise line will go into port but we are avid snorkelers. We will have been to Apia, Samoa, Pago Pago, New Caledonia, Isle of Pines as 5 of the 9 stops that we know have some good to excellent snorkeling. We have been to Bunaken, Wakatobi and the Banda Islands and they were great. We would pay $250 for a 25ft. power boat to take my wife and I out to 2 or 3 reef areas for 45-50 minutes each if the coral health and variety, fish species is quite varied and critters are of high quality.
If you have been there in 2011 please comment and help.
Thanks..