Review: Lelepa Island Day Tour & Complete Guide from Port Vila!
If you’re searching for an idyllic snorkelling getaway from Port Vila, the Lelepa Island Day Tour might just be the perfect fit for you. However, planning such a tour can feel overwhelming, especially if this is your first time on Vanuatu’s shores.
The issue is that planning a tour like this can sometimes be daunting. Common concerns often include figuring out the best transport options, how good the snorkelling is, costs, knowing what to pack, and ensuring the tour fits your group’s schedule.
My review is here to guide you on what to expect during the tour, highlight the key attractions, and provide useful tips. So, you can work out if a Lelepa Island tour is suitable for you and how to plan it.
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My Review: Is a Lelepa Island Day tour worth it?
Overall, we loved the Lelepa Island tour, but it made for a very long day. We had two fantastic guides, one who did all the talking and shared fascinating information about the island, and another who handled the boat and cooked up a delicious lunch.
The whole experience was well-organised, relaxed, and full of memorable moments. Yes, I would absolutely do this tour again and highly recommend it to anyone visiting Vanuatu.
This tour is a fantastic choice for a wide range of travellers, for both relaxation and adventure. I think it suits families, solo explorers, couples, or groups of friends, who want to immerse themselves in village life, snorkelling fun and seeing Vanuatu’s landscapes.
If you enjoy swimming, snorkelling, gentle walks, or simply soaking up cultural insights, you’ll feel right at home here.
However, those with limited mobility may want to check with the tour operator regarding accessibility, as some walking on uneven ground or boarding boats may be required.
How Much does it cost?
The cost for a Lelepa Island tour is 12,000 Vatu per person (about $155 AUD or convert into your currency), which covers a range of inclusions like:
- Your hotel pickup and return transfers,
- Provided with snorkelling gear (Mask, Snorkel & Fins)
- 2 Different snorkelling locations
- a delicious lunch, usually featuring fresh local produce.
- Afternoon tea & Coffee with Biscuits.
- A guided village tour where you can learn about island traditions and daily life
Tour operators may offer slight variations in their packages, so it’s best to check what’s included when booking.
Note that at the end of the tour, you can purchase a souvenir from the village, so it is best to bring some extra cash for this. Apart from that, there are no other shops around.
Tip: Curious about costs, food, and activities? I’ve compared travelling to Vanuatu and Fiji so you can see which destination best fits your budget.
How to get to Lelepa Island
Lelepa Island is situated off the north-west coast of Efate (please see location map here), a short drive and boat ride from the capital, Port Vila. Covering approximately 4 square kilometres, Lelepa is part of the Havannah Harbour area, making it an accessible yet tranquil escape from the mainland hustle.
There is only one way to get to Lelepa Island, and that is by booking a tour, either direct, or we found it easier by chatting to our hotel reception (or use a Tourism office).
We were staying at the Breaka’s Beach Resort, and when checking in, I spoke to the lady behind the tour desk counter. She was very helpful and explained everything in detail to me.
It’s worth noting that a commission for the booking is paid directly to the hotel, and you settle the remaining balance with the driver when you’re picked up for your tour.
This makes it highly important to bring enough cash or withdraw money from an ATM in Port Vila beforehand, as there are no credit card facilities available.
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What to expect on the Day Tour?
Hotel Pickup
Our scheduled pickup time was 8:15am, and we were the first ones to hop on the bus that morning. After a friendly greeting, there were a few more stops to collect other guests staying at nearby hotels, which gave us the chance to see a bit more of Port Vila along the way, before arriving at Havannah Harbour.
The drive to the jetty was comfortable and offered some lovely early-morning views, taking roughly an hour in total. Upon arrival, our guide was already waiting for us at the boat, ready to kick off the adventure.
We didn’t see our driver again until after the day tour, as he returned to collect us for the journey back to our accommodation.
Boat to the first island
There were around ten people on our tour, which made for a friendly and intimate group size. The boat itself was a little squishy, but you had enough room to sit, and I’m sure they would have fit a couple more guests in.
It’s worth noting that the first island you visit isn’t actually Lelepa Island, it’s actually another area of Efate’s mainland. This is about 10 to 20 minutes away, with Lelepa Island clearly visible in the distance.
Snorkelling
You step onto the coral and rocky beach, where reef shoes definitely prove useful to protect your feet as you navigate the terrain.
Waiting for you is a small shelter with a table and chairs, as well as a barbecue area. By now, it’s about 10am and the sun is warming up nicely, so you can grab your snorkelling gear, provided by the guides and head straight into the water for a swim.
The guides use this time to fire up the barbie and start preparing lunch, all while making sure everyone is comfortable and has what they need.
The snorkelling here was around rocky outcrops with patches of coral around. The water was absolutely gorgeous, crystal clear with a gentle current, making it easy to spot a colourful variety of fish darting around the coral.
We saw plenty of marine life, including some larger schools and a few curious creatures hiding amongst the rocks, which made for a fun and memorable start to our day on the island.
Lunch
Lunch was a real highlight of the day. The guides served up a generous spread of freshly cooked chicken straight off the barbie, accompanied by a salad, tropical fruits, and plenty of fresh bread.
The flavours were lovely and everything tasted even better enjoyed outdoors with a sea breeze and stunning island views. This break offered a perfect chance to sit back, relax, and chat with our fellow travellers. It’s a good opportunity to swap stories about previous adventures and get to know one another.
After lunch break
After lunch, we stepped back into a slow pace, giving everyone the chance to unwind and soak up the island vibes.
If you wanted a swim, you could jump back into the water. Although, I still had a full stomach and found myself more content to let the sea breeze and warm sun lull me into a post-lunch snooze.
There were a couple of hammocks strung between the trees, and I felt myself closing my eyes, while listening to the local birds and the rustling palms overhead.
If you preferred to stay active, you could wander down to the rock pools, where crabs and other little creatures made for some interesting discoveries. Or you can use the FREE kayaks and paddle around the bay area.
The guides used this downtime to tidy up from lunch, pack away the gear, and quietly prepare for our next destination.
Boat to Lelapa Island
Next was a 20-minute ride over to Lelepa Island itself, where we arrived at one of the island’s favourite snorkelling spots. The journey across the water offered brilliant views of the coastline and plenty of opportunities to snap a few photos.
As we pulled up to the sheltered bay, the water was even clearer than before, making it perfect for spotting vibrant coral and schools of fish beneath the surface.
Snorkelling
The snorkelling at Lelepa Island was absolutely phenomenal. You’ll need to jump off the boat into the water, but there’s a handy little ladder to help you get back in.
As a bonus, the guides toss the leftover chicken bones from lunch into the shallows. This turns fish feeding into a bit of a show, with dozens of colourful species quickly swarming around for a feed, which is entertaining to watch.
The snorkelling spot is a mix of rocky outcrops and coral gardens, with a lot more marine life than the morning’s snorkel.
However, the water is noticeably cooler, thanks to the shade cast by the large rock cliffs. But, it’s definitely worth braving for the chance to explore the best snorkelling I experienced around Efate Island.
If you’re lucky, you might spot reef fish, sea turtles, and sometimes friendly reef sharks. Plus, Dolphins can play in the warm waters year-round.
Between June and September, humpback whales migrate through Vanuatu’s waters, and although sightings near Lelepa Island aren’t guaranteed, keep an eye on the horizon during boat trips for a chance to spot these majestic creatures.
Island Tour
After another 10-minute boat ride, we reached a different part of Lelepa Island. The guide led us on a casual walk through the bush, sharing stories about the island’s history and pointing out native plants along the way.
He taught us how the locals use these plants for everything from cooking to traditional medicine, and it was fascinating to see the resourcefulness woven into everyday life.
No matter when you visit, you’re likely to spot colourful birdlife such as kingfishers, fruit doves, and the occasional Pacific imperial pigeon.
Village Tour
Eventually, we arrived at the village for a guided tour. The guide explained the purpose of each building, like the communal meeting house, family dwellings, and the small school.
Our walk finished in a central clearing, where colourful sheets were spread out on the ground and covered with locally made crafts and souvenirs. There was an inviting selection of magnets, shells, necklaces, earrings, and other handmade trinkets, all crafted by the villagers.
It was a great opportunity to pick up a unique Vanuatu keepsake while supporting the local community.
While we browsed, we were treated to an afternoon snack, complete with freshly brewed tea and coffee, and a plate of biscuits.
To cap off the visit, a group of locals, including some of the younger children, gathered to perform traditional songs. Their singing was heartfelt, and when they encouraged us to join in, it made for a memorable end to our village experience.
Trip back to the hotel.
After a full day of adventure, we hopped back on the boat for the return journey to the mainland. By then, the wind had died down and the water was smooth as glass, perfectly reflecting the colours of the sky as the sun began to set on the horizon.
Since our resort was the first to be picked up in the morning, it ended up being the last to be dropped off in the evening, so we didn’t get back until around 6:30pm.
It made for a pretty long day tour, but after a quick shower, we headed to the hotel bar for a few drinks to unwind and reflect on the day’s adventures.
Best Time to Visit?
Lelepa Island enjoys a warm, tropical climate year-round, making it a great destination no matter when you visit.
Average daytime temperatures typically range from 23°C to 31°C.
- The cooler, drier months run from May to October (Peak Travel Season), with temperatures hovering between 23°C and 27°C. This season brings much less rain, with averages around 60–100 mm per month, and offers clearer skies and gentle breezes.
- From November to April, the weather is warmer and more humid, with average highs of 28°C to 31°C. Rainfall is moderate to heavy during the wet season, with January and February usually seeing the most rain, sometimes up to 300 mm per month.
What to Pack?
It always helps to be prepared for your entire Day tour, as it will help you make the most of your experience. Here are some essentials and handy extras to consider bringing along:
Essential items:
- Swimwear – Start your day wearing your swimwear, as you’ll be in and out of the water throughout the day.
- Sunscreen – Choose a high SPF, reef-safe sunscreen to protect your skin from the strong tropical sun
- Hat – A wide-brimmed hat is best for keeping the sun off your face and neck during bush walks and boat rides.
- Water shoes or reef shoes – These are great for rocky beaches and snorkelling, providing better grip and foot protection. If you don’t have reef shoes, thongs(flipflops) work ok, but they’re less sturdy on uneven ground.
- Insect repellent – Essential for keeping mozzies and other bugs at bay, especially during bush walks.
- Camera – Capture the stunning scenery, village life, and colourful marine world.
- Cash (Vatu) – Handy for buying local crafts, snacks, or tipping guides, as card payments aren’t accepted.
- We like bringing our own mask and snorkel for the best fit and comfort, but don’t stress if you don’t have them.
- Pack a quick-dry towel and a change of clothes to stay fresh after water activities.
- Consider a small, waterproof day pack for carrying your gear, as it keeps valuables dry and your hands free during walks.
- Stick to lightweight, breathable clothing to stay cool, and remember that layers help if the weather turns breezy or wet.
Brief History and Cultural Significance
Lelepa Island holds a special place in Vanuatu’s history and culture. The island is home to Fels Cave (also known as Lelepa Cave), a UNESCO World Heritage site with Chief Roi Mata’s Domain, famous for its ancient rock paintings and archaeological significance.
These petroglyphs are believed to be thousands of years old and offer a glimpse into the lives and spiritual beliefs of the island’s earliest inhabitants.
Historically, Lelepa has been a gathering place for local chiefs and plays a vital role in the traditions and stories of the Ni-Vanuatu people.
The island itself is inhabited by a small, close-knit Ni-Vanuatu community who maintain a traditional lifestyle, blending subsistence farming, fishing, and tourism.
Respect for local customs is important, so please dress modestly, ask permission before taking photos, and participate in cultural ceremonies with courtesy.
Other things to do in Port Vila
With Lelepa Island offering a taste of Vanuatu’s natural wonders and culture, many visitors also find themselves eager to explore more of what the region has to offer.
Here are some of the best things to do in Port Vila and around Efate to make your trip even more memorable:
- The Blue Lagoon: A natural swimming hole with turquoise water framed by tropical forest. It’s great for a refreshing dip, rope swinging into the lagoon, or enjoying a picnic beneath the shady trees.
- Nasinu Hot Springs: The springs invite you to soak your entire body in naturally heated pools, a relaxing way to unwind after a hike.
- Eden on the River: A rainforest escape and a chance to immerse yourself in cascading fresh waterfalls. Wander through botanical gardens, take a guided bushwalk, or try your hand at ziplining and crossing suspension bridges.
- Mele Cascades: A series of picturesque waterfalls set amid the jungle just outside Port Vila. You can follow the walking track upstream, passing smaller pools and falls, until you reach the main cascade, where you can swim in the crisp water.
- Jungle Zipline: Soar through the rainforest canopy on a series of zip lines that provide sweeping views of the treetops. Ending with a walk over the Skybridge and glimpses of the ocean beyond.
- Tanna Coffee: Learn about the journey of locally grown beans from plantation to cup, sample some of Vanuatu’s best blends, and pick up a bag or two to take home.
- Port Vila Markets: Browse stalls with fresh produce, tropical fruit, handmade crafts, and colourful sarongs. It’s a great place to meet locals, try traditional foods, and pick up unique souvenirs.
Wrap Up & Read More!
If you’re a keen snorkeller like me, a nature lover, or simply looking for a relaxing escape with the family, I think a day tour to Lelepa Island is a slice of paradise worth checking out.
The coral gardens make it a stand-out spot for underwater adventures. While the island’s safe, welcoming atmosphere means you can enjoy a day packed with fun and discovery.
If you’re considering your next tropical getaway or just want to learn more about what the island of Efate has to offer, don’t miss my other Vanuatu posts for more tips, inspiration, and first-hand experiences.
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