Eco-tourism is a new activity in the MPA. Welcoming visitors to the spectacular coral gardens of Nguna and Pele has brought innumerable benefits to the local communities.
The MPA is located in Shefa Province in Vanuatu, a small Pacific Island country located 2400 km northwest of Australia. The archipelago, formerly known as the New Hebrides under joint British & French governance until Independence in 1980, is made up of more than 80 islands of volcanic and uplifted coral origins. Average temperatures range from 22° to 27° Celsius, making it a lush sub-tropical country.
Vanuatu's Bauerfield International Airport, located in the capital of Port Vila, is serviced by Pacific Blue, Air New Zealand, AirCalin, Quantas and Air Vanuatu. The MPA is less than two hours by overland transportation from Port Vila (see "Getting Here" below). Use the 678 country prefix for all phone numbers below when dialing internationally.
Come visit our magical islands
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All prices and services mentioned are subject to change. Please call ahead. The Paunvina Guesthouse in Unakap Village, Nguna, is perfect for the budget traveler or those seeking peacefulness and quiet. Rooms are available at 1,500vt per night per person. Meals not provided unless arranged at time of booking, but a full kitchen (gas stove) is available for guest use. Mosquito nets provided, island toilet facilities and bucket bathing. (Tel: 27976, ask for Leipakoa or Leinasei) Pele Island is home to the beautiful Napanga Bungalow. An array of island activities can be arranged with the bungalow's owner, Talang, including snorkeling, canoeing, kayaking, and hiking. 2000vt per night per person (including meals). (Tel: 27113, Talang) Singing Trees Bungalow is in secluded Utanlangi village and takes its name from the ancient casuarinas on the nearby beach. Owner Willie Makauliu's family will give you a touching welcome to this 2-bedroom bungalow. Snorkel Utanlang's caves and lava tubes or take a hike up Mt. Taputoara to work off the delicious food. Fresh-caught seafood and freshly baked bread are on the daily menu. Mosquito nets provided. Per person rate 2,500vt per night (including meals). Be sure to make truck transport arrangements to Utanlang from the closest boat drop off point, Udapua. (Tel: 23999, ask for Willie) The new Siloa Guesthouse is also located in Utanlangi village, set in lush tropical gardens. Snorkeling gear and canoes are available for hire. Western-style bathroom facilities. Per person rate 1,500vt per night (including meals). Be sure to make truck transport arrangements to Utanlang from the closest boat drop off point, Udapua. (Tel: 23999, ask for Jimmy David) Beach Camping is another way to experience our islands. Bring a tent to pitch right at the waters edge (500vt fee). Do your own meals or have an island mama cook for you (@ 300vt per meal). Stays with individual villagers can also be arranged if you are looking to truly experience local culture and lifestyle. We have hosted school groups of up to 40 children and scientific research teams of 15 people. Whatever your individual needs or your budget, let us know and we can facilitate your visit. Can only stay for a day? Contact Island Expert Tours (phone 25498) to book the Pele Island Day tour, which includes a village tour; snorkeling, kayaking and canoeing off the white sand beach; a sumptuous bbq lunch; and transport directly from your hotel. The tour runs most days; 7200vt/adult and 3600vt/children under 12 (children under 5 free). Island Escape (phone 55193) also offers a Pele Island Day Tour with many of the same services that Island Expert offers. This tour also runs most days; 7000vt/adult and 3500vt/children under 12 (children under 5 free). |
If you're in love with marine mammals, there's no greater thrill than touching a dolphin as it swims and jumps alongside your boat as you travel out to our islands. A pod of 27 playful Spinner Dolphins resides in the nearby waters. The name "spinner" comes from the animal's jumping and spinning behavior. It is normal to see quadruple backflips into the air when they're excited. As you snorkel you can see one of the most exotic and intriguing animals found in the South Pacific: the giant clam. Dive down to a sandy-bottomed valley, hidden within the canyons of live coral in the MPA, to find over 100 giant clams lying silently, their fluorescent colors glinting in the sunlight.
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Public transport is the easiest and most inexpensive way to reach Nguna and Pele islands. Pickup trucks leave Vila each afternoon Monday through Friday between 12:30 and 1:30 pm (remember, we're on island time...best to arrive by 12:30 and be prepared to wait a bit) from the Hua Store in Chinatown (across from Natapoa Takeaway and one block from the Police Station). It is 500vt one-way for the truck, and 500vt one-way for the boats, which the trucks will meet at Emua Wharf in North Efate. Return trip leaves the islands at 6:00 am. Private buses or taxis can be hired in Vila (~8000vt one-way) for the trip to Emua Wharf. A boat can be hired at Emua for 3000vt one-way. Or call Peter Taty of Taty Transport (23700 in Port Vila, 25380 on Nguna) to arrange all-inclusive transport. Peter can also be hired for truck transportation to Utanlangi village, on the opposite end of Nguna (10,000 vatu one-way includes truck from Vila, boat and truck to Utanlangi for up to 4 people). |
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A Word About Souvenirs Please respect our conservation efforts by leaving the beautiful wonders that you see where they belong--in the sea or on the beach. Although many "road market" vendors are unaware, under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) you cannot take giant clam shells, coral, or turtle shell products out of the country. Possession of any item made of turtle shell is subject to criminal prosecution in many countries. If you purchase a woven handbasket or mat, it is advisable to have it fumigated at the Quarantine station near the airport (Treatment Center phone 23130; Airport Services phone 24378) to avoid confiscation when you return home. There is a small fee and you will need to leave the item at Quarantine for 24 hours. |
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