"Great from start to finish. lovely lady on the tour desk, the the driver ushered the 6 of us into a spacious mini van. Very friendly father and son greeted us and fitted gear while getting a safety talk. The snorkeling was amazing with tons of fish 🐠 coral, giant clams and giant turtles. Home cooked lunch , picnic style was delicious followed by a walk through the village talking to the locals with a guide who was 😍 and knowledgeable. Then bus back to town."
Illustration.
Snorkel Tour · 9:00 AM · 4.5 Hours · Two People Minimum
Vanuatu Snorkeling
Roawia Turtle and snorkeling tours collects you in Port Vila and takes you to the coast to snorkel with local guides: a chance of turtles in the wild, a coral planting garden, a giant clam garden and Nemo City, then lunch. Gear included.
From
US$71
per person (at least two people book together: US$142.98 for two, US$71.49 each; one person alone cannot book)
Free cancellation
Pick your snorkel
Which Snorkeling Tour in Vanuatu?
Snorkeling in Vanuatu, for most visitors, is a morning out of Port Vila with village guides on Efate’s coast. The tour to book first is Roawia Turtle and snorkeling tours’ Vanuatu: Turtle and Snorkeling Tour with Lunch: 4.5 hours from 9:00 AM, pickup at your Port Vila address, gear, a guide in the water and lunch. It needs at least two people: two pay US$142.98 together, US$71.49 each (checked November 2026), and one person alone cannot book. Turtles are a chance on the day, not a promise.
Half a day in the water
Vanuatu: Turtle and Snorkeling Tour with Lunch
Roawia Turtle and snorkeling tours: village guides, the coral planting and giant clam gardens, Nemo City and a chance of turtles, then lunch. Two or more people.
Check dates →See-through kayak
Kayak and Snorkel Half Day, No Lunch
Turtle-Reef-Safaris at Mangaliliu village: a transparent kayak over the coral, then a guided snorkel. The half day has no lunch; the full day with lunch is US$108.93 each. Two or more people.
See the kayak morning →A full island day, solo welcome
Port Vila: Lelepa Island Day Trip with Snorkeling & BBQ
Lelepa Island Day Tours Limited: the boat across Havannah Harbour, a marine sanctuary, giant clams and a plane wreck, a beach BBQ and the village. One person can book. Not on Saturdays.
See the Lelepa day →Prices, ratings and review counts from the listings (GetYourGuide checked November 2026). The price for your date and group shows on the calendar before you pay, so treat these figures as a guide, not a quote.
Weighing a half morning against a full day on an island or a yacht? The table below puts four snorkel tours side by side, and sail and snorkel in Vanuatu sets the yacht against the island days.
- 4.4 / 5 193+ Reviews
- 9:00 AM Start of the turtle and snorkel morning; pickup at your address in the Port Vila pickup area
- 4 days to choose from Turtles and the coral and clam gardens, an island getaway, Paul's Reef or a Lelepa Island village visit
- Free Cancellation
The Experience
What the Turtle and Snorkel Morning Includes
Pickup and drop-off in Port Vila, snorkel gear, pool noodles, a guide in the water, lunch and water. Bring a towel, a hat and sunscreen.
Roawia Turtle and snorkeling tours' own highlights, inclusions and notes, as listed on GetYourGuide in November 2026.
Highlights
- Visit a coral planting garden and learn about reef restoration
- Discover Nemo City, home to clownfish and other marine life
- Explore the Giant Clam Garden and learn about these creatures
- Enjoy a local BBQ on the beach and snorkel at Paul’s Reef
What's Included
- Snorkeling gear
- Lunch/BBQ
- Pickup from town and resorts
- Pool noodles
- Live tour guide
- Water
- Beach hut
- Snorkel at the coral planting garden, visit the giant clam garden, learn about the endangered gigas species, encounter turtles in the wild, and visit Nemo City, where you can spot clownfish in one place
- All included in this package
Not suitable for: Non-swimmers · Not Included: Sunscreen, Hat, Towel
The Snorkel Morning, Step by Step
From the 9:00 AM start in Port Vila to the reef and back, 4.5 hours.
Pickup in Port Vila
You give your address when you book: the pickup area on the booking map runs around Mele Bay and Port Vila, from Mangaliliu in the north-west to Pango. The tour starts at 9:00 AM, and you are dropped back where you were collected.
The Drive to the Coast
A drive out of town to the village whose guides take you in. Two reviewers who timed it, in January and March 2026, put the ride at an hour or more each way, and that travel counts within the 4.5 hours.
Your Snorkel
Guides fit your gear and take you in: turtles and the coral planting and giant clam gardens with Nemo City, an island getaway or Paul's Reef, or a village visit on Lelepa Island instead. Tell the operator which one you want.
Lunch and Back
Lunch, then the drive back to your pickup point. Several reviewers also describe a walk through the village with their guide.
Photo Gallery
Snorkelling in Vanuatu
The reef off Efate's north-west coast, the giant clams, the beach and the village.
Book Your Experience
Check Availability & Prices
Roawia Turtle and snorkeling tours' morning from Port Vila at 9:00 AM: 4.5 hours with pickup, gear, a guide in the water and lunch. At least two people book together. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before.
Before You Book
Snorkelling in Vanuatu, One Question per Page
What each tour costs, the turtles, sail and snorkel, whether Vanuatu is good for snorkelling and when, Port Vila pickups, and where to stay.
From US$71.49 a person
Snorkeling Prices
Every snorkel tour's price in US$, what it buys, and which ones one person can book.
From US$71 per person (at least two people book together: US$142.98 for two, US$71.49 each; one person alone cannot book)
A chance, not a promise
Snorkelling with Turtles
The turtle morning and the kayak and snorkel at Mangaliliu village, and what reviewers saw in the water.
From US$71 per person (at least two people book together: US$142.98 for two, US$71.49 each; one person alone cannot book)
Yacht, Lelepa or Moso
Sail and Snorkel
A day under sail in Havannah Harbour against the two island days: price, length, who can book alone.
From US$161 per person (one adult US$161.00, two US$322.00)
Reefs, calm spots, seasons
Is Vanuatu Good for Snorkelling?
What the Vanuatu Tourism Office says about Efate's reefs, where the water is calm, and the cyclone season.
From US$71 per person (at least two people book together: US$142.98 for two, US$71.49 each; one person alone cannot book)
Pickup, timing, what to bring
Port Vila Pickups
Where each snorkel tour collects you, when it starts and ends, the drive, and what to pack.
From US$71 per person (at least two people book together: US$142.98 for two, US$71.49 each; one person alone cannot book)
Which base suits you
Where to Stay
Port Vila town, Erakor Lagoon, Hideaway Island, Eratap or Havannah Harbour: who each suits, a reef at the door or not, and the catch.
From US$71 per person (at least two people book together: US$142.98 for two, US$71.49 each; one person alone cannot book)
Prices are each page's featured tour: GetYourGuide checked November 2026. GetYourGuide and Viator prices are per person in US dollars (US$).
Four Snorkelling Tours from Port Vila on One Table
The turtle and snorkel morning, a half-day kayak and snorkel, the Lelepa Island day and a sail-and-snorkel day: start times, length, where you snorkel, who can book and who each suits. Prices with the month they were checked.
| Feature | THIS PAGE Turtle and snorkel morning, Roawia Turtle and snorkeling tours | Kayak and snorkel half day (no lunch), Turtle-Reef-Safaris | Lelepa Island day trip, Lelepa Island Day Tours Limited | Sail and snorkel day, Sailing Vanuatu |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| What You Pay | From US$71 per person (checked November 2026) (at least two people book together: US$142.98 for two, US$71.49 each; one person alone cannot book) | From US$75 per person (checked November 2026) (the half day without lunch, at least two people: US$149.78 for two, US$74.89 each; the full day with lunch is US$108.93 each) | From US$112 per person (checked November 2026) | From US$161 per person (checked November 2026) (one adult US$161.00, two US$322.00) |
| Starts | 9:00 AM | 8:00 AM | 8:30 AM; not on Saturdays | 9:45 AM |
| Length of the Day | 4.5 hours | 4.5 hours (the full day with lunch is 8 hours) | 8 hours | 5 hours |
| Who Can Book | At least two people | At least two people | One person or more | One person or more |
| Where You Snorkel | With village guides on Efate's coast; you choose turtles and the reef gardens, an island getaway, Paul's Reef or Lelepa Island | The lagoon at Mangaliliu village, by transparent kayak and on a guided snorkel | Lelepa Island: a marine sanctuary, giant clams and a sunken plane wreck | Two snorkel stops in Havannah Harbour from a 60-foot sailing yacht |
| Lunch | Lunch / BBQ included | Not on the half day; included on the full day | Beach BBQ lunch included | Buffet lunch cooked on board |
| Who It Suits | A half day in the water, for two or more | Calm water and a see-through kayak, for two or more | A full island day, also for one person | A day on deck, with drinks to buy on board |
| Check dates | See the kayak morning | See the Lelepa day | See the sailing day |
More Ways into the Water
Other Snorkelling Days from Port Vila
A day under sail in Havannah Harbour, Moso Island, and Hideaway Island's reef, on GetYourGuide and Viator.
A DAY UNDER SAILVanuatu - Day Tour: Sail, Snorkel, Lunch, Island Adventure
Sailing Vanuatu's 5-hour day from 9:45 AM on a 60-foot sailing yacht in Havannah Harbour: two snorkel stops, kayaks and paddleboards, an island visit and a buffet lunch cooked on board. Transfers within the Port Vila area. One person can book; drinks other than water are bought on board.
MOSO ISLANDPort Vila: Moso Island Snorkeling and Cultural Day Tour
Moso Dream Eco Tours & Transfers' 8-hour day from 9:00 AM: road and boat to Moso Island, a village walk, the Moso Blue Cave when weather and tide allow (a full refund if not), a guided boat snorkel, a BBQ lunch at Sunae Village and beach snorkelling. Gear and hotel pickup included. Two pay US$194.72 together (US$97.36 each).
HIDEAWAY ISLANDPort Vila: Waterfalls, Snorkel & Underwater Post Office Tour
Peter Ora's Luxury Shore Tours & Transfers' 5-hour tour from 9:00 AM with pickup at the cruise ship terminal or your hotel: the Cascade Waterfalls, a snorkel at Hideaway Island and its underwater post office, a chocolate factory, a village school and a light lunch. Snorkel gear and the cascades' upper-pool fee are not included. Two pay US$231.48 together (US$115.74 each).
HIDEAWAY AND THE BLUE LAGOONHideaway Island Combo Day Trip with Yumi Tours
Yumi Tours & Transfers Vanuatu's 6-hour day with hotel or port transfers: an hour of snorkelling at Hideaway Island with a chance to send a postcard from the underwater post office, an hour at the Blue Lagoon and an hour at Eden on the River, with lunch. At least two adults per booking.
ENTRY FEES INCLUDEDHideaway Island Escape, Blue Lagoon and Turtle Experience
Vila Hope Tours and Transfers' 6-hour day on an air-conditioned bus: an hour at the Blue Lagoon, an hour and a half on Hideaway Island to snorkel, swim or sit on the beach, and the turtles; entry fees, snacks and lunch included.
Snorkelling in Vanuatu
Where the Tours Go, What You Pay, What Reviewers Found
The reefs off Efate's north-west coast, the turtle morning step by step, booking for two, the reviews, Hideaway Island and the cyclone season.
Where the snorkel tours go
Most snorkel tours from Port Vila head north-west along Efate’s coast. The kayak and snorkel tour paddles the lagoon at Mangaliliu village, which faces Lelepa Island. The turtle morning’s itinerary gives Mangaliliu as its stop, and two reviewers write of snorkelling at Mangaliliu village (25 May 2026 and 17 November 2025). The Lelepa day drives to Havannah Harbour and takes a boat across to Lelepa, the Moso day takes a short boat ride out to Moso Island, and the sailing yacht spends its day cruising Havannah Harbour. Hideaway Island sits in Mele Bay, about 10 minutes by car from Port Vila, according to the Vanuatu Tourism Office (13 November 2026).
The turtle morning, step by step
The tour starts at 9:00 AM and lasts 4.5 hours. You give your address when you book: the pickup area on the booking map runs from Mangaliliu in the north-west to Pango, around Mele Bay and Port Vila, and you are dropped back where you were collected. Two reviewers who timed the drive, in January and March 2026, put it at an hour or more each way, and that time counts within the 4.5 hours.
The listing offers four versions of the day, and you tell the operator which one you want:
- turtles in the wild, the coral planting garden, the giant clam garden and Nemo City, home to clownfish;
- an island getaway by glass banana boat, with reefs, a bush walk and a BBQ;
- open-ocean snorkelling at Paul’s Reef, with a picnic lunch on the beach;
- a Lelepa Island getaway, with the village and its school on school days.
Snorkel gear, pool noodles, a guide, water, lunch and the beach hut are included; sunscreen, a hat and a towel are not. It is not for non-swimmers, and touching marine life is not allowed.
Check dates for the turtle morning
Booking for two
The calendar’s US$71 is a price per person, and the tour sells only to groups of two or more. Two adults pay US$142.98 together and three pay US$214.47; one adult alone cannot book it (checked November 2026). If you are travelling alone, the Lelepa Island day trip and the sail and snorkel day both take one person. The Vanuatu snorkeling price guide sets every tour’s price beside what it buys.
What reviewers say
The turtle morning has 193 reviews on GetYourGuide at an average of 4.4. Between 1 August 2025 and 12 November 2026, 132 gave five stars and 28 gave three or fewer. Reviewers come back again and again to the giant clams, the clownfish of Nemo City and the guides from the village. At least six say they saw no turtle that day, among them 16 September 2026 and 8 March 2026; many others saw one or several. At least nine describe a late, wrong or missed pickup, three of them by an hour or more (14 July, 26 May and 3 April 2026). A few found the lunch plain (4 January and 21 August 2026) or the gear worn (4 and 7 August 2026), and two found the entry over the reef hard on the feet (21 March and 20 June 2026).
Hideaway Island
Hideaway Island is a small island in Mele Bay with a marine sanctuary and an underwater post office. The Vanuatu Tourism Office says a shuttle boat runs from Mele Bay beach and that you pay a 2,000 vatu day pass per person on the island (13 November 2026). Peter Ora's Luxury Shore Tours & Transfers' cascades and Hideaway tour snorkels there and visits the post office, for two people or more, without snorkel gear. On Viator, Yumi Tours & Transfers Vanuatu's Hideaway Island combo, from US$92 per person with two adults minimum, and Vila Hope Tours and Transfers' Hideaway Island Escape, from US$118 per person with entry fees included, stop there too; Viator prices checked November 2026.
Lelepa, Moso and a day under sail
Three full days take you further out. The Lelepa Island day trip, from US$112 per adult, crosses Havannah Harbour to snorkel in a marine sanctuary, with giant clams and a sunken plane wreck; it does not run on Saturdays. Moso Dream Eco Tours & Transfers' Moso Island day adds the Moso Blue Cave when weather and tide allow, with a full refund if they do not. Sailing Vanuatu's sail and snorkel day, from US$161, makes two snorkel stops from a 60-foot yacht. Sail and snorkel in Vanuatu compares the three.
The cyclone season
The Vanuatu Meteorology and Geo-Hazards Department calls November to April the hot or wet season and the tropical cyclone season, with the greatest frequency in January and February (13 November 2026). It names no best month for the water. Every GetYourGuide tour here can be cancelled free up to 24 hours before; is Vanuatu good for snorkelling, and when goes further.
Before you book
- Two people. The turtle morning, the kayak and snorkel and the Moso day need at least two; the Lelepa day and the sailing day take one.
- Swimming. The turtle morning, the kayak and snorkel and the Moso day are not for non-swimmers.
- What to bring. Swimwear, a towel, a hat and sunscreen; cash for drinks on the yacht or for souvenirs.
- A cruise day. Two listings here speak to cruise passengers in their own words, but none states a meeting point at the wharf and return times that fit a port day; see the cruise question below.
- Where to sleep. Where to stay for snorkelling on Efate weighs Port Vila, Erakor Lagoon and the bases with a reef at the door.
Guest Reviews
What Snorkellers Say About the Turtle Morning
4.4/5
from 193 reviews
"We had the best time on this tour !! We were lucky to be with a small group and so there was only 9 of us. The snorkelling was absolutely stunning !! Saw at least 4 turtles and the giant clams were super cool! Everyone who worked on the tour was super friendly and helpful. Food was delicious and we really enjoyed learning about the history of the village. I would definitely recommend this to everyone looking for a snorkel tour !!"
"We had a great time at Roawia Turtle and Snorkelling at Mangaliliu Village. The guides helped us in and out of the water as well as directing us toward the location of the Giant Clams, the Clownfish, Coral plantings and turtles. I even saw an Octopus! Lunch afterwards was delicious and was very plentiful. We did have an issue with our resort Pick up as our driver was waiting at the wrong resort, even though confirmation email had the correct location on it. Luckily for us staff at our resort were able to assist us and coincidentally there was a driver onsite who was able to take us to meet the allocated driver. Aside from this small set back, this trip was wonderful. The snorkeling was amazing at this location, and the staff and owner (Max) were lovely to deal with. I highly recommend this tour if you want a half day out, somewhere close to Port Vila."
"Really enjoyed the snorkeling but did not get to see any turtles. Completely understand that it’s up to nature on the day! Very great experience thanks to Koko, McKenzie and the kids who took us out into the ocean. Koko our guide who very passionately and patiently walked us through his village took so much time in explaining their culture as well as his intentions to preserve the clams, coral and turtles within his backyard and the importance of conservation. Make sure you buy a refillable bottle for water in the attempts of trying to reduce and eliminate the use of plastic bottles which cause much harm to the animals living in such a beautiful ocean."
"My family and I had an amazing time on this tour! The snorkelling activity is ran and guided by local villagers who also do conservation work in their area. The reef and marine life that we saw during the snorkelling was stunning. Koko is a great tour leader and very knowledgeable. We had a short village walk where we learned the customs and culture of the Roawia village. The other snorkelling guides (Mackenzie, Patrick and Ish) were really helpful and accommodating the whole time. Thanks again for all your hospitality!"
"The guides were helpful and the actual snorkelling was good. The lunch was pretty average and it took an hour and a half to get to the venue. I was the first to be collected and last to be dropped off. The driver had to go all over Port Vila to pick up people. It was a bit chaotic. There was a cruise ship in port which made the drivers and tour operators were very busy and there seemed to be a lot of last minute planning!"
Read all 193 verified reviews
See All ReviewsA Morning on the Reef
Roawia Turtle and snorkeling tours' 4.5-hour snorkel tour from Port Vila: local guides, gear, the coral planting and giant clam gardens, a chance of turtles, and lunch. At least two people book together. Starting from US$71 per person (at least two people book together: US$142.98 for two, US$71.49 each; one person alone cannot book).
See datesVanuatu Snorkeling: Questions
Which tour, turtles, prices, booking alone, swimming, cruise days, Hideaway Island, the season, what to bring and where to stay.
For a half day in the water, Roawia Turtle and snorkeling tours' Turtle and Snorkeling Tour with Lunch: US$142.98 for two people (US$71.49 each; one person alone cannot book), checked November 2026. It runs from 9:00 AM, 4.5 hours with pickup in Port Vila, and snorkels with village guides on Efate's coast. For a full island day that one person can book, take the Lelepa Island day trip, from US$112 per adult; for a day on a sailing yacht, Sailing Vanuatu's sail and snorkel day, from US$161.
Often, but no tour can promise it. The turtle and snorkel morning offers a chance of turtles in the wild. Of its 193 reviews (August 2025 to November 2026), many describe one or several turtles, and at least six say they saw none that day, among them 16 September 2026 and 8 March 2026. The giant clams, the coral gardens and the clownfish of Nemo City are there whatever the turtles do. See snorkelling with turtles in Vanuatu.
The GetYourGuide snorkel tours on this site run from US$71.49 a person for the turtle and snorkel morning (two people minimum, so US$142.98 for two) to US$161 per adult for the sail and snorkel day (checked November 2026). The half-day kayak and snorkel is US$74.89 each without lunch, and the Lelepa Island day US$112 per adult. Yumi Tours & Transfers Vanuatu's Hideaway Island combo is from US$92 per person (checked November 2026). See the Vanuatu snorkeling price guide.
Not the turtle morning: it needs at least two people, and one adult alone shows as unavailable. The same goes for the kayak and snorkel, the Moso Island day and the cascades and Hideaway tour. A solo traveller can book the Lelepa Island day trip (from US$112) or the sail and snorkel day (from US$161); both take one adult (checked November 2026).
You need to swim: the turtle morning, the kayak and snorkel and the Moso Island day are not for non-swimmers. The turtle morning includes pool noodles and a guide in the water. One reviewer on 3 September 2026 found a lot of swimming in deep water, and others found the entry over the reef tricky (21 March and 20 June 2026). Touching marine life is not allowed on those three tours.
You can book one yourself, but no listing on this site states a meeting point at the wharf and return times that fit a port day, so the timing is yours to check. Peter Ora's Luxury Shore Tours & Transfers' cascades and Hideaway Island tour includes pickup and drop-off at the cruise ship terminal or your hotel (5 hours from 9:00 AM, two people minimum); the sailing day depends on tender times, so check yours with the operator. Yumi Tours & Transfers Vanuatu's Hideaway Island combo on Viator includes hotel or port transfers and asks cruise passengers for the ship's name and its docking and departure times, and the Lelepa Island day trip offers special timing for cruise passengers if needed. One kayak and snorkel reviewer on 7 November 2026 was collected from the tender boats and brought back in time. Port Vila shore excursions sold by your cruise line come with the line's promise to get you back to the ship; a tour you book yourself does not. The Vanuatu Tourism Office's latest port update is dated 7 May 2025, so ask your cruise line where your ship docks or tenders. One reviewer of the turtle morning on 21 February 2026 never got ashore because the ship could not dock.
A small island in Mele Bay, about 10 minutes by car from Port Vila, with a marine sanctuary and an underwater post office. The Vanuatu Tourism Office says a shuttle boat runs from Mele Bay beach and that you pay a 2,000 vatu day pass per person on the island (13 November 2026). Peter Ora's Luxury Shore Tours & Transfers' cascades and Hideaway tour and Vila Hope Tours and Transfers' Hideaway Island Escape (from US$118 per person, entry fees included) both stop there.
No issuer names a best month; the season to plan around is the cyclone season. The Vanuatu Meteorology and Geo-Hazards Department says the hot or wet season, November to April, is also the tropical cyclone season, with the greatest frequency in January and February and about two to three cyclones a season in Vanuatu's area (13 November 2026). Every tour here can be cancelled free up to 24 hours before. See is Vanuatu good for snorkelling, and when.
Swimwear, a towel and sunscreen: the turtle morning does not supply the towel, hat or sunscreen. Snorkel gear is included on the turtle morning, the kayak and snorkel, the Moso day and the sail and snorkel day, but not on the cascades and Hideaway tour. Bring cash if you want drinks on the sailing yacht or souvenirs.
Most people should stay in or near Port Vila, inside the tours' pickup areas. If you want a reef by your room, Hideaway Island, Eratap and Havannah Harbour each have one, with a catch for each. See where to stay for snorkelling on Efate.
Still have questions? Email us at info@vanuatusnorkeling.com