31 Oct 2015
Vanuatu Arrival
The early risers amongst us were up at 5 this morning to watch the sun rising over the Banks Islands, Ureparapara, Reef Islands, Motu Lava and our destination Vanua Lava. We arrived in Sola shortly before 0800 and located the customs officials to clear us for arrival into Vanuatu. This process was completed by 0900 and we headed ashore to the landing at the Vanua Lava Yacht Club. The club is probably not what you might envision in a yacht club but it is a pretty little place all the same. This morning an invitation was extended to others in the group to join the birders and experience the excitement seeing species such as the Vanuatu Honeyeater, White-eye and Tanna Fruit Dove.
Like all the other islands we have visited, Vanua Lava is in the midst of a drought with water in short supply. The Vanua Lava community was a hive of activity in preparation for an important wedding the following day and we even received an invitation for the whole ship to attend but unfortunately had to decline due to other arrangements! In the afternoon we took the Zodiacs ashore to a dazzlingly white sand beach where we could beach-comb or swim and snorkel in the turquoise blue waters.
30 Oct 2015
Our last day in the Solomon Islands was spent on Vanikolo. This impressive island rises in great green faces to a towering peak which dominates the l…READ MORE
29 Oct 2015
We arrived just as the sun rose behind the jagged peaks that dominate the centre of Taumako Island. Landings here are very affected by the tide and t…READ MORE
28 Oct 2015
We have had quite a day at Nendo Island, the largest of the Temotu province. An impromptu snorkelling excursion this morning turned out to be a delig…READ MORE
