2019 Wilderness Travel Catalog of Adventures

Vanuatu is a natural playground of brilliant coral reefs, erupting volcanoes, and lush rainforests—a tropical explorer’s paradise. Amid these primeval landscapes are rich Pacific cultures with their own unique “kastoms.” On our multisport adventure with Trip Leader Jon Imhoof, we’ll paddle sit-on-top kayaks to “blue holes,” climb above the clouds to the crater rim of an active volcano, and snorkel above kaleidoscopic reef formations amid an abundance of tropical fish. We’ll also see the famed Vanuatu ADVENTURES IN THE ISLES OF HAPPINESS

land divers of Pentecost Island, with their spectacular dives from forest platforms. Along the way, we enjoy the warm welcome of the Ni-Vanuatu, who delight in sharing their heritage and are acclaimed to be among the “happiest people on Earth.” Days 1-2 Port Vila In Port Vila, Vanuatu’s harborside capital, we explore the tropical coastline by catamaran, sailing island to island in the bay and gliding over magnificent coral reefs.

DAVID KIRKLAND

“I loved it! Standing on the rim of an active volcano, cave hiking, witnessing the land

Days 3-4 Land Diving on Pentecost Island / Matevulu Blue Hole On Pentecost Island, we’ll watch Nanggol (land diving), a spectacle that is the dramatic focal point of the yam harvest celebration. On Espiritu Santo, kayaking along a crystal stream brings us to the Matevulu Blue Hole, a natural freshwater spring with crystal-clear water. A jump into its incredibly blue realm is a must, and the adventurous can brave the rope swing! Days 5-7 Million Dollar Point / Kastom Villages / Champagne Beach We head to Million Dollar Point to snorkel among reef fish as well as some of the most fascinating underwater World War II relics in the Pacific. After a visit to Kastom villages to learn about Vanuatu’s ancient cultures, we head to the powdery white sands of Champagne Beach, a stunning spot for a swim, snorkel, or a stroll. We boat to uninhabited Ais Island, surrounded by some of the most pristine coral gardens in Vanuatu, to spend the day snorkeling and beachcombing, topped off by a Melanesian feast on the beach with traditional Kastom dances and music. Days 8-11 Tanna Island / Yasur Volcano / Lemnap Blue Cave Tanna Island’s unique reef formations are sanctuaries for an abundance of marine life, including dugongs, turtles, moray eels, reef sharks, and blue-spotted rays. Here we snorkel and explore swim-throughs, tunnels, and grottos. We climb Yasur Volcano to watch sunset, with molten lava lighting the sky, and explore the 200-foot-wide grotto of Lemnap Blue Cave. Our home on Tanna is an intimate beachfront oasis with absolutely stunning views and gorgeous sunsets. Depart on Day 11 via Port Vila.

diving—and the snorkeling was just amazing!”

Janet F., Garden Grove CA

Our intriguing cultural journey is an active one, with sea kayaking, snorkeling, and swimming adventures. PHOTO: VINCENT PREVOST

HIGHLIGHTS • Snorkel some of the best reefs in all Vanuatu, swim in crystal-clear blue holes • See the famous Pentecost land divers leap from towers in celebration of the yam harvest • Visit Kastom villages where locals share their knowledge of traditional medicine, crafts, cooking styles, and dancing • Relax at our waterfront

DETAILS • 11-day trip begins and ends in Port Vila • 10 nights waterfront hotels and bungalows • All meals included

TRIP COST $6695 (7-10 members) $7195 (4-6 members) Single supplement: $950 TRIP LEVEL 1 2 + 3 4 5 6 7 Snorkeling, hiking, kayaking, and reef walking excursions

DATES Jun 6-16, 2019 Jun 20-30

island hideaways with wonderful access to ocean activities

MIKE PARRY

FOR A DETAILED ITINERARY: 1.800.368.2794 OR EMAIL PACIFIC@WILDERNESSTRAVEL.COM 99