From the north coast of Efate you look across a narrow channel to two green islands. Pele, the smaller, is fringed with white sand and coral gardens. Nguna, behind it, rises to the crater of an extinct volcano with views over the Shepherd Islands on a clear day.
Their villages jointly run the Nguna-Pele Marine Protected Area, one of the Pacific’s best-known community conservation projects, with no-take reefs, giant clam gardens and turtle monitoring. Tourism is small-scale: family bungalows, home-cooked food and bucket showers.
Top things to do: Pele & Nguna Islands
Snorkel the protected reefs
The no-take areas off Pele and southern Nguna have healthy coral and plenty of fish close to shore. Village guides can show you the best entry points.
Climb Nguna’s volcano
A half-day guided walk through gardens and forest to the grassy crater rim. It is steep and hot — start early, carry water and wear real shoes.
Stay the night
A night in a village bungalow is the most direct way to experience island life and puts money straight into the community.
How to get to Pele & Nguna Islands
- By road and boat: drive or take a truck or bus to Emua wharf on the north coast (around an hour from Port Vila), then a small boat for 15–30 minutes depending on the village.
- On a day tour: the simplest option, with transport, boat, lunch and guides arranged — see Port Vila tours.
Insider tips
- Bring cash, drinking water, a torch and reef-safe sun protection. There are no ATMs and little electricity.
- Boats are open and small; put phones and cameras in a dry bag.
- Dress modestly in villages: cover shoulders and knees away from the beach.
- Crossings can be cancelled in strong winds, especially in the cyclone season.
Tours that include Pele & Nguna Islands
These bookable experiences are the easiest way to see Pele & Nguna Islands:
Hiking day trip from €143 From Port Vila: Full-Day Nguna Outer Island Adventure
The most active day trip from Port Vila and the best-rated: drive to the north coast, cross to Nguna for a half-day trek, then cool off in the clear water at Pele. A long day — start early and bring proper shoes.
- Half-day trek on Nguna island
- Afternoon swim at Pele
- Boat crossings from north Efate
Island day trip from €93 Port Vila: Pele Island Day Tour with Lunch & Snorkelling
A beach day on Pele, the small island off Efate’s north coast: a scenic drive, a short boat crossing, snorkelling in the lagoon and a fresh lunch on the sand. New on GetYourGuide, so it has no reviews yet.
- Drive to north Efate and boat to Pele
- Snorkel in the clear lagoon
- Island-style lunch on a white-sand beach
