Vanuatu is rightly famous among divers and snorkellers for the richness of its waters. Around Efate, the lagoons and fringing reefs shelter one of the most pristine reef systems in the South Pacific — a living world of colour and movement just beneath the surface.
A reef teeming with life
Slip beneath the surface and you'll find:
- Coral gardens in every shade — staghorn, brain and plate corals built up over centuries
- Tropical fish in dazzling numbers — clownfish, angelfish, parrotfish, butterflyfish and more
- Sea turtles gliding gracefully through the channels
- Rays cruising the sandy flats
- Giant clams with their electric-blue mantles
The lagoon's gentle giant: the dugong
Among the most special sightings of all is the dugong — a gentle, seagrass-grazing marine mammal and a cousin of the manatee. Dugongs are endangered throughout much of their range, so an encounter is a rare and humbling privilege. Always observe from a respectful distance and never touch or pursue them.
Diving and snorkelling for every level
You don't need a scuba certification to experience Vanuatu's underwater magic. The calm, shallow, reef-protected lagoons near E'Nauwi are perfect for snorkelling straight off the beach, while certified divers can explore deeper reefs and channels further afield through local operators.
Protecting what makes it special
These reefs are precious and fragile. Help keep them thriving:
- Never touch or stand on coral
- Use reef-safe sunscreen or a rash vest
- Take only photos, leave only ripples
- Keep your distance from turtles, rays and dugongs
Dive into a different world
From your first snorkel off the sand to your most memorable dive, the waters around E'Nauwi are an invitation to slow down and look closer.