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Port Vila - Profile

Location

Port Vila is a sheltered anchorage for Yachts and is the capital of Vanuatu.

Clearance

Clearance here is reported to be simple, fast, friendly and painless.

When you arrive in Port Vila, anchor in the quarantine zone near the YELLOW buoy. This is just north of the lead markers in some 8 to 20 meters depth. Have your yellow quarantine flag flying.

Call Port Vila Harbor Control on Channel 16. They keep radio watch from 7:30 to 16:30. If they do not answer, try Yachting World on Channel 16 or 60. They will contact Customs and Quarantine for you.

If you plan to arrive on a Saturday or Sunday, call ahead and customs will arrange clearance, however the boat must remain in the quarantine area. This does not apply to public holidays when clearance is not possible. Do not go ashore without first clearing in without explicit instructions by radio or telephone from customs officials instructing you otherwise.

Customs, quarantine and immigration are reported to be very helpful, as are the Yachting World crew. See Vanuatu Fees for Clearance costs.

Last checked September 2012.

Customs and Immigration

Tel:+678 22082 or 58899. (July 2008, old number appears to still be in use, Tel: +678 22354).

earukelana@vanuatu.gov.vu

Formalities will be carried out on arrival in Tanna

Docking

There are two principal options for docking in Port Vila. The marina or a swinging mooring on the opposite side of the bay. To use either facility, contact the local company "Yachting World" on VHF Channel 16 or 60.

Anchoring is also possible ahead of the quarantine area and outside of the mooring field.

An anchor light must be used between sunset and sunrise.

Last checked September 2012.

Yachting World (SeaWall Marina and Swinging Moorings)

P.O. Box 1507 , Port Vila, Efate

Tel:(+678) 23273 (Speak with Lemara) Fax:(+678) 25137 ,VHF Channel 16, 60

http://www.yachtingworld-vanuatu.com , welcome@yachtingworld-vanuatu.com

Opening hours: 08:00-12:00, 13:00-17:00 (Mon-Fri). 0800-1200 (Sat). Closed on Sun & Public Holidays.

Yachting World staff extends a warm welcome to all cruising yachts. Our facilities include a Marina and Harbour Swing Moorings. There is also the Waterfront Bar & Grill Restaurant and Connect Cafe for all your internet requirements (ASDL and WiFi).

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Yacht Clubs

Vanuatu Cruising Yacht Club

Seafront just off quarantine anchorage area

Tel:(+678) 5922564

http://www.vanuatucruisingyachtclub.org , info@vanuatucruisingyachtclub.org

Commodore: Peter Wederell. Based at the Anchor Inn near the northern edge of the town

Forums

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Vanuatu: Ambrym; Anatom Island (Aneityum); Banks Islands; Epi Island; Espiritu Santo; Maewo Island; Malekula Island; Tanna
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