Efate Island, also known as Vate Island or Sandwich Island, is the main island of Vanuatu in the southwestern Pacific Ocean. It is a beautiful coral island with underwater landscapes that include “forests,” “deserts,” “mountains,” and “grasslands.” If you dive into the sea and observe carefully, you will find that the scenery is similar to that on land, with coral trees making up the “forests,” white sand constituting the “mountains,” and green underwater plants creating the “grasslands.”

Due to minimal pollution, the sea water here is exceptionally clear, with a depth of about 5 to 8 meters and visibility to the bottom. Tourists can spot many dugongs on the surface, which are as big as pigs, covered in hair, with a large mouth that resembles a suction cup as they graze on sea grass at the seabed. Most sea turtles are about the size of a small round table, surfacing for air and diving back down to feed. Visitors can dive down and hug a sea turtle, which will bring you up from the bottom when it surfaces for air, making for a fun experience.

In addition to visiting indigenous tribes, traditional markets, cultural museums, and historical sites related to the WWII battles between the U.S. and Japan, Efate Island offers attractions such as exploring tropical rainforests, enjoying forest bathing, rafting to see the island’s waterfalls and nearby villages, witnessing indigenous hunting methods and dance performances, and going on yachting tours for fishing. These activities are all very popular.

Efate Island

Top reason to visit: The most beautiful coral island in Vanuatu

Continent where the attraction is located: Oceania

Country/Region where the attraction is located: Vanuatu

Province/State where the attraction is located: Shefa Province