Port Havannah

Island History and Coral Reef

In the area around Port Havannah, there are two very different things to discover: Lelepa Island, with its handicrafts and historic caves, and a coral reef at Havannah Harbour. A tour of the surrounding area includes a visit to Lelepa. Local women display handicrafts there, which visitors can buy.

On Lelepa, historic caves feature handprints and drawings that are more than 500 years old. The island’s handicrafts and long history add their own distinctive touches. At Havannah Harbour, a shallow coral reef begins right by the beach steps at Critter Spotter. It offers access to scuba diving and is home to colourful corals and marine life.

If you are looking for a holiday apartment in Port Havannah, you can start planning your trip by thinking about your interests: should your holiday focus mainly on the island’s cultural attractions, or on the reef and scuba diving? This distinction can guide your search without limiting your stay to just one type of holiday.

Shefa and Efate as a Wider Travel Destination

The wider destination of Shefa Province includes the main island of Efate. Efate can be reached via Bauerfield International Airport and is connected to the surrounding islands by domestic flights and maritime links. If your trip includes several islands, these connections provide a regional framework for planning.

Efate combines a rugged coastline with gently rolling, green inland areas, fast-flowing rivers, waterfalls, secluded sandy coves and lagoons. Mele Cascades reveals another side of this landscape: the waterfall is surrounded by lush tropical forest. Coastal scenery and a forested waterfall area offer two distinct nature experiences.

Eton Beach offers another point of comparison in the region. The reef-protected area offshore has calm, relatively shallow water, although conditions can vary. Eton Beach is suitable for children and adults who are new to snorkelling. Hideaway Island is a five-minute ferry ride from Mele Beach on Efate. It is worth checking the ferry schedule before your visit.

Culture and History in Shefa

The UNESCO World Heritage-listed Chief Roi Mata’s Domain comprises three sites dating to the early 17th century on Efate, Lelepa and Artok. It bears witness to the connection between oral tradition and archaeology, as well as the lasting influence of Roi Mata’s social reforms and conflict resolution. These themes add a historical dimension to the islands, beyond individual impressions of their landscapes.

Port Vila also adds to Shefa’s cultural offerings. The National Museum of Vanuatu displays traditional objects such as masks, sculptures and ancient tools, as well as exhibitions on the country’s colonial and postcolonial history. Exhibitions may change.

When choosing your destination, it is worth considering the different highlights together: Lelepa combines handicrafts and caves with a long history, while Efate offers further nature and cultural experiences. Thinking about which of these you want to shape your holiday can help you decide whether Port Havannah is the right base for your trip.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Port Vila, Epule, Eton, Mele, Mele Maat, Sounaï.

Back to the main travel overview: Shefa.