Efate is one of the constituent islands of the small state of Vanuatu in South Pacific Ocean, and is located in Shefa Province. Efate (also known as Île Vate) is the third largest island of Vanuatu is spread over an area of 900 square kilometres and is the most populous with a population of nearly 50,000 people. The capital of Vanuatu, Port Vila, is located in the southwestern part of the island. Efate is also the most developed of the islands of Vanuatu. Efate is governed by both the Port Vila Municipality (Port Vila only) and Shefa Provincial Council (rural Efate and the outer Efate Islands).

Efate has a number of smaller islands off its coast. While Eratoka Island is located about 3 km west, Lelepa, Moso, Nguna, Pele and Emao are other islands lying off coast in west and north. Mount McDonald with a height of 647 metres is the highest peak in Efate, located in the northern part of the island.

Port Vila:

Port Vila is a bustling capital city with fancy hotel and resort accommodation, golf courses, restaurants and bars, tour operators, banks, ATM machines, supermarkets and everything that a bustling town commands. About 60,000 tourists pay visit to Port Vila Efate annually by air, cruises or yachts.

About Vanuatu:

Republic of Vanuatu is located in South Pacific Ocean. It is an archipelago of volcanic origin situated about 1,750 km east of the continent of Australia  and about 500 km northeast to New Caledonia and southeast of the Solomon Islands.

Attractions/activities:

The activities at Efate are largely centred around the capital city of Port Vila, including:

• Vaughani shores near Port Vila, popular for diving and snorkeling
• Irriki Island Resort and Spa
• Sandy Beach Island Tour
• Palms Casino
• Nafoni Tatoka Tours
• Shopping at Port Vila
• Fishing
• Eco tours
• Mele Cascades

• Eton Beach

• Tanalilui Road Markets
• Round Island Tour
• Buggy Fun Rental
• Diving
• Sunset Cruises

Reaching Efate:

By air:
Bauerfield International Airport in Port Vila is the entry point of Efate. Air Vanuatu connects other islands like Espiritu Santo and Tanna and other distant ones with Port Vila.

Island transportation:
Northern Efate has regular public transport with market trucks and minibuses often plying on the western route. Journey to Emua or Takora takes about an hour. Transportation is also available to Port Vila everyday except on Sundays. Taxis are also available.Cycling is another popular mode of transportation in Efate island.

Boat trips to lesser islands:

• Boats leave for Nguna and Pele from Emua wharf, located about a km east of the village. Frequency of service is lesser on Sundays.
• Speedboats for Emao leave from Takara. Time taken 30 minutes
• Boats are available to Lelepa Island at Gideon’s and Lelepa Landings.

Accommodation:

Besides Vila, one can also stay at Nguna, Pele, Lelepa and Emao islands.

• Maria’s Lelepa Island Guesthouse
• Bamboo Beach Bungalows
• Bethel Village Adventure
• Emua Sunset Guesthouse