Charters and overnight cruises

There's something rather magical about a sailing cruise through the South Seas; of drinks on the deck at sunset in a quiet cove, a barbecue on the nearby beach and then, when you wake up, simply rolling off the deck into crystal waters and saying hello to the friendly fish below.

Sit on the deck and enjoy a warm croissant for breakfast, or fresh pawpaw (papaya for you Americans!), the up sails for a leisurely sail to the first stop of the day. Maybe it's a magnificent reef to SCUBA dive or snorkel, like Paul's Rock, or perhaps a day exploring Hat Island and the grave of Roymata. Or play Survivor for the day on one of the Survivor tribe's beaches, and check out how badly the Lopevi tribe flubbed it, when there was drinkable fresh water and food all around them! Hike to the top of Hat Island, or explore the remains of the crashed WWII Corsair fighter plane on Lelepa Island, or for longer trips, how about the spectacular Nguna Island, then anchor for the night in another quiet cove - and get set for the hermit crab races! [All crabs are released unharmed!] To see more details of the land component of these charters, go to Sailaway Cruises web site and click on day cruises. A drop menu of island names will appear.

Overnight Sailaway Safaris are designed more for groups, SCUBA divers, friends, large families etc., as accommodation on board is very basic. There are no set departure dates or durations for the overnight cruises, just a minimum requirement of a charter fee based on a minimum of 2 days, generally 0900 day one to 0900 day three, but can be 1730hrs Day 1 to 1730 hrs Day 3.

"Golden Wing" sleeps up to three double and one single on board and carries tents to sleep a further 6 people ashore. Of course more tents can be carried to accommodate up to 20 overnight passengers.

On overnight cruises, we provide a fully kitted out yacht, including bedding, towels, snorkelling gear and equipped galley, and a skipper and crew. We'll also prepare your meals, generally barbeques at night and simple meals with healthy, fresh local produce, and plenty of snacks for those with the munchies.

Not included in the charter cost:

• Meals. Based on a per person requirement and must cover the cost of crew (3 people) and transport. You're welcome to come shopping with us if you have the time, to choose your own munchies.
• Entry fees to beaches, caves and the village fees we pay to stop and snorkel or dive on reefs. These are not high, generally only a few dollars a head, but they will vary depending on the number of people on board and where we stop. We can advise in advance when working out the cruise itinerary of your choice.
• Transport from your Vila hotel to North Efate to join "Golden Wing". Again, costs will vary on numbers. We have our own mini bus, but if this is too small (for example 6 people plus 2 crew plus provisions for 4 days plus assorted personal luggage pretty much needs another bus) then there will be a surcharge. Again, this can be notified when you enquire.
• Drinks other than tea and coffee, cordial, and wine with evening meals.
• Purchases made from villagers
• SCUBA dives