Only Sailaway Cruises offers a genuine sailing cruise from Havannah Harbour on North Efate (about 45 minutes by small coach from Port Vila) to the nearby Lelepa and Hat Islands, the pristine Survivor Beach and the famous Paul's Rock. Sailaway Cruises does not take you to an island for the day and run diving and snorkelling tours from shore.This is a genuine sailing cruise where you will spend most of the day aboard, using the 7m/23ft wide deck as a place to spread out and relax. We anchor directly on diving reefs, and use an inflatable dinghy to take you ashore to explore Feles Cave, Roymata's grave and Survivor Beach or Lelepa Lagoon between dives. No clambering in and out of aluminium dinghies with SCUBA gear.

Sailing times between stops vary, but can be as short as 20 minutes or as long as 2 hours (Port Vila to North Efate via Tukutuku). The stable platform of a wide trimaran offers exceptionally comfortable sailing, and an easy place to gear up for the dive. No leaning over and little chance of seasickness.

Cruises operate between 3 and 7 days each week, depending on demand. Bookings can be made by email. You only need to pay for you cruise once you have arrived in Vanuatu. Payment will confirm your reservation.

The cost of the cruises cruise includes coach transfers from/to Vila based hotels (and Hideaway Island), morning and afternoon teas, entry fees to beaches, caves, and village fees for snorkelling or diving on the reefs, and use of snorkelling equipment. It does not include SCUBA dives, drinks from the (limited stock) bar or purchases made from villagers at Lelepa Island. Cost of SCUBA dives

Weather: Since this is the 'dry' side of Efate Island, it can be raining cats and dogs in Vila, yet be great weather on North Efate. We are in radio contact with the vessel and confirm each morning the exact conditions. The seas conditions are normally quite flat. In the event of bad weather, we may cancel or postpone a cruise. If this occurs, a full refund will be offered.

Kids and Special Needs people: Yes, we can take babies and kids; ours grew up on "Golden Wing". There are wide double bunks directly below the deck seating area, allowing babies to be within arms reach through the window, while the adults can veg out on deck. Our ni-Vanuatu crew all have kids so mum and dad can go diving while we babysit. In fact, our crew would sooner babysit than do other chores like washing dishes...

We have carried many disabled people, who find diving from such a stable platform to be an amazing and vastly rewarding experience. Just let us know in advance. We do not normally have the space to carry strollers and wheelchairs on board, (small ones are an exception, and we've seen some very cool collapsible wheelchairs) but these can be kept in the coach. Our crew is more than happy to oblige with a little lifting and carrying of people. Again, just let us know your needs in advance.

Meals: Salads, marinated chicken, rice, bread and cheese platter. Low cholesterol /fat free salad dressings. Yes, we have local and Aus beer in addition to soft drinks. Bar prices are just enough to cover the supermarket prices + cost of ice.