Underwater coral gardens and cave dwellings with archeological carvings characterize the stunning Lelepa Island. Several tour operators offer snorkeling trips to this tiny islet off the northwestern coast of Efate. Learn about the ways of the indigenous Ni-Vanuatu peoples in one of the villages. Locals speak the Lelepa language, which is a dialect of the South Efate language.
Bring your family to enjoy snorkeling in the pristine ocean water off one of the beaches that decorate the perimeter of the tiny island. Enjoy the hot, tropical weather as you sunbathe on the sand. The island is 3 miles (5 kilometers) long and shaped like a stingray, with its tailfin at the northern end. Visit the islet’s largest town, Natapao, at the southern end of the island.
Enjoy a barbecue with your kids and go fishing for your catch of the day. Take a bush walk and learn about the native villagers’ uses for herbs as medicine. Rain may interfere with some outdoor plans from December through April.
Go to the historic Fels Cave in the southwestern part of the islet for its fascinating rock drawings. The oldest date back thousands of years. Notice that most of the walls are covered in cave paintings as well as 19th-century graffiti from European visitors. The site plays an important role in local folklore, as the place where one’s soul goes after death.
The tiny island is just northwest of Efate, which is among the largest parts of the Vanuatu archipelago. Drive northwest from Port Vila or the Bauerfield International Airport for 19 miles (30 kilometers) to reach the Havannah Harbour crossing. The island is often visited as part of a daytrip organized by one of Vanuatu’s tour operators. Note that tours to the island from Port Vila run from Sunday through Friday, leaving early in the morning. Vacationers are transported between the two islands by canoe for a fee.
Lelepa is an idyllic beach-laden islet with a fascinating indigenous influence.
