Turtle Reef Vanuatu
Turtle Reef Vanuatu
4.5
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About
Our air conditioned buses allow you to "get out of Port Vila" to spend time in one of the most beautiful, protected and safe harbours in Vanuatu. Board Vanuatu's largest Glass Bottom Boat for our "Discover Havannah Harbour Cruise." Sea turtles lay their eggs on surrounding beaches and the local islands of Lelepa and Moso are homes to traditional villages. Havannah Harbour's coral reefs are pristine for snorkeling and non-swimmers love the comfort of the boat and the windows to the sea. Cruise past stunning scenery, snorkel over amazing coral and enjoy a visit to a deserted beach. Our lunch time stopover at the popular Wahoo Bar provides a peaceful place to enjoy a lazy lunch after cruising before reboarding our bus back to town.
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Turtle Reef Vanuatu
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
4.5
112 reviews
Excellent
77
Very good
27
Average
3
Poor
3
Terrible
2
wendymagz
Matamata, New Zealand1,490 contributions
Aug 2018 • Couples
This was a most enjoyable half day tour. We made our way to the pick-up point in Port Vila and were then driven to lovely Havannah Harbour where we boarded Vanuatu’s largest glass bottom boat and cruised along Turtle Reef. Unfortunately we didn’t see any close-up turtles though we did see them flapping about 30 or so metres away. They say time stands still at Havannah Harbour where villagers from surrounding islands still paddle their outrigger canoes. We cruised over the reef and could see the beautiful corals and many colourful tropical fish. We anchored for about 45 minutes for everyone to snorkel before cruising to a small island where local women had laid out their wares for sale – jewellery, shells and woven goods. Our driver, who is also a local chieftain, gave us a very interesting talk about all the things they do with coconuts, no part of coconut tree is wasted. After this it was back to the boat and to the jetty where we had a delicious lunch at the Wahoo Bar and Restaurant. Following this we were driven back to Port Vila and dropped off at our hotel. A very enjoyable day – highly recommended.
If you like my review, I hope you'll click the 'Helpful' button; those of us who write reviews love to get them and it motivates us to do more.
If you like my review, I hope you'll click the 'Helpful' button; those of us who write reviews love to get them and it motivates us to do more.
Written September 9, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so very much for your feedback about beautiful Havannah Harbour. I am not sure how to press the "helpful" button. I would love to do that. I am so pleased you had an enjoyable day!
We believe Havannah Harbour is one of Vanuatu's scenic gems and we love cruising this beautiful place every day in Vanuatu's largest Glass Bottom Boat! The snorkeling is pretty awesome too!!! So pleased you loved your day with us. www.turtlereefvanuatu.com
Written September 2, 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Susan C
Wollongong, Australia41 contributions
I did this with my husband, his parents and our 5 year old boy. We enjoyed the trip over to the other side of the island and the interesting history that we were told by one of the crew. The scenery is stunning especially when we went out for the island to snorkel. I absolutely loved snorkeling and saw some gorgeous fish and types of coral. We didn’t see any turtles but I didn’t expect to. I would have loved to have had another session snorkeling as it was very short considering it took so long to get over. Apart from that we had a pleasant time but I’d probably pick a different cruise if I were to do it again.
Written May 15, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
So loved your comment " The scenery is stunning especially when we went out for the island to snorkel. I absolutely loved snorkeling". Thank you so much for telling us that.
Written September 3, 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Chelle2013
Sydney, Australia41 contributions
Jan 2019 • Family
What an amazing day, from pick up to drop off in Port Vila, we were well looked after by all the crew at Turtle Reef.
I really wanted to explore more of Efate and this tour takes you North to the gorgeous Havannah Habour. The views as you cross the mountain range are just gorgeous, there's a chance for a photo at the lookout on the hill and then when you see the habour, the colour of the water is breathtaking.
We were very privileged to have the boat to ourselves. The boat itself is well maintained with the highest safety standards and awareness that we had seen in Vanuatu. The glass bottom was huge, snorkeling was fantastic, coral, gorgeous fish and we even found Nemo! We were given plenty of time to explore and all the gear too. Flippers, full face masks if desired, we hadn't tried them before but they are fantastic, they also had noodles and floats which was great for my little one to explore freely in the ocean.
The tour also includes a stop on a private beach, a coconut education session which was really interesting too. On return lunch was great at the Wahoo Bar, a little on the expensive side, however on par with the balance of Port Vila.
This really is an unspoilt paradise and a must do if you are in Port Vila. Thanks Chrissy, Marwin and Joel for a great day, it really was a highlight of our trip.
I really wanted to explore more of Efate and this tour takes you North to the gorgeous Havannah Habour. The views as you cross the mountain range are just gorgeous, there's a chance for a photo at the lookout on the hill and then when you see the habour, the colour of the water is breathtaking.
We were very privileged to have the boat to ourselves. The boat itself is well maintained with the highest safety standards and awareness that we had seen in Vanuatu. The glass bottom was huge, snorkeling was fantastic, coral, gorgeous fish and we even found Nemo! We were given plenty of time to explore and all the gear too. Flippers, full face masks if desired, we hadn't tried them before but they are fantastic, they also had noodles and floats which was great for my little one to explore freely in the ocean.
The tour also includes a stop on a private beach, a coconut education session which was really interesting too. On return lunch was great at the Wahoo Bar, a little on the expensive side, however on par with the balance of Port Vila.
This really is an unspoilt paradise and a must do if you are in Port Vila. Thanks Chrissy, Marwin and Joel for a great day, it really was a highlight of our trip.
Written February 2, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
What an amazing reveiw. So happy you loved our "unspoilt paradise" too. We often have days when there are very few passengers on board and I think it is special cruising in stunning Havannah Harbour with our great crew at your disposal. Happy you had a great day!
Written September 2, 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
RicandAL
122 contributions
Sep 2018 • Couples
Many years ago I lived here and used to occasionally sail to the north of Efate which was an undeveloped gem
The cave diving off the islands in particular.
Now there is some development but it is still a beautiful and protected side of the island
Great tour mainly due to the friendly and genuine service
Snorkelling good and the glass bottom boat great especially for those that don’t enjoy the snorkelling
The cave diving off the islands in particular.
Now there is some development but it is still a beautiful and protected side of the island
Great tour mainly due to the friendly and genuine service
Snorkelling good and the glass bottom boat great especially for those that don’t enjoy the snorkelling
Written September 15, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I agree. Havannah Harbour is still a precious unspoilt gem
Written September 3, 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Hana P
7 contributions
Sep 2018 • Friends
Havannah Harbour Day Tour is my first tour in Port Vila, and I could say that I am blown away on how greatly it is organised, especially in Vanuatu where Island Time is the norm. The tour started from the moment we got picked up in town and the tour guide, Marlen (not sure how to spell it), was very friendly and gave us a comprehensive run down of all the hot spots we passed through in the city. Before we boarded the cruise ship, we went to Wahoo bar where the crew offered to put my Tusker in the esky! Surely a great start for the whole day.
The cruise ship was a massive glass bottom boat and we managed to spot several cheeky turtles swim along the coral reefs under us. We were then given a chance to snorkel and see everything in HD for ourselves! There were many options on snorkels and floats that would cater for guests of all abilities and ages. The snorkelling experience itself was wonderful and we had the chance to see the untouched beauty of Havannah Harbour. We were also given bread to feed the fish with, which resulted in schools of fish swirling all around us. I managed to get some underwater photos too, but nothing that truly captures the beauty of it than experiencing it yourself.
We also stopped by an island where we had a coconut demonstration and was given the opportunity to purchase handicrafts and local souvenirs from Ni Vanuatu women. I would highly recommend this tour to anyone who is going to visit Port Vila to have a little down time from intense activities yet still want a culturally enriching experience.
The cruise ship was a massive glass bottom boat and we managed to spot several cheeky turtles swim along the coral reefs under us. We were then given a chance to snorkel and see everything in HD for ourselves! There were many options on snorkels and floats that would cater for guests of all abilities and ages. The snorkelling experience itself was wonderful and we had the chance to see the untouched beauty of Havannah Harbour. We were also given bread to feed the fish with, which resulted in schools of fish swirling all around us. I managed to get some underwater photos too, but nothing that truly captures the beauty of it than experiencing it yourself.
We also stopped by an island where we had a coconut demonstration and was given the opportunity to purchase handicrafts and local souvenirs from Ni Vanuatu women. I would highly recommend this tour to anyone who is going to visit Port Vila to have a little down time from intense activities yet still want a culturally enriching experience.
Written September 10, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I am so pleased you "would highly recommend this tour to anyone". That means the world to us. Thank you so much for taking the time to write such a detailed and informative comment. We are "blown away".
Written September 3, 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Bridget M
Brisbane, Australia1 contribution
Jul 2018 • Friends
My friends and I were holidaying at Efate for a mere 10 days, we had all snorkelled various spots around Vanuatu but hadn't truly experienced nothing show-stopping until we hopped aboard the Turtle Reef glass bottom Boat. We were greeted by knowledgeable and friendly locals. We were extremely grateful we were able to see the Havanah Habour in the purest form. Untouched and full of sea life and coral. We were happy to see sea turtles and an abundance of reef fish. We would all definitely do this again. The beach tour was a nice touch, we all enjoyed experiencing a taste of the culture. This tour was by far one of the best tours on Efate. I know it may seem like I am gushing but honestly, the relaxed island approach married with the pristine waters of the harbour was a must see.
Written August 22, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LOVE the fact that you think "This tour was by far one of the best tours on Efate". Thank you so much. We are thrilled you had a great day!
Written September 2, 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
FutureTed
Melbourne, Australia130 contributions
We wanted to see and explore some of the untouched Vanuatu, the Turtle Reef Glass Bottom Boat was a perfect way to do that. They picked us up from our Cruise Ship at Port Vila and took us to the beautiful Havannah Harbour.
We took our four children 4-17yrs old and everyone got something out of it. It was an amazing experience and one our whole family enjoyed and haven’t stopped talking about. I highly recommend this to anyone with an interest in turtles, beautiful reefs, snorkelling and even photography. Ideal for couples, singles, groups and families although the adults would get more out of it with older children - who can swim on their own.
Enjoy the culture when they take you ashore for some shopping on the beach and even how versatile the humble coconut is - without a doubt the best I’ve ever tasted.
After our tour we enjoyed the Wahoo Bar & Restaurant for a fabulous lunch before heading back to the ship. It looks like one of those iconic bars you would see in a movie. It’s surrounded by picturesque and untouched coastline.
We took our four children 4-17yrs old and everyone got something out of it. It was an amazing experience and one our whole family enjoyed and haven’t stopped talking about. I highly recommend this to anyone with an interest in turtles, beautiful reefs, snorkelling and even photography. Ideal for couples, singles, groups and families although the adults would get more out of it with older children - who can swim on their own.
Enjoy the culture when they take you ashore for some shopping on the beach and even how versatile the humble coconut is - without a doubt the best I’ve ever tasted.
After our tour we enjoyed the Wahoo Bar & Restaurant for a fabulous lunch before heading back to the ship. It looks like one of those iconic bars you would see in a movie. It’s surrounded by picturesque and untouched coastline.
Written May 16, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
So loved your comment " It was an amazing experience and one our whole family enjoyed and haven’t stopped talking about". Thank you so much for telling us that. I will pass your comments onto our crew!
Written September 3, 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
castorita
Ferndale, WA72 contributions
Apr 2018 • Couples
My husband and I recently spent 5 weeks exploring Australia, including a snorkeling trip from Cairns to the Great Barrier Reef, which, as people know, is in sad shape in a lot of places due to climate change. It was also battered by recent cyclones before we went out, and the visibility was understandably kind of poor, but we did see some interesting fish and a giant clam! However, we are avid snorkelers, ex-scuba divers, have been underwater in Belize, Mexico, Bahamas, and Big Island, Hawaii.
We went to Vanuatu on our Holland American cruise back to Vancouver and did the Turtle Reef tour. Absolutely great, nice, comfy boat, friendly crew, and stellar coral and fish. The clarity of the water was fabulous and it was great to see healthy, thriving coral, after the GBR! We stopped on a lovely beach after the snorkel and it was just a wonderful experience.
We went to Vanuatu on our Holland American cruise back to Vancouver and did the Turtle Reef tour. Absolutely great, nice, comfy boat, friendly crew, and stellar coral and fish. The clarity of the water was fabulous and it was great to see healthy, thriving coral, after the GBR! We stopped on a lovely beach after the snorkel and it was just a wonderful experience.
Written May 11, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I used to own a tour boat on the Great Barrier Reef. It was many years ago and my memories of the coral there are wonderful. But I realise times have changed and it makes me sad. Havannah Harbour is still thankfully untouched and I agree with you the snorkeling here is "stellar". So lovely to read your thoughtful feedback. Thank you
Written September 3, 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Paulie19
Launceston, Australia18 contributions
Nov 2017 • Friends
We booked this tour mainly for the snorkelling and to hopefully see some Turtles (as the name of the company suggests). We only spent about 45 minutes snorkelling over a reef, which was okay, I have seen better coral and more colourful fish elsewhere in Vanuatu. No Turtles to be seen. The rest of the time was spent on the Bus travelling to and from the Harbour, on the glass boat bottom, which when going at speed you can't see anything. A bit of a rip off to include in the price , the 1 hour stay at the Wahoo Bar & Restaurant. You either have to buy lunch or wait as the Bus does not return until after this hour is up. There were several unhappy people who took this Tour. Having said that, the local guides were excellent, as are all Ni-Vans. The tour was recommended by our Resort tour desk. After speaking to other guests at the Resort it became obvious that the majority of Turtles are not in the area that we were in. Many guests had gone to a different part of the Island and had seen Turtles and Dugongs. Do yourself a favour and ask around if you wish to see Turtles and great Coral and Fish. In fairness to Turtle Reef Tours we did not read the brochure and were taking in by the name, which suggested we were going to a reef where Turtles abound.
Written November 5, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Your review came as a bit of a surprise to me - only because we have never had a review with less then 4 stars since we commenced our operations. I think you probably hit on the problem yourself. You never read our brochure and you obviously had entirely different expectations. We make no promises about turtles. But having said that, Havannah Harbour is their natural habitat. I have lived here 16 years and my partner has been here 40 years. Contrary to your statements, Havannah Harbour is where you will see the majority of sea turtles in the wild. Vanuatu sea turtles are born on the beaches that surround this harbour (on Moso and Lelepa islands) and you only have to read our reviews and you will see turtle spotting is a very frequent occurence on our tours. I am sorry you did not see them on your day but your tour desk was right to recommend Havannah Harbour for turtles. You say there are other places as a tourist to see turtles but I suspect you are confusing "turtles in captivity" and "turtles in the wild". There are several tourist operators on Efate that have small ponds with captive turtles and, suffice to say, we are not a fan of this practice. As a best management practice for wildlife and sea turtles, it is frowned upon all over the world but it is not our job to oversee Vanuatu tourism operations. We started Turtle Reef tours to give visitors to Port Vila a chance to get out of Port Vila - hence the 1 hour bus ride to a place that many tourists never see. We wanted tourists to have the oportunity to swim in the natural habitat of the turtles - not see them in little ponds in captivity. Our brochure also makes it clear that we want you to enjoy a lunch at the Wahoo Bar & Restaurant and, for most people, this is part of the fun of the tour - lunching somewhere different, with great food and great views over a totally natural harbour with no one else around. The Wahoo Bar is the "go to" destination for most Port Vila locals on the weekend for this very reason. You say this tour was not for you, but I believe our brochure gives a very accurate picture of what we offer and, fortunately for our staff (who you acknowledged nicely - thank you) most people who choose to do our tour, do seem to love the Turtle Reef package. There are certainly other tours and other destinations closer to Port Vila - but we still believe Havannah Harbour is a very special place with magnificent sea life and it is certainly a worthy destination - if not for everyone. I will certainly let the tour desks know that they should hand out our brochures whenever they book our tour. Thanks for the feedback. Chrissy
Written November 9, 2017
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
WAYNE S
Sydney, Australia20 contributions
Oct 2017 • Couples
We really enjoyed this half day tour to Havannah Bay. The trip on the glass bottom boat was picturesque; the snorkelling was fantastic and the explanation of the diversity of the coconut was extremely informative and interesting. We would recommend this outing for the family.
Written October 8, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
So pleased you loved our snorkeling reef. Thank you for taking the time to review us and for recommending our tour to families. We really appreciate your feedback. Chrissy
Written October 8, 2017
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
What is the name of the island that you stop at?
Written December 4, 2018
Hi Darron, I'm sorry I don't know the name of the little island we stopped at but it was lovely and the locals came from other islands to bring their wares.
Written December 4, 2018
You will still get wet 😀.
The boat has a roof.
I don’t see any issue with rain
Written December 28, 2018
We are arriving by NCL cruiseship to Port Vila at 8:00 am on 11/6. I want to know if the point of departure is within walking distance of the ship and if you believe we could make the 8:45 departure time. Do you know if the ship passengers tender into the port or if the ship is docked at the port?
Written October 1, 2017
This is Chrissy from Turtle Reef. We would be happy to pick you up from your cruise ship. We have other passengers booked that day from Norwegian Jewel and our bus will be going to the cruise ship wharf before it goes to town. It will pick up at 8.30am. If you would like to book please let me know. You can find our direct email address at the Turtle Reef Vanuatu web site.
Written October 7, 2017
hi guys we are coming over in October for a holiday. been to Vanuatu many times we would like to know do you pick up from accomadtion or do we meet up at anchor inn . 4 adults 2 children. thanks deb.
Written August 13, 2017
We actually pick everyone up from the Anchor Inn at 8.45am. It allows us to get away on time and not hold up the boat cruise. However, at the end of the tour, we are more relaxed and we take the time to drop everybody off back at their accomodation. All the hotels will organise a taxi or a bus to the Anchor Inn. It is generally a 5 - 10 minute trip from most hotels. If you do decide to take our tour don't forget to book. It is very important we know you are coming. Cheers. Hope to see you soon.
Written August 24, 2017
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