Glass Bottom Boat Port Vila - Reef Explorer Semi-Sub
Go below the waterline and watch Port Vila's reef through four large underwater windows, without getting wet. It's one hour, no swimming is needed, and children aged 5 and under are free. If the weather turns and we cancel, you pick a new time or get 100% back.
Filmed through our viewing windows. This is your seat.
Your guide gives a short safety briefing, then you head down into the viewing cabin. They talk you through what you're seeing as the boat moves slowly over the reef.
What it's like
A few minutes across deeper water, then the reef begins. We run along the reef beside Iririki Island, around the coral bommies and along the drop-off where the reef meets the deep. Our skippers take the boat close to everything, and the windows magnify what you see, so it feels even closer.
Along the way, your skipper sprinkles fish food on the water at set spots to bring the fish up to the windows. Then we cruise to Snorkellers Cove, on the western end of Iririki, and watch the fish at our mooring.
On the way back, mostly through deeper water, you can sit up on the top deck. Learn the landmarks of Port Vila and have a chat with the guide and skipper.
What's outside the window
This reef is home to clownfish (yes, Nemo), butterflyfish, parrotfish, angelfish, wrasse, damselfish and pipefish, with starfish, sea cucumbers and anemones among the staghorn, brain, fan and soft corals. Stingrays, turtles and eels turn up now and then.
When to go
The route changes with the tide, and high tide is better. Mornings usually have the clearest water. Afternoons are still good, and suit families whose little ones have a midday nap first.
What it costs
$65 AUD for adults and $32 AUD for ages 6 to 12, for the full hour. A family of four (two adults and two children aged 6 to 12) pays $194 AUD. Children aged 5 and under are free.
What's Included
Semi-submersible ride with four underwater windows
A guide and skipper trained and examined by us
Safety briefing
Life jackets and safety equipment
First aid kit and phone on board
What to Bring
Sunscreen and hat
Camera or smartphone for photos
Comfortable clothing and footwear
Water bottle
Who takes you out
All our guides and skippers are Ni Vanuatu, we have operated in Vanuatu since 2009, and we're rated 4.9 on Google. We're licensed to run tours in Vanuatu. We carry public liability insurance, and our passengers are covered by our insurance. Our boats meet Vanuatu's vessel safety requirements. Every guide and skipper completes our training course and exam, and all our staff are first aid trained and retrained every year. Every trip carries a first aid kit and a phone.
Good to know
Getting on board: you walk down a ramp to our pontoon, then four steep steps lead down into the viewing cabin. You go down backwards and come back up the same way, and our guides are there to help. If you use a wheelchair or find walking difficult, message us on WhatsApp before you book and we'll tell you honestly whether we can manage.
Your waiver: your booking confirmation email has a link to our online waiver. One person can sign for the whole group. Please fill it in on your phone before you arrive. At check-in we'll match you by the email address you booked with.
Seasickness: the boat is very stable, and seasickness hasn't been a problem for our guests.
Group size: the viewing room holds 6 at a time. Got a bigger group? Message us on WhatsApp.
Little ones: children aged 5 and under are free. Children must be with an adult.
Timing: arrive 10 minutes early.
Weather: if we cancel for any reason, you get 100% back.
Cancelling: cancel at least 24 hours before and you get a full refund.
Check in at our office on the Port Vila Seafront, next to Nambawan Cafe, right in the middle of downtown. We don't offer resort pick-up, but a taxi or bus will get you here.
Yes. Children aged 5 and under travel free, and the dry glass-bottom viewing cabin is ideal for families who want reef views without snorkelling.
Do I need to swim for the glass bottom boat?
No swimming is required. You stay dry inside the semi-submersible viewing cabin for the full hour.
How many guests are on each Reef Explorer trip?
The viewing room holds 6 guests at a time, so everyone gets a clear view at a window. Got a bigger group? Message us on WhatsApp.
What will we see?
This reef is home to clownfish, butterflyfish, parrotfish and many kinds of coral, and stingrays, turtles and eels turn up now and then. What you see changes with the day, and the windows magnify it.
Should I choose the Reef Explorer or a snorkel tour?
Choose the Reef Explorer if you'd rather stay dry, don't swim, or have young children. Choose a snorkel tour at Paradise Cove or Iririki Island if you want to be in the water.
What if the weather turns?
Need to change your plans? You can reschedule, or cancel for a full refund, with at least 24 hours' notice. If we cancel for any reason, you pick a new time or get 100% back. If a cruise ship doesn't come in, you get your money back. We can give you a letter for your travel insurer on request. Read the full cancellation policy.
Where do we meet, and what happens after we book?
Meet us at our office on the Seafront, next to Nambawan Cafe, 10 minutes early. After you book, you get an email with a link to our online waiver. One person can sign for the whole group.
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