What is Reef Explorer - A Semi Submersible?
Reef Explorer is a cool little boat that has a room beneath the water. There is seating down here for around 5 – 6 people. There are four large windows to look out, which have magnified glass around 40mm thick. Things look closer and bigger than they actually are.
How does this trip work?
A Reef Explorer trip operates on the hour every hour. Check in is 5 mins before departure. We have made this extremely simple for everyone.
Check in is mostly “hey how’s it going?, this is your Skipper”, a quick introduction and then we wander down onto the boat. You will see straight away lots of fish through the glass at the dock and we will feed them here.
Then the boat will depart. We will cruise through some deep water for about 5 mins. Once we get to the Reef we will circle around our favourite bommies and mooring lines where our little friends live.
The Skipper will throw fish food in the water along their way to attract different species and of course we have a special spot to see Nemo. Sometimes we will see a turtle grazing on the reef. If we are lucky they will just sit still and we can watch them, or sometimes they will slip off into the deep.
The boat isn’t fast and we are never in a hurry …. Island Time right! 🙂 The boat will navigate around to our mooring which is tucked up in sheltered waters behind Iririki Island. Here we will feed the fish and look out at the reef. If you are brave you can hand feed the fish. Don’t worry they are just little tropical fish and nothing that will take off a finger. After that we will cruise back to base and you can either choose to stay below deck or sit up on top, to admire the view.
A few things to know.
- There are no toilets onboard but the cruise is only one hour long, there are public toilets close by our office.
- We sell online at certain time periods, but that doesn’t mean there are no other spaces available. We do this to allow for walk in direct bookings.
- Reef Explorer can take a maximum of 12 passengers legally, however we keep bookings at 6 so it’s more likely just your family. If you have more than six people, no problem, we can accommodate you, just contact us.
- The sea is calm and the boat is heavy so it doesn’t move much giving us a smooth calm ride.
- There is a full canopy for shade cover on the boat
- To go below deck to the viewing room there are four steep steps, we recommend backing down for those with stiff hips and knees. There is a handrail on both sides.
- We have life jackets onboard but we are not required to wear them, If you want to, you can.
- We also have a first aid kit, fire extinguisher and flares if we need them
- We are easily contactable on Whatsapp +6787724354 its our preferred method of contact.
What will we see?
Parrotfish, Butterfly Fish, Clownfish (nemo) Moorish idols, Triggerfish, Humbugs, Seahorses, Damsels and lots of Rabbitfish plus many more. Plus lots of different corals. Maybe a Green Turtle or the rare Hawksbill Turtle.
Who is this trip good for?
This is a great trip for everyone. However it is best for young families with little kids who are too little to swim/snorkel yet. The squeals of excitement from the little ones is worth it. It is perfect for adults as well who do not want to swim or snorkel or if you just have some time spare.
We take direct bookings, stroll up to our office and we will fit you in really easily, payment can be made in Cash or Credit Card and we don’t charge you any extra fees. We are fully insured for this tour and members of the Vanuatu Tour Operators Association, plus we hold Department of Tourism Permits.
Contact info
P.O Box 3327 Port Vila, Vanuatu.
On the Seafront, downtown Port Vila
(+678) 772 4354
vanuatuwatersports@gmail.com
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