Page 33 of South Pacific Shore Tours by P&O Cruises

port vila nuku alofa swim snorkel tonga tapu island approximate duration 31/2 hours tbu-f come along on this half day tour visiting two of nuku alofa s best snorkelling and swimming locations what you visit secret cove snorkel swim sunbathe or simply kick back and relax under the shade of a palm tree at this secluded white sand beach location ha atafu beach one of tonga s renowned surf beaches time is permitted to kick back and watch the surfers snorkel sunbathe and enjoy a refreshment before heading back to the ship refreshments a thirst-quenching refreshment is provided at the picturesque ha atafu beach the substantial dock and port area of port vila overlooks a natural harbour and beyond to beautiful coastal views of the township an attractive scene with its clusters of houses and small scale resorts nestled amongst tropical vegetation the harbour is quite active with fishing boats yachts dive boats speedboats and market bound canoes heavily laden with produce and crafts passing between the dock the town centre and the various nearby islands of efira and irririki the dock bustles with dancers and custom music and there are lots of colourfully dressed local ladies selling handicrafts and souvenirs the town s covered market place is also a colourful and interesting place to visit with its displays of handicrafts fruit vegetables and colourful tropical flowers port vila is clearly visible from the ship s deck and is around 11/2 kilometres from the port the resort hotels bordering nearby erakor lagoon feature excellent restaurants and bars and can be reached by local taxi things to see and do in and around port vila the capital is really just one long street with a few smaller streets intersecting it the main street lini highway has lots of little shops a few banks a post office plus some bars and restaurants in reality even the most avid of shoppers needs no more than a few hours to thoroughly explore all the shops in town this leaves plenty of time for sightseeing chief s nakamal meeting house with its façade forming a canvas for a magnificent cultural mural and a totem-pole guarding its entrance hear about this imposing landmark that is of paramount importance in vanuatu society independence square the administrative buildings bordering the square date from the condominium era of joint british and french rule national museum one the finest museums of the south pacific island nations its exhibits showcase vanuatu s geology history rich culture and customs foundation nicholai michoutouchkine aloi pilioko centered within a privately owned tropical garden this artwork collection consists of various mediums memorabilia ornate carvings and masks seven seas brewery the setting is a western american saloon bar through the glass windows behind the bar you can view the brewing process ekasup cultural village set amidst an established lush rainforest the village preserves the ancient culture and customs of melanesia such as custom medicine traditional remedies derived from herbs roots barks and leaves and trapping of game botanical gardens ­ flora fauna amidst the lush trees variety of palms fruit trees colourful shrubs vegetable crops medicinal plants and cascading vines are aviaries of local birdlife a turtle pond safely housed snakes and lizards and a pre-historic looking coconut crab botanical gardens ­ culture heritage incorporated within these two acres are informative photo displays relating to the history culture and heritage of vanuatu there is also a display of scaled down but accessible versions of thatched huts from all parts of vanuatu including a cannibal s house cascade waterfalls this accessible tumbling 20-metre high waterfall with naturally eroded rock swimming ponds is set amidst jungle-like rainforest club hippique this riding school is located within a 400-hectare copra plantation and beef cattle ranch that fronts onto a lagoon the twin bommies most species of tropical fish are found at this site which features a sheer wall as well as the two fascinating bombora formations riddled with grottos this dive site is alive with fish life and all are accustomed to divers port vila notes local buses are used for transportation these buses are very basic and have neither airconditioning nor microphones restroom facilities may be rustic to make your day as enjoyable as possible please ensure that you wear comfortable flat-soled shoes clothing suited to the weather conditions a hat and bring along some sunscreen and bottled water nuku alofa 62 63

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