Hideaway Island (Mele), Vanuatu, for snorkeling and diving
The balmy island republic of Vanuatu has been on the list of tropical
paradises since forever and especially since James A Michener made
the whole place famous in Tales of the South Pacific under its former
name of New Hebrides.
Endowed with immaculate beaches and a laid-back, castaway
culture, Vanuatu and Hideaway Island in particular, has allowed many
regular cruise passengers the opportunity to sample some of the best
diving and snorkelling anywhere in the world.
Graham Selleck of Frog Dive, Sydney has travelled the world in search
of great diving spots and needed no prompting when asked his favourite.
“There are few places around the world where you can get off a
cruise ship, large or small, and be diving among really beautiful coral
and underwater marine species so close to port. The added advantage
is that even folks who can’t scuba still have a great time just
snorkelling in the marine reserve where the water is so clear and
clean it’s amazing. Novice scuba divers can have an easy dive in warm
water with plenty to see and there are even “first timer” lessons
available too with the fully endorsed PADI Scuba Experience.”
The island has recently added underwater ‘scooters’ and there is
always the popular underwater post office for that special postcard.
P&O are perhaps the most frequents visitors to Port Vila, but you
can also check options with Carnival, Holland America, Princess and
Royal Caribbean. Be sure to get your name down for the Hideaway
Island excursion early, it’s bound to be popular.
See what it’s all about at http://hideaway.com.vu/.
South Georgia for Wildlife
The impossibly remote island of South Georgia is now a regular
inclusion on the more comprehensive Antarctic itineraries, bringing
eco-tourists from around the world to visit the abandoned whaling
stations and outrageously overpopulated wildlife sites.
A honey pot for naturalists, the once threatened seal and penguin
populations have more than bounced back thanks to rigorous
conservation policies and an abundant marine food source.
Dubbed “Survival Island” by Sir Richard Attenborough, he says, “The
sub-Antarctic island of South Georgia is the only island suitable for
breeding for thousands of miles in the Southern Ocean. Each spring,
animals as disparate as the elephant and fur seals, king and macaroni
penguins, albatross, and giant petrels visit the island to reproduce.”
And do they ever!
The hundreds of thousands of noisy King Penguins on Salisbury
Plain, the raucous, boisterous herds of fur seals or the poetic, sublime
choreography of the Wandering Albatross’s mating dance will leave
you changed forever and a with a deep appreciation for the delicate
balance of nature.
History buffs too will recall Sir Ernest Shackleton’s momentous
journey from Elephant Island in the longboat, James Caird, ended
here.
You’ll find the better Antarctic operators visit this island at least
once or twice each season. Look for itineraries from One Ocean
Expeditions, Aurora, Peregrine or Oceanwide.
Official webpage: http://www.sgisland.gs.
