Mele Bay

Mele Bay is a beach town located a short drive north from Port Vila. The bay has blue waters and sandy beaches. Here, you can see colorful marine life and coral reefs, explore a hilltop garden, taste organic coffee, and sample locally brewed beer.

Watersport enthusiasts will appreciate Mele Bay’s scuba diving spots. Dive into the warm sea to explore shipwrecks and caverns. The calm water is also ideal for self-guided kayaking and snorkeling tours. Kids will enjoy spotting turtles and dolphins during a tour in a glass-bottom boat.

Thrill seekers shouldn’t miss the zip-line canopy tour. The zip line is suspended 262 feet (80 meters) above the tree tops and travels for a distance of 656 feet (200 meters). Step inside an inflatable ball and get pushed down a hill on a zorbing ride. Ride alone or with friends. Walk to Mele Cascades and swim in its natural pools.

Be sure to visit The Summit. It’s the South Pacific’s biggest tropical garden and covers 25 acres (10 hectares). Take a guided tour and learn how local plants, such as the heliconia, are used in Vanuatu’s villages. See how the plants get turned into health and beauty products at the distillery. At 656 feet (200 meters) above sea level, The Summit has views of Mele Bay and the nearby villages.

Coffee connoisseurs will enjoy tasting Arabica coffee at the Tanna Coffee Factory. The beans come from plants grown in the rich tropical soils of Yasur Volcano on Vanuatu’s Tanna Island. Book a tour of the factory to learn about coffee production, from plant to cup.

Beer drinkers can try different brews at the Seven Seas Brewery. Among these is Boot’s Lager, which is a German-style pilsner. Seven Seas was established in 2002 and is the first microbrewery in Vanuatu. Check the official websites of the coffee factory and brewery for tour times and costs.

Mele Bay is a 20-minute drive from Port Vila. A low-cost bus service runs from Anchor Inn, Port Vila, to The Summit. Departure times are available on Mele Bay’s official website. Alternatively, rent a car from Port Vila and explore the bay at your leisure.