Big Blue Vanuatu

Located directly on the waterfront in downtown Port Vila, Big Blue Vanuatu has been a cornerstone of the local diving community since 2005. As the only PADI 5 Star Instructor Development Dive Resort in the country, it serves as a vital hub for both recreational divers and those pursuing professional careers in diving.

The centre provides access to the varied marine landscapes of Efate, specifically around Port Vila and Mele Bay. Whether you are looking to explore the colourful reef tops or descend on deep, historic wrecks, the operation is built around a professional approach to local diving.

The team is composed of experienced Ni-Vanuatu instructors who bring deep local knowledge to every dive. This focus on local expertise is central to the centre's mission, which includes a dedicated commitment to developing Ni-Vanuatu diving professionals.

As a PADI 5 Star Instructor Development Centre, the resort is equipped to handle the full spectrum of diver needs, from Discover Scuba Diving for beginners to the full Instructor Development Course (IDC). The centre is also a 100% PADI Project Aware partner, integrating marine conservation into its training ethos.

The centre offers an extensive range of PADI training, covering every stage of the diver's journey. This includes Open Water Diver, Advanced Open Water Diver, and Rescue Diver courses, as well as the professional Divemaster and Instructor Development Courses (IDC).

Specialty training is also widely available, with courses such as Peak Performance Buoyancy, Wreck Diver, Night Diver, and Underwater Navigation Diver. For those interested in photography or biology, the centre provides the Digital Underwater Photographer Specialty and the Underwater Naturalist course. They also host EFR First Aid courses and Project Aware conservation training.

The fleet consists of three boats designed to handle different dive requirements. This includes aluminium Reef Master vessels and fibre-glass banana boats, powered by Volvo Penta engines and 50 hp outboards.

Each boat carries a capacity of either 4 or 6 divers. For larger groups of six or more, the centre can provide a dedicated boat accompanied by a divemaster or instructor. Morning double dives typically depart around 8:00 or 8:30, while single afternoon dives depart at 13:00.

Full equipment hire is available for those not travelling with their own kit, including BCDs, regulators, fins, masks, and wetsuits. For those who prefer to use their own high-end gear, the centre also offers the separate rental of Shearwater dive computers and torches for night diving.

All dives include the provision of cylinders and weights. On board the boats, divers can enjoy refreshments such as local biscuits and fresh fruit during the trip.

The reefs are characterised by a rich variety of hard and soft corals, including gorgonian sea fans and vibrant anemones. You will find a high density of reef fish, including Butterflyfish (Chaetodon), Damselfish (Pomacentridae), and various species of Batfish (Platax).

Macro life is abundant for the observant diver. You can find colourful Nudibranch (Chromodoris willani), various species of Shrimp (Caridea), Garden eel (Gorgasia), and Goby (Gobiidae) tucked into the reef structure. The sites are also excellent for spotting moray eels (Muraenidae) and octopus (Octopus vulgaris).

For those looking for larger inhabitants, the area is home to sea turtles (Cheloniidae), reef sharks (Carcharhinus), and occasionally dugongs. On the deeper walls and wrecks, you may encounter spiny lobsters (Palinuridae), crocodilefish, and various species of anemonefish.

Diving in the area is subject to local conditions, particularly at sites like The Cathedral, where swell and currents can affect accessibility and comfort. While many reef sites are accessible to all levels, certain cavern and wall dives may require specific weather conditions to ensure safe and enjoyable entry.

Night diving is a regular part of the local dive programme, offering a different perspective on the reef's inhabitants, including frequent sightings of sea turtles (Cheloniidae).