Vanua Lava

Vanua Lava is the big island of the Banks and Torres. Vanua Lava has mountains, a volcano, crocodiles, reefs, rivers, waterfalls and rainforests. There is plenty to experience, here in the northern islands of Vanuatu. Sola is the provincial town for the Banks and Torres Islands. From Sola you can make excursions to Mt Sere Ama, an active volcano, the Selva River and Kwakea Island. The northern tip of Ravenga island has a surf break onto the reef at high tide but it's not easy to access, you need a boat. There are two island bungalows in the west: Nerr Bungalows, Vureas Bay. Malau Yacht Resort, Waterfall Bay. Click here for more information.

Mota Lava and Ra

Distant from modern Vanuatu, Mota Lava and Ra islands are a pleasant island escape. These islands are relatively small and most attractions are easy to walk to: White sand beaches and coral reefs around west Mota Lava and Ra, Climb the massive rocks on Ra. The two boulder piles offer good views but the climb is not for people who aren't confident climbers. Climb the Sleeping Mountain on Mota Lava. It's a short but steep climb, rewarded by magnificent views. Walk around Mota Lava (about 2.5 hours along the truck road and about 3.5 hours through the bush on the other side). Go fishing. There are beautiful island bungalows concentrated around west Mota Lava and Ra. Click here for a list.

Getting to Banks and Torres

Air Vanuatu flies to Banks and Torres on three days a week: Monday, Wednesday and Friday (March 2009). Tourists with a return Air Vanuatu ticket are entitled to a 20% discount. When leaving Gaua, plan to be at the airport early. There is no regular shipping service to the Banks these days so don't plan on traveling by ship to or from Gaua.

For more details and to get the latest flight schedules, visit the Air Vanuatu website