Cruises to Champagne Bay
Vanuatu
Champagne Bay
Champagne Bay is one of the most exquisitely beautiful beaches in the world. a freshwater spring flows into the lagoon, which allows you to experience a spa-like bubbling sensation at low tide.
Champagne Bay is situated on the east coast of Vanuatu’s largest island, Espiritu Santo. The island has been inhabited for many years by Melanesian people known as Ni-Vanuatu, who still proudly observe the clan system and maintain many of their ancient traditions. Spend the day relaxing on this magnificent beach, set amongst a dramatic landscape of mountains, plantations, farms, lowland forest and jungle. You’re far from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, so enjoy the chance to do nothing, or next to nothing. Swim in translucent blue waters or stroll along the dazzlingly white, soft sand.
Header photo © David Kirkland
At A Glance
Population
Less than 200 local residents
Language
English, Bislama and French
Government
Parliamentary republic
Currency
Vatu
What To See
Champagne Beach
Spend the day relaxing on Champagne Beach. With crystal clear waters and powder like sand, this is Vanuatu’s most famous beach. Go for a swim, lie on the warm sand or enjoy a stroll along the water’s edge.
Take a bushwalk
There are several trails in either direction of the main beach ready for exploration. Please stay hydrated, stick to the tracks and take insect repellent with you.
DOCKING
Your ship will anchor offshore and the ship’s tender boats will provide a regular service to and from Champagne Bay throughout the day.
GETTING AROUND
There are no taxis available at Champagne Bay.
DINING
Locals occasionally sell food and drink onshore. Quarantine authorities do not generally allow food such as fruit and vegetables, dairy and meat products or sandwiches to be taken off the ship, however commercially packaged confectionery, chips and bottled drinking water are allowed subject to inspection.
SHOPPING
Trinkets, handicrafts, sarongs, woven hats, floral shirts and other locally made items are available for purchase from the stalls onshore. Any souvenirs that are made of plant material or animal products must be declared to quarantine authorities on arrival in Australia or New Zealand. Plant material such as certain seeds and animal products including feathers may be restricted or need to be treated at the owners’ expense on arrival in Australia or New Zealand. Bargaining is not customary in Vanuatu.
CLIMATE
Enjoy a tropical climate — mostly sunny and humid with regular rain showers. Make sure you stay hydrated and sheltered from the sun.
CURRENCY
Credit cards and charge cards are not accepted anywhere on the island. Australian dollars are accepted but change may not be available. We recommend that you take small denominations of Australian dollars ashore.
COMMUNICATION
There are no public telephones and no internet access in Champagne Bay. Mobile coverage may be available as long as global roaming is selected prior to leaving home.
WHAT TO WEAR ASHORE
To make your day ashore as enjoyable as possible, please wear comfortable flat soled shoes, lightweight clothing and a hat — and don’t forget your swimwear! You are also advised to bring sunscreen, bottled water, insect repellent and an umbrella during the wet season. Nude or topless bathing is not permitted. When visiting local villages, huts and churches please respect the local customs. Males, wear t-shirts with sleeves — no singlets. Women should wear skirts or shorts that fall below the knee and have covered shoulders. Please also remove your hats when entering buildings.
To observe the local customs of the south pacific islands a respectful dress code is required. Swimwear should only be worn at the beach or pool and should be of a modest nature. G-strings, thongs and mankinis should not be worn. Topless sunbathing is also not permitted at anytime. When exploring the Islands and the local communities casual clothing should be worn. As a visitor to these beautiful islands please respect the wishes of local residents.
SHORE TOURS
Check with the Shore Tours desk onboard for information about tours in Champagne Bay.
ENVIRONMENT
Coral is an extremely precious marine organism. In an effort to preserve its natural beauty and habitat please avoid touching it in all circumstances. Furthermore, just as with Australia’s beaches, blue bottles can visit occasionally in the summer months. During your time ashore we also ask that you dispose of your rubbish thoughtfully.
PHOTOGRAPHY
Please ask permission before you take photographs of Ni-Vanuatu (indigenous people).