As a nation of 83 islands spread over 650km , travel around Vanuatu can sometimes be tricky. With most visitors to the country opting to use commercial or charter flights to get around, we don’t want you to forget about the local ferry operators: Vanuatu Ferry and Big Sista.
Of the two, Vanuatu Ferry is the larger, more commercial craft. Whereas Big Sista is the cheaper, smaller craft which you can read more about right here.
Big Sista Ticket Price
Those that have visited Vanuatu before will know that word of mouth (or the ‘coconut phone’) is the way we get most of our information. So it is not surprising that the best source of information for scheduling and booking is the Big Sista Facebook page. However you will need to head to their ticket office in Port Vila or Espiritu Santo (next to Wilco) to book your ticket.
At the time of writing the price for a one way fare from Port Vila to Santo is 10,000 VUV.
Although also be prepared for extra costs. Each piece of luggage costs 1000 VUV. Departure tax costs 100 VUV per person. If you want to ‘upgrade’ to business class then it’s an additional 1500 VUV per person. All of these are paid on the day of sailing.
Big Sista Schedule
Both Big Sista and Vanuatu Ferry follow similar schedules, departing Port Vila for Santo every Tuesday (weather permitting). As this can change if seas get rough, we highly recommend keeping an eye on the Facebook page leading up to your planned trip.
Our departure time was at 8am however depending on how many people and cargo there are, this may be pushed back. Ask the ticket office for more accurate information when booking. We recommend arriving there an hour or two early. Get a good spot right next to the boat, so when your destination is called to load you won’t have to navigate busy crowds with lots of luggage and can get good seats. Also make sure to mark your luggage beforehand with your destination or protect it with plastic. Otherwise your suitcases will most likely end up being graffitied for you!
Although often advertised as a 24 hour journey, it most likely will take a little longer due to late departures and loading/unloading of passengers and their possessions. There are a few stops along the way, however if heading to Santo then you can sit back and relax. Arrival is usually around noon the following day at the BP Warf behind The Sandbar.
Big Sista Facilities
Before boarding crew give a short safety and boat briefing in Bislama, explaining how to use the life-jackets etc. Many Ni-Vanuatu speak English or French so try asking someone to translate if you don’t understand anything.
Once onboard there are benches and bunks throughout the boat. A designated ‘business class’ lounge is on the upper deck which is less crowded, has air conditioning (sometimes) and padded seating to sleep on if there is space. If you decide to use this simply head up the stairs (through the curtain). Someone will come to collect the fee and give you a wristband in time.
If there is space some people bring woven mats or sleeping rolls to stretch out in the corridors. This is a great way to make sure you are comfortable. Just be aware that since most stops occur during the night, bring an eye mask and ear plugs. That way the announcements won’t wake you up. That is if you’re not planning to get off at one of these stops!
On the lower deck there is a small kitchen which sells drinks and food (subject to availability). Just be warned that they tend to run out quickly and have limited choices. We very much recommended that passengers bring their own food and water for the journey. There is also a toilet and very small amount of outside space at the back to get some air and enjoy the view.
Overview
So if you have the time, want to save some money or simply immerse yourself in local living then travelling to Espiritu Santo by ferry is the way to go! Don’t be afraid to reach out to us at Triton Explorers if you need some help booking. And If you have travelled with Big Sista Ferry and want to share your experiences, please leave a comment below.
