Erakor

Erakor is a village on the southwestern coast of Efate in Shefa Province, Vanuatu, located just a few kilometres southeast of Port Vila's city centre. Once a separate fishing and farming community, Erakor has become a suburban extension of the capital, with hotels, restaurants, and resorts lining its waterfront. Erakor Island — a small island in Erakor Lagoon — is the site of one of Vanuatu's first tourist resorts and remains a popular day-trip destination for swimming, snorkelling, and dining.

The tropical climate is defined by a dry season (May to October) with cooler trade winds and a wet season (November to April) with higher temperatures, humidity, and cyclone risk.

By Plane

Bauerfield International Airport (VLI) is less than 10 minutes from Erakor by road. Taxis and hotel shuttles are readily available.

By Train

By Car / Road

From central Port Vila, head south along the coast road past the Parliament building and airport turn-off. Erakor is a 5–10 minute drive from downtown Vila. Buses (shared minibuses) run frequently along this route.

Erakor is well connected to Port Vila by bus and taxi. The area is walkable along the main road, but a vehicle is useful for reaching beaches and attractions further afield. Erakor Island is reached by a short boat transfer from the mainland.

• Erakor Lagoon — a sheltered lagoon with calm, clear water and views of Erakor Island.

• Erakor Island — a small resort island with white-sand beaches, snorkelling, and a restaurant. Day passes are available.

• Waterfront along Erakor — the coast road offers views across the lagoon to the offshore islands.

• Erakor village — a traditional settlement alongside modern development, with a local nakamal.

• Day trip to Erakor Island — swimming, snorkelling, and lunch at the island resort.

• Kayaking and paddleboarding in Erakor Lagoon.

• Dining at the waterfront restaurants — Erakor has some of the best restaurant options near Port Vila.

• Snorkel the lagoon's nearshore reefs accessible from the village beaches.

• Budget: Small takeaway shops and bakeries along the road.
• Mid-range: Waterfront restaurants in Erakor serve fresh seafood, Vanuatu cuisine, and international dishes — expect 1,500–3,000 VUV per main.
• Upscale / heritage: Erakor Island Resort's restaurant offers fine dining over the lagoon; Port Vila's top restaurants are 5–10 minutes away.

Erakor's bars serve cold Tusker beer, cocktails, and fresh fruit juices. Kava is available at village nakamals. Tap water in the Port Vila area is treated and safe to drink.

• Budget: Guesthouses in Erakor village offer basic rooms with shared facilities — approximately 3,000–5,000 VUV per night.
• Mid-range: Several lodges and aparthotels along Erakor's waterfront provide self-contained units with kitchens — 8,000–15,000 VUV per night.
• Upscale / heritage: Erakor Island Resort offers overwater and beachfront bungalows with resort amenities — from 20,000 VUV per night.

The craft market at Erakor Island Resort sells Vanuatu handicrafts. For a wider selection, the Port Vila market and handicraft stores are a short bus ride away.

• Port Vila (5–10 min north) — Vanuatu's capital with markets, museums, and restaurants.
• Port Vila markets and handicraft stores — the best place for shopping on Efate.
• Hideaway Island and Mele Cascades (15–20 min west) — underwater post office and waterfalls.
• Eton Beach (30 min east) — long white-sand beach on Efate's east coast.
• Havannah Harbour (35 min northwest) — water sports and eco-resorts on North Efate.