Lear

Lear is a village on the island of Mota Lava (also known as Motalava) in the Banks Islands group of Torba Province, Vanuatu. Mota Lava is the largest and most populous island in the Banks group, with a distinctive shape formed by two volcanic peaks connected by a low isthmus. Lear is one of the island's main settlements, located on the northern part of the island, and is the site of Mota Lava's airstrip. The island is surrounded by a spectacular barrier reef with a deep lagoon, and its interior is lush tropical forest.

The climate is tropical. The dry season (May to October) is the best time to visit, with calm seas for snorkelling and diving. The wet season (November to April) brings heavy rain, cyclones, and rough seas.

By Plane

Mota Lava Airport (MTV) at Lear receives Air Vanuatu flights from Port Vila (VLI) and Luganville (SON). The airstrip is adjacent to the village. Schedules are limited — book and reconfirm.

By Train

By Car / Road

Lear village is walkable. The island has a rough road network connecting Lear to the southern villages. A 4WD or walking are the main modes; bicycles are also useful.

• Mota Lava's lagoon — the deep, perfectly sheltered lagoon inside the barrier reef, with turquoise water and abundant marine life.

• The barrier reef — one of the finest reefs in Vanuatu, with excellent snorkelling and diving.

• Mota Lava's twin volcanic peaks — walk to the summit for panoramic views.

• Traditional Banks Islands villages — thatched houses and community nakamals.

• Snorkel and dive the barrier reef — the lagoon has calm, clear water with healthy coral.

• Kayak in the lagoon — explore the reef edge and small islets.

• Walk the island trails between villages and up the volcanic peaks.

• Visit the southern villages to see traditional life on the other side of the island.

Guesthouses in Lear provide full-board meals: fresh fish, chicken, taro, yam, manioc, and laplap. There are no restaurants.

Kava at the village nakamal. Bottled water is recommended. The community water supply may not be reliably treated.

• Budget: Simple village guesthouses near the airstrip — basic bungalows with shared facilities and full board — approximately 3,000–5,000 VUV per person per night.
• Mid-range: A few small lodges with private rooms and fan.
• Upscale / heritage: None.

Small stores in Lear sell basic provisions. Handicrafts are limited. The market in Sola (Vanua Lava) has more variety. Bring cash from Luganville or Port Vila.

• Vanua Lava (short flight or boat, with Sola the provincial capital and Mount Suremiat.
• Mota (boat southeast) — small historic island with a traditional way of life.
• Gaua (flight or boat southwest) — Lake Letas and Mount Garet volcano.
• Rowa Islands (boat) — a small uninhabited group with excellent snorkelling.
• Ureparapara (boat north) — a volcanic island with a flooded caldera (Dives Bay).