Luganville to Lata aboard M/Y Pi · 10 – 17 September 2026. Eight days through the remote north of Vanuatu — the SS President Coolidge, the seldom-visited Torres Islands and a warrior welcome at Loh — then the crossing east to Tikopia, the Polynesian outlier Rob McCallum calls the most amazing island in the south Pacific.
Nestled in the heart of Melanesia, Vanuatu consists of a string of 88 islands strewn across the western Pacific Ocean. Lying between Fiji and the Solomon Islands this island nation is regarded by many as a lost paradise, where every stranger is assured of a warm and genuine greeting.
Although well off the traditional cruising routes, Vanuatu is best visited by private yacht with the space between most islands easily traversed during an overnight cruise. This ensures that enthralled guests are able to start a new adventure every day, as Vanuatu rolls out its charms one island at a time.
This leg of the Melanesia Traverse joins M/Y Pi at Luganville, on Espiritu Santo, and works north through Vanuatu's remote islands before crossing east into the Solomons by way of Tikopia — a Polynesian outlier that Rob McCallum calls "the most amazing island in the south Pacific."
Espiritu Santo is the largest and perhaps the most beautiful of Vanuatu's islands. Pi positions at Aore Island while guests dive the SS President Coolidge — a converted ocean-liner cum troop ship now lying on her side between 20 and 70 metres — and explore the limestone Blue Holes. Onward to Champagne Beach, then north to the remote Torres Islands — diving, fishing and watersports from sheltered anchorages — and the crescent-shaped island of Loh in the Torres Group — 210 inhabitants, two villages, and a cyclone cave where islanders shelter from storms.
A visit to Tikopia offers the rare chance to experience a remote tropical paradise where traditional customs remain intact. While located geographically in Melanesia, Tikopia's descendants are Wallis Island and Tongan settlers — so the island is considered a Polynesian outlier. Schoolchildren clad in tapa cloth welcome you with harmonised songs; homage is paid to the four chiefs who preside from their pandanus-leaf huts. Walk the island in two hours, stopping to visit the crater lake at the centre of its extinct volcano. From Tikopia, north to Lata for clearance into the Solomon Islands, where guests joining only this leg disembark by charter flight.
~560 nautical miles north and east. The route works up through the remote north of Vanuatu — Espiritu Santo, the Torres Group and Loh — then swings east to the Polynesian outlier of Tikopia and on to Lata, the clearance port into the Solomon Islands. Click any stop on the map to dive in.
"Vanuatu is regarded by many as a lost paradise, where every stranger is assured of a warm and genuine greeting."
Vanuatu · 88 Islands of the Western PacificAll about the Blue Holes and the SS President Coolidge. The Coolidge is an advanced wreck dive and requires a local dive operator aboard — non-negotiable. The Blue Holes are spectacular freshwater swimming, crystal-clear, 'something out of an Avatar film.' Doing both in a day takes logistics.
A famous crescent of white sand. We take over the beach for the day with a full setup — sleepy and idyllic, cows from the neighbouring paddock often wander onto the sand. For a change of scenery, Port Olry is very close, another beautiful white-sand beach. A pure beach day.
The route turns remote — watersports and fishing country. Torres and Loh are very seldom visited. Diving, fishing, kite- and wind-surfing and kayaking from sheltered anchorages. A two-day stay: the second day brings a slower pace, weather flexibility, more watersports and time ashore with a remote community.
Last stop in Vanuatu. Outward clearance is arranged from Loh Island — agents come to the vessel. A crescent island of isolated white-sand beaches, with a warrior welcome and a cyclone cave to explore.
Incredible and rarely visited. We hold special permission to stop on the way in, before clearing into the Solomons — technically inside Solomon waters but not yet cleared. A Polynesian outlier with four chiefs, a crater lake and profuse birdlife. No regular government service; during COVID the island was effectively cut off. Rob McCallum: "MUST DO. The most amazing island in the south Pacific. A Polynesian outlier. Rob and Anges all time favourite."
Inward clearance into the Solomon Islands, usually about an hour. Guests joining only this leg disembark here — a twin-otter charter flies out from the Luova airfield (SCZ). After formalities, a sheltered snorkel and dive to close the leg, with an optional shore trip by the island's only truck.
Exploring the most remote corners of the Pacific carries a responsibility to the communities that host us. On this voyage, community donations and supplies are carried aboard and delivered to the islands we visit — Tikopia among them, where there is no regular government service.
"Exploring the world's most remote corners comes with a responsibility. We have a duty to give back to the environments and communities that welcome us."
Rob McCallum · EYOS FounderEYOS has coordinated lasting initiatives across the region — including the installation of three 11,500-litre rainwater tanks for the communities of Iwa Island and Panapompom, delivered with Think Water Cairns and Bushmans Tanks.
"Water security, medical aid, and education for girls are fundamental for stability in these areas. For the low-lying islands of PNG and the Solomon Islands, which are disproportionately impacted by climate change, immediate support can make all the difference."
Angela Pennefather · EYOS Melanesian SpecialistGuests who wish to contribute are warmly welcome to speak with the expedition team.
Practical support travels with the vessel and is delivered to the communities that host us — clean-water filters for island households and kits for local women and schoolgirls.
Clean-water filters handed to island households.
Demonstrating the filters with a village community.
Days for Girls kits shared with local women and schoolgirls.
Pi repositions from French Polynesia and works north through Vanuatu. Guests joining this leg board at Luganville, on Espiritu Santo, for the remote north of the archipelago and the crossing east into the Solomons.
Vessel specifications and interior photography to follow on confirmation.
Born of two cultures: Australian and Papua New Guinean. A unique perspective on both Melanesian and European cultures that she openly shares with the visitors she guides. Fluent in neo-Melanesian languages with deep insight into broader Melanesian cultures. Born and raised in PNG, completed her higher education in Australia (Nursing; Sydney University). A qualified master chef; eight years on live-aboard dive boats and a further thirteen years on super yachts. Currently based in Queensland, Australia. Liaises with local chiefs and elders, negotiates reef and landing fees, sources supplies, and advises on security.
Born 1965, New Zealand. Grew up in Papua New Guinea. Fifty years of experience across Melanesia. Co-founded EYOS Expeditions in 2008. Led the Five Deeps Expedition — the first manned descent to the deepest point of all five oceans. Deepest-diving New Zealander at 10,925 m (Challenger Deep). Seven Titanic expeditions. Managed the design of RV Alucia. Licensed pilot, PADI Divemaster. Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society. Lincoln International Medal 2024; Aberystwyth Honorary Doctorate 2025; Explorers Club Citation of Merit 2020. Trustee, Nekton and Ocean Census.
This leg joins M/Y Pi at Luganville on 10 September 2026 and disembarks at Lata on 17 September, after the crossing to Tikopia. The wider Melanesia Traverse continues on through the Solomons and Papua New Guinea.