Post-earthquake Vanuatu welcomes divers

In December 2024, a 7.3-magnitude earthquake hit Vanuatu. Dr Christina Shaw, CEO of The Vanuatu Environmental Science Society and Director of Sea Shaw - Veterinary and Conservation Services says while some aspects of recovery will take time, the country is an incredible destination for divers and tourists.

The earthquake was quite a shock, but the people of Vanuatu are resilient and used to natural disasters - although this is quite different to the cyclones we're more used to, in that there was no warning. 

The 19-second quake caused some damage, with Port Vila the most affected. A large landslide cut off access to the cruise ship wharf and one area for domestic shipping, but the authorities cleared access to the container wharf so goods could continue to come in. The airport was cleared as operational almost immediately and international flights resumed within three days. 

The damage to some buildings and roads will of course take time and effort to restore, but the damage is in isolated places and most places are back to business as usual. While some tourism resorts and hotels have been affected, most are operational - and other islands, including Santo and Tanna, were not affected and are operating as normal.

Underwater, as on land, there have been a few landslides and portions of the reef have suffered some damage, particularly in Havannah Harbour, which was closest to the quake. However, most of the reefs are still largely intact. There are a few more cracks in the seabed and some portions of reefs that have fallen over, but most are fine. The dominant corals in Vanuatu are the fast-growing acropora and porcillopora, hard coral species which are used to being broken and recovering. We see our reefs grow back relatively quickly after an insult.

Vanuatu is absolutely ready for divers. Big Blue is taking out divers, and the other dive operators reported there was no damage to dive shops which are all operational. Money going into the economy through tourism is vital for our recovery effort, so if you're thinking of visiting - please do! There are lots of accommodation options and the diving is still fabulous.

Vanuatu is a beautiful country and the land, sea and its people are very resilient. We are ready for visitors - you being here will help our recovery. With lots of flight options, including direct from Auckland to Port Vila and Santo with Solomon Airlines, via Fiji with Fiji Airlines, or Via Australia with Qantas, Jetstar and Virgin. We'll see you soon!