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NASA CC BY-SA 4.0 Wikimedia Commons

Emae Island

Island

Emae Island offers coral reefs, sandy bays, and village life in Shefa Province; travelers take short boat rides for snorkeling, local kava ceremonies, and hikes to ridge viewpoints that overlook the archipelago.

Emae Island Port VilaTannaEspiritu SantoEmae Island
In this guide

Emae Island essentials

Address: Emae Island, Shefa Province, Vanuatu
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About Emae Island

Emae is a small inhabited island in Shefa Province, Vanuatu, located in the archipelagic zone near larger islands such as Efate. The island supports a small population living in coastal villages and sustains local livelihoods based on fishing and agriculture.

Landscape on Emae is volcanic in origin with rocky shorelines, fringing reefs and areas of tropical vegetation. The island infrastructure is limited and access is typically by boat from Efate or neighbouring islands.

Communities on Emae maintain traditional customs, language and village life, and visits are generally low-impact and arranged through local contacts or boat operators. Facilities for visitors are basic and travel should be arranged in advance.

Emae lies in central Vanuatu’s Shefa province, off the southern coast of Efate and within the island group served from Port Vila by inter-island boat services.

  • Inhabited island: An inhabited volcanic island in Shefa Province with several coastal villages and subsistence activities such as fishing and small-scale agriculture.
When to Go

Best Time to Visit Emae Island

Best during the dry season (May-October) when sea travel is most reliable and reef visibility is high.

Dry Season (May-Oct)
May-Oct · 22-28°C
Calmer seas and clearer skies; best for diving and boat transfers.
Wet Season (Nov-Apr)
Nov-Apr · 24-31°C
Warmer and wetter; island life is lush but storms are possible.

Weather & Climate near Emae Island

Climate

Emae Island's climate is classified as Tropical Rainforest - Tropical Rainforest climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 19°C to 30°C. Heavy rainfall (2734 mm/year), wettest in January.

Air Quality: AQI 19 Good
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
30°
Warmest Month
19°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January - 22° - 30° 26° 354 mm - - 3.5 m/s - -
February - 23° - 29° 26° 310 mm - - 3.2 m/s - -
March - 23° - 29° 26° 311 mm - - 3.4 m/s - -
April - 22° - 28° 25° 268 mm - - 2.8 m/s - -
May - 21° - 27° 24° 244 mm - - 3.4 m/s - -
June - 20° - 26° 23° 189 mm - - 3.0 m/s - -
July - 19° - 26° 22° 168 mm - - 3.3 m/s - -
August - 19° - 26° 22° 179 mm - - 3.4 m/s - -
September - 19° - 26° 23° 103 mm - - 3.8 m/s - -
October - 20° - 27° 23° 103 mm - - 3.7 m/s - -
November - 21° - 28° 24° 278 mm - - 3.4 m/s - -
December - 21° - 29° 25° 227 mm - - 4.2 m/s - -
Getting There & Around

How to Get to Emae Island

Emae is served by local inter-island boats and small planes to nearby islands; travel is arranged from Port Vila or other Vanuatu hubs. Coordinating transfers with local operators is essential.

Tips for Visiting Emae Island

  • Respect local schedules and village customs - island transport is organized at the community level.
  • Bring snorkeling gear and sun protection; reefs and beaches are the main attractions.
  • Carry small bills for local purchases; services are limited and often cash-only.