Eretoka IslandAbout Eretoka Island
Eretoka Island (often called Hat Island) is a small island off the coast of Efate in Shefa Province, Vanuatu, notable for its cultural and archaeological significance.
The island contains traditional burial sites and landscape features associated with local chiefly history, including the place associated with Chief Roi Mata, which is part of a protected cultural landscape. Visits are typically short and focus on the island’s cultural heritage and shoreline scenery.
Eretoka forms one of the components of the Chief Roi Mata Cultural Landscape and contains burial and ritual sites linked to regional oral histories and pre-contact social structures. The island’s significance was recognised in international heritage listings for its cultural importance.
Situated just off the western coast of Efate near Port Vila in Shefa Province, Eretoka is accessed by short boat trips from Efate and lies within the tropical lagoon and reef environment surrounding the main island.
- UNESCO site: Part of the UNESCO-listed Chief Roi Mata Cultural Landscape, recognised for its historic and ritual significance in Vanuatu.
What to See#
- Chief Roi Mata’s grave: Contains the burial site associated with Chief Roi Mata, a cultural and sacred location protected as part of the Chief Roi Mata Cultural Landscape UNESCO inscription.
Best Time to Visit Eretoka Island
Dry season (May-October) offers the best sea conditions for visiting outer islands like Eretoka.
Weather & Climate near Eretoka Island
Subtropical climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 19°C to 30°C. Heavy rainfall (2225 mm/year), wettest in January.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | 23° - 30° | 27° | 318 mm | - | - | 3.2 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | 23° - 30° | 27° | 261 mm | - | - | 2.4 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | 23° - 30° | 26° | 279 mm | - | - | 3.1 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | 22° - 29° | 26° | 236 mm | - | - | 3.4 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | 21° - 28° | 24° | 190 mm | - | - | 3.5 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | 20° - 27° | 23° | 120 mm | - | - | 3.3 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | 19° - 26° | 23° | 104 mm | - | - | 3.8 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | 19° - 26° | 23° | 124 mm | - | - | 3.5 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | 19° - 27° | 23° | 87 mm | - | - | 4.2 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | 20° - 28° | 24° | 85 mm | - | - | 3.5 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | 21° - 29° | 25° | 230 mm | - | - | 3.2 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | 22° - 30° | 26° | 191 mm | - | - | 3.3 m/s | - | - |
How to Get to Eretoka Island
Access is by boat from Efate (Port Vila) or nearby islands; local operators run visits and can advise on landing conditions. Sea conditions and tides affect accessibility.
Tips for Visiting Eretoka Island
- Respect local etiquette - some areas on Eretoka are sacred and access may be restricted.
- Check with local tour operators in Efate for guided visits; landing can require a small boat depending on tides and surf.
- Bring shade and water; island scrub offers little shelter from the sun.