Maskelyne Islands
A group of small islands off southern Malekula, reached by outrigger through the reef.
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The Maskelynes are a scatter of small islands off the southern end of Malekula, low and coral rather than volcanic, with villages on several of them and shallow reef and seagrass between. Getting around is by outrigger canoe through the channels. Community guesthouses take visitors, and the islands run marine protected areas and a turtle monitoring programme. Dugongs use the seagrass here as well.
What you actually see
- The outrigger channels - the shallow water routes between the islands.
- The coral islands - low limestone rather than the volcanic form of the main chain.
- The marine protected areas - reef closed by village agreement.
- The turtle monitoring - the community programme tracking nesting.
When to go
April to October is the dry season and calmest. November to March is wet with cyclone risk. Tide determines which channels are passable.
Honest expectations
Accommodation is very basic with no power and shared facilities. Getting there means a flight to Malekula plus road and boat, and any leg can fail. Boat transfers are open and cancelled in swell.
Nearby
Lamap is north, and Malekula is beyond it.
What to pack for Maskelyne Islands
Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.
Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.