Maskelyne Islands

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.

Background

The Maskelynes belong to Malampa Province and sit off the southeastern end of Malakula, the second-largest island in Vanuatu. The chain includes Vulai, Uluveo, Leumanang, Avock and Awei. The main island is Uluveo, also known as Maskelyne, with three villages. In 2009 the islands had 1,022 residents. Captain Cook named the group in late 1774 after the Astronomer Royal, Nevil Maskelyne, while sailing north in HMS Resolution from Port Resolution on Tanna.

Source: Wikipedia, "Maskelyne Islands"

What you'll find

• 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.

Before you go

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.

Key facts