About Mele Bay

A protected bay rich in history, marine life, and everyday Ni-Van culture.

 

Mele Bay sits on the sheltered southwest coast of Efate and forms one of Port Vila’s most significant natural harbours. Its calm waters have supported local communities for generations: Mele Village, one of the largest and oldest villages in Vanuatu, sits just north of the bay and remains a cultural centre for traditional fishing, handicrafts, and customary land stewardship. The bay is bounded by coral reef systems that act as both a natural barrier and a livelihood — supplying fish, shellfish, and seaweed that continue to be part of daily life for Ni-Van families.

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The bay is also shaped by the island’s volcanic past. Efate is ringed with old basalt flows that weather into black-sand beaches, including the shoreline in front of Seahorse Lodge. This darker sand is rich in minerals, absorbs warmth throughout the day, and creates a striking contrast with the deep turquoise water. Beneath the surface, the volcanic seabed forms shelves, bommies, and reef drop-offs that support vibrant marine life: angelfish, sea cucumbers, giant clams, and several species of rays are commonly seen just metres from shore.

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Beyond its natural beauty, Mele Bay is at the heart of Efate’s modern tourism and community economy. It is home to key local attractions — including the famous Mele Cascades, Hideaway Island Marine Sanctuary, and the underwater Post Office. Local cooperatives manage many of these sites, ensuring that tourism dollars flow directly back into Ni-Van communities. The bay’s position also makes it a gateway to daily island life: village markets, roadside fruit stalls, custom dancing nights, and small family-run tours all operate here, giving visitors a glimpse into the rhythm of Vanuatu beyond Port Vila town.​

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The Beauty of Black Sand Beaches

Mele Bay is known for its striking black-sand shoreline, created over centuries by ancient volcanic activity on Efate. The result is a beach that feels both dramatic and serene, with dark, silken sand that warms gently under the tropical sun. Seahorse Lodge sits along this natural wonder, giving guests private access to a shoreline where the contrast of black sand, turquoise water, and coral reef creates one of the most memorable vistas in Vanuatu.

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The black sand is not only visually stunning, it also absorbs heat in the early morning, making sunrise walks especially soothing, and provides a unique coastal ecosystem where marine life flourishes close to shore.