Coongoola Cruise, VANUATU
Airing Date: Nov 22nd, 2004
The Coongoola is a 23 metre timber sailing boat that departs from Havannah Harbour each day for a full day trip around Vanuatu's islands.
The tour includes a trip to Tranquillity Island's Turtle Sanctuary, a stop off at Sun and Moon Bay for snorkelling, fish-feeding and a barbecue on Hapi Tok Beach.
The islands are surrounded by protected waters, so the sea is full of amazing tropical fish. You can watch out for dolphins in the crystal clear ocean or just soak up the sun.
This may seem like paradise to you - but it isn't for everyone. The Coongoola makes an important stop at Tranquillity Island, not just for the amazing scenery but also to visit the Turtle Sanctuary.
Set up by the owner of Coongoola, the Turtle Sanctuary helps save endangered hawksbill turtles in the region. Turtle eggs are a traditional dish in Vanuatu, so not only were fish and sharks eating them, so were humans.
At the sanctuary, the turtles are tagged and reared for release into the wild once they are old enough to take care of themselves. Guests of the Coongoola Cruise or Tranquillity Island can choose a turtle, adopt it and set it free themselves. It costs $67 to adopt a turtle, and all proceeds go to raising and conserving more turtles in the area.
The facts
Talpacific Holidays and Air Vanuatu will get you to Port Vila. Prices start from $1035 ex east coast and $1699 ex west coast. Includes taxes. Subject to exchange rates. Conditions apply.
This price includes flights, five nights at Le Lagon Resort, transfers and breakfast. Valid for sales 22 November, 2004 to 30 November, 2004.
A full day Coongoola cruise costs from $95 per person. You can adopt a turtle from $67 per person.
Talpacific Holidays
Tel: 1300 665 737
Suggested reading material: Lonely Planet
Prices correct at 22/11/04
