Tropical Paradise conjure up visions of sprawling out on the deck of a sailing boat, drink in hand, as the wind carries you past secluded coves and swaying coconut palms.

Down sails and drop anchor then don mask and snorkel, or SCUBA gear, before rolling into warm clear waters filled with vibrant tropical life.

The Adventure Centre sells numerous half day cruises, sailing or glass bottom boats and overnight Sailing Safaris that can take you to the islands just off Efate, or further afield to Espiritu Santo and beyond.

The most popular cruise, one that really lives up to all those visions of Paradise, is a full day Sailaway Cruise on the 42ft long, 23ft wide sailing trimaran "Golden Wing", operating from Havannah Harbour on the northern side of Efate Island, about 40 minutes by bus from town. They also operate overnight Sailaway Safaris to more of Efate's offshore islands. The drive over the mountains features superb views of both Mele Bay and Havannah Harbour.

The northern side of the island is protected from the predominant Southeasterly Trade Winds and consequently it's much less likely to be raining there, even when it's wet in Vila. It also means the seas are calm and the water exceptionally clear for divers and snorkellers.

"Golden Wing" sails a short distance to Hat Island or Turtle Reef. No question Hat Island has the best snorkelling on live coral gardens in the area. Kids are well catered for, with small masks and snorkelling vests. SCUBA divers are taken on a guided tour by the on board Divemaster. Divers generally come up raving about similarities to live aboard diving in the Coral Sea, except the visibility is better here. In the right weather conditions, you can go ashore and explore the gravesite of the legendary Romata. With him were over 30 retainers buried alive, to accompany on his journey in the afterlife.

On to Castaway Beach for a tasty hot smorgasbord lunch on deck. Then you can snooze under the large sun canopy, go beachcombing, snorkelling, or perhaps wander through the jungle. For those who would like to try SCUBA diving, if booked in advance an Instructor will come along and take you through the basics, including a shallow dive.

A hot cuppa or icy cold drink awaits returning snorkellers and divers, then its a peaceful or speedy sail back to Havannah Harbour and the bus home.

"Golden Wing" has a 47hp backup diesel engine. It offers the only cruise of this type which combines genuine, engines off sailing and the comfort, stability and spaciousness of a trimaran. It is eminently suitable for small children who can be put down to sleep in bunks within reach of parents on deck. There are small sized masks and snorkelling vests and boards for kids and non-swimmers.

Sailaway SCUBA

Check out their full day Sailaway Day Cruise, or for groups, their overnight Sailing Safaris for the full itineraries. If you are travelling with non-diving companions, including kids, this cruise has to be put at the top of your list. While you indulge in your favourite occupation (diving of course!) non-diving family members can enjoy the cruise and experience some great snorkelling as "Golden Wing" anchors directly over the reefs.

Sailaway Cruise has chosen to operate on the north western side of Efate because it is the lee side of the island, protected from the predominant southeasterly Trade Winds. There is no industry, agriculture or large settlements in the area. Consequently there is little rainwater runoff to reduce visibility. The result is that rare combination of protected waters with open ocean visibility and marine life.

"Golden Wing" carries up to 40 SCUBA tanks aboard and around 6-8 sets BCD's regulators, plenty of weightbelts, shorty wetsuits and fins, masks and snorkels. They do NOT carry underwater torches, computers or specialty equipment.

On Full Day Cruises, the two dives offered generally include one of the five sites at Hat Island or Turtle Reef, with an afternoon dive at Paul's Rock. Overnight cruises feature other Hat Island sites, deeper dives and a night dive at Paul's Rock in addition to, WWII submarine nets, Tukutuku labyrinth and the intact WWII Corsair fighter plane.

Overnight Sail Safari's

There's something rather magical about a sailing cruise through the South Seas; of drinks on the deck at sunset in a quiet cove, a barbecue on the nearby beach and then, when you wake up, simply rolling off the deck into crystal waters and saying hello to the friendly fish below.

The most popular cruises are aboard the 42ft long, 23ft wide sailing trimaran "Golden Wing", operating out of Havannah Harbour on the northern side of Efate Island, about 40 minutes by bus from town.

Overnight Sailaway Safaris are designed more for groups, SCUBA divers, friends, large families etc. There are no set departure dates or durations for the overnight cruises, just a minimum requirement of six or more passengers booking. Smaller groups can book if they are willing to pay a surcharge.

Itineraries vary according to group requirements. For divers there are top class SCUBA sites from Tukutuku to Undine Bay. Two to three dives are offered each day and one night dive. There are superb walks across the extinct Nguna volcano, exploration trips to half submerged bat caves or spend time in a village that has little contact with the comparatively modern Port Vila. How about a jungle trek to a waterfall or simply laze on the warm sands of a secluded beach? Evening brings beach barbecues, a glass of wine or three and camping ashore or sleeping above or below decks. A superb adventure in paradise for everyone of all ages.