Join us on the custom built live-aboard, the MV Silent One. We offer an experience you'll never forget as we navigate the beautiful waters of Vanuatu and dive some of the most unspoiled sites in the world. You'll explore sites that only a handful of divers have ever seen before, and experience the local culture first hand.

Grab your gear and come with us to experience the people and customs of Vanuatu by traveling to the outer islands.

This is where the real adventure begins...

MV Silent One Refit
Our dive vessel is currently undergoing a half-million dollar refit. During this time, we will not be offering charters. We will begin operations again on September 20th 2004.

OUR BOAT

The MV Silent One was initially used as a commercial research vessel throughout

Australia and the South Pacific. Following a major refit, she now serves as the perfect live-aboard dive vessel, operating out of Port Vila, Vanuatu.

With safety, comfort and practicality being our overriding goals, the MV Silent One has been designed to cater for the ever-changing needs of the modern day diver. This has been achieved by incorporating the following facilities onboard:
 

• Very spacious back deck easily accommodating up to 20 divers

• Individual air filling stations and dive gear storage

• Outdoor fresh water showers and camera rinsing tubs

• Quick and reliable Nitrox and air filling compressors

• Two, very stable zodiac tenders for transfers to our less accessible dive sites

• Onboard E6 Film Processing

• Generous, finely appointed galley and dining room

• Outdoor bar and sundeck

• Ten spacious, air-conditioned cabins

• Large bathrooms and showers
   

Vessel Details

Registration No 3161QB
Vessel Type Charter Vessel
Survey Status USL 1B "Passenger Vessel" - 27 persons.
Place of Survey Brisbane, Australia
Length 30m
Waterline Length 24m
Beam 7.31m
Draft 3.26m
Powered by Caterpillar D 3408 marine diesel engine
Cruising Speed 10 knots.
Tenders 2 x 4.7m Gemini inflatables powered by 50hp outboards.
 

CABINS

All cabins are air conditioned for diver comfort, and are fitted with very comfortable, plush bedding.

Main Deck Twin and Double Cabins (x 4)

Located on the main deck these large cabins offer double or twin bed occupancy, all with portholes. Two of the cabins share an ensuite bathroom the other two share a very large adjacent bathroom. There is ample storage space in all cabins ensuring complete diver comfort. Two of the upper deck cabins can be configured as a three berth with a double bed and bunk.
 

Lower Deck Twin Cabins (x 3)

These cabins are located on the lower deck, offering very comfortable bunk style accommodation for two persons. Each cabin is well appointed with ample storage space. There is easy access to large bathrooms and toilet facilities on the same deck.
 

Quad Share Cabin

This quad-share cabin located in the bow section of the lower deck is spacious with plenty of storage space. There are two sets of single bunks. Shared, spacious bathroom and toilet facilities are on the same deck

CREW

We are proud of our fabulous team in Vanuatu, who will certainly make your trip memorable. Headed by AJ Sutherland, our full time crew of seven are a close knit group of expatriate and Ni Vanuatu citizens, who share a love for Vanuatu and a passion for adventure.
 

Trip Director - AJ Sutherland

AJ was born and raised in Malawi in Africa, then moved to England where he completed a degree in Zoology at London University. He worked in the RAF for 5 years then decided to follow his passion for diving, travelling and the outdoors and pursued a career in diving. Now a Master Scuba Diver Trainer, AJ has spent the last 4 yrs travelling to many dive mecca’s including Thailand and the Red Sea, instructing and managing dive shops.
 

Dive Instructor & Adventure Coordinator - Jenny Paton

Born in Australia but raised in England, Jenny has been diving since 1990. After completing a Psychology degree at Reading University, Jenny spent 2 yrs backpacking then moved to Australia in 1996. She worked in IT, followed by the wholesale travel industry in Sales, Marketing and Events. Always pursing outdoor adventure activities, Jenny took a career break in early 2002 and backpacked up the west coast of Australia to do her Dive Masters course. Now a dive instructor, Jenny continues to pursue her love of diving and adventure.
 

Divemaster - Fred Pakoa

Born in the Shepard Islands in Vanuatu, Fred has been diving since he was 16 years old. Fred is one of the most experienced divers in Vanuatu, having completed more than 6000 dives in its' waters.
 

Skipper - Abbie Jimmy

Born in Pango village on Efate Island, Abbie has worked on or around boats since 1985. Abbie started out by doing maintenance on government boats for 8 yrs in Port Vila, then achieved his 2nd mates coastal ticket in 1993. He then worked on fishing boats and yachts for a few months, followed by a 3 year stint as a deckhand on a Tuna boat, working around Vanuatu and New Zealand. During this time, Abbie was sent to South Korea to study Deep Sea Coastal Fishing. Abbie has also studied at the Maritime College in New Zealand to achieve his Masters Ticket. Abbie skippered a glass bottom boat in Port Vila then worked with Willie (on board Engineer) for Afura Company in Brisbane. In January 2002, Abbie, studied Maritime Emergency and Safety procedures on the Island of Espiritu Santo. In March 2002 Abbie got his Skippers ticket and he is qualified to skipper vessels up to 200 tons.
 

Engineer - Willie Saiken

Originally from the Shepard Islands in Vanuatu, Willie has been an engineer for 13 yrs. He studied at a Maritime College on the island of Espiritu Santo and began as a motor mechanic on Santo wharf for 1 yr. He has since always worked on cargo or trading ships. Willie worked in Brisbane for 6 months for Afura Company as an engineer, and has since lived in Port Vila for the last 10 yrs. Willie speaks Bislama, English, Manmkura (native language of Shepard Islands).
 

MENUS

Onboard Silent One, we understand the importance of providing a great food for active adventurers. Our resident chef will be sure to impress, taking full advantage of the local produce, fresh fish, lobster & crab. Guests universally agree that the food is one of the  highlights of their trip.

Here's a sample of typical meals prepared by our chef.
 

Breakfast

Continental & full cooked breakfast. Includes a selection of cereals and fruit salad, eggs, bacon, beans, tomato, and toast with a selection of spreads.

Morning Snack

Fruit platter

Afternoon Snack

Banana bread
 

Dinner

Entree   - Pumpkin soup
Main      - Lasagne and Salad
Dessert - Lemon sugar crepes with ice cream

Entree   - Smoked Marlin with Caesar Salad
Main      - Breast of chicken with mushroom sauce, served with spaetzle noodles and beans
Dessert - Chocolate mousse

Entree   - Avocado Vinaigrette
Main      - Vanuatu beef curry served with pilaf rice and beans
Dessert - Banana fritters with ice cream
 

We will begin operations again on September 20th 2004.

 DEPARTURE DATES

PRIVATE CHARTERS

Looking for a charter vessel to create your own adventure? Then look no further. The MV Silent One is available for private charters for almost any kind of expedition. We have provided a "floating home base" for a number of groups, including the following:
 

Epi Island Motorcycling Extravaganza

For this trip, a group of avid motorcyclists loaded their dirt bikes aboard the MV Silent One, and headed for the island of Epi. These bikers then spent the week exploring the untouched beauty of the island on two wheels, returning each night to meet their floating hotel at different anchorages around the island.
 

           The Ultimate Mothership Fishing Trip

A collaboration between Blue Water Magazine and Ocean Blue Vanuatu fishing charters gave a group of lucky fisherman the ultimate game fishing trip. On a week long trip, these guys used the MV Silent One as their floating mothership, coming back each night loaded with the day's catch.

Family Fun Trip

This trip was a great time for a group of friends who were looking for a unique experience to share with their kids. They chartered the boat to explore beyond the main island of Efate, heading out to islands that are effectively inaccessible for a "regular" holiday. Twelve adults and eight kids took over the boat for a fun week of diving, kayaking, exploration and enjoyment of the local Ni-Vanuatu culture.

RATES

All Silentworld expeditions are priced in Australian dollars, as follows:
 

2004 Rates

6-night Expedition

Quad Share Lower Deck cabin - AUD $1800 per person
Twin Share Lower Deck cabin - AUD $2200 per person
Twin/Double Upper Deck cabin - AUD $2500 per person
 

9-night Expedition

Quad Share Lower Deck cabin - AUD $2999 per person
Twin Share Lower Deck cabin - AUD $3799 per person
Twin/Double Upper Deck cabin - AUD $4499 per person

Booking Forms

To make a reservation, all passengers must complete a booking form. You may download the booking form from the following link.

Download Booking Form Here

Dive Gear Rental

We offer a full range of dive gear available for rental during your expedition.
 

Important Additional Information

NOTE: All Silentworld Expeditions depart on a Monday at 5pm. Passengers are required to meet at Nautilus Dive Centre at 4.30pm for itineraries departing Port Vila, or at Aquamarine Dive Centre at 4.30pm for itineraries departing Santo.

Disembarkation is at approximately 9am on Sunday for all 6-night trips and 9am on Wednesday for all 9-night trips.

Complimentary airport transfers are available on the day of departure and disembarkation. Please advise your agent or our reservations office at the time of booking, should you require this service.
 

HOW TO GET HERE

Vanuatu, meaning 'our land', is an archipelago, a Y-shaped string of 83 islands, located approximately half way between Australia and Fiji. Prior to independence from the UK and France in 1980, Vanuatu was known as the New Hebrides, a name given to it by Capitan Cook during his explorations in 1774.
Port Vila, or Vila as it's commonly known, on the island of Efate, is the capital. It is the hub of trade and the major tourist destination of the country.

Until recently, the Vanuatu government restricted tourism to Efate, and a couple of other islands, including Santo, famous for it's brilliant wreck, the President Coolidge. This policy has now changed, and Silentworld are proud to be leading the way in easing access to the outer islands. After over a year of exploring, we've found brilliant dive sites on all of our itineraries, as well as discovered some amazing above water attractions. And the best thing is, you won't find anyone else diving them!

Above the water, the Ni Vanuatu people and culture make this place so special. Its' communities are untouched by technology, and the simplicity of life and practice of traditional custom is fascinating.

Utilising Boeing 737-300 jet airliners, Air Vanuatu has been operating since 1986, providing a direct service between Vanuatu and South Pacific destinations which currently include Australia, Fiji, New Caledonia and New Zealand.
 

From North America

Fly to Nadi (Fiji) , Auckland (New Zealand) or Sydney (Australia) and connect with Air Vanuatu to Port Vila.
Alternatively, connect in Nadi with Air Pacific's new flights to Port Vila.
 

From Europe or Asia

Fly to Brisbane, Sydney, Auckland, Nadi or Noumea and connect with Air Vanuatu to Port Vila.
 

Flying Times

For current and up to date flight schedules from these major destinations please contact Silentworld or your local travel agent.
 

TRAVEL TIPS

Insurance

You must have Diver's Alert Network medivac or a similar diver insurance that will cover you in the event that you need to be evacuated off the vessel. This must be presented to our crew at the time of boarding, or passage will be refused.

We also strongly recommend you ensure your travel insurance policy includes cover against trip cancellation, in the event that your trip is cancelled (eg. due to last minute sickness, airline delays, inclement weather conditions, cancelled vacation time etc).
 

Certification card and log book

You must bring both of these items with you so that they can be verified by our dive staff.
 

Personal Items

We suggest you including the following items in your luggage:

• Insurance policy (with proof of medical evacuation insurance)

• Dive Certification card

• Divers Log book

• Personal toiletries

• Personal medication

• Swimming costume

• Hat

• Sunscreen

• Camera

• Sunglasses

• Footwear

• T-shirts

• Shorts

• Lightweight long sleeved shirts and long pants for sun protection

• Light wind breaker for cool sea breezes.

People

The people of Vanuatu, a name which means "Land Eternal", are predominantly Melanesian. Amongst the almost 200,000 inhabitants, there are 115 different cultures and languages making Vanuatu one of the most culturally diverse countries in the world.
 

Currency

Vatu is the official currency and can only be obtained in Vanuatu. Westpac and ANZ banking facilities are available. Silentworld accepts MasterCard and VISA credit cards.
 

Entry into Vanuatu

All visitors must have a return or onward ticket and a passport with a four-month minimum validity beyond their arrival date. Australian, Japanese, US, NZ and EC passports do not require a visa for stays of less than 30 days. We recommend you check with the government in your country prior to travelling.
 

Electricity

Electrical points are 240 volts with Australian style pins - if in doubt bring an adapter.
 

Weather

Vanuatu has a tropical climate. From November to April the weather is hotter and  more humid with rainy periods and light winds. May to October is the cooler season when the days are sunny and the nights are cool and clear. Throughout the year the Southeast tradewinds often provide slightly cooler and less humid conditions in the evenings. Average daily temperatures range from 21-28 Celsius.
 

Medical

Visitors do not require vaccinations, but anti-malarial medication is recommended. ProMedical is a licensed 24-hour paramedic and emergency service, based in Port Villa, and is operated by a university qualified paramedic who formerly served with the Australian Defence Force and NSW Ambulance Service. Featuring portable, advanced life support equipment, ProMedical responds to calls from the outer islands of Vanuatu as well as co-ordinating medical evacuations. The 24 hour emergency service is covered by basic medical and travel insurance.
There are no dangerous animals or insects on the islands. Urban water is safe to drink and bottled water will be readily available onboard.
 

Tipping

Tipping is not mandatory in Vanuatu. You will find your crew will provide excellent service day and night. If you believe that you have received outstanding service, a small tip can be given to the skipper to be shared amongst the crew.

 

Head Office;  

Go Tours Travel, 33 Dominions Rd.  Ashmore, 4214,  Ph 07 55279855  Fax 07 55971788 e-mail; info@gotours.com.au