Aniwa is a small island in the southernmost province of TAFEA. As a coral island (a raised coral atoll), it rises a mere 42 m above sea level. In the northwest is Itcharo (Tiaro) lagoon, which is open to the sea and is surrounded by white beaches and coconut trees. The nearest large island is Tanna, about 24 km to the southwest. Aniwa was the first island in the archipelago to have missionaries.
Swimming is safe for all ages in the lagoon which is not deep even at high tide. Outside the lagoon, the open waters are host to beautiful coral reefs. This is where guides on outrigger canoes will accompany you to view the vast reefs and many fish species.
From November to April each year you can witness Green and Hawk Nosed turtles laying eggs on the white sand beaches of the lagoon - guides are available on request to assist locating them. The people of the Isavai Village intend for you to enjoy a 'Robinson Crusoe' type visit.
Like the nearby West Futuna, it is a Polynesian outlier, and thus its inhabitants originally came from Samoa, and the Wallis and Futuna group instead of the Melanesians of other nearby islands, although there has been much intermarriage with Tanna over the generations. The language of both islands is Futunan, in the Futunic branch of Nuclear Polynesian languages, though the dialects between the two islands are distinct. The population is approximately 500 and there are five distinct villages: Itamotou, Imalé, Isavaï, Ikaokao, Namsafoura. The main village is Ikaokao, located in the centre of the south of the island. The John Frum cargo cult exists in Ikaokao.
Aniwa Ocean View Bungalow is the only island bungalow offered for guests and visitors who want to get away from it all. Upon booking, your hosts will be able to organize tours and activities like village visits, snorkelling and paddling on outrigger. The island has some traditional practices, custom stories and ancient knowledge the villagers can share with friends who come to stay at the bungalow.
Getting Here
There is an air strip in the north with flights from Port Vila twice a week. Anchorage is challenging in 20m on the west coast of the island, identifiable by a white square painted onto the coral face.
Check out Air Vanuatu for more information on flights.
