Isolated at the far North of the Vanuatan archipelago, the very small population of the Banks Islands live in an autarchic way. The traditional dancers from these hard to access islands are renowned. Here is the tale of a cruise to this destination “off the beaten track”.

The volcanic range forming the Banks stretches over a length of one hundred and forty four kilometres. There are two main islands: Gaua and Vanua Lava, both of which are subject to volcanic activity. The population of some eight thousand souls is spread over an area of seven hundred and fifty square kilometres and is mainly Melanesian. These islands came under the influence of the nearest Polynesians from the Solomons and, in particular, Tikopia. In spite of the wild beauty of the people and their authentic culture, few visitors go to this part of Vanuatu and those who do, arrive by sea.

The best way to discover these islands is by cruising. Only Gaua, Vanua Lava and Moto-Lava have an aerodrome, otherwise all the villages are situated at the coast, but without any roads to link them. There are no hotels, of course, on the Banks. Accommodation, for anyone not wishing to sleep on board, is limited to staying with locals or camping. Given the lack of roads, the visitor should be prepared to walk a lot.