Tranquility Island Resort

A 5-star PADI Resort in Port Vila, Vanuatu, Tranquillity Island offers PADI courses for every level of diver, from those yet to blow their first bubbles to seasoned pros. Lessons are often taught one on one, and with experienced instructors and calm conditions, it's a natural place to learn. Three PADI Instructors round out the team, with everything run in English.

The diving

With over 20 sites, there's variety for everyone. Shore dives from right in front of the resort reveal coral gardens teeming with fish, while a short trip aboard the dive boat 'Manatee' opens up large bommies, thermal vents, swim-throughs, caves, drift dives and two wreck dives, plus sites off Hat Island. Expect pristine soft and hard corals, reef fish and pelagics, with turtles, eagle and cowtail rays, dolphins and dugongs among the regular sightings.

Visibility is rarely below 20 metres and often tops 40, with water temperatures from 24 degrees in winter to over 30 in summer. Most sites suit free divers and snorkellers too, and night or early morning dives are available for overnight guests on request.