With Ron and Valerie Taylor

Our Vanuatu expeditions are now over. News on the expeditions

For information of our March/April 2005 French Polynesia expeditions

Aboard the RV Akademik Shokalskiy
03rd - 16th April 2004

The Best of Vanuatu Diving and Snorkeling
From its commencement in 1985, Mike McDowell and Quark Expeditions have operated adventures to numerous remote regions of the world. For this expedition we move our focus to the islands and reefs of Vanuatu (New Hebrides).

Following visits by two Spanish expeditions in the late 1500's whose aim was to locate Terra Australis, Pedro Fernandez de Quiros, Chief Pilot of the 1595 expedition returned in 1606 and claimed Espiritu Santo and all lands South of it to be under Spanish rule. The settlement established by de Quiros at Big Bay on Espiritu Santo lasted a brief 54 days before mutiny amongst the expedition's crew lead to its abandonment.

Subsequent visits by made by Louis-Antoine de Bougainville in 1766, James Cook in 1774, La Perouse in 1788, William Bligh (during the famed open boat trip from Pitcairn to Timor) and finally two further French expeditions by D'Entrecasteaux in 1793 and Dumont D'Urville in 1828. These latter expeditions, in search of the lost La Perouse expedition, increased European knowledge of the geography and culture of these islands which sit precariously on top of the fabled "Ring of Fire".

The Northern islands were formed when uplifted from the sea around 22 million years ago. Maewo and Pentecost Islands followed around 11 million years ago with the remaining islands forming as a result of two separate geological events that took place within the last 2 million years. This combination of volcanoes (Vanuatu has nine active volcanoes, two of which are under the sea), mountainous tropical islands with fringing coral reefs and off shore seamounts provide plenty of opportunities for us to explore the underwater world.

The twinkling waters and rich green rain forest-covered Isles of Vanuatu beckon snorkellers, scuba divers, photographers and naturalists alike. When it comes to diving and exploring Vanuatu offers unsurpassed beauty both above and below the water. Our itinerary includes superb locations in the clear turquoise water for which Vanuatu is famous. The thriving and diverse marine life will rival any dive location you have previously visited. The crystal-clear water flushed by local currents and the multitudes of colorful fish provide a paradise for underwater photography. The water visibility ranges from 80 to 120 ft., depending on the season. Water temperature averages 90 degrees Fahrenheit.

In addition to the underwater world, the culture and natural history of this fascinating group of islands provides us with another area of focus for the expedition.

DOE Vanuatu Brochure (PDF)