Paradise Cove Resort  has a private beach facing some of the best snorkeling and dive sites of the bay. A small plane wrack  is just 15 mt below the surface about 50 mt from the shore among amazing coral reef.

Swimming is very safe and snorkeling gear and kayaks are available free of charge to all Resort guests. 

 A personal perspective.

By David R. Bellwood,
Professor, Marine Biology
School of Marine and Tropical Biology & ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies
James Cook University,
Townsville, Qld.AUSTRALIA

When it comes to coral reefs in popular tourist destinations, Paradise Cove stands out. It is a special place. Few locations boast such spectacular diversity in close proximity to the shore. The fringing reef starts just 3 meters from your breakfast table: down three steps and onto the reef in a few fin strokes. My family and I were delighted to record over 100 reef fish species in the first hour as we snorkeled in the shallow sheltered waters. This is spectacular biodiversity.  The number of fish species within a relatively small area of reef is remarkable: 6 species of triggerfish, 20 wrasses and a host of butterflyfishes and surgeonfishes all juggling for space amongst the corals. On the bottom striped pipefishes abound while anemone fishes defend their homes. There are very few places in the world where you can see moorish idols and bannerfishes so close to shore.  If you go out a bit further then you will also see the larger parrotfish species patrolling the reef edge.  Of the larger invertebrates, the blue and pincushion starfishes are quite common, as are the sea cucumbers and the smaller ‘giant’ clam species. Thankfully, we did not see many of the spiny sea urchins that are common on many fringing reefs in Asia and the Pacific.
 
Vanuatu sits on the edge of the world’s greatest coral reef biodiversity hotspot and Paradise Cove sits amongst these reefs. By developing agreements with local landowners and sea users, to establish a marine protected area, this reef will have a promising future. Having surveyed reefs throughout the Caribbean and Indian and Pacific Oceans, I have high hopes for the future of Vanuatu’s coral reefs. With such a living aquarium on your doorstep, this is a great example of why we need to care for, and enjoy, these marine habitats. If you have ever wondered if coral reefs really are that spectacular, Paradise Cove is one place to discover the answer.