There are not many harbours in the world that can boast the clear waters and reefs of those found in Port Vila, Vanuatu and Iririki Island, nestling in the Harbour just 350 metres offshore from Port Vila Town, provides a natural and inviting challenge for any swimmer, whether it be to swim across from the town to the Island’s Jetty, or to swim around the island. 

The inaugural event, known as the Rossi to Rossi Swim, a 3.2Km course starting and finishing at the Rossi Restaurant with a circumnavigation of Iririki Island, was held in 2002 when 46 swimmers from Australia, New Caledonia & Vanuatu took part, 39 in the 3.2Km and 7 in the 1.5Km. In recent years, the event has grown to include over 200 swimmers annually and in 2006 moved to its new venue at Iririki Island.

The Vanuatu Ocean Swim has spawned an interest in swimming for fitness among Port Vila residents and most weekday lunchtimes and Saturday mornings will see swimmers, the famous “Port Vila Masterbathers”, taking to the harbour waters just off Nambawan Café adjacent to the ‘Mamas Craft Market’. There are also several “Masterbathers” Swim Championships held throughout the year.

The Vanuatu Ocean Swim features a swim clinic with some of the world’s top swimmers, welcome functions, unique cultural entertainment and Awards Dinner.