Sea River (Port Vila)

Sea River is an exposed reef break on Efate near Port Vila, known for delivering consistently usable surf when the swell and wind line up. The break is reef-based with shallow sections over coral, so wave energy and water depth at the time of surfing matter a lot. For conditions, the spot is most closely associated with southern swells, and it is described as having good wave quality with steady, reliable surf at the right times. Wind is described within the trade-wind regime, with grooming effects reported when winds come from the North/Northeast, helping keep the waves cleaner on the reef. Timing is a recurring theme for safety and rideability. Local guidance points to surfing around mid-tide to maintain enough water depth over the sharper coral reef, and another guide emphasizes the period around high tide as a useful window for maintaining safer depth. On heavier water, the reef can make the session more demanding even if the spot holds size. Crowds are generally described as rare/low profile. Despite the generally laid-back scene, hazards are significant: coral (including sea urchins) and rock/reef features are explicitly noted, and lifeguards are not reported. Plan with reef-safe gear (especially footwear for protection), and be conservative about entry/exit routes and the conditions under which you commit.