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We didn't expect this in Ambrym! | Sailing Vanuatu. Vlog 137
September 4, 2026 · 28 min · 2K views · Ambrym
What this video covers
The crew of a cruising sailboat anchors in Ambrym, Vanuatu, on black sand in 15 meters of water, noting excellent visibility and high-quality snorkeling near a shallow wreck.22:29 Accessing the shore requires a paddleboard or dinghy, with careful attention to tidal changes and potential surf.0:53 Local guide Francis facilitates village tours, traditional dance performances, and a three-hour hike to viewpoints overlooking the island’s active volcanic caldera.1:32 The village economy relies on subsistence farming, including taro, cassava, and kava, which serves as a central social beverage consumed daily in local bars.18:53 The crew experiences severe physical illness, including nausea and headaches, after consuming excessive amounts of kava, which they describe as having an earthy, bitter taste and stronger effects than kava sampled in Fiji.12:32 They emphasize that while kava is a culturally significant social lubricant, moderation is essential for visitors to avoid debilitating side effects.27:13
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