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Carl Fallon posted an update
These masterplan images present the vision for Abyss Vanuatu Ocean Institute (AVOI) and Abyss Vanuatu Conservation Dive Resort — a purpose-built conservation, research, training, and eco-tourism destination designed to make marine protection more accessible, inclusive, and scalable across Vanuatu.
At its heart, this project is about bringing science, community conservation, disability-inclusive tourism, and practical ocean stewardship together in one place.
The resort is being designed as a disability-friendly marine conservation destination, with accessible pathways and facilities that allow wheelchair users and people with mobility impairments to reach the water and experience conservation in action first-hand. Our goal is to remove barriers to participation in ocean conservation, so that more people can engage directly with Vanuatu’s marine environment, reef restoration work, turtle protection, and Ocean Ranger activities.
The resort will also be developed as an Assistance Dog friendly destination, with appropriate accommodation and operational planning to support guests with disability access needs in line with relevant disability-access expectations and best-practice inclusive tourism standards.
AVOI and Abyss Vanuatu Conservation Dive Resort will provide:
Accessible eco-tourism accommodation for visitors, researchers, students, and conservation partners
Dedicated facilities for Vanuatu Ocean Rangers involved in marine monitoring, turtle beach protection, reef restoration, and community conservation
A practical base for scientists, universities, NGOs, and government partners to study marine ecosystems, coastal resilience, biodiversity, climate change impacts, and restoration methods
Conservation dive operations supporting reef monitoring, citizen science, coral restoration, Reef Ball deployment monitoring, and marine habitat assessment
A state-of-the-art dive compressor system, including a membrane nitrox system, currently being prepared to support professional, safe, and efficient dive operations
A platform for local skills development, employment pathways, marine education, and blue economy opportunities
The site is designed to become a living example of how eco-conservation tourism can fund and support real environmental outcomes. Rather than separating tourism from science, this model connects visitors directly with active conservation programs, giving funders and partners a clear opportunity to support measurable impact.
From accessible water entry and inclusive guest experiences, to Ocean Ranger accommodation and marine science facilities, this project is being built to serve a wider purpose: protecting Vanuatu’s ocean, supporting local communities, and creating a replicable model for conservation tourism across the Pacific.
AVOI and Abyss Vanuatu Conservation Dive Resort will be more than a resort. It will be a working conservation hub, a training base, a research platform, and an inclusive gateway to Vanuatu’s marine future.
