I dreamed of exploring Vanuatu’s volcanic craters and remote tribes for many years. I’ll be honest – Vanuatu is one of the most fascinating countries on this planet, all adventurous travelers would love this destination. It was an unforgettable trip for me. But Vanuatu isn’t cheap and some travel planning is required, especially if you want to do some traveling across the islands. Check out the most amazing things to do in Vanuatu from my perspective – hiker and freestyle traveler.
It’s a long journey to the Pacific Islands but there are many incredible attractions in Vanuatu islands awaiting visitors. I had a partial plan for Vanuatu: hiking Mount Yasur – one of the most active volcanoes in the world, and exploring tribal culture, people who are still living their traditional way far from modern civilization.
Unique things to do in Vanuatu.
The two best things to do in Vanuatu are hiking Mount Yasur – the active volcano on Tanna Island and meeting the bush tribes. For these adventures, you will have to travel a few hours across real tropical forests and stay without electricity in a jungle bungalow.
Oceania shores are also a huge paradise for snorkelers and divers. One of the must-visit spots is the SS Coolidge wreck, located near Espiritu Santo island. This World War II shipwreck is one of the largest and most accessible dive sites in the world, attracting divers eager to explore its coral-encrusted remains. You also can’t miss the Blue Hole – the million-dollar point $ 😉
Flights to Vanuatu.
Vanuatu – an archipelago located in the South Pacific, is one of the most remote and captivating destinations in the world. Traveling to Vanuatu is an adventure but there are few direct flights from Australia to Vanuatu: It’s only a 3-hour flight from the east coast of Australia to Port Vila (the capital of Vanuatu).
Vanuatu spreads across 83 islands of over 1300 kilometers, of which the main ones are: Efate (with Port Vila – the capital), Tanna, Malekula, Espiritu Santo and Luganville.
The most convenient booking platform is Trip.com, Air Vanuatu website does not always work correctly, I had lots of booking errors. If you book in advance you can get flights for approx. $200.
Direct flights to Vanuatu are operated by Air Vanuatu, Qantas, Solomon Airlines, Fiji Airways and Air Calin.
My first stop after Australia on the way to Vanuatu was New Caledonia – home to the world’s largest lagoon.
Important facts on Vanuatu!
- There are over 2000 seismic events reported each year across Vanuatu.
- You will face biosecurity at the Vanuatu border, strict entry rules apply 😉
- WIFI – Network – get a local sim card otherwise you’ll end up with compulsory digital detox!
- Vanuatu is quite expensive.
- There is no public transport, except on the main island of Efate.
- Health precautions – always antiseptic medication along with some antibiotics, tropical climate also means mosquitoes, so bring insect repellent.
Read my post: What to know before traveling to Vanuatu – one of the most remote places in the world.
1. Hiking Mount Yasur Volcano.
I’m a volcano lover and hiking Mount Yasur is one of the best attractions in Vanuatu, located in Tanna Island.
You’ll find plenty of magnificent things to do in Vanuatu on Tanna Island. Its rugged terrain of volcanic landscapes and dense jungle are a trekker’s dream.
Mount Yasur hiking trail – one of the most accessible active volcanoes in the world, allows you to witness a glowing lava lake from a safe distance. The nighttime eruptions are phenomenal and can be seen from your jungle bungalow – which is one of the biggest highlights of the island. Mount Yasur is magic, and so is the view from one and only place to stay Castle Tree House and Bungalow, where I stayed for 4 nights.
How to get to Tanna island and Mount Yasur?
Air Vanuatu operates across Vanuatu islands. However, every time I wanted to book a flight on the operator’s website, the payment could not be processed 😉 That’s why I recommend to conveniently booking all your flights on TRIP.COM – the prices are exactly the same. I used trip.com for all my tickets and it worked perfectly.
Where to stay in Tanna Island.
- Recommended high-rated accommodation options in Tanna Island:
- Luxury: White Grass Ocean Resort & Spa with beachfront rooms, private beach area, jetty and outdoor pool.
- Amazing Rockwater Resort located in the Ipak Bay/North Tanna, with beachfront rooms and a restaurant.
- Low-cost: Exceptional Mike’s place – Castle Tree House And Bungalow.
- Alofa Beach Bungalows with 24-hour front desk and lovely gardens.
- Glowing Mountain view tree house.
2. Blue Lagoon - Eden on the River.
If you’re looking for a less intense trek, explore the breathtaking trails around Efate – the main island. The Port Vila region offers several hiking paths that lead to cascading waterfalls and panoramic views of the ocean and the popular site Blue Lagoon – Eden on the River.
Recommended tour: Full-Day Vanuatu Cultural, Blue Lagoon & Eden On The River Tour.
A trip to a Blue Lagoon and exploring the tribal culture is one of the most interesting things to do in Vanuatu. It’s easily accessible on Efate Island with local tours. Pepeyo Cultural Village is only 30 minutes drive from Port Villa.
The best day trip option is Port Vila Full Day Tour – Experience the Real Vanuatu: including a trip to the Blue Lagoon, the Turtle Sanctuary and Rarru. It’s a very good price for this tour. Alternatively, you can book Full-Day Efate Round Island Trip with Yumi Tours.
Entry fee to Blue Lagoon – Eden of the River: $20.
Here are few great options for adventurous travelers seeking some outdoor fun and interaction with nature:
3. Vanuatu bush tribes.
No trip to Vanuatu would be complete without exploring the tribe’s culture. The islands are home to the indigenous ni-Vanuatu people, who take great pride in their traditions.
I’ve visited bush tribes on each island and I cannot tell you how wonderful these people are.
They say the first people who came to Vanuatu 3000 years ago were most likely from New Guinea and the Solomon Islands. They were called Lapita People. Before them, only animals were present across the islands.
Read: Who are Vanuatu people? One of the most remote bush tribes in the world.
While some of the tribes accepted tourists for local tours, more isolated bush tribes in Vanuatu may have limited contact with the outside world and may not be integrated into the larger society of the country. Traveling to Vanuatu allows you to explore one the most remote bush tribes in the world. The greatest villages are located in Efate Island, Tanna Island and Malekula Island.
4. Diving in Vanuatu coral reefs.
Vanuatu islands are spread across the Pacific Ocean, it’s a paradise for experienced divers but also for light snorkelers.
Efate Island diving sights: Havannah Harbor is an exceptional destination for both snorkeling and diving. Its calm waters and easy access make it perfect for beginners and advanced divers. The harbor is famous for its diverse marine life – corals, tropical fish and sea turtles. For those looking to dive deeper, there are several exciting dive sites nearby.
Espiritu Santo Island: the SS Coolidge wreck diving should be a priority, it’s one of the top- things to do in Vanuatu. This World War II troopship sank off the coast of Espiritu Santo and now lies in shallow waters and it’s home to diverse marine creatures.
5. Meet cannibals in Malekula Island.
In the past cannibalism was practiced across the whole country. Cannibalism was still present in Vanuatu in late 1969 across northern parts of the archipelago (mostly Malekula village tribes).
Newcomers, who came to the island and wanted to fight Vanuatu bush tribes or take their women were caught and eaten. I took a Cannibal Tour in Tanna Island, showcasing the whole hunting process. It was one of the greatest attractions in Vanuatu, something you wouldn’t be able to experince elsewhere.
6. Ceremonial Kava drinking.
When traveling to Vanuatu you must try KAVA drink! KAVA is a ceremonial drink made from kava plant roots. It looks like a muddy green powder.
KAVA only grows in the South Pacific Islands. This traditional beverage plays a huge part in local culture.
After a long day with bush tribes we stopped at the jungle hut to have Kava ritual drink after twilight. It was prepared in front of us and we all drank it. Some say it may affect your stomach, if not used to it, but we only drank a small cup and all was fine.
7. Try coconut crabs - the beloved dish of Vanuatu!
Coconut crab (Birgus latro) is a delicacy in Vanuatu and many other Pacific Islands. It is known for its rich, sweet flavor and firm texture. These large crabs, which can weigh up to 4 kg (about 9 lbs), are primarily found in coastal areas.
Grilled Coconut Crab is common in restaurants, you will get to pick a coconut cran from the cage. The fresh coconut crab is marinated and then grilled over an open flame. The marinade often includes ingredients like lime juice, chili, garlic and coconut cream.
Coconut crabs hold substantial cultural significance in Vanuatu. They are often featured in traditional feasts, celebrations, and important gatherings. The local methods of catching and preparing these crabs can vary but usually involve traditional fishing practices passed down through generations.
8. Blue Cave in Efate Island.
Blue Cave is an exceptional place and should be on your list for top things to do in Vanuatu. However – there are few things you need to know before going there. In a rainy season the blue water of the cave might be muddy. Also, for best photos you need sun rays and a clear sky, so make sure the sky si not cloudy.
You can reach Blue Cave by 4WD from your hotel in Port Vila the Whitegrass Airport. It’s about 1-2 hour drive depending on weather conditions, in rainy season the roads might be fludded.
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