The South Pacific Islands are one of the most remote places around the globe. I couldn’t wait to reach Vanuatu (my big dream for years), and when I was there, I realised I needed to do more travelling across the region. Journey to the Pacific Archipelago requires careful planning and a spirit of adventure. How to prepare and what to know before Pacific Islands travel – it’s highly essential to prepare yourself before stepping into one of the wildest and remotest destinations in the world. After my challenges and thrilling experiences, I have put together comprehensive Pacific Islands travel advice & recommendations.
Only by approaching Pacific adventure with curiosity, respect, careful planning & preparation, can you forge unforgettable memories in this remote corner of the world.
What really sets the region apart are two things:
- exeptional natural beauty and
- the richness of the area’s many indigenous cultures.
Some of the bush tribes are still living their traditional way, far from modern world. The region is so magnificent and unique that you might completely lose yourself exploring the natural wonders (like I did..). That’s why it is hugely important to rememebr getting a proper South Pacific Islands travel advice and tips, which are often salutary!
South Pacific Islands travel - advice & tips.
The Pacific Islands travel advice would differ depending on the region. Islands to the east, like New Caledonia and Fiji, have fruit bats, land and sea snakes.
New Caledonia is a French overseas territory and the capital city, Noumea, which is also the main port, is quite well developed in terms of shops, tourist service and medical infrastructure.
Fiji is one of the most developed countries in the Pacific Islands.
While Vanuatu, Solomon Islands, Papua, Tonga, and Samoa would be considered as developed countries (some would say third world countries), where the medical and tourist infrastructure is very basic.
Where are the Pacific Islands?
The Pacific Islands spreading across the region called Oceania, which includes more than 30,000 islands in three subregions:
- Polynesia (includes Hawaii, Easter Island, New Zealand, Samoa, Tonga, Tahiti and Cook Islands.
- Micronesia (Guam, Palau, Northern Mariana Islands and the Marshall Islands).
- Melanesia (Vanuatu, Fiji, Salomon islands, New Guinea).
How to travel to South Pacific Islands?
The easiest, quickest and often cheapest (if booked in advance) is getting a flight. KIWI.COM worked very well for flights booked in the region.
Some South Pacific Islands (like Vanuatu, New Caledonia, Fiji) are easily accessible with direct flights from Australia and New Zealand.
It’s only a 2-hour flight from Australia (Brisbane) to New Caledonia and 3 hours flight to Vanuatu. From Vanuatu you can go to Salomon Islands and Fiji, and from there travel to Cook Islands.
Make sure to read this Pacific Islands travel advice to ensure enjoyable and hasslefree vacation, tour or expedition. Remember you are landing on a tiny dot island in the world’s biggest ocean!
Health - South Pacific travel advice.
- WATER – is not drinkable in most Pacific Islands. After visiting all continets – Pacific Region was the first place I used water purifying tablets! Very useful to have: a filtered water bottle and water purifying tablets.
- Mosquito spray (or malaria tablets – I personally never use anti-malaria medication – but you should know there is a malaria and dengue risk across Pacific Islands).
- Clothes – South Pacific climate is ranges from tropical to subtropical – take breathable clothes that can dry quickly, bring some bright clothes as well.
- Trekking shoes – this is a must, most of the islands are covered with dense jungle, if you want to explore the mou tains, volcanoes and tribe villages you will need proper hiking shoes.
- Always travel with a basic medical kit – highly advisable: seasickness tablets, stomach upsets, antiseptic spray (LIFE SAVER!), Panadol, plasters and even antibiotics – bacterial infections spread immediately in a tropical climate, especially during the rainy season. You want to have some extra medication, rather than lacking help in these areas.
- MOST IMPORTANT – Pacific Islands travel advice would be getting a comprehensive travel and health insurance policy – after my experience, I would even suggest with emergency evacuation coverage – imagine you are on a tropical island, 3 hours flight from any continent, and you get sick, bitten by a snake, have decompression symptoms or get infected by any bacteria. In such an emergency, you need immediate help.
New Caledonia is famous for sea snakes, which are not aggresive but not many know they are more poisonous than BLACK COBRA.
New Caledonia, Fiji and French Polynesia have decent hospitals and pharmacies. However, they will not always be able to deal with serious cases. Most of the Pacific Islands have very basic medical care.
Pacific Islands travel advice - SAFETY.
Pacific Islands are generally safe even for a solo traveller. I travelled the region on my own and not even for a minute felt unsafe. People’s hospitality is incredible; they are warm and always eager to help. Even though the last cannibalism trace on some of the islands in Vanuatu or Papua was registered in the late 1960s.
However, if you want to explore the islands, be prepared, there is often no transportation, nor road infrastructure, nor shops and you are totally dependent on your host, who is often your guide. So be aware that Pacific Islands travel is not straightforward. Traveling around is either possible with an organised tour or with local guides.
The crime rate is very low across most of the islands. Use local guides for any hiking and trekking expeditions, Pacific Region is not a place to wander on your own.
Cyclons, tsunami & earthquakes in Pacific Islands.
Oooowww YES! I though South America was the most dangerous region when it comes to natural disasters but Pacific Islands definitely take the lead!
While I was staying in Vanuatu the groud was shaking even 5 TIMES A DAY!
There are 2000 seismic events registered in VANUATU each year. Read TOP 7 fascinating things about Vanuatu.
Most of the Pacific Islands are volcanic origin. The archipelago is covered with highly active volcanos, including the most accessbile active Mount Yasur Volcano in Tanna Island, Vanuatu.
Hiking Mount Yasur Volcano is one of the greatest highlights of the Pacific Region.
CYCLONES AND TSUNAMIS ACROSS THE PACIFIC ISLANDS.
Cyclones and tsunamis occur regurarly and some are severe.
The South Pacific cyclone season runs from November to April
Almost every country maintains seismic activity, and you can check on the official websites for warnings and weather forecast.
Diving in the Pacific.
There isn’t a traveller in the Pacific Islands who does not want to dive into the beauty of the most magnificent underwater world.
- Make sure you dive with a certified diving centre.
- Not all South Pacific islands have decompression chambers, in case od DCI scuba divers need immediate evacuation.
Top diving and snorkeling experience is in Fiji and New Caledonia. GO SNORKELLING AMONGST THE BEAUTIFUL FIJIAN CORALS.
One of the most popular activities is Island Hooping in New Caledonia. The island is home to world’s largest lagoon, making it divers paradise hub.
Signal Island is one of the top snorkeling destinations. It’s easily reachable from the main port – Noumea with affordable tour.
The best activity you can choose in New Caledonia for diving and snorkeling experience is Amedee Lighthouse full day tour on a glass-bottomed boat tour. It’s one fo the most beautiful Pacific islands, surrounded by exceptional coral reef.
The best time to travel to Pacific Islands.
The best time to travel to the Pacific Islands is during the dry season from MAY TO OCTOBER. You will get more sunny days and lower humidity, and cooler evenings,
Peak season runs from June to August with higher prices.
Low season occurs in April, September and October.
I was traveling in March and the weather was mostly wet.
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