Gizane Campos
Of all island nations in the South Pacific Ocean, Vanuatu stands out for its unique blend of natural beauty, Melanesian culture, and thrills and relaxation.
There are many incredible things to do in Vanuatu, from exploring active volcanoes like Mount Yasur and marveling at the Blue Cave to experiencing traditional villages like Ekasup Village and snorkeling through the Hideaway Island Marine Reserve.
The Best 16 Things to Do in Vanuatu
1. Cool off at Mele Cascades
Mele Cascades is a stunning natural waterfall just 15 minutes from Port Vila on Efate. Local owners manage the site’s aqua pools and waterfalls.
Visitors to this tropical paradise should be relatively fit and dress accordingly to explore the falls and the surrounding jungle.
Reaching the top of the falls takes 20 minutes, and rope swings are available for daredevils. Most travelers spend two to three hours at the site.
2. Hike Mount Yasur
Tanna Island is home to several of the top things to do in Vanuatu, and a guided hiking tour of the accessible active volcano of Mount Yasur is one of them.
Beyond its geological attributes, the mountain is steeped in mythological significance, with many local Melanesians worshiping John Frum, an American WWII serviceman believed to live inside the mountain.
Tourists can take a half-day tour from island hotels to hike up the accessible active volcano and witness the molten lava at the crater’s edge.
3. Boat your way to Hideaway Island Marine Reserve
Just a 20-minute boat trip from Port Vila, Hideaway Island Marine Reserve is a small rocky islet offering a serene getaway from city life.
The reserve’s pristine cay and crystal-clear waters are the best way to disconnect and enjoy the country’s natural beauty.
Despite its size, the island has a restaurant that serves mouthwatering local cuisine and is unique for housing the world’s sole underwater post office, three meters underwater.
4. Experience cultural traditions in Ekasup Village
Located a mere 10-minute drive from Port Vila, Ekasup Village provides a unique and informative experience with insights into ancient Melanesian methods like game trapping, natural remedies, and sand drawing.
Whether visiting or relocating to Vanuatu permanently, visiting Ekasup Cultural Village is a valuable opportunity to connect with the island’s cultural heritage.
Blue Lagoon by Eton Beach on Efate Island is a natural swimming hole with calm turquoise water.
One of the most unique things to do in Vanuatu is to witness a land diving ceremony on Pentecost Island.
The Port Vila Market is a great place to taste authentic Vanuatu cuisine and visiting it is one of the best things to do in Port Vila.
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Often likened to a painting, the Nanda Blue Hole is a breathtaking natural wonder many consider one of the most beautiful places in Vanuatu.
Even as a small tropical paradise, Vanuatu’s largest island, Espiritu Santo, features well-maintained roads that wind through the island’s stunning landscapes.
Millennium Cave, a natural wonder and one of the primary tourist attractions in Vanuatu, is located on Santo Island.
The Kava Discovery Tour, offered by The Kava House in Mele, Port Vila, allows visitors to uncover the secrets of the beverage and experience Vanuatu’s unique approach to it. Kava, a traditional South Pacific drink made from the root of the kava plant, is a cornerstone of social and ceremonial life in Vanuatu.
Visiting Million Dollar Point on Espiritu Santo is a great way to see Vanuatu’s wartime history and have an underwater adventure. This site was named Million Dollar Point because of the value of the equipment left behind after World War II. The dramatic underwater landscape is littered with military equipment, trucks, tanks, and aircraft.Take a look at our Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment Ultimate Guide
When should I go to Vanuatu?
When to visit Vanuatu varies from person to person. For budget travelers seeking the cheapest accommodation and airfare, the best time to visit Vanuatu is outside during the low season, typically February to June and October to November.
To experience ideal weather conditions, consider visiting outside the wet season, running from November to April, which would be the best option. The wet season coincides with cyclone season, which can intensify adverse weather conditions.
You’ll have to visit between April and June for unique cultural experiences like witnessing a Nangol (land diving) ceremony.
Understanding Vanuatu taxes is essential for investors seeking citizenship benefits.
Is it easy to get in and around Vanuatu?
Getting to and around Vanuatu is relatively easy, but it depends on where you are coming from and what you plan to do within the islands. Flights to Vanuatu come in from Australia, New Zealand, and other Pacific islands, and Bauerfield International Airport (VLI) in Port Vila is the main entry point.
Once in Vanuatu, getting around the main islands of Efate, Espiritu Santo, and Tanna is easy with domestic flights, taxis, rental cars, and local buses (minivans that don’t have fixed routes but are affordable and used by locals).
Exploring remote islands like Ambrym Island can be tricky due to sparse populations and limited infrastructure. Urban areas have basic transport options, and more remote islands will require small boats or 4WD vehicles to get around rough terrain.
Inter-island travel requires domestic flights or ferries, though ferry schedules can be irregular. Companies like Vanuatu Ferry Ltd offer island-to-island ferry travel.
Frequently Asked Questions about Fun Things to Do in Vanuatu
Is Vanuatu worth visiting?
This South Pacific archipelago of Vanuatu offers stunning natural beauty, from isolated beaches, crystal-clear lagoons, and blue holes to numerous caves, volcanic mountains, and eco-tours. If you wondering Is Vanuatu safe? Vanuatu is one of the safe South Pacific countries, allowing foreigners to move around freely, so it’s definitely worth a visit.
What to do in Vanuatu at night?
Attending the Beach Bar Friday Night Show at The Beach Bar in Mele, Port Vila, is one of the best things to do in Nauru at night. Every Friday night around 6 p.m., the beach comes alive with contemporary dance and fire dancing.
Is Fiji or Vanuatu better?
With fewer tourists and commercial activity, Vanuatu offers a more off-the-beaten-path experience than Fiji for travelers seeking a quieter and more authentic escape. While Fiji is renowned for its luxury resorts and well-developed tourism infrastructure, Vanuatu provides a more intimate connection with nature and local culture, with smaller crowds less populated destinations like the Banks Islands.
How many days do you need in Vanuatu?
If you’re in search of a hassle-free family holiday or solo Vanuatu vacation, a week-long stay at a Port Vila resort is generally enough. However, the added travel considerations to visit and stay on other Vanuatu islands like the Banks Islands would require a few more days to explore and get the most from the experience.
What are the best hiking trails in Vanuatu for nature lovers?
Vanuatu’s best destinations for hiking include:
- Mount Marou in Nguna
- Mount Garet in Gaua
- Manbush Trail in Malekula
- Benbow Volcano in Ambrym
- Mount Tabwemasana in Santo
What is Vanuatu best known for?
Vanuatu is best known for its authentic indigenous culture, particularly land diving, which is a deeply spiritual and cultural tradition and the predecessor to modern-day bungee jumping.
How much money do I need for Vanuatu?
How much money you need when visiting Vanuatu depends on the type of traveler you are. If you’re a budget traveler, you can budget about $50 to $100 per day, covering low-cost accommodation, food, transport, and cheap activities. Luxury travelers would need a budget of at least $250 daily to stay in luxury accommodations and partake in luxury activities like yacht rental. The cost of living in Vanuatu is quite high compared to other South Pacific islands.
What is Vanuatu's traditional food?
Vanuatu’s national dish is Lap Lap, a baked pudding made with root vegetables like grated yam and manioc or taro, and banana. The ingredients are mixed with coconut milk and salt, and wrapped in banana leaves.
Is it safe to walk around Vanuatu?
Vanuatu is generally safe, and there is not much to worry about when walking around popular areas like Port Vila and Luganville. Vanuatuans are friendly and welcoming to foreign visitors, and crime rates are relatively low. That said, taking common-sense precautions such as avoiding walking alone at night and staying aware of your surroundings is advised.
