Gizane Campos
The secret of Vanuatu tourism is out, and an increasing number of travelers are setting aside vacation time to visit the South Pacific archipelago. Compared to well-known destinations in the Pacific like Hawaii and Fiji, information on Vanuatu’s tourism sector is harder to come by, requiring travelers to do a little more research to get the most out of an off-the-beaten-path experience.
Why visit Vanuatu?
Vanuatu is a country that is home to unspoiled beauty and natural attractions. The main island of Espiritu Santo and outer islands offer stunning active volcano landscapes, colorful and well-preserved coral reefs, and unique indigenous cultural experiences.
If you’re drawn to raw nature and aren’t fazed by minimal tourism infrastructure, Vanuatu will offer a break from the usual island getaway. The Vanuatu Tourist Visa requirements allow most foreign nationals to get an electronic tourist visa or tourist visas on arrival, with the option to stay up to 120 days.
How to Get to Vanuatu: Flights and Transport
While it isn’t possible to fly directly to Vanuatu from Europe or North America, four Oceanic hubs offer direct flights to Vanuatu:
- Brisbane, Australia
- Sydney Australia
- Auckland, New Zealand
- Nadi, Fiji
Jetstar Airways departing from Sydney offers the cheapest flights for tourists, citizens, and expats relocating to Vanuatu. There are flights that start at $140 one way. Qantas and Solomon Airlines fly to Bauerfield International Airport (VLI) in Port Vila.
P&O Cruises, Royal Caribbean, and Carnival offer cruises to Vanuatu from Australia and New Zealand. The cruise ships typically dock in Port Vila or Luganville and other islands in the South Pacific.
Must-Do Activities and Experiences
Observe Naghol (land diving)
Attending a land diving ritual is one of the most unique things to do in Vanuatu and the entire Pacific region. The land diving ceremony, known locally as Naghol, takes place on Pentecost Island. The island’s locals perform the unique ancient culture from April to June, featuring men jumping from 20 to 30-meter-high wooden towers with tree vines wrapped around their ankles.
Hike Mount Yasur
Mount Yasur is one of the most accessible volcanic areas in Vanuatu. A guided hiking tour of the active volcano reveals its mythological significance, as many local Melanesians worship John Frum, an American WWII serviceman thought to live inside the mountain.
Explore SS President Coolidge
The SS President Coolidge is a WWII-era shipwreck off the coast of Espiritu Santo. This war relic is the world’s largest shipwreck accessible by diving and is famous for its ‘barber’s chair’ and coral-laden guns. Scuba diving tours take divers to depths of 20 to 70 meters, where you can explore the ship’s remnants, as well as marine animals like reef fish, leopard sharks, and giant clams.
Where to Stay: Hotels and Resorts
Erakor Island Resort & Spa: A luxury retreat established on its own island, just a few minutes by boat taxi from downtown Port Vila. It offers ultimate peace and tranquility, with private beach access, spa services, and high-end dining.
Hideaway Island Resort: A boutique island resort on a private island owned by Mele villagers. It sits within a protected marine reserve and offers daily snorkeling and access to a famous underwater post office.
White Grass Ocean Resort: A budget-friendly resort near Mount Yasur. Ideal launching sport for volcano trekking and visiting Kastom villages.
Ranwas Guest House: An authentic guest house on the south coast of Pentecost Island, close to Ambrym Island, Vanuatu. It is run by local landowners, who offer an immersive local experience. The village guest house is surrounded by nature, and guests enjoy daily interactions with the indigenous population.
Best Time to Visit Vanuatu
Between May and October is the ideal time to visit Vanuatu, which is the country’s dry season. These months are cooler and less humid, with minimal rainfall.
The cyclone season runs from November to April, during which time the island can experience tropical storms, heavy rain, and other adverse weather conditions that can disrupt a vacation.
If you’re traveling for cultural experiences, arriving between April and June will align with the Naghol (land diving) ceremony on Pentecost Island. The Fanla Festival and Rom Dancing takes place in July on Ambrym Island.
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Vanuatu Travel Tips and Essentials
Getting around Vanuatu
The best way to move around Vanuatu depends on which island you’re on. If you’re staying in Port Vila, local taxis are reliable and cheap for traveling around the city.
A rental car is convenient for visiting other areas of Espiritu Santo island, and it can be secured for as little as VUV 10,000 ($80) per day through companies like Island Car Rentals Vanuatu, World Car Rentals Vanuatu, and Hertz.
Travel between the archipelago’s 80-plus islands is essential. The main domestic carrier is Air Vanuatu, which flies across 19 different islands. Vanuatu Ferry Ltd offers ferry services, which provide a vital and scenic option for island-to-island travel.
Visa requirements
Vanuatu visa requirements allow most foreign nationals from North America and Europe to enter without a regular visa by obtaining a visa on arrival or an eVisa. Travelers must present a valid passport to Vanuatu immigration officials, who may also ask for proof of accommodation and an onward ticket.
Vanuatu Permanent Residency Visa holders and citizens with a Vanuatu passport do not need a visa to travel to Vanuatu.
Safety
Regarding safety in Vanuatu, the US Department of State assigned a travel advisory of “Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions”, signaling that it is generally safe for US citizens. Of course, visitors should stay vigilant for petty crimes like theft, especially in isolated locations away from tourist areas.
Visitors should have travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage, as Vanuatu’s healthcare services are basic. The already limited emergency services can be disrupted and local authorities with shut down domestic flights if a natural disaster occurs.
Culture and customs
Vanuatu’s culture is derived from Kastom Melanesian culture, which influences the daily lives, social structures, and celebrations of Ni-Vanuatu people. Rituals and spiritual ceremonies are core to the country’s cultural identity.
The three official languages in Vanuatu are English, French, and Bislama; however, Ni-Vanuatu people speak 138 indigenous Oceanic languages.
The Vanuatu government opted to ban same-sex marriages when it amended the Marriage Act in 2024, reflecting the country’s conservative social values. Nevertheless, same-sex relations are legal, and LGBTQ+ travelers and foreign residents are generally safe, provided they avoid public displays of affection.
Money-saving tips
- Travel in the off-peak season: Hotels and guest houses charge lower rates in the off-peak season, while flight prices tend to be cheaper.
- Rent a car: Renting a vehicle is more budget-friendly for travelers who plan to stay in Vanuatu for two weeks or longer.
- Eat local: Local eateries in Vanuatu can be found in social spaces known as nakamals. These are traditionally community centers that often double as restaurants that serve cheap local cuisine.
- Buy a local SIM card: Vanuatu’s isolated location in the South Pacific results in high roaming charges. Vodafone Vanuatu offers a 14-day 2GB travel sim pack for 2GB for VUV 1,000 ($8).
Frequently Asked Questions about Tourism in Vanuatu
Is Vanuatu worth visiting for tourists?
Vanuatu is one of the best destinations for family vacations, honeymooners, and those seeking outdoor nature and relaxation. It is a tropical paradise with stunning landscapes, biodiversity, and culture.
Does Vanuatu have tourism?
Though tourism infrastructure is limited, Vanuatu’s natural and unique attractions, such as Naghol land diving ceremonies, Mount Yasur, and private island resorts, are some of its major exports, which draw thousands of foreign visitors annually.
What are the cons of Vanuatu?
Getting to Vanuatu takes a lot more effort than traveling to popular tourist destinations like Thailand, where many travelers require two or even three flights. Additionally, Vanuatu’s geographic location places it in what locals call the “Ring of Fire“, an area prone to natural disasters caused by volcanic activity.
Do I need malaria tablets for Vanuatu?
Malaria is present throughout Vanuatu, so it’s advised to take anti-malaria tablets when traveling there. You can find pharmacies in Port Vila and other central areas that stock anti-malaria medication.
Is it expensive to visit Vanuatu?
Due to the limited infrastructure, Vanuatu is relatively expensive to visit. Its isolation means airfare tends to be more expensive, and the scarcity of accommodation drives average prices above those of popular destinations. However, its high ranking for tax optimization in the Global Citizen Solutions Global Residency and Citizenship by Investment Report suggests that prices for many goods and services are lower than in many countries.
How do I get to Vanuatu from the US?
There are several ways to get to Vanuatu from the United States. The most common way is to fly from Los Angeles to Sydney, Australia, where you can directly fly to Port Vila. Another option is Nadi, Fiji, or Auckland, New Zealand, both of which serve airlines that offer direct flights to Vanuatu.
What is the best currency to use in Vanuatu?
The best currency to use in Vanuatu is the Vanuatu Vatu (VUV or VT), the country’s official currency. Some hotels and larger businesses may accept major foreign currencies like US dollars or Australian dollars, but it’s advised to bring local currency or exchange foreign currency at currency exchanges or banks in Vanuatu.
How to get between islands in Vanuatu?
Vanuatu Ferry and Big Sista are passenger boats that offer regular ferry services between Port Vila and Luganville, with a stop in Malekula. Air Vanuatu connects 26 airports across 19 different islands.
