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.
Vanuatu is focused on sustainable tourism, with a strong push toward smaller-scale travel that benefits local villages. The country has already become a popular tourist destination among Australians. This guide provides an overview of what to expect when planning a visit to Vanuatu, from entry requirements and how to get there, to the best islands to visit and must-see attractions.
Tourism in Vanuatu: Key Takeaways
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.
The Vanuatu Department of Tourism official website provides clear guidelines on visiting the island safely. Paul Pio, the country’s Director of Tourism, mentioned that the Department of Tourism website provides information about government policies, regulations, procedures, and laws that affect tourism. Information also includes how tourism is structured to avoid impacting the country’s natural environment and cultural heritage.
How Vanuatu Supports Sustainable Tourism
The Vanuatu government has placed a large emphasis on sustainable tourism by making community-based experiences the focus, protecting the environment, and limiting the scale of new developments.
The country is trying to move away from mass tourism that would swamp its islands and instead promote smaller-scale travel that puts money directly into the pockets of local villages through cultural tours, locally owned Vanuatu hotels, and traditional activities you can’t find anywhere else.
Conservation is a top priority too, with authorities like the Vanuatu Department of Tourism working to protect the coral reefs, wildlife, and natural landmarks that make the place special. The government also encourages visitors and businesses to adopt more eco-friendly practices.
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’s one of the few hotels in Vanuatu that 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.
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).
Is Vanuatu a popular vacation destination for Australians?
Vanuatu is still a bit of a secret to most of the world, but not to most Australians. Australians have already discovered Vanuatu’s niche qualities, which have made it a popular quick island break and a cruise stop.
Many Australian travelers get a taste of Vanuatu on Pacific cruises and spend just a day or so in places like Port Vila, the capital. Those who stick around a bit longer are drawn to the island nation’s natural scenery, laid-back vibe, and the super-friendly locals. Australians make up the predominant number of visitors to attractions like Blue Lagoon, Mount Yasur on Tanna Island, and the SS Coolidge wreck.
Vanuatu is often knocked for being pricey and less developed than other destinations Australians like Thailand and Bali, which keeps it under the radar, but overall, many Australian visitors speak highly of its peacefulness and less commercialized tourism.
