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1. Port Vila Full Day Tour - Experience the Real Vanuatu

2. Full-Day Vanuatu Round Island Tour from Port Vila

3. Hideaway Island Escape, Blue Lagoon and Turtle Experience

4. Half Day Tour in Blue Lagoon and Eden

5. Full-Day Vanuatu Cultural, Blue Lagoon & Eden On The River Tour

6. Discover Cascades & Turtle Experience with Yumi Tours

7. Vanuatu Buggy Adventure with Yumi Tours

8. Port Vila Sunset Harbour Cruise

9. Vanuatu Skybridge

10. Vanuatu Jungle - The Big Zipline Trek Tour from Port Vila

11. Hideaway Island Combo Day Trip with Yumi Tours

12. Private Daily Mini Van Hire Including Tour Guide

13. Coongoola Full Day Cruise Including Moso Island and Snorkeling in Vanuatu

14. Small Group River Kayaking Tour from Port Vila

15. Turtle Encounter with Yumi Tours

16. Full-Day Efate Round Island Trip with Yumi Tours

17. Adventure Quad Combo Excursion with Yumi Tours

18. Blue Lagoon & Eden on the River - Half Day Trip with Yumi Tours

19. Two Hour Port Vila Town Tour with Pick up included

20. Glass Bottom Boat tour and Snorkelling Adventure - Port Vila

21. Cultural Experience & Blue Lagoon with Yumi Tours

22. Horse Riding in Port Vila with Yumi Tours

23. 83 Islands Distillery & Sightseeing of Port Vila with Yumi Tours

24. Eden's Island Cooking Experience

25. Vanuatu Jungle Zipline, Swing and Skybridge Combo with Transfer

26. Full-Day Private Tour to Yakel Village, Waterfall and Mt Yasur Volcano

27. Mt. Yasur Volcano full day Tour including blue Cave

28. Mt Yasur Volcano Afternoon Guided Tour Tanna Island

29. Bridges of Eden: Guided tour including swimming in the river

30. Full-Day Chief Roi Mata Domain, Artok Island and Rainforest Tour of Vanuatu

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Vanuatu itinerary: How to Spend 12 Days in Vanuatu

Looking for Vanuatu itinerary ideas ? What to do in Vanuatu? Where to stay in Tanna? What to see in Espiritu Santo? How long to spend in Vanuatu to see all the major sites? I was backpacking Vanuatu in April, during the time, known as the land diving ritual. And spending 12 days in this South Pacific Island is just the perfect amount of time to get the taste of the Happiest Place in the World . Find out how in my Vanuatu itinerary below.

🇻🇺 If you have been wondering “What is Anja’s favorite part of Vanuatu?”, you will find the answer hidden in the blog.

Vanuatu itinerary

In a bit more than 1 week in Vanuatu, you will see all the major sites . From Efate to Tanna, to Pentecost and Espiritu Santo. From Yakel Kastom tribe to land diving ritual . Inside this Vanuatu travel guide , you will find a perfect blend of culture and nature, sleep in tree houses, try tons of delicious food, hike an active volcano , dive among the shipwrecks, and see where bungee jumping comes from. All of it in less than 2 weeks in Vanuatu itinerary . From perfect Champagne beach and blue holes to volcanic landscapes under Mount Yasur. This is the Vanuatu itinerary , I used when celebrating my birthday in Vanuatu. This perfect Vanuatu itinerary will detail how to spend twelve days in Vanuatu , to make your trip memorable, cross off some bucket list items, and be full of exciting stories to tell.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Plan to spend at least a week in Vanuatu, but if time permits, reserve 10 days in Vanuatu to have enough time to include different islands in your Vanuatu itinerary.
• Visit and feel the difference between islands Efate – more developed, touristic, and ‘Western’, Tanna – adventurous and cultural, Espiritu Santo – laid back, beach and tropical vibes.
• Include must-do things; such as visiting the market in Port Vila, Mount Yasur volcano hike and kastom village visit on Tanna, swimming in Blue Holes, and snorkeling on Million Dollar Point on Santo.
• Indulge in delicious food, a mixture of local produce and French cuisine.
• If traveling to Vanuatu between April and June, don’t miss the opportunity to go on a Nagol or Land diving tour on Pentecost Island and witness the centuries-old tradition that inspired modern bungee jumping.

for ITINERARY idea: • Vanuatu itinerary: How to Spend 12 Days in Vanuatu for Vanuatu TRAVEL TIPS: • Vanuatu Cost of Travel and Detailed Budget Breakdown • Ultimate traveler safety guide: What to do during an earthquake • Epic Nagol Land Diving Pentecost Island Tour: Vanuatu Bungee Jumping for ACCOMMODATION suggestions: • for CAPTION IDEAS: • 111 Beautiful Vanuatu Captions For Instagram

for HALF DAY in … ITINERARY ideas: • Grand Canyon in half day: How to spend half day at Grand Canyon South Rim for 1 DAY or 24h in … ITINERARY ideas: • Best One Day in Amman Itinerary: How To Spend 24h in Amman • How to get from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon by car – One day road trip itinerary for multiple days ITINERARY ideas: • Dubai itinerary: How to spend 5 days in Dubai • Vanuatu itinerary: How to Spend 12 Days in Vanuatu • Zanzibar itinerary: How to spend 12 days in Zanzibar • Japan itinerary: How to spend 17 days in Japan

Table of Contents

Disclosure: This twelve days Vanuatu itinerary article may contain affiliate links. If you click it and buy something you like, I’ll earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you! Read more in  Disclaimer .

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1. Breakdown of 12-day Vanuatu travel itinerary

This is a semi-relaxed itinerary for Vanuatu . If you are the type of person who only enjoys spending time by the pool or on a beach, then this is not for you. The Vanuatu itinerary below offers active days and a steady pace to explore different Vanuatu islands . It is the original itinerary for Vanuatu that I was supposed to follow. Due to some tour rescheduling and flight cancellations, my Vanuatu itinerary was modified accordingly. The itinerary offers a combination of sightseeing days , day trips , and days to relax . There are days when you can add more activities or swap sightseeing days on the same island. Following this Vanuatu blog, you will get enough time to learn about Vanuatu’s history , experience its culture, swim on different beaches, climb a volcano, and enjoy delicious food.

How many days do you need in Vanuatu? For your first visit to Vanuatu , I would recommend doing a similar route as described below. And you can even do the suggested itinerary if you are only spending 10 days in Vanuatu . You will see all the major Vanuatu bucket list items. But for the adventurers, you can add some more islands, like Ambrym, to your Vanuatu trip.  I would recommend starting your itinerary on Efate Island and staying somewhere close to Port Vila (4 nights). If visiting between April and June, go on a day tour to Pentecost Island on one of those days. Then fly to Tanna Island (3 nights) and your last stop will be Espiritu Santo Island (4 nights). Fly out from Santo directly or via Efate.

SHORT VANUATU ITINERARY OVERVIEW: Day 1: Arrival in Vanuatu and transfer to Port Vila Day 2: Port Villa, Mele Cascades, and underwater Post office Day 3: Day tour to Pentecost Island Day 4: Tour around Efate island Day 5: Fly to Tanna and transfer to Yasur volcano Day 6: Kastom village Day 7: Mount Yasur volcano tour Day 8: Fly to Espiritu Santo and transfer to Luganville Day 9: Luganville and Millenium cave Day 10: Million dollar point and Blue holes Day 11: Port Orly and Champagne Beach Day 12: Espiritu Santo and departure

Here is how Vanuatu itinerary island hopping looks on a map!

2. Be st time to visit Vanuatu

The Vanuatu archipelago (formerly called the New Hebrides ) consists of more than 80 islands forming an irregular Y shape on the Pacific Ring of Fire . They are in a similar latitude as Fiji, and thanks to the tropical climate, the weather is generally good to visit Vanuatu all year round . There are two distinctive seasons in Vanuatu, dry season and wet season. Choosing when to visit Vanuatu will depend on a personal preference, but prices and the number of tourists will be higher during the Australian school holidays. Below are some general factors you should consider when planning your Vanuatu itinerary.

The best time to visit Vanuatu is during the dry season between April and October. In these months the weather is warm and sunny, with minimal rainfall and less humidity. Months from April to June are shoulder season months that offer a perfect balance of good weather and fewer crowds. This period is ideal for outdoor activities, water adventures, and are great for anyone wanting to experience the Nagol Land Diving Ritual . I visited Vanuatu in April.

July to September have a bit cooler temperatures and are great for anyone who wants to spend their Vanuatu holiday exploring the underwater worlds with diving or snorkeling . This is a peak tourist season , with higher prices and more crowds as it coincides with the Australian school holidays. In October the temperatures start to rise but the month still offers good weather for outdoor activities. October marks the end of the dry season and sees fewer crowds. November to March is “wet season”. This also happens to be the cyclone season in Vanuatu , although cyclones can happen at any time. December to February are the quietest months with fewer tourists, while there might be more crowds during Christmas and New Year . Months from January to March are the wettest period with increased humidity and more frequent rain and cyclones.

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3. How to get to Vanuatu

There are two ways on how to get to Vanuatu islands, by plane or by cruise ship .

• HOW TO GET TO VANUATU FROM AUSTRALIA The easiest way is to get to Vanuatu from Australia and the Pacific region . Vanuatu National Airline, Air Vanuatu , offers direct flights from Sydney, Melbourne, Auckland and Brisbane. They fly to Port Villa on Efate Island and Luganville on Espiritu Santo. Check I want that flight since they usually have great packages to Vanuatu from Sydney. I flew to Bauerfield International Airport (VLI) in Port Vila from Brisbane Airport and then boarded another Air Vanuatu flight to Nadi in Fiji. You can also visit Vanuatu by going on a cruise or renting a yacht . A lot of cruise lines go to Vanuatu, from P&O, Carnival, Celebrity Cruises to Royal Caribbean Cruises, MCS Cruises, and Norwegian Cruise Line. When booking a cruise to Vanuatu , make sure you dock in Port Villa and preferably on Espiritu Santo Island. To visit the famous Champagne beach.
• HOW TO GET TO VANUATU FROM USA The best way to travel to Vanuatu from the USA is by air by major international airlines , such as Air New Zealand, Qantas, and Fiji Airways, with layovers in cities like Auckland, Sydney , or Nadi .
• HOW TO GET TO VANUATU FROM EUROPE The most optimal way to travel to Vanuatu from Europe is via Australia or New Zealand , with major airlines like Qantas, or Qatar. There are also some routes available to fly via Asia, like Singapore or Hong Kong, and then to Fiji and Vanuatu.

4. How to save money when planning a Vanuatu itinerary

Do you want to travel more and spend less ? I have created a list of Vanuatu travel resources for you. This is a collection of the best travel resources when it comes to transportation, accommodation, travel insurance, and more.

All of these are products that I personally use and recommend to others. Choosing the best travel resources from the beginning will save you time and money . Trust me, by using these travel resources, you will be able to travel further than you ever imagined.

5. Things to know before visiting Vanuatu

• VANUATU VISA For visiting islands in the Vanuatu archipelago, you will need a tourist visa . For most countries, you can get a visa on arrival , with some exceptions. Find if you hold a passport of the country that gets Vanuatu tourist visa on arrival, or if you are the one that needs to apply for a visitors visa. Learn more about Vanuatu visa on official Vanuatu website.
• SAFETY: Cyclones, Earthquakes, Tsunamis and Volcanoes Cyclone season in Vanuatu is from November to April. If there is a cyclone alert while there, follow the National Disaster Management Office and Vanuatu Meteorological and Geo-Hazards Department advice. Vanuatu lies on the Pacific Ring of Fire so earthquakes occur regularly. Read the traveler safety guide on staying safe during an earthquake . Tsunamis often happens, after an earthquake. There is a tsunami warning system in Port Villa and Santo. In the event of warning sirens, leave everything behind, move to higher ground, and follow the local authorities’ advice. There are several active volcanoes in Vanuatu , and you will probably visit one of them, Mt. Yasur volcano on Tanna Island. Follow the advice of the local guide when visiting them and check the latest volcanic activity advice on Vanuatu Meteorological and Geo-Hazards Department website. 

• VACCINATIONS There are no obligatory vaccinations for Vanuatu. There are recommended ones from the World Health Organisation (WHO) but consult your doctor before your visit. Recommended vaccines are hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza. Have a look at the recommended Vanuatu vaccines here.
• MALARIA, DENGUE and ZIKA Malaria, Dengue, and Zika all occur in Vanuatu. Malaria is more common in the northern regions , but the risk is present on all islands. Including the main island Efate and the capital Port Vila. High-risk months for malaria are from November to April, which are also the wettest months. Consult with your doctor about taking anti-malaria medication if you’re traveling to affected areas. Dengue and Zika virus can occur anywhere in Vanuatu . Peak transmission months are in the rainy season, from November to April. To prevent mosquito bites , use mosquito bite prevention measures: – ensure your accommodation has mosquito nets; – use an insect repellent with 20%-30% DEET or 20% Picaridin; – wear neutral-coloured (beige, light grey) clothing and long sleeves at dusk and at night; – apply sunscreen first followed by the repellent (preferably 20 minutes later).
• MONEY Vanuatu’s currency is the Vanuatu Vatu (VUV or V) . In Port Vila and some resorts, you can use credit cards but with a 5% surcharge. When withdrawing money from the ATM, take out as much as possible to ‘lower’ the withdrawal charges. If visiting other islands and going outside Port Vila, always bring enough cash with you. There are no ATMs on Tanna Island, some on Espiritu Santo, and more on Efate Island. There is no bargaining at markets and tipping is not necessary. Tourist attractions are located on privately owned lands (like in Fiji and Samoa) and you will need to pay an entrance fee to visit them. If you are flying between the islands, a 200 VUV departure tax must be paid in cash at the airport before boarding your domestic flight .

• TRAVEL INSURANCE Make sure to purchase travel insurance before your travel. Medical facilities are limited on the outer islands. If you get injured while hiking the volcano, or get ill because of the mosquito bite, chances are high you will need to get evacuated. Without travel insurance, this can be REALLY expensive. Buy one from your home country provider or find the best option with Safety Wing . In case you forgot, with Safety Wing you can get one when already abroad!
• SAFETY TIPS Is Vanuatu safe? Vanuatu is safe , even for solo female travelers , but it still doesn’t hurt to use common sense. Don’t flash your valuables. Don’t walk alone after dark.
• DRESS CODE Majority of the population is Christian . You should dress modestly, and wear clothes that cover shoulders and knees. Wearing a bikini on a beach is perfectly fine. Wear breathable, light clothing at dusk and down because of the mosquitos.

6. Twelve days in Vanuatu itinerary

Day 1: arrival to vanuatu and transfer to port vila.

Arrive in Vanuatu. Start your Vanuatu itinerary by flying into Vanuatu. You will most probably land at the Bauerfield International Airport on Efate Island. The airport is close to the capital Port Vila and easily accessible by public transport. After clearing any formalities, take a moment to exchange some currency to Vanuatu Vatu or withdraw cash from the ATMs available. Just a small amount to have it ready for the bus or taxi. You can exchange the rest of it in a bank in Port Vila.

PRO TIP If you plan to visit the outer islands and areas outside the main city, always carry some local currency on hand. They might not have ATMs or won’t accept Credit Cards.

My flight from Brisbane , Australia, to Port Vila, Vanuatu, should have arrived around 9 pm but it was delayed. Luckily I booked a private driver to pick me up before I landed. To be safe and stress-free which turned out to be an amazing decision. Later on, I found out that one of the Vanuatu leaders passed away and was transported back to the country on the same plane I was on. So there were no taxi drivers, busses or other transport options at the airport. Because of the repatriation ceremony, the usual 15-20 minute ride from the airport to Port Vila , took us a little bit more than an hour. Technically this should not even count as a day in Vanuatu itinerary. But if your plane arrives early, you will have more time to explore Vanuatu’s capital Port Vila.

Where to stay in Port Vila, Efate Island: The place where I stayed (Raynold’s Board and Lodge), close to Vanuatu National Museum, stopped renting rooms. Instead, look at some other accommodation options in Port Vila. • South Pacific Memories has cute bungalows, breakfast included in the price, free bikes and private parking; • In Breakas Beach Resort you can swim in their infinity pool or on a private beach, indulge in great food, and stay only 5 min drive away from Port Vila; • By booking Ramada Resort by Wyndham Port Vila you will sleep in a beachfront resort with a private beach and outdoor swimming pool.

WANT MORE OPTIONS? Visit this page to see all available Port Vila accommodations to book online.

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DAY 2: Port Villa, Mele Cascades, and underwater Post office on Hideaway Island

Start your first official day in Vanuatu exploring the capital Port Vila and its surroundings. I started my morning nowhere else than at the Port Vila Central Market . This is the largest market in Vanuatu, selling fresh fruits, vegetables, snacks, and traditional handicrafts. The market is open every day . All day during weekdays and in the morning on Sundays. If your accommodation is not serving breakfast, this is a great place to fill up your stomach . I do not exaggerate telling you that I saw papayas bigger than my hand and had the most delicious avocados for breakfast. I love markets because they are a perfect place to engage with friendly locals, sample fresh tropical fruits, and get a boost of dopamine from scents, smells, and sounds.

After the market catch a transport from Port Vila to Mele Cascades . The cost of the ride is acceptable VT300 (4 AUD/2,3 EUR), for a 10 km ride. But the entrance fee to the evergreen Cascades Waterfall is a tourist rip-off . I’m more than happy to support local communities but VT2000 (25 AUD/15 EUR) is a bit too much.

I was really excited to see the 35-meter Evergreen Cascades Waterfall . I mean, I came all the way there to see it. But locals at my guesthouse were saying the price was too high, and not worth it. And I heard the same from tourists coming out from the Mele Cascades.  So, I had the full intent to go inside and was there, but didn’t go inside . It just didn’t feel right plus I didn’t have water shoes, and the place was crowded. Since there were people on organized tours to the Mele Cascades . I’m not regretting it since we have plenty of waterfalls in Slovenia.

After your Mele Cascades adventure, head to Hideaway Island . Visiting Hideaway Island is one of the top things to do in Vanuatu. Close to the shore of the island, you will find the only underwater post office in the world . The entrance fee is VT1500 (18 AUD/11,5 EUR) and you can send a postcard from it for VT400 (5 AUD/3 EUR). Since I didn’t visit the Mele Cascades, I returned to Port Vila just in time to visit the Vanuatu National Museum. There is a VT1000 (13 AUD/8 EUR) entrance fee for an educational visit where you learn all about traditional Vanuatu sand drawings and instruments. After your sightseeing day, have dinner in one of the resorts on the beachfront, or go to Iririki Island. I had a homecooked dinner at the guesthouse , where the lady prepared a traditional Vanuatu dinner with pork, yam, and taro. It was delicious.

ALSO READ: • Vanuatu Cost of Travel and Detailed Budget Breakdown

DAY 3: Nagol land diving Pentecost Island tour

If you want to experience something adventurous, historical, jaw-dropping, and traditional, go on Nagol Land diving tour . I can GUARANTEE you, you will not regret it! Seeing Nagol (Nahgol, N’gol, Nangol, Nanggol) or land diving ritual was one of my bucket list activities and the main reason why I came to Vanuatu. The day tour to Pentecost was supposed to be later on in my Vanuatu itinerary. But the weather did its thing. At first tour was canceled and later I got a spot to do it a few days earlier. 

DON’T FORGET Pentecost Island day tours run from Port Vila . If this is also on your travel bucket list, be flexible with the rest of your Vanuatu itinerary.

I went to Pentecost with Air Taxi Vanuatu . The tour lasts for 8 hours and it starts with a pick-up from your Port Vila hotel. From Port Vila airport, you fly in a small aircraft 200 km north to Pentecost Island. They run on Wednesdays and Saturdays, from April to June . On Pentecost, the transfer is waiting to take you to one of the villages on the south of the island. There you are free to walk in the village. The highlight of the tour is seeing young men jumping off the wooden tower with only lianas attached to their ankles, as part of the Naghol or Land diving ritual. Before you return to Port Vila on a scenic flight, you are served lunch in a village. Tour is not the cheapest, VT53,000 (640 AUD/390 EUR) but it is worth every Dollar, Euro or Vanuatu vatu. An unforgettable lifetime experience and one of the best things to do in Vanuatu. If you will still have the energy to explore, go to Iririki Island , just off the coast of Port Vila. There are nice beaches to swim or just relax under the palm trees. I was having dinner with other tourists from the Pentecost Island tour. You can read my Nagol Land diving tour review here or have a look what it was like .

DAY 4: Tour around Efate Island

Another day on the main island of Vanuatu. If you are traveling to Vanuatu with a group or as a couple, you might consider renting a car . I didn’t want to spend another day in Port Vila or rent a car on my own, so I joined an Island tour with BBQ lunch . We visited the Blue Lagoon and Eden on the River , the cultural village and the Turtle sanctuary. There were 4 people on the tour so it didn’t feel too crowded for my taste. Guide was speaking English and French. Tour starts in Port Vila and from there you visit a cultural village . There you learn about the history, life, and customs of Ni-Van people . Stories about cannibalism, how they use spider webbing for fishing, hunting, knowing which fish are poisonous and more.

Then we went to the Blue Lagoon where we had time to swim in crystal clear water. The day of the tour was a no-cruise ship day, so it was a bit quieter. After we went to Eden on the River. Our final stop before going back was a small turtle sanctuary . Some people got to feed them and swim with them but I saw turtles in other places so was not participating in this activity. Island tour is a good half-day tour to break up your day, and perfect if you don’t want to spend the whole day on the beach. Blue Lagoon was the highlight for me.

Tour was fine but I wasn’t that impressed, I would rate it 3.8 out of 5. Probably because I was still under a strong impression from the land diving tour the day before, which was a dream come true and one of my best days in Vanuatu.

ALSO READ: • Epic Nagol Land Diving Pentecost Island Tour: Vanuatu Bungee Jumping

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DAY 5: Fly to Tanna and transfer to Mount Yasur area

Today you are going to visit yet another island in the Vanuatu archipelago . Visiting Tanna and its main attraction Mount Yasur volcano was a second bucket list item on my Vanuatu itinerary. The first one was Naghol land diving , the second one was the Yasur volcano tour and the third one was celebrating my birthday on Champagne beach. Before you get to Tanna, plan to spend here at least 2-3 days . Mount Yasur is an active volcano and one of the world’s most accessible ones as well. If the volcano is too active, or if the weather is bad the tour might get canceled. This happened to me but I planned ahead and was able to do a Volcano hike on my last day on Tanna Island.

Also, make sure you have enough cash with you since ATMs are very limited. Plus if you are staying in some of the bungalows overlooking Mt. Yasur, cash is the way to go and there might not have electricity or accept card payments. Bring snacks and warm clothes . Direct flight from Port Vila to Tanna with Air Vanuatu only takes 40 minutes offering some amazing views during your flight. I’ve had a mid-day flight to Tanna Island White Grass Airport. I took a bus from Port Vila VT 150 (1,8 AUD/1,2 EUR) to the airport.

Now, the next part of Tanna itinerary will depend on where you will stay on the island. Basically, Tanna is a small island and accommodation options are limited. If possible, book yours in advance ! I haven’t and was struggling to book one last minute. You will find resorts on the West side of the island, closer to the airport, and bungalows and tree houses on the East side of the island, around the Mount Yasur area. I was staying in the Mount Yasur area. If you are staying in nicer and more modern accommodations on the West side , you can spend your afternoon snorkeling of visiting one of the blue holes. Great accommodation in that area is White Grass Ocean Resort & Spa offering complimentary Airport Transfers. As mentioned earlier, I stayed in an accommodation with Mt. Yasur view . First, because it was easier to get on a tour, and second because I always wanted to stay in a treehouse and have a front-row view of the volcano. Service is basic , with limited WiFi and electricity. But the experience is genuine and one of a kind.

I have had my transport from the airport to the accommodation arranged with my hotel. I paid VT 4000 (48 AUD/31 EUR) from White Grass Airport on Tanna island to my Mt. Yasur view accommodation. The drive took us around two hours . It was raining heavily and the ‘roads’ were non-existent. It was only me in the car and the driver/accommodation owner stopped at the store so I could buy snacks and water . Trust me, you will need both of those things so stack up! The drive was first through the forest and a bit uphill, but then we started to descend. Along the way, we stopped many times to see the ash plains of Mount Yasur and Tanna coastline. Seeing the black ash-filled landscape, the grounds shaking every now and then was surreal. It felt like landing on Mars.

The closer we were driving to the volcano, the scarier it looked. In some parts, we were able to see the smoke coming out of the ground . The smell of rotten eggs was getting stronger. I was really impatient and too excited to go up. But the volcano was too active that day, and the weather was not nice, so all the tours were canceled . Hopefully tomorrow! After I arrived at the Castle Tree House And Bungalow I got my very own tree house , with a view of the volcano. It was basic but super nice . The view was worth it. I also ordered some dinner and that was it for the night. The night was cold, windy and it rained. I didn’t sleep very well, since I was admiring red lava at every volcano eruption . Magnificent to watch! And frightening. At every eruption, there was a ground shake that was felt even more high up on the tree. Where to stay in Tanna: • White Grass Ocean Resort & Spa on the West Coast of Tanna is close to the airport and offers complimentary airport transfers. They have a private beach, free Wifi, a pool, a spa, and dining options. • Castle Tree House And Bungalow on the East Coast is where I stayed. It is surrounded by lush vegetation and has a homey, traditional feel with a free breakfast. They can help with organizing tours.

WANT MORE OPTIONS? Visit this page to see all available Tanna accommodations to book online.

DAY 6: Melanesian Kastom village

Full day for activities on Tanna Island . Choose between hot springs, going to the beach, ash boarding, visiting a kastom village, volcano tour … It was pouring down with rain, so I was stuck at my accommodation. I was not the happiest since I was planning to do all sorts of activities. But, there was nothing I could do. You can’t fight Mother Nature. The owner of the bungalows said that the tours to the volcano will (again) not operate today. Bad weather and high volcano activity level. Fingers crossed, I might do it tomorrow. Luckily, it cleared up by midday so I could visit a kastom Latapo village close by and paid VT1500 (18 AUD/12 EUR). Bring cash!

Most people visit the Yakel Tribe’s village on the other side of the island. Yakel is also the tribe showcased in the Tanna movie , which I highly recommend watching. It displays kastom traditions on the island, there is (of course) a love story and Mount Yasur Volcano. You can say this is Vanuatu’s version of Romeo and Juliet. Visiting Melanesian Kastom village in Vanuatu will be like stepping back in time . You will be greeted by men, women, and kids wearing traditional clothes, lavalava skirts, nambas, and leaves. Then they will show you their custom traditions. How to use various leaves, how to make a lavalava skirt from hibiscus plants, how to make fire with sticks and dry wood.

You will also see them dancing and singing . Women and men individually and then together. A beautiful site, especially with the Mount Yasur volcano in the background. If you are lucky, they will invite you to come and dance with them. Later they will show you plants they use for food (taro, yam, sweet potato), herbal medicines on-site, and trees surrounding them, including a huge banyan tree. The Kastom village visit lasted for a couple of hours and it was well worth the visit . Back in my accommodation I ordered some dinner and went to bed hoping I will be lucky enough to do the Mount Yasur hike tomorrow.

DAY 7: Mount Yasur volcano hike

Another day reserved for different activities on Tanna . Visiting hot springs, going to the beach, ash boarding, visiting a kastom village, volcano tour, black magic tour … This was my last day on Tanna Island. It was drizzling but I was still happy when I found out that the volcano tours would operate today . Yes! After a lovely lunch, I took a scenic walk through the jungle to get to the entrance of Mount Yasur Volcano Safari . Going through the jungle on ‘local paths’ it would be 15-20 minutes. I took the safer approach and chose the road. It took me around 50 minutes (15 minutes drive). 

Mount Yasur is one of the most easily accessible active volcanoes in the world. It is a 361 m (1184 ft) high volcano, with daily strombolian eruptions recorded since 1774, when it was discovered by Captain James Cook . I decided to go on a twilight tour and paid VT8000 (96 AUD/62 EUR). Volcano tour starts with a special ceremony. Then you are taken on a short jeep ride to the parking spot on the top. Here you can see another amazing location for a post office. After you have to do a moderate hike to the rim of the volcano.

Going on a tour, following the rules of the local guides is paramount. With each eruption the grounds are shaking, there are no handrails to protect you from falling and you have to mind every step. Plus the ash and rotten eggs smell is not helping. Views of the 400 m summit crater are spectacular and the surrounding area is magnificent. Fields and traces of dry lava fields and lush green jungle behind it. We stopped at the viewpoint and waited for the sunset. The tour is filled with adrenaline. Standing on the volcano’s edge, with LOUD eruptions, HORRIBLE smell, ash everywhere you look and flying lava … I am not sure how safe this actually is. It is scary. It is exciting. It is raw. It’s nature.  You can read a whole Mount Yasur volcano hike here with tips for visiting.

Below is one of the eruptions . You can see the sound (ash) wave before the ‘bam’.

I was happy to get the chance and climb an active volcano! But I was also happy to go down . I shouldn’t have to mention, that I was covered in ash ! And I had a buzzing sound in my ears. If you have, bring sunglasses, earplugs and a face mask. Thank me later! I asked my accommodation to pick me up after the end of the tour . It was pitch black dark and didn’t want to get lost. From the volcano tour to accommodation, I paid VT1500 (18 AUD/10 EUR). Was Mount Yasur volcano tour worth it? Absolutely! No doubt about it! It is scary but unforgettable experience! An absolute must to include in Vanuatu itinerary .

MT. YASUR VOLCANO HIKE TIPS • There will be a lot of ash flying around and you will be covered in it. • Bring warm clothes so that you won’t feel bad for them when covered in ash. Plus it gets cold at the top. • Wear sturdy shoes. You are going to the top of an active volcano! • If you are having asthma or breathing problems, bring a mask or something to cover your nose and mouth with. Did I mention the ash? • I was wearing sunglasses because ash was everywhere and my eyes were all in tears trying to take it out. • Bring a water pouch or a bag to protect your phone and camera from the ash. • Explosions are LOUD so bring earplugs. I didn’t have them (no one told me) which resulted in a ringing and buzzing sound for the next few days. • The rotten eggs smell is indescribable. At some eruptions almost makes you gag. So if you have, bring a scented mask or scented tissues. • Don’t forget your headlamp or a torch. • Have baby wipes to wash away the ash when getting back from the volcano.

DAY 8: Fly to Espiritu Santo and transfer to Luganville

Leave Tanna and fly to Espirito Santo , or Santo, the biggest island in Vanuatu. This will be the last leg of your Vanuatu itinerary island hopping . Depending on the day, you might get a direct flight with Air Vanuatu from Tanna to Santo. If not, you will have to switch planes in Port Vila. I started my day bright and early. First, for the transfer from Mt. Yasur to Tanna Airport. I paid VT2500 (30 AUD/20 EUR). My direct flight to Santo was changed, so I had to fly to Efate first and then to Santo. All good, but that meant I had to pay departure tax twice . In Luganville, I got a taxi from the airport to my accommodation and had dinner in a local restaurant. Where to stay on Espiritu Santo: • I stayed at Deco Stop Lodge . At the time they had a dorm room, but since I was the only one there, it was like having a private room. They have a pool, and are a short 10-minute walk from Luganville. They also help you book tours and have bikes for rent available. • Two other great places to stay in Luganville are The Espiritu and Hotel Santo Vanuatu .

🇻🇺 “What is Anja’s favorite part of Vanuatu?” I like seeing Pentecost, but in general, my favorite part of Vanuatu itinerary is Tanna.

WANT MORE OPTIONS? Visit this page to see all available Santo accommodations to book online.

DAY 9: Luganville and Millenium Cave adventure

Sign up for the Millennium cave tour . You will get wet but your day will be full of adventure and this might as well be the best thing to do in Santo. If you can, add it to your Vanuatu itinerary. Money from the tour, VT7500 (90 AUD/57 EUR), goes back to the local villages you will see on the tour. So by going on it, you will actually help the local community . I was hesitant to sign up for the tour at first. But contrary to what people were saying for the Mele Cascades, all the tourists and locals were raving about this one. So I decided to go. It is fun, exciting, and adventurous. You need to be in a physical condition to do it as it is not a moderate hike. You will be walking on slippery surfaces, ascending, descending, walking in cave and more. Harder and more exciting than the Narrows in Zion. Wear shoes and clothes that can get wet (because they will). If you choose to bring a phone, wear a waterproof bag to protect it.

DAY 10: Million dollar point and Blue holes

Espiritu Santo is a mecca for divers , famous for diving the SS President Coolidge . If you are a diver, including Santo in your Vanuatu itinerary is a must. Spend your day checking some must-do things in Santo. Like diving or snorkeling on Million Dollar Point and visiting Blue holes in the afternoon if you have some time and energy left. I rented a bike for the day.

My first stop was Million Dollar Point , which is a must-visit in Santo. The entrance fee is VT500 or AU$5 if you pay in Australian dollars. I don’t dive but I do snorkel. At Million Dollar Point, you can see where Americans dumped millions of dollars worth of equipment at the end of World War II. All the ‘equipment’ is right off the shore. You can see tanks, tops, wheels … I didn’t feel comfortable looking at all of it, so I left rather quickly.

I spend the afternoon cycling exploring and swimming in the Blue Holes. Blue holes are inland natural freshwater springs . They are blue oases in the middle of the tropical jungle, that get their color from the minerals, depth of the blue hole and water purity. I visited three blue holes in Santo : Riri blue hole , Matevulu blue hole and Nanda blue hole or Jackie’s blue hole. There is a VT500 (6 AUD/4 EUR) entrance free for Riri and Matevulu and VT1000 (12 AUD/6 EUR) entrance fee for Nanda Blue Hole.

RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL TIP Colors of the holes are insanely pure and the water is super clean. Let’s keep it that way! At some blue holes, there are showers to wash yourself BEFORE entering the blue hole. Make sure, you don’t use sunscreen, or repellent before jumping in! And if you absolutely have to, try to use natural brands.

My cycling day ended at Nanda Blue hole. I was just too exhausted to bike all the way back to Luganville. So I paid a local to drive me and a bike back to my accommodation.

DAY 11: Port Olry and Champagne Beach

Today you are going to spend a day relaxing on the North of Santo Island . Spend a day on a beach in Port Olry Beach and visit one of the best beaches in the world, Champagne Beach . Champagne Beach got its name from the volcanic gasses coming through the sand , so it looks like the beach is bubbling. You can also feel the bubbles when walking on the sand. The scenery is just perfect for some stunning Vanuatu photos . As with many beaches on other South Pacific Islands (Fiji, Samoa), there is a fee to enter . Champagne Beach is privately owned and the fee is VT2000 (19 AUD/15 EUR) per vehicle, or VT500 (6 AUD/4 EUR) for walk-ins. You you stay in one of the accommodations on Champagne beach , the entrance is free. With two other travelers, we rented a taxi for a day and paid VT4000 (48 AUD/31 EUR) each. It took us to all the sites on the East Coast, Blue Holes (the ones I visited yesterday), all the way up to Port Olry and Champagne Beach. We spent the whole day on the beach. Snorkeled, swam in the blue ocean, played with local kids, and had lobster lunch at one of the local restaurants.

ALSO READ: • 111 Beautiful Vanuatu Captions For Instagram

DAY 12: Espiritu Santo and departure

Time to say goodbye to Santo and Vanuatu . Depending on your International flight, you might have to take a flight to Port Vila first, so plan accordingly. My flight to Port Vila was in the morning and my outbound flight from Port Vila to Fiji was in the evening. So I had a whole day to spend in Port Vila. I visited Port Vila Market again, where I bought souvenirs and grabbed another delicious burger. All before my flight to another Island archipelago in the South Pacific where I spent the next 2 months.

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7. Final thoughts on How to spend 12 days in Vanuatu Itinerary

This Vanuatu itinerary is perfect for a first-time visitor to Vanuatu . It is a perfect combination of beaches, adventure, sightseeing, nature and history. You will have enough time to explore what different islands in the Vanuatu archipelago have to offer. 12 days in Vanuatu will be plenty of time for you to experience the vibe of different Vanuatu islands. I am positive you will be amazed at how every island offers different adventures and activities. From Mount Yasur volcano hike on Tanna to Naghol land diving on Pentecost , snorkeling on Million dollar Point and Efate with capital Port Vila. It will be hard to choose your favorite one. This itinerary for Vanuatu gives you enough time to visit some of the must-do places in Vanuatu, as it allows enough time to explore each island. Swimming in blue holes, learning about Melanesian Kastom culture , hiking an active volcano, and stepping back in time to see the origins of bungee jumping.

7. 1. Possible Vanuatu itinerary alternations

I would spend more time in Santo than in Efate. I would still advise you to book at least 3 days in Tanna, just to be sure that you can go up the Yasur volcano. If you are diving, spend more time on Santo. Make sure to do the dives at least 1 day before your flight . If visiting Vanuatu during the Naghol ritual , I would recommend going on a tour! If you don’t have 12 days for Vanuatu travel and are wondering “How many days in Vanuatu is enough?” I would say, to have at least 1 week in Vanuatu, but if possible 10 days in Vanuatu would be perfect. What to do in Vanuatu for a week? If you want to explore Vanuatu in 7 days , I would suggest visiting only two islands . Efate and eather Tanna or Santo. If you feel adventurous, you can perhaps book a Tanna volcano day tour. By spending 10 days in Vanuatu you can add 3 or even four islands to your Vanuatu itinerary or opt for a day tour to Pentecost Island. Regardless of how many days you can include in your Vanuatu itinerary , make sure to enjoy every moment on the Melanesian Islands in the South Pacific Ocean. Welcam, Anja

8. BONUS: Vanuatu travel planning guide

8.1. do i need travel insurance for vanuatu.

YES Enjoy peace of mind on your travels with a plan from SafetyWing . You can choose between monthly coverage or insurance for specific travel dates . They are one of the biggest names in the travel insurance world, and also give you the option to get insured while already abroad! Stay and be safe!

8.2. Do I need to book my accommodation in advance?

NO, BUT IT IS RECOMMENDED Accommodation in Vanuatu’s capital Port Vila and on the outer islands is limited. To avoid any unwanted stress, I would recommend booking places to stay in advance or before you arrive . Booking.com has a great feature on some stays, where you can reserve your room and cancel it for free if your plans change.

8.3. Will my phone work in Vanuatu?

MAYBE It depends on your mobile provider and the plan you are on. There is WiFi in some hotels, but some basic accommodations do not have it. You can buy a local Sim card once there or travel carefree and buy an Airalo eSim before your travels.

8.4. Is it safe to rent a car in Vanuatu?

YES Renting a car in Vanuatu is safe with some precautions. Check the rates at Discover Cars to make sure renting pays off. You will potentially only need a car on Efate and Espiritu Santo, to avoid paying for a taxi and have more freedom to explore.

8.5. Do I have to book tours in Vanuatu before I arrive?

SOME OF THEM You can explore areas in Vanuatu without a tour, like Port Vila and Efate Island. You can also go snorkeling at Million Dollars Point and swim in Blue Holes on your own. For others, like Pentecost land diving tour , and Mount Yasur volcano hike, I would book a tour in advance. Viator offers more tours in Vanuatu than GetYourGuide (which I used to book airport transfer).

➤ What you should read next …

• Epic Nagol Land Diving Pentecost Island Tour: Vanuatu Bungee Jumping • Vanuatu Cost of Travel and Detailed Budget Breakdown • 111 Beautiful Vanuatu Captions For Instagram • Best Ways of Tracking Travel Expenses During a Trip • Ultimate traveler safety guide: What to do during an earthquake

📌 Lik e it? Pin it!

✈ Travel Resources | Travel more & Spend less

Are you ready to travel like a PRO? Save time and money with these travel tips and resources . I personally use these companies to save time and money. They do the work by providing a list of options, prices, and reviews from actual guests, for anywhere I am traveling worldwide. ✈️ FLIGHTS: I use Skyscanner in combination with Google Flights to find amazing flight fares (try the Explore feature). I book directly with an airline or pair it with Iwantthatflight for the best deals. 🏨 ACCOMMODATION: Booking.com is my favorite site for finding great hotel deals. They return the best rates and reviews are from actual guests! 🚘 RENTAL CARS: Discover Cars are my go-to, when planning an epic road trip. 🗽 TOURS & ACTIVITIES: I like to wander around on my own, but when I want to explore with a group, skip the line with an entrance ticket, I book it with GetYourGuide or Viator . ❤️‍🩹 TRAVEL INSURANCE: I never, under any circumstances travel without insurance. In most cases, I use yearly global travel medical insurance. But, if you don’t have that and some impromptu travel plans occur, use SafetyWing . With them, you can buy travel insurance even when you are already abroad. Better be safe, than sorry! 📲 ONLINE SAFETY: NordVPN keeps your devices’ browsing safe and malware-free. Stream shows from around the world, access social media in countries where they are blocked and buy cheap flights by changing your virtual location. 🛜 STAY CONNECTED WITH eSIM: Ditch the plastic SIM cards and waiting in lines at the airport! Airalo eSIMs allow you to connect as soon as you land at your destination. They have eSIMs for over 190+ countries worldwide.

🗨 FAQ related to Vanuatu Itinerary

What does the name vanuatu mean.

The name “Vanuatu” is believed to have two possible origins. One interpretation is that it’s derived from the Austronesian word “vanua,” which means “land” or “home.” The addition of the suffix “-tu” emphasizes the collective nature, making it “Our Land” or “Land of the People.” Another interpretation suggests that “Vanuatu” could be a combination of two local Melanesian words, “vanua” and “tu,” which together convey the idea of “many islands.” Vanuatu is an island nation in the South Pacific, and the name reflects its diverse archipelago made up of numerous islands.

How many days do I need to plan for my Vanuatu itinerary?

The ideal duration for a visit to Vanuatu can vary but in general I would recommend spending at least 1 week in Vanuatu. If you want to explore Vanuatu in 7 days, I would suggest visiting only two islands. Efate and eather Tanna or Santo. If you feel adventurous, you can perhaps book a Tanna volcano day tour. If you have time, spend 10 days in Vanuatu to fully experience the diverse culture, natural beauty, and adventure opportunities on different islands. By spending 10 days in Vanuatu you can visit 3 or even four islands or opt for a day tour to Pentecost Island. For more Vanuatu travel tips, Vanuatu itinerary ideas and what to see in Vanuatu visit Anja On Adventure blog. 

Is Vanuatu worth visiting?

Yes, Vanuatu is an often overlooked Melanesian destination in the South Pacific Ocean and often considered a bucket list destination for its stunning natural beauty, diverse landscapes, diving sites, kastom cultural experiences, vibrant coral reefs, pristine beaches, active volcanoes, and lush rainforests. It is also worth mentioning that it is the 4th happiest nation in the world. For Vanuatu itinerary ideas, Vanuatu cost of travel and Vanuatu places to visit, visit Anja On Adventure blog.

What is the best time to visit Vanuatu?

The best time to visit is between April to September. This is Vanuatu’s dry season, with sunny days and less humidity. For diving, the best month are July-August. If you want to see a Land diving ritual, you should come from mid-April to mid-June.  For more Vanuatu travel tips, Vanuatu itinerary ideas and what to see in Vanuatu visit Anja On Adventure travel blog.

Which islands should I include in Vanuatu itinerary?

Vanuatu is an archipelago consisting of 83 islands. Here are some recommended bigger islands you should consider visiting. Efate (capital Port Vila), Tanna (Mount Yasur volcano, traditional villages, and Yakel Tribe), Espiritu Santo (Blue Holes, white-sand beaches, and World War II relics), Pentecost (land diving ceremonies), Ambrym. For more about Vanuatu itinerary on Anja On Adventure Vanuatu travel blog section.

❥ About Anja On Adventure

Anja On Adventure is a travel blog, a collection of insider tips and information on destinations, that I visited as a solo female traveler, tour guide, teacher, yacht stewardess, and Survivor challenge tester. Anja, is a thirty-something adventure-seeking, sun chasing, beach hopping, gin-loving, tropics enthusiast with a creative mind and sarcastic spirit, who loves coconut and mango but doesn’t like chocolate and sweets. I am passionate about all things travel, maps, and puzzles. Click here to learn more About me .

About the author: Anja

Tanna – Mt Yasur Volcano Day Tour

Mt Yasur Volcano fireworks up close and personal

(+678) 5544 206

Vanuatu Volcano Day Tour from Port Vila to Tanna Island’s Mt Yasur Volcano

A tour to Tanna Island to view Vanuatu’s famous Mt Yasur Volcano is an experience of a lifetime. Mt Yasur Volcano, on the southern Vanuatu island of Tanna, is probably the archipelago’s most iconic landmark, and justly so. The locals cannot remember a time when Tanna Volcano wasn’t coughing up its blazing entrails, shooting lava bombs and a volcanic ash cloud hundreds of meters into the air, every few minutes. Leaving Vanuatu without having witnessed ‘up close and personal’ the Mt Yasur Volcano fireworks phenomena is akin to not seeing the Eiffel Tower when visiting Paris!

Resort/hotel pick up and transfers to Port Vila Domestic Airport (within Port Vila)

Return scenic flight to tanna (does not include a scenic flight over the volcano itself), 4wd safari adventure across tanna island, mt yasur volcano entry fee, guided tour of mt yasur volcano, picnic lunch on the volcano, are you ready for a real adventure, one of the world’s most amazing day trips.

Soon after arrival at Port Vila Airport and a simple check-in process, you will meet your Air Taxi Pilot and board your aircraft; it is a friendly and informal affair. After approximately one hour flying over the tropical waters of the Coral Sea, you’ll touch down at Tanna’s White Grass Airport. Here, you will be met by your friendly Mt Yasur Volcano Safari staff. The Tanna Volcano 4 wheel drive safari takes you through lush rain forest, past coffee plantations, native villages, over rugged mountain passes and across Mt Yasur Volcano’s moon like ash plain, to the world’s most active and accessible volcano.

A ten minute ash dune climb will see you at the crater’s edge where one of the most breath taking natural experiences of your life awaits. Once the photography is over and you’ve had your picnic lunch, it’s time to head back to Tanna Airport for the return flight back to Port Vila.

In addition to a Day Tour to Tanna Volcano, we also offer Overnight and Best of Tanna Tours. These options are slightly more expensive but the Mt Yasur Volcano fireworks display is all the more impressive when it gets dark.

Tour Details

Flight time : 2 hours return

Price : Adults: Vt 59,000 pp ( AUD conversion ) Children: Vt 39,000 (under 12 years)

Tour duration : All Day (Pick-up at 0715, drop-off at 1630)

Days available : Every day, on demand

0715  Pick-up from your resort 0800  Check-in 0900  Take off from Port Vila 1000  Arrive at Tanna Airport 1130  Arrive at Mt Yasur Volcano 1245  Picnic Lunch 1315  Leave Mt Yasur Volcano 1445  Take-off from Tanna 1545  Arrive in Port Vila 1630  Drop off at your resort

times subject to variation

Price Beat Guarantee

While we believe we offer the best prices for tours to Tanna Volcano, if you are quoted a better price from another operator for a similar Tour to Tanna, we will happily beat it!

Easy & Quick Booking

Get in touch by phone, email or using our quick-and-easy online enquiry form, and we'll help you get everything organised.

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To find out more about availability for your dates, a quick enquiry is all it takes.

WHY CHOOSE AIR TAXI FOR YOUR DAY TOUR TO TANNA VOLCANO?

• Strictest safety standards. Safety and customer comfort is at the forefront of our operation.
• All our aircraft are high-wing, to ensure the best views of the sights below.
• Small passenger numbers means personal attention to each & every customer.
• The convenience of not having to wait around for a scheduled flight service.
• No aisle seats.
• No arduous check-in formalities.
• Price beat guarantee.

TANNA VOLCANO DAY TOUR NOTES AND TIPS

• Tours operate on demand.
• Flights fill up fast so early booking is recommended.
• Closed shoes recommended.
• We would also like to remind ALL customers to bring sunglasses (or some form of eye protection) and a scarf, mask or other face covering option to help protect against volcanic ash.
• Bring your favourite snacks.
• Pack sunscreen.
• In winter, bring a warm top.
• Bring a tripod if you’re a keen photographer.
• 5kg bag limit per person (in soft bags).
• Airport taxes (Vt400 per person) not included.
• Bring a suitable amount of cash for postcards & souvenirs.
• Surcharge for passengers 115kgs+, maximum weight 130kgs.
• Does not include a scenic flight over the volcano itself

Our Top Tours

Land diving, tanna volcano overnight, mt yasur day tour.

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Had enough of the beach and want to to get into some adventure travel with memories of once-in-a-lifetime experiences to be made and fascinating stories to tell your families and friends?

Book any of these tours from eco and nature trekking to cultural experiences, fishing, diving, volcanoes to island excursions and go on an unforgettable life-changing adventure. 

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Vanuatu Tours & Holidays

An unforgettable archipelago of 83 islands, each one more beautiful than the last.

Vanuatu isn’t your run-of-the-mill tropical paradise in the South Pacific. Sure, you could spend your time lying on deserted beaches or swinging in hammocks, but there are volcanoes to be hiked, reefs to be snorkelled, songs to be sung and dances to be… attempted. There’s plenty to dip your toe into ­– from cascades to hot springs to flourishing marine reserves – and the swimming spots are just the start. A welcome here is like a welcome home; come to Vanuatu and you’ll never want to leave.

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Vanuatu at a glance

Capital city.

Port Vila (51,000)

Bislama, English, French

(GMT+11:00) Port Vila, Noumea, Honiara

CALLING CODE

Electricity.

Type I (Australian/New Zealand & Chinese/Argentine 2/3-pin)

Learn more about Vanuatu

History and government.

It’s believed that the first people to inhabit the islands of Vanuatu were the Lapita, who left remnants of their pottery at sites stretching from northern PNG to Samoa. It’s thought that they appeared in the South Pacific around the years 1000­–1500 BC.

Villages popped up on different islands though people were separated by language and geographical features. There was also a strong belief in black magic, which was blamed when misfortune struck. Cannibalism was rife among the different tribes as it was believed that consuming an enemy would bring their strength to the victor.

Age of exploration

The 17th century saw explorers arriving in the South Pacific from Europe. In 1605 a Portuguese explorer employed by Spain arrived in Vanuatu during an attempt to find ‘terra australis’. He pulled into Santo Island and, in the belief that he had found modern-day Australia, named it Terra Australia del Espiritu Santo.

In the late 18th century James Cook mapped the islands of Vanuatu and named several of them including Tanna and Ambrym, names which are still used today. He named the entire island chain the New Hebrides.

Missionaries

The first missionaries arrived in Vanuatu in the 19th century but were met with a hostile reception, perhaps because of previous atrocities committed by traders. After several missionaries were eaten the church sent Polynesian missionaries in the hope they would be accepted, but they too were served up for tea.

This isn’t to say that cannibalism was rife throughout all of Vanuatu. A chief named Roi Mata ruled Central Vanuatu (Efate, Lelepa, Moso etc.) during the 17th century and he famously brought the different tribes together for a feast, espousing the benefits of living in harmony. He told people to bring different items to the feast – yam, coconut and more – and then split them into tribes based on the item. To this day people identify themselves through their mother’s tribe, whether it’s the coconut tribe, yam tribe, breadfruit tribe or whatever.

Despite this new-found peace in some parts of Vanuatu, other areas suffered from various epidemics as a result of interaction with traders and missionaries. Entire populations were wiped out as a result of measles, smallpox, pneumonia and more, and over the course of the 19th century it’s estimated that the population dropped from approximately one million to 100,000.

British and French influence

Settlers from Britain continued to arrive in Vanuatu through the 19th century and so did the French, who had laid claim to New Caledonia in 1853. By the end of the century much of Vanuatu’s farmland was owned by foreigners.

The British and the French continued to clash, with a 1906 agreement decreeing that the British and French would have equals right in Vanuatu while the locals would essentially have none. Everything was duplicated – police, schools, currencies – and laws and regulations differed depending on whether you subscribed to French or British rule.

Pacific War and the path to independence

WWII saw the Japanese advance through Pacific territories and the US sent soldiers to Vanuatu to construct military bases. Hundreds of thousands of soldiers ended up passing through the islands at some point and many locals were employed on the bases. Much of the American equipment was left in Vanuatu and the sunken planes and ships are now popular drawcards for divers.

Once the war had ended the slow journey towards independence began. The biggest issue for locals was the use of land by foreigners and several political movements sprung up in favour of independence. After various secession attempts and avoided conflicts with the British and French, independence was declared on 30 July 1980.

Vanuatu has had a rollercoaster ride since independence. The founding prime minister, Walter Lini, served until 1991 and after this everything became slightly chaotic. Bribery, corruption and mutinies dominated the political landscape, and these problems resurfaced in 2015.

Most recently, Vanuatu has seen huge investment from the Chinese into tourist and government infrastructure. This investment has sparked conversations about the power balance in the South Pacific as the Chinese naval strength continues to grow. For now, however, Vanuatu remains a popular tourist destination thanks to its stunning beaches, excellent diving and welcoming culture.

Geography and environment

Vanuatu is made up of 83 islands of varying sizes, though not all of these are inhabited. The northern islands have an equatorial climate, which is hot and rainy throughout the year, while the central and southern islands have a tropical climate with a hot, rainy season from December through March and a cool, dry season from May to October.

The islands are actually spread some 900 kilometres from north to south and while this geographical spread means the weather can be quite different, most of islands are characterised by a mountainous, volcanic landscape with quite high elevation. Given Vanuatu’s location on the Ring of Fire, there are a number of active volcanoes, the most famous of which is Mt Yasur on Tanna Island. It’s nicknamed the Lighthouse of the Pacific as its glowing cone can be seen from the sea and is also a popular tourist attraction as it’s possible to walk right up to its crater.

The islands are typical of the South Pacific – mangoes, bananas and coconuts grow among swaying palm trees, while life below the water is perhaps even more beautiful. The coral reefs provide a home for an array of colourful fish, sharks and more. And though the coral in some areas has been damaged as a result of the cyclones, a strong recovery is expected.

On the topic of cyclones, Vanuatu has the unenviable title of the world’s most at-risk country for natural hazards, according to a UN report. Earthquakes, volcanoes, cyclones – the Ni-Vanuatu know them all well thanks to Vanuatu’s position in a very volatile area of the world. The most recent disaster, Cyclone Pam, came through in 2015 and levelled a huge area and left some 75,000 people homeless with an estimated 90 per cent of crops destroyed. Despite this, the Ni-Vanuatu constantly rebuild their island homes and revel in the strong ties they have with the land.

Festival and events

Given the spread of Vanuatu’s islands and the unique customs and traditions observed on each one, there are festivals throughout the year celebrating everything from Christian saints to black magic to the humble yam.

Independence Day

Vanuatu celebrates its independence from Britain and France on July 30 every year. Expect food, dancing and music across the country.

John Frum Day

John Frum is a mythical figure on Tanna Island. He’s worshipped by the island’s cargo cults and he is supposedly an America WWII soldiers who will materialistic wealth to those that follow him. February 15 every year is John Frum Day, during which followers hold a military parade complete with wooden rifles in the hope that John Frum will return.

Yam & Magic Festival

North Ambrym Island is known for the black magic that supposedly still exists on the island. This festival, held in July, celebrates the importance of the yam to the people of Vanuatu and features dancing, ritual magic and feasts.

St Andrew’s Day Festival

The locals of Rah and Mota Lava islands have been celebrating the life of Saint Andrew for over 100 years. The three-day festival is an infusion of Christian and traditional customs with singing, dancing, cooking and other cultural activities.

Culture and customs

You’ll struggle to find a bigger grin than the one that greets you in Vanuatu. This is, after all, the fourth-happiest country in the world, and there’s plenty for the locals to be happy about.

It’s hard to say what makes the Ni-Vanuatu – those from Vanuatu – such happy people. Maybe it’s the importance placed on family and social connection, maybe it’s the abundance of coconuts. Maybe it’s the fact that thanks to Chief Roi Mata, the threat of cannibalism no longer weighs heavy on their shoulders. Whatever it is, it pervades all 83 of the islands that make up Vanuatu.

The Ni-Vanuatu are Melanesian, the same as those coming from the Solomon Islands, Fiji, Papua New Guinea and New Caledonia. They have almost no genetic relation to Polynesian people.

Religion plays an important role in Vanuatu’s daily life. The majority of the country practices Christianity but celebrations will usually blend traditional and Christian practices. And on the topic of celebrations, well, they’re common. There are festivals throughout the year and huge parties are held whenever there’s a wedding happening.

Eating and drinking

Vanuatu’s cuisine is very much based off sea food, fresh fruits and vegetables. While Port Vila has plenty of supermarkets and restaurants, those living on the smaller islands rely heavily on what they can grow in their gardens. In the mornings the men will usually head off on fishing boats in search of yellowfin and skipjack tuna and the catch will be split among their family, their neighbours and, if they manage to get a big haul, they might sell some fish on to the local restaurants too.

These are some of the culinary highlights to look out for:

• Laplap Laplap is Vanuatu’s national dish. It’s simple, it’s tasty and it’s widespread. The locals take a taro, grate it and pound it into a paste, then it’s laid out on a banana leaf and coconut milk is added. They add meat – maybe pork, beef, fish or even flying fox – then wrap it up and put it underground in a rock oven.
• Simboro Go to your garden and grab some cassava, island cabbage and coconut. Grate the cassava and roll it up in some island cabbage like a sushi roll. Shuck the coconut, add water to the flesh and make a coconut cream, then poach the rolls in the cream. Voila. 
• Pineapple You’ve no doubt seen a pineapple before, but you haven’t tasted pineapple until you’ve had it in Vanuatu. This is the sweetest, tastiest pineapple in the world and you’ll find it everywhere.
• Kava If you’ve previously spent time in Melanesian or Polynesian places you’ve probably come across kava, a ceremonial drink made from the root of the kava plant. In Vanuatu, it has become part of everyday life for many local men and they’ll often get together at the end of the day to share a shell or two. It’s said to have a calming effect on the body and you may well be offered some when you arrive in a new community.

Shopping in Vanuatu is limited to the market stalls typical of Melanesian nations. There are ample souvenirs of the cheap plastic kind, but we recommend trying to find a locally made memento.

Remember, it's a good idea to check with your local customs officials to ensure that you are able to bring certain items back into your home country. Australia and New Zealand generally have strict quarantine laws.

The local women weave baskets, bookmarks, placemats and more. These can be found in the markets in bigger cities like Port Vila, or in smaller villages that you may be visiting on a day tour.

Some of the local men carve small necklaces and larger sculptures that can be purchased at markets or in villages. Dolphins and turtles are particularly popular.

Visit the craft markets in the bigger towns and you’ll almost certainly find a local artist selling paintings of sunsets, volcanoes and sea creatures. Most of these artists are incredibly talented and the colourful paintings are of great value.

Tanna Island is well known for its coffee production. Find some beans to bring home on the island itself or you’ll be able to pick up a bag at one of Port Vila’s many cafes or markets.

A hangover of Vanuatu’s French colonial days, there are several small chocolate-makers operating in Port Vila. Pay them a visit, sample some different flavours and perhaps bring a few blocks home.

Vanuatu travel FAQs

Do i need a covid-19 vaccine to join an intrepid trip.

Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards

From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travellers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (excluding all Polar trips and select adventure cruises).

However, we continue to strongly recommend that all Intrepid travellers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and others.

Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.

When is the best time to visit Vanuatu?

The best time to visit Vanuatu’s southern islands is from May to October. This is generally the coolest, driest period of the year, with the cyclone season beginning in December. If you’re visiting the northern islands, the best time to visit is from July to September. Cyclones are most likely from mid–to–late December until early April.

Is it safe to visit Vanuatu?

When it comes to theft and personal crime, Vanuatu is a very safe place to visit. Travellers are advised to take precautions in Port Vila and avoid extravagant displays of wealth and walking alone at night.

Given Vanuatu’s geographical location, earthquakes and cyclones occur regularly and tsunamis do happen too.

Cyclone season lasts from November/December through till April/May but they can happen at any time. Local phone numbers are messaged and regularly updated when a cyclone moves into Vanuatu’s waters.

Port Vila has a tsunami warning system and travellers are advised to move to higher ground if there is a long tremor or warning sirens.

Do you need a visa for Vanuatu?

Travelers of all nationalities can apply for a visa on arrival in Vanuatu. This visa lasts a maximum of 30 days.

Visas are the responsibility of the individual traveller. Entry requirements can change at any time, so it's important that you check for the latest information. Please visit the relevant consular website of the country or countries you’re visiting for detailed and up-to-date visa information specific to your country of origin. Check the Essential Trip Information section of your tour itinerary for more information.

The page is for general information only and may be subject to change. It is your responsibility to obtain the relevant visa and travel information required for entry, departure and travel to each country or region you visit on your trip. You should confirm these with the relevant embassies and/or consulates. 

Last updated: 3 January 2023

Is tipping customary in Vanuatu?

Tipping is not customary in Vanuatu though tipping loose change or rounding up the bill at a restaurant is always appreciated. A smile and ‘tank you tumas’ (thank you) should suffice. It’s worth nothing that bargaining in shops and markets is not part of the culture here either.

What is the internet access like in Vanuatu?

In Port Vila and Luganville there are a number of cafes and bars that offer free wi-fi. Most hotels and resorts will also offer wi-fi, either free or for a small fee. In the villages people tend to use their phones for internet access – if you’d like to be able to access the internet for the entire length of your trip then your best option is to purchase a local SIM with Digicel or TVL.

Some islands will be better suited to a particular carrier so if you are spending the majority of your time in one place, then it’s worth having a chat at the phone shop about which SIM is best for you.

Can I use my mobile/cell phone while in Vanuatu?

If you’d like to use your mobile/cell phone in Vanuatu your best option is to purchase a local SIM card on arrival. The main villages on most islands generally have good 3G reception, while the larger islands including Efate and Santo have 4G reception. If you wish to use your own SIM then be sure to activate global roaming before departing your home country and check with your carrier for international fees.

What are the toilets like in Vanuatu?

The toilets in Vanuatu will vary depending on your itinerary. In hotels, flushable Western-style toilets are the norm, and the same applies for many bars and cafes. The situation will be a lot more basic on the smaller islands – don’t expect a flushing toilet.

What will it cost for a...?

Vanuatu’s unit of currency is the vatu (vt). Prices here are approximate and shown in US dollars for ease of comparison.

• Beer in a bar = USD 3–5
• Public transport in Port Vila = USD 1
• A local meal in Port Vila = USD 4–6
• Western-style meal at a bar or café = USD 8–12
• Cappuccino at a cafe = USD 3–4

Can I drink the water in Vanuatu?

The tap water in Port Vila and Luganville is generally safe to drink. Outside of these areas, water will need to be treated. For environmental reasons, try to avoid buying bottled water and fill a reusable water bottle instead. Ask your leader where filtered water can be found.

Are credit cards widely accepted in Vanuatu?

Major credit cards are generally accepted at hotels, supermarkets and restaurants in the main touristed areas of Vanuatu like Port Vila and Luganville. Outside of these cities, as well as in smaller shops, it’s unlikely that credit cards will be accepted so make sure you have cash on you.

What is ATM access like in Vanuatu?

ATMs can be found in Port Vila and Luganville but outside of these cities the access is minimal. If you plan on leaving the main tourist areas for an extended period it’s important to be prepared with a good supply of vatu.

What is the weather like in Vanuatu?

From May–October, Port Vila sees average temperatures of 17–27°C with an average rainfall of 105–135 mm. The maximum average temperature increases to 30°C over the summertime with over 300 mm (11.8 inches) of rainfall. The north sees similar temperature ranges but with a lot more rainfall. Keep in mind that the humidity makes it feel much, much warmer than it necessarily is.

What public holidays are celebrated in Vanuatu?

• 1 Jan New Year’s Day
• 21 Feb Father Lini Day
• 5 Mar Custom Chief’s Day
• Mar/Apr Good Friday
• Mar/Apr Easter Monday
• 1 May Labour Day
• May Ascension Day
• 24 Jul Children’s Day
• 30 Jul Independence Day
• Aug Assumption of Mary
• 5 Oct Constitution Day
• 29 Nov Unity Day
• 25 Dec Christmas Day
• 26 Dec Family Day

For a current list of public holidays in X, including the movable dates noted above, go to: 

timeanddate.com/holidays/vanuatu/

Is Vanuatu safe for LGBTQIA+ travellers?

Though same-sex sexual activity was legalised in Vanuatu in 2007, and those who identify differently are now protected under discrimination laws, same-sex marriage is still not recognised by the government. Public displays of affection are not common in Vanuatu, which is a conservative and very Christian country, so both LGBTQIA+ and heterosexual couples should display discretion in public.

For more detailed and up-to-date advice, we recommend visiting  Equaldex  or  ILGA  before you travel.

If you are travelling solo on an Intrepid group tour, you will share accommodation with a passenger of the same gender as per your passport information. If you don’t identify with the gender assigned on your passport, please let us know at time of booking and we’ll arrange the rooming configuration accordingly. A single supplement is available on some tours for travellers who do not wish to share a room.

Do I need to purchase travel insurance before travelling?

Absolutely. All passengers travelling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their trip. Your travel insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is very much an essential and necessary part of every journey.

For more information on insurance, please go to: Travel Insurance

Is Vanuatu accessible for travellers with disabilities?

Intrepid is committed to making travel widely accessible, regardless of ability or disability. That’s why we do our best to help as many people see the world as possible, regardless of any physical or mental limitations they might have. We’re always happy to talk to travellers with disabilities and see if we can help guide them towards the most suitable itinerary for their needs and, where possible, make reasonable adjustments to our itineraries.

Vanuatu, along with most of the South Pacific, does not have good facilities for travellers with disabilities. Public transport (where it exists) doesn’t tend to have ramp access, the footpaths are often damaged or non-existent, and travelling by boat between islands can be logistically complex. Some of the larger international resorts will have rooms equipped for those with limitations but this is not the norm. That said, the Ni-Vanuatu look after their elders and the disabled and will go out of their way to help travellers that are having issues.

As a general rule, knowing some common words in the local language, carrying a written itinerary with you and taking to the streets in a group, rather than solo, can help make your travel experience the best it can be.

What to wear in Vanuatu

Loose-fitting clothing is best to keep travellers cool throughout the year. Malaria is present on the islands, so long-sleeved shirts and light trousers are great for wearing at dusk and dawn when the mosquitos are about. It can get quite cool in the evenings during the winter (June, July, August), so it’s worth having a light jumper/sweater as well as a light raincoat for rain showers throughout the year.

How do I stay safe and healthy while travelling?

Intrepid takes the health and safety of its travellers seriously and takes every measure to ensure that trips are safe, fun and enjoyable for everyone. We recommend that all travellers check with their government or national travel advisory organisation for the latest information before departure:

From Australia?

Go to: Smart Traveller

From Canada?

Go to:  Canada Travel Information

From the UK?

Go to:  UK Foreign Travel Advice

From New Zealand?

Go to:  Safe Travel

From the US?

Go to:  US Department of State

The World Health Organisation also provides useful health information.

Does my trip support The Intrepid Foundation?

Yes, all Intrepid trips support the Intrepid Foundation. Trips to this country directly support our global Intrepid Foundation partners Eden Reforestation Projects and World Bicycle Relief. Intrepid will double the impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.

Eden Reforestation Projects

Eden Reforestation Projects are helping to mitigate climate change by restoring forests worldwide; they also hire locally and create job opportunities within vulnerable communities. Donations from our trips support restoration across planting sites in 10 countries around the globe. Find out more or make a donation World Bicycle Relief

World Bicycle Relief provides people in low-income communities with bicycles to mobilise school kids, health workers, and farmers in far-out areas – giving them access to vital education, healthcare, and income. Donations help provide Buffalo Bicycles – specifically designed to withstand the rugged terrain and harsh environment of rural regions – to those who need them most. Find out more or make a donation