Vanuatu

Vanuatu is a South Pacific island nation known for active volcanoes, traditional villages, and vibrant marine life. Efate, home to the capital Port Vila, mixes French influence with island culture and easy access to waterfalls, lagoons, and markets. Tanna Island draws travelers to Mount Yasur, one of the world’s most accessible active volcanoes, and to meet local communities living much as they have for generations. Espiritu Santo offers blue holes, white-sand beaches, and world-class diving, including the wreck of the SS President Coolidge.

Adventurous tourists can go diving and explore shipwrecks underwater, while the more laid-back types can bird-watch or simply enjoy the scenery. Some of the popular islands are Pentecost, Espiritu Santo, and Malekula. There are modest tourist facilities, and transport is limited in some of the less visited islands.

Accommodation ranges from international-standard resorts to adventure lodges. Most of the high-end hotels are in Port-Vila, and minor resorts can be found in the smaller islands. All the resorts offer traditional hotels, apartments, bungalows, lodges, and guest houses, and there are usually no hotel taxes or service charges. There are also campsites on the outermost islands, including Efaté and Nguna Island.

Most travelers base themselves on Efate Island, home to the capital Port Vila, a small but lively town with markets, waterfalls, and good food. But the real magic lies beyond: Tanna Island is where you can stand on the rim of Mount Yasur, one of the world’s most active volcanoes; Espiritu Santo has world-class diving, blue holes, and empty white-sand beaches; and smaller outer islands like Pentecost still practice land diving, the origin of bungee jumping.

Vanuatu is moderately priced, especially compared to Fiji or French Polynesia. You’ll find guesthouses, bungalows, and eco-lodges, especially on outer islands, don’t expect five-star luxury, but do expect warm hosts and real connection. Meals often feature local produce, fresh fish, taro, and laplap (a baked root vegetable dish). Western food is available in Port Vila, but outside the capital, meals are usually simple and home-cooked. Local kava is a big part of social life, much stronger than Fijian kava, and definitely not for tourists looking for fruity cocktails.

Getting around means domestic flights, boats, and a lot of flexibility. Roads are rough outside of Efate, and schedules often run on “island time.” English and French are official languages, but Bislama, a local creole, is widely spoken. Vanuatu is safe, with low crime and a deeply community-centered culture, but medical care is limited outside the capital, and travel can be physically demanding. This is not a place for rigid plans.

Why Go to Vanuatu?

• Mount Yasur Volcano on Tanna: Stand on the crater’s edge and watch lava erupt into the sky, it’s one of the most accessible active volcanoes in the world.
• Espiritu Santo’s Reefs & Beaches: Dive the SS President Coolidge (a WWII wreck), snorkel Million Dollar Point, or relax on Champagne Beach.
• Blue Holes & Rainforest Hikes: Swim in vivid blue freshwater pools, hike to waterfalls, or explore jungle trails through island interiors.
• Traditional Villages & Custom Culture: Visit kastom villages where ancient traditions are alive, especially on Tanna, Ambrym, and Pentecost.
• Land Diving on Pentecost: Witness men leap from wooden towers with vines tied to their ankles, an intense ritual and the inspiration for modern bungee jumping.
• Kava Culture & Community: Drink kava with locals in nakamals (kava bars), a quiet, social ritual that connects visitors to daily island life.
• No-Frills, Real Island Travel: Stay in family-run bungalows, take the slow boat, and trade comfort for depth, Vanuatu is as genuine as it gets.

Who Might Not Enjoy Vanuatu?

• Luxury-Oriented Travelers: While Vanuatu has some upscale resorts, many areas offer simple accommodations and rustic experiences. Travelers expecting polished five-star service or luxury amenities island-wide may be disappointed.

• Travelers Who Dislike Heat, Humidity, or Rain: Vanuatu is tropical, with a hot, humid climate and a wet season from November to April. The weather can be unpredictable, and outdoor plans are often affected by sudden storms or muddy trails.

• Tourists Wanting Smooth and Efficient Infrastructure: Roads outside of Port Vila can be rough or unpaved, domestic flights may be delayed, and services like ATMs, internet, and phone coverage are inconsistent in rural areas.

• Nightlife Seekers: Nightlife in Vanuatu is extremely limited. Even in Port Vila, the capital, options are low-key, usually a few bars or local kava lounges. It’s not a party destination.

• Visitors Without a Tolerance for Basic Conditions: Outside the main towns, power cuts, water shortages, and basic sanitation are common. If comfort and consistency are top priorities, some areas may feel too rugged.

• Vegetarians or Vegans: Traditional Ni-Vanuatu food relies heavily on fish, pork, and root vegetables. Plant-based travelers may find options limited outside resorts or tourist restaurants.

• Shoppers or Cruise Passengers Wanting Big Attractions: Vanuatu offers natural and cultural experiences, but lacks major attractions like theme parks or luxury shopping. Markets and crafts are available but modest in scale.

• Travelers Expecting Western-Style Medical Care: Healthcare in rural areas is very basic, and even in Port Vila, serious issues may require evacuation to Australia or New Zealand.

• Those Wanting Fast, Independent Exploration: Inter-island travel requires boats or flights, and scheduling can be unpredictable. Exploring the archipelago takes time and patience.

Highlights

Cultural Center: located in the capital, Port-Vila, the Cultural Center houses one of the largest collections of Pacific artifacts in the world.

Yasur: this active volcano is the most accessible in the world. You can actually climb to the peak and peer into the crater, where you can see a pool of hissing, bubbling lava.

Espiritu Santo Island: this is a popular scuba diving site, where divers can see the seabed where the USS President Coolidge and the USS Trucker both rest.

Pentecost Island: with its rugged plains and limited infrastructure, Pentecost Island is the perfect place for visitors seeking a real island experience.

Diving: divers are treated to fasinating underwater scenes, including shipwrecks, canyons, and interesting marine creatures.

Swimming and water sports: most of the island coasts are safe to swim in, and many provide excellent opportunities for sailing, windsurfing, waterskiing, and other water sports.

Fishing: you can rent a kayak or small watercraft from the islands and go game fishing, or simply glide over the Pacific and enjoy the scenery.

Bird watching: various bird species inhabit the coastlines and rainforests, especially around the southern islands. The best time to bird-watch is from September to January, which is breeding season.

Port-Vila is fairly safe and disease-free, but there is high risk of typhoid and low to moderate risk of malaria in other islands. Most of the food, including milk, is considered safe to consume, but mains water may be chlorinated and cause mild stomach problems. The hospitals, particularly in the capital, have basic but adequate equipment. Bring a first-aid kit and medications if you plan to stay outside of Port-Vila for more than a few days. The waters are generally safe for swimming, but sharks have been spotted off Malekula island.