Vanuatu

• Summer

  Nov—Mar

  32°C Avg. High

  21°C Avg. Low

• Winter

  Apr—Oct

  27°C Avg. High

  15°C Avg. Low

Port Vila & Efate

Port Vila, the vibrant capital of Vanuatu, is located on the island of Efate. This city offers a variety of experiences, from ziplining and snorkelling to enjoying fresh seafood dinners, kayaking in the lagoon, swinging into the blue lagoon, or simply relaxing.

Efate island features a rugged coastline, lush green countryside, fast-flowing rivers, cascading waterfalls, and secluded sandy bays and lagoons.

To fully immerse in the local culture, visitors can attend cultural shows, watch fire dancing performances at beach bars, taste fresh fruit at Mama’s markets, or shop for souvenirs at handicraft markets.

Havannah & Taleva Coast

Travel northwest from Port Vila and over the hills to discover the Havannah Coast, a serene stretch of coastline sheltered by a series of stunningly diverse islands. Continuing around past Port Havannah brings you to the Taleva Coast. These dual coastlines, along with their islands, offer visitors a wealth of experiences, whether for a brief side trip from Port Vila or an entire holiday.

The Havannah and Taleva Coasts epitomize Vanuatu with their palm-fringed shorelines, clear blue waters, and charming accommodation options. Waterfront restaurants line these coasts, providing scenic dining experiences. From this location, you can hop onto a local banana boat to explore the nearby islands. This coastline enjoys its own microclimate, often sunny even when Port Vila experiences rain. Numerous dining options along the coast ensure you won’t go hungry.

Lelepa and Pele Islands make for excellent day trips, offering insights into local customs and village life, along with opportunities to swim and snorkel in crystal-clear blue waters where you might spot turtles, dolphins, or dugongs. Nguna Island, with its extinct volcano, offers rewarding hikes with breathtaking views from the summit. Moso Island, just across Havannah Harbour from Port Havannah, features properties perfect for extended stays or as a base for diving excursions around the harbour.

Espiritu Santo

Whatever you’re dreaming of, Santo has it all. Imagine long stretches of white sandy beaches, palm trees swaying, and gentle waves caressing the shore—that’s Santo. Picture lush, verdant jungles—yep, that’s Santo too. And if you’re thinking of world-class diving, deep crystal-clear blue holes, and the freshest seafood, Santo’s got that covered as well. Whatever your ideal tropical getaway looks like, Santo has everything you need.

Espiritu Santo, often called Santo by the locals, is the largest island in Vanuatu and a true haven for those looking to escape from the everyday. Renowned for its pristine white sandy beaches, stunning blue holes, coconut palms, exceptional diving, and rugged jungles, Santo is a paradise of contrasts.

The island offers a perfect blend of barefoot luxury with opportunities for adventure, World War II history, and authentic Melanesian culture, allowing you to customize your experience to your liking. It’s a destination that keeps visitors coming back year after year. Explore beyond Santo’s surface, and you’ll discover lush jungles perfect for hiking, world-class wreck diving (don’t miss the SS President Coolidge!), and mesmerizing blue holes with colours that defy belief.

Tanna

Despite its small size (about an hour’s drive from one side to the other), Tanna punches well above its weight with its diverse array of attractions. Of course, Mt Yasur is a must-see (you can’t visit Tanna without experiencing its volcano), but the island has much more to offer. Stepping off the plane in Tanna is like stepping back in time to a place where traditional kastom is woven into everyday life, giving visitors a genuine insight into what Vanuatu is truly about.

On the west coast, you’ll find spectacular coral reefs perfect for snorkelling and diving, as well as the breathtaking Blue Cave. Meanwhile, the east coast boasts hot springs and the beautiful Port Resolution with its white and black sand beaches. The island’s interior features several cultural villages worth exploring and the impressive Giant Banyan Tree. For accommodations, you can choose from boutique resorts on the west coast or locally owned bungalows scattered across the island, including treehouses with views of the volcanic plains.

Take your time to explore Tanna, including witnessing Mt Yasur at sunrise or sunset—it’s an experience you’ll never forget and one that promises to be truly transformative.

Pentecost & Maewo

Pentecost is renowned worldwide for Naghol, a land-diving ritual performed by the island’s men, which is open to visitors from April to June. The ceremony occurs at three primary locations, and the tour you choose will determine which site you visit. While the rites are similar, each location offers a unique setting. This tradition inspired the popular sport of bungee jumping and continues to attract spectators year after year.

In addition to Naghol, Pentecost offers a wealth of experiences throughout the year, including stunning waterfalls and rich cultural diversity. Visitors can immerse themselves in traditional practices such as kava tastings and enjoy the warm hospitality of locals in village guesthouses scattered along the island’s coast and rugged interior. Day trips from Port Vila and Santo are available for those wishing to witness the land diving.

Nearby Maewo is also a treasure trove of natural wonders, featuring breathtaking waterfalls, impressive caves, and a welcoming village atmosphere. A visit to Maewo is well worth the effort for those exploring the region.

Malekula & Ambrym

Malekula is the most culturally and linguistically diverse island of Vanuatu, with the primary cultural groups clustered into Big Nambas and Small Nambas. With great walking tracks through the rugged terrain, past old cannibal sites and up mountains, you’ll come across friendly villages who enjoy sharing their proud cultural heritage. There are small islands along the east coast with sand beaches and coral reefs, great for snorkeling and diving. Just off Malekula’s south-east, you’ll find the Maskelyne Islands, a small chain of islands perfect for swimming, snorkelling and getting up close and personal with the submerged world.

Ambrym’s main calling card are the two twin active volcanoes, Marum and Benbow, with hikes taking visitors through tropical vegetation and villages where locals willingly share local kastom. The festivals are particularly popular, with the Yam and Magic, and Back to my Roots festivals proving most frequented.

Banks Islands

For the people of Vanuatu, the Banks Islands evoke images of rugged, remote islands brimming with cultural diversity, spectacular hiking, and beautiful beaches. Accessible by air from Santo, the primary islands for visitors include Vanua Lava, Mota Lava (along with the nearby Rah), and Gaua. Reaching the Banks Islands requires some planning, but taking the time to explore them will reward you with an exclusive destination that remains relatively untouched by many travellers.

Gaua is the most popular of the Banks Islands. Known for its stunning landscapes with an active volcano, Vanuatu’s largest lake and  highest waterfall, it’s brilliant for adventure seekers.

Mota Lava and Rah are small (it takes about 2.5 hours to walk around Mota Lava), though pack a punch with what they offer. Whether it’s climbing Sleeping Mountain on Mota Lava, kicking back on Rah’s beaches while watching snake dancing or visiting for the St Andrews & Traditional Leaf Fishing Festival, you’ll find the journey is worth it. Vanua Lava has mountains, a volcano, waterfalls and lush rainforest. Many visitors come to Vanua Lava for the Vanua Lava Festival, as well as some great hikes.

Mystery Island

Often featured as a cruise stop on Vanuatu itineraries, Mystery Island (also known as Inyeug) is an excellent place to spend a day off the ship and interact with locals from the nearby island of Aneityum. Beyond its appeal as a cruise destination, it also serves as a fantastic starting point for exploring southern Vanuatu.

Mystery Island, also known as Inyeug, is a small, largely uninhabited island located in the south of Vanuatu. On days when cruise ships visit, residents from the nearby island of Aneityum travel over to the island. The island is adorned with coconut palms lining pristine white-sand beaches, set against a protected marine reserve where you can find turtles, fish, and rays.

Mystery Island offers excellent snorkeling opportunities to explore Vanuatu’s clear waters. You might also enjoy paddling on a stand-up paddleboard or spot a turtle popping its head above the surface. Many visitors indulge in relaxing massages from local island mamas. Don’t miss the beach markets where you can buy local crafts, get your hair braided, and sample fresh local produce.