Vanuatu is a South Pacific archipelago of more than 80 islands, where adventure and tradition live side by side. It’s one of the few places on Earth where you can stand on the rim of a fiery volcano, swim in jungle blue holes, dive WWII wrecks, and watch kastom dances – all within the same trip.
With its Melanesian culture, raw landscapes, and warm island hospitality, Vanuatu is perfect for adventure seekers, honeymooners, divers, and cultural travelers who want a destination that feels real and unspoiled.
Best Islands & Cities to Visit
Efate Island (Port Vila)
Efate Island is the best introduction to Vanuatu, and Port Vila is where most travelers start. The capital is worth visiting for its waterfront markets filled with tropical fruit and handicrafts, as well as its small but excellent Vanuatu Cultural Centre, which explains kastom traditions and island history. Nearby, Ekasup Village offers a living experience of traditional life, where you can see cooking, dancing, and daily practices that are still part of the culture today.
Beyond the town, Efate has some of Vanuatu’s most enjoyable day trips. Eton Beach is a calm, white-sand spot perfect for swimming, while Hideaway Island is a short boat ride away and famous for its coral reef snorkeling and the unique underwater post office. Mele Cascades, a 10-minute drive from the city, rewards a short jungle walk with clear pools and waterfalls. Efate is easy to reach by direct flights from Australia, Fiji, and New Caledonia, and once there, minibuses or taxis can take you to most sights.
Espiritu Santo
Espiritu Santo is Vanuatu’s largest island and a paradise for those who want a mix of beaches, adventure, and history. Champagne Beach is often called one of the finest in the South Pacific, with white sand and crystal-clear water that make it perfect for a relaxed swim or picnic. Inland, the island hides natural wonders like the Blue Holes – Nanda, Matevulu, and Riri – where pure freshwater glows in striking shades of blue, ideal for swimming or kayaking in a jungle setting.
For divers, Espiritu Santo is world-famous thanks to the SS President Coolidge, a massive WWII troopship wreck that has become one of the most accessible and exciting wreck dives in the world. On land, adventure seekers can join the Millennium Cave trek, a full-day journey through rainforest trails, caves, bamboo bridges, and canyon rivers that’s both challenging and rewarding. Luganville, the main town, is small and relaxed but offers WWII relics, local markets, and a base for dive operators. You can reach Espiritu Santo on domestic flights from Port Vila or direct international flights from Brisbane.
Tanna Island
Tanna Island is one of the most unforgettable places in Vanuatu, thanks to Mount Yasur, the island’s active volcano. Here, visitors can actually stand on the rim and watch glowing eruptions – an experience that feels raw and otherworldly. Tours to the volcano are easily arranged from most guesthouses, usually by 4WD, and the best time to go is at dusk when the lava bursts are most dramatic against the night sky.
The island also offers a glimpse of kastom life at Yakel Village, where traditions are still followed much as they were centuries ago. For something more hidden, the Blue Cave is reached by boat and a short swim, rewarding you with a magical chamber of turquoise water lit by beams of sunlight. Around Lenakel, the main town, you’ll find a lively market full of island produce, while the White Grass Plains nearby provide wide coastal views.
Natural Wonders
Mount Yasur (Tanna)
Mount Yasur is one of the few volcanoes in the world where you can stand right on the crater rim and watch eruptions up close. The experience is both safe and thrilling, as bursts of glowing lava light up the sky, especially at dusk or after dark. Guided tours usually take visitors by 4WD across ash plains to the base, followed by a short hike to the viewing area.
Mele Cascades (Efate)
Mele Cascades is one of Efate’s most popular natural attractions, a series of waterfalls and turquoise pools set in lush jungle just a short drive from Port Vila. A gentle trail leads through tropical gardens and streams before arriving at the main falls, where cool, clear water tumbles into inviting swimming holes. It’s an easy half-day trip, perfect for cooling off, taking photos, or simply relaxing in nature.
The site is well maintained, with local guides often sharing stories about the area, and it can be paired with nearby activities like zipline rides for extra adventure. Mele Cascades is only 10–15 minutes from the capital by taxi or minibus, making it very accessible.
Blue Holes (Espiritu Santo)
The Blue Holes of Espiritu Santo are among the island’s most enchanting spots, where deep freshwater springs glow in shades of blue so vivid they seem unreal. Surrounded by rainforest and overhanging trees, places like Nanda, Matevulu, and Riri Blue Holes offer calm waters that are perfect for swimming, snorkeling, or paddling in a kayak. The clarity here is so high that you can see fish and plants as if looking through glass, making it a peaceful contrast to the island’s beaches and reefs.
Most Blue Holes are located along the eastern side of Santo and are easy to reach by car or guided tour from Luganville. Small entry fees are charged by local landowners, who maintain the sites and sometimes provide kayaks for rent.
Millennium Cave (Espiritu Santo)
Millennium Cave is one of Vanuatu’s most adventurous experiences, taking visitors deep into the wild heart of Espiritu Santo. The full-day trek begins with a hike through villages and dense rainforest before reaching the entrance of the enormous cave. Inside, you’ll walk past towering walls lit only by headlamps, with bats flying overhead and cool streams underfoot. The journey continues into a dramatic canyon, where you float or wade along the river surrounded by cliffs and jungle.
This tour is guided by locals and requires a good level of fitness, as the trail involves bamboo ladders, slippery rocks, and river crossings. Trips can be booked from Luganville, where transport to the starting village is arranged.
Hideaway Island (Efate)
Hideaway Island is a favorite day trip from Efate, known for its easy access to colorful coral reefs teeming with fish. Just a short boat ride from Mele Beach, the island is a marine sanctuary where snorkeling is excellent right off the shore, making it a great choice even for beginners. The highlight for many is the quirky underwater post office, where you can slip a waterproof postcard into the mailbox beneath the waves – a fun souvenir to send home.
Hidden Gems of Vanuatu
Pentecost Island
Pentecost Island is world-famous as the birthplace of Naghol, or land diving – the ancient ritual that inspired modern bungee jumping. Each year between April and June, men leap from tall wooden towers with only vines tied to their ankles, in a breathtaking ceremony meant to ensure a good yam harvest. Watching Naghol is an unforgettable cultural experience, raw and authentic, with the whole village gathering to celebrate.
Beyond the spectacle, Pentecost offers a chance to see kastom life that has changed little over centuries. Remote villages welcome visitors with traditional songs, dances, and food, giving a glimpse into a way of life deeply tied to the land. The island is reached by short domestic flights from Port Vila or Luganville, though travel is often weather-dependent.
Ambrym Island
Ambrym Island is one of Vanuatu’s most mysterious destinations, often called the island of black magic. It’s famous for its skilled wood carvers, powerful legends, and active volcanoes Marum and Benbow. For serious adventurers, multi-day treks lead across ash plains and dense jungle to the edge of the craters, where glowing lava lakes create a sight few people ever witness in person. These hikes are challenging and require a guide, but the reward is an otherworldly landscape unlike anywhere else.
Cultural traditions are just as striking as the volcanic scenery. Ambrym is home to the famous rom dances, where men in elaborate masks perform ceremonies tied to ancient beliefs and social rituals. Visitors can often arrange to see these performances through local communities. The island is reached by domestic flights from Port Vila or Luganville, followed by boat transfers to villages and trekking routes.
Malekula Island
Malekula Island is one of the most culturally diverse parts of Vanuatu, home to dozens of tribes and more than thirty languages. It’s best known for the Small Nambas and Big Nambas tribes, whose traditional dress and customs remain an important part of daily life. Visitors can join guided tours to meet these communities, watch ceremonial dances, and learn about rituals, storytelling, and local crafts that have been passed down for generations.
The island also offers excellent trekking through rainforest, coastal villages, and rugged hills, making it ideal for travelers who want both cultural encounters and outdoor adventure. Multi-day hikes can include village stays, where hosts share meals and traditions. Malekula is accessible by domestic flight from Port Vila or Luganville, and from there, local guides arrange trips into the interior.
Gaua Island (Banks Group)
Gaua Island, part of the remote Banks Group, is a true off-the-beaten-path destination in Vanuatu. Its highlight is Mount Garet, an active volcano that rises above Lake Letas – the largest lake in the country. Treks here take you through dense rainforest and across streams before reaching the crater, where you’ll see volcanic activity against the backdrop of the vast lake. It’s a challenging but rewarding adventure for those seeking wild, untouched landscapes.
Another must-see is Siri Waterfall, a towering cascade that drops dramatically into the jungle and is often called one of the most impressive waterfalls in the South Pacific. Local guides can arrange trips combining the volcano, lake, and waterfall, usually over two days with village stays included. Gaua is reached by domestic flights from Port Vila or Luganville, though schedules are limited, so planning ahead is essential.
Epi Island
Epi Island is a peaceful escape, best known for the chance to snorkel alongside dugongs, turtles, and colorful reef fish in clear, shallow waters. The encounters are gentle and natural, making it a highlight for wildlife lovers. Beyond the sea, the island has quiet beaches that feel far removed from the outside world – perfect for travelers looking to disconnect and enjoy a true digital detox.
Visitors can also explore small villages, join local ceremonies, or hike into the island’s green interior for views across the coast. Epi is served by domestic flights from Port Vila or Luganville, and small boats connect its villages. Because of its relaxed pace, many travelers choose to spend a few nights here.
Travel Tips
Currency
The official currency is the Vanuatu Vatu (VUV). While ATMs and card facilities are available in Port Vila and Luganville, cash is essential when traveling to outer islands, where electronic payments are rarely accepted. Carrying small denominations is useful for markets, local transport, and village stays.
Language
Vanuatu is one of the most linguistically diverse countries in the world. The lingua franca is Bislama, a form of pidgin English that allows communication across the islands. In addition, both English and French are widely spoken, particularly in government, tourism, and education. Local indigenous languages are also used within individual communities, giving Vanuatu its unique cultural richness.
Getting Around
With over 80 islands, transport is part of the Vanuatu experience. Air Vanuatu connects most major islands, though schedules can be affected by weather. For more remote communities, ferries and small boats are the main means of travel. On Efate, where the capital Port Vila is located, visitors typically use shared minibuses or rent cars for greater flexibility. To rent a vehicle, travelers must carry an International Driving Permit along with their home license. Roads are generally good around the capital but can be rough in rural areas.
Entry Requirements
Vanuatu is welcoming to international visitors. Many nationalities qualify for visa-free entry or visa on arrival, typically valid for 30–90 days. Requirements depend on citizenship, so it’s best to check regulations in advance before traveling.
Published September 06, 2025 • 10m to read
