Visit Vanuatu: what to do, when to go and itineraries

Eighty-three islands arcing across the South Pacific, a volcano whose crater rim you can reach at dusk, freshwater blue holes and villages where custom still sets the pace of life: Vanuatu is best discovered island by island, slowly.

Why choose Vanuatu in Oceania?

Vanuatu is one of the few countries in Oceania where you can watch an active volcano from its crater rim, at Mount Yasur on Tanna. A former Anglo-French condominium, independent since 1980, it keeps French and English as official languages alongside Bislama, which makes travel easy for both English and French speakers.

What to discover in Vanuatu?

Efate and the surroundings of Port Vila

Efate holds the international airport and the capital, Port Vila, built around a sheltered bay. The coastal ring road runs about 120 kilometres and can be driven in a day, with stops at Mele Cascades, Eton Bay for a swim and the villages of the north. Allow three nights to also paddle the Erakor lagoon by kayak and browse the central market. It is the logical base for a first trip before heading to the southern or northern islands.

Tanna and its volcano

About forty minutes by air south of Port Vila, Tanna is home to Mount Yasur, a volcano in near-constant activity whose rim is reached by 4x4 and then on foot. Visits take place in the late afternoon to watch lava bursts as night falls, always with a local guide. Access depends on the alert level published by the national geohazards service: above level 2, the crater is closed. Plan two nights on the island, dirt roads included.

Espiritu Santo, beaches and diving

The largest island in the archipelago, Santo is under an hour's flight from Port Vila. Luganville is the base for diving the SS President Coolidge, a liner turned troopship that sank in 1942 and can be reached from the beach. The east coast lines up Champagne Beach, Port Olry and the Matevulu and Nanda blue holes, 30 to 60 minutes away by road. Three to four nights let you combine diving, swimming and a rest day.

Pentecost and the Naghol season

In southern Pentecost, men leap from wooden towers with vines tied to their ankles during the Naghol, a ritual linked to the yam harvest. It only takes place from April to June, usually on Saturdays, when the vines are supple enough. Access is by small plane from Port Vila or Santo, often as a day trip. Book early, as places are limited and villages charge a customary entry fee for spectators.

Malekula and Ambrym, the kastom islands

Malekula and Ambrym, in the centre of the archipelago, suit travellers who accept little comfort: simple bungalows, limited electricity and flights that do not run every day. On Malekula, villages welcome visitors for traditional dances and carving workshops. Ambrym is known for its upright slit drums and its Marum and Benbow volcanoes, whose two-day ascent depends strictly on volcanic activity and must be done with a guide.

When to go and how to travel between islands

The dry season, from May to October, brings milder temperatures and a low cyclone risk. From November to April, humid heat and cyclones are possible: Cyclone Pam devastated the country in 2015. The islands are linked mainly by small planes, whose schedules change often, plus a few slow ferries. Keep a buffer day before your international flight. Vanuatu combines well with neighbouring Fiji or the Solomon Islands.

Cities to visit in Vanuatu

Featured destinations appear first.
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Not to miss in Vanuatu

Seven experiences that alone justify the long journey to the South Pacific.

Mount Yasur

Tanna's active volcano, whose rim you approach at dusk to watch lava bursts, depending on the current alert level.

President Coolidge wreck

A liner of nearly 200 metres sunk off Santo in 1942, one of the largest wrecks in the world reachable as a shore dive.

Champagne Beach

A white-sand beach on Santo's east coast, famed for its turquoise water and tiny bubbles rising from the sand at low tide.

Santo's blue holes

Freshwater pools of intense blue in the middle of the forest, such as Matevulu and Nanda, where you swim and swing from a rope.

Mele Cascades

A series of terraced pools about twenty minutes from Port Vila, climbed on foot up to the main waterfall.

Land diving

A spectacular ritual in southern Pentecost, from April to June, where divers leap from wooden towers held only by vines.

Port Vila market

A covered waterfront market open almost around the clock, where island women sell fruit, root crops and woven flowers.

Frequently asked questions

Can you really get close to the Mount Yasur crater?
Yes, when the alert level is 1 or 2, visitors with a guide walk up to the crater rim, a few hundred metres from the active vents. Above that, the site is closed. The risk of ejected rocks is real, so always follow your guide's instructions.
How many days should you plan for Efate, Tanna and Santo?
Around ten days on the ground is a comfortable minimum: three nights on Efate, two on Tanna for the volcano and four on Santo for diving and beaches. Add a spare day, as domestic flights are sometimes postponed.
When can you watch land diving on Pentecost Island?
The Naghol takes place from April to June, usually every Saturday, in the villages of southern Pentecost. Exact dates are confirmed locally or through an operator in Port Vila, as they depend on the villages and on the condition of the vines.
Do you need advanced dive certification for the President Coolidge?
Not for the first sections: the wreck slopes down from the beach and beginners explore the bow at shallow depth. The interior holds and the famous Lady statue require more advanced training and dives with decompression stops.
Is French spoken in Vanuatu?
Yes, French is one of three official languages alongside English and Bislama, a legacy of the Anglo-French condominium. It is mostly spoken in Port Vila and in areas that had many French-language schools, while English dominates elsewhere.
Is kava safe for visitors?
Drunk in moderation, kava mainly numbs the mouth and brings deep relaxation. Vanuatu's kava is known to be strong: start with half a shell, avoid mixing it with alcohol and do not drive afterwards.
How do you get to Vanuatu from Europe?
There are no direct flights: travellers usually connect through Australia, New Caledonia or Fiji before reaching Port Vila. Expect at least 30 hours of travel and one or more stopovers, depending on the routes currently operating.
Is Vanuatu prone to earthquakes?
Yes, the archipelago lies on the Pacific Ring of Fire and sees regular seismic activity, such as the earthquake that struck Port Vila in December 2024. Check your accommodation's safety instructions and note the nearest high ground in case of a tsunami warning.
Can you visit traditional villages freely?
No, all land belongs to a community. You need permission from the chief or a local guide, and a customary fee is usually charged. Dress modestly, shoulders and knees covered, and always ask before taking photos.

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