Reviewed on 29 Feb 2020
Reviewed on 15 Mar 2020
Reviewed on 24 Mar 2020
Find the world’s most accessible active volcano, scenic tropical beaches, fascinating local culture and fantastic diving at this southwest Pacific Ocean archipelago
Vanuatu offers a beautiful island escape, with a stunning coastline, lush forests and waterfalls, fantastic adventure tours and a thriving local culture. Explore the island provinces by boat to experience breathtaking coastal scenery or by land to immerse yourself in the country’s fascinating cultural heritage. See ancient villages and traditional ceremonies and dances. Discover the fertile earth and lush rainforests at the base of a spectacular active volcano. Scuba dive or snorkel along magnificent reefs and eerie shipwrecks. Begin your trip in exciting Port Vila on the island of Efate. This colonial city features a fantastic cultural center and several markets selling delicious local produce and authentic handicrafts.
Head to the island of Tanna to find a paradise of tropical rainforests and majestic mountains. This island is home to Mount Yasur, one of the world’s most accessible active volcanoes. Trek through the forest and across the plains to climb up the volcano mountainside and peer into the smoking crater. Tanna also features a magnificent soccer-field-sized banyan tree and stunning marine and wildlife sanctuaries. Discover cascading waterfalls and steaming hot springs. See Tannese customary dances and rituals. Snorkel along a colorful coral reef.
Experience unique cultures on Malekula, an island filled with rich cultural heritage. Explore coconut groves or navigate around the island by speedboat or canoe.
On Espiritu Santo, Vanuatu’s largest island, find lush jungle, rivers coursing through caves, mountainous peaks and bright-blue lagoons. This island is a hotspot for divers and has a fascinating shipwreck just offshore.
Visit Vanuatu’s Pentecost Island in April and May to experience naghol, the island’s breathtaking land-diving custom. See local islanders leaping from a rickety wooden tower with only two vines fastened to their ankles each Saturday, as a ritual to ensure a good yam harvest.
Vanuatu is an archipelago in the southwest Pacific Ocean. Visit Vanuatu outside of July to December to avoid peak tourism season. The climate is more humid in January to June, with some tropical storms. Reach Vanuatu by plane to Port-Vila International Airport and Luganville Airport, or by cruise ship. Domestic planes, ferries, buses and taxis all serve the archipelago.