Tropical landscapes and pristine beaches

Just a few hours from Australia and New Zealand, Vanuatu’s islands are the perfect place to take time out from the chaos of life and rejuvenate. With a tropical pace, it is the perfect place to slow down, immerse yourself and be in the moment.

White Sands

Discover your own piece of paradise in Vanuatu where stunning white sandy beaches meet translucent blue water. As a nation of 83 islands, there are plenty of beaches to explore. There are day trips for private picnic lunches, sailing trips to secluded beaches for a BBQ, local beach bars or uncrowded secluded beaches where you can be alone to enjoy the incredible crystal clear water.

Volcanic Fireworks

Visit Mount Yasur, the most iconic landmark on the island of Tanna. Stand on the rim of the live volcano and witness up close and personal the fireworks phenomena with blazing entrails, shooting lava bombs and volcanic ash clouds. Take a scenic flight to Lopevi Island, the tallest peak in central Vanuatu with spectacular emerald forested slopes. Head further north to see Ambrym, included in the top ten for earth’s most active volcanoes. Seeing Ambrym’s boiling lakes of lava from the air is an experience not to be missed.

Underwater Delights

Vanuatu boasts world-class dive sites and an abundance of colourful coral with superb visibility. Santo is home to SS President Coolidge, the largest and most accessible wreck dive in the world, jammed with the machinery of war. Million Dollar Point is where the US military dumped surplus equipment at the end of the conflict.

Blue Holes

Some of Vanuatu’s most stunning natural wonders are the blue holes. These fresh water swimming holes formed out of the limestone landscape are filled with crystal clear, cobalt blue water and lively fish. Some of the most beautiful blue holes including Nanda, Matevulu and Riri, are located on Santo. Discover these on a kayaking adventure up rivers running through lush tropical forests or easily access these on half day or day tours. Or take a round island drive to discover the Blue Lagoon blue hole on Efate.

Waterfalls

Vanuatu’s landscape is littered with stunning waterfalls. In Port Vila, you can discover Mele Cascades, one of Vanuatu’s most visited waterfall locations in the lush rainforest. Santo is home to the stunning Mount Hope Waterfall and Millennium Cave Waterfall. Alternatively, in central Malekula take a picturesque walk to the majestic Losinwei Cascades. A stunning waterfall also awaits visitors to Nagol land diving festival on Pentecost Island.

Romance

An abundance of boutique, adults only accommodation makes Vanuatu the perfect place to be alone together with your loved one. Simply exploring Vanuatu’s tropical landscape, savouring morning coffees and meeting locals will invigorate you. Rekindle the spark with beach picnics, cocktails and spa treatments. For more adventurous couples, diving, kayaking, swimming, sailing and trekking are all possible. 

Food

With fresh organic produce in abundance, Vanuatu offers a delightful culinary experience. There are many restaurants and cafes in Port Vila with chefs creating delicious menus from the local fare. Markets in Port Vila and other towns are literally exploding with colourful, organic produce, for those who want to cook at home. Try seafood pulled straight from the ocean, fruits and vegetables grown in surrounding villages and the famous tender local beef.

Living Culture

There is a rich and authentic culture waiting to be discovered just a few hours from Australia and New Zealand in Vanuatu. Communities who have held onto their traditions reside in villages around the 83 islands of Vanuatu. Visiting or staying in custom villages will afford a rare glimpse into a very different way of life. Witness custom dances, traditional cooking and more.

Land Diving

The Naghol land diving ritual on the island of Pentecost is famous worldwide and a must see. The ritual, which influenced the invention of bungy jumping, sees local men and boys jump from a 20-30-metre-high manmade tower with only a vine attached to their legs. The awe-inspiring ceremony celebrates the yam harvest and is a fertility rite for men.

Festival & Events

Vanuatu communities are regularly hosting celebrations to keep their rich traditions alive. There are traditional events including the death defying Pentecost Island Land Diving, Ambrym’s Rom Dance and the colourful Tanna Toka Dance; as well as more modern events such as Fest Napuan and Fete de la Musique featuring local and international musicians. Visitors can also join active locals in the annual ocean swim or round island relay fun run.