Of all island nations in the South Pacific Ocean, Vanuatu stands out for its unique blend of natural beauty, Melanesian culture, and activities for adventurers. The archipelago of 83 islands comprising the country offers many incredible things to do in Vanuatu, from exploring active volcanoes like Mount Yasur and marveling at the Blue Cave to experiencing traditional villages like Ekasup Village and swimming through the electric Blue Lagoons.
The Best 16 Things to Do in Vanuatu
1. Cool off at Mele Cascades
Mele Cascades is a stunning natural waterfall just 15 minutes from Port Vila on Efate. Local owners manage the site’s aqua pools and waterfalls.
Visitors should be relatively fit and dress accordingly to explore the falls and the surrounding jungle.
Reaching the top of the falls takes 20 minutes, and rope swings are available for daredevils. Most travelers spend two to three hours at the site.
2. Hike Mount Yasur
Tanna Island is home to several of the top things to do in Vanuatu, and a guided hiking tour of the accessible active volcano of Mount Yasur is one of them.
Beyond its geological attributes, the mountain is steeped in mythological significance, with many local Melanesians worshiping John Frum, an American WWII serviceman believed to live inside the mountain.
Tourists can take a half-day tour from island hotels to hike up the accessible active volcano and witness the molten lava at the crater’s edge.
3. Boat your way to Hideaway Island Marine Reserve
Just a 20-minute boat trip from Port Vila, Hideaway Island Marine Reserve is a small rocky islet offering a serene getaway from city life.
The reserve’s pristine cay and crystal-clear waters are the best way to disconnect and enjoy the country’s natural beauty.
Despite its size, the island has a restaurant that serves mouthwatering local cuisine and is unique for housing the world’s sole underwater post office, three meters underwater.
4. Experience cultural traditions in Ekasup Village
Located a mere 10-minute drive from Port Vila, Ekasup Village provides a unique and informative experience with insights into ancient Melanesian methods like game trapping, natural remedies, and sand drawing.
Whether visiting or relocating to Vanuatu permanently, visiting Ekasup Village is a valuable opportunity to connect with the island’s cultural heritage.
Take a look at our Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment Ultimate Guide
5. Enjoy a swim in Blue Lagoon
Blue Lagoon by Eton Beach on Efate Island is a natural swimming hole with calm turquoise water.
Visitors can relax in the lagoon’s calm waters or get a thrill by leaping from rope swings anchored on the surrounding trees.
Getting to Blue Lagoon is relatively easy, with tour companies like Evergreen Vanuatu offering full—and half-day tours.
6. Observe a land diving (Nangol) ritual
One of the most unique things to do in Vanuatu is to witness a land diving ceremony on Pentecost Island.
Known locally as Nangol, the predecessor of modern bungee jumping is performed by island locals and takes place from April to June. Witnessing the ritual is a memorable experience, with men jumping from wooden towers 20 to 30 meters tall and their ankles tethered by tree vines.
Tour operators like Vanuatu Ecotours offer special multi-day tours across three separate dates in April, May, and June, allowing a small number of visitors to immerse themselves in the event’s culturally significance. These tours provide a comprehensive experience, including guided visits to land diving sites, engaging with local communities, and insights into the history and culture of Nangol, and if you gain Vanuatu citizenship by investment, you can enjoy seamless access to these unique cultural experiences and participate in them as a member of the local community.
7. Sample local cuisine at Port Vila Market
The Port Vila Market is a great place to taste authentic Vanuatu cuisine.
Visitors can try local savory dishes like lap lap, taluk, and simboro at food stalls on the bay promenade, and sweet treats like cassava pudding and Vanuatu coconut cake.
Besides food, it’s the perfect opportunity to buy handicrafts like intricately woven baskets, colorful shell jewelry, and traditional wooden carvings.
8. Dive through the mysterious SS President Coolidge
The SS President Coolidge is a WWII-era shipwreck off the Luganville coast on Espiritu Santo.
This relic is the world’s largest accessible shipwreck, famous for its well-preserved artifacts such as the ‘barber’s chair’ and coral-laden guns.
If you’re looking for cool things to do in Vanuatu, book a scuba dive with guides from tour operators like Pacific Dive or Abyss Scuba Diving. At depths ranging from 20 to 70 meters, you can explore the ship’s remains, which are home to marine species like giant clams, scorpion fish, and leopard sharks.
9. Step into the soothing waters of Nanda Blue Hole
Often likened to a painting, the Nanda Blue Hole is a breathtaking natural wonder many consider one of the most beautiful places in Vanuatu.
The hole’s fresh waters that rise through limestone create an electric blue hue, casting a mesmerizing and vibrant color throughout the surrounding greenery.
Nanda Blue Hole is located east of Espiritu Santo in the Sanma Province, and access is provided by locals who own the land.
10. Explore Rarru Rentapao River
Nestled in the south-eastern landscapes of Efate, the Rarru Rentapao River is a thrilling river system that provides adventure and fun for the entire family. From rope-swinging, diving, and kayaking to exploring hidden lagoons and waterfalls, the river offers a diverse range of activities.
11. Snorkel through the coral gardens of Tanna Island
Featuring crystal-clear waters and numerous protected lagoons, most beaches in Vanuatu offer excellent snorkeling. The country’s best snorkeling destinations include Tanna Island, renowned for undisturbed coral gardens, and the remnants of the 1916 shipwreck, ‘The Fijian.’
12. Take a scenic drive around Espiritu Santo
Even as a small island nation, Vanuatu’s largest island, Espiritu Santo, features well-maintained roads that wind through the island’s stunning landscapes.
On the 113-kilometer route, motorists will cross attractions like Port Olry Beach, Riri Blue Hole, and Leweton Cultural Village.
Companies like Wanderlust Rental AND Santo Car Hire offer car rental services on the island at reasonable rates, making it straightforward to explore free things to do in Vanuatu at your own pace.
13. Spend a day at Champagne Beach
A Vanuatu vacation isn’t complete without a day of sun-soaking on one of the island’s most beautiful beaches. Champagne Beach in Espiritu Santo is popular among expats and retirees living in Vanuatu, offering azure-colored water, and a relaxing atmosphere.
Not only is it one of Vanuatu’s best beaches, but it’s also considered a gem of the South Pacific due to its unique champagne-bubbled water created from underwater volcanic activity on the Champagne Reef.
14. Venture into Millennium Cave
Millennium Cave, a natural wonder and one of the primary tourist attractions in Vanuatu, is located on Santo Island.
With its deep and complex system, accessing Millennium Cave requires a guided tour that includes trekking, swimming, and navigating rocks in the tropical jungle.
The journey involves wading through shadowy underbrush and encountering nocturnal wildlife, such as bent-winged bats, so it isn’t for the faint of heart.
15. Join a kava discovery tour
The Kava Discovery Tour, offered by The Kava House in Mele, Port Vila, allows visitors to uncover the secrets of the beverage and experience Vanuatu’s unique approach to it. Kava, a traditional South Pacific drink made from the root of the kava plant, is a cornerstone of social and ceremonial life in Vanuatu.
The drink, known for its earthy flavor and calming effects, is prepared by grinding the root and mixing it with water.
The tour offers deeper insights into its cultivation, harvesting, preparation, and consumption, and visitors get to observe the process first-hand and taste freshly prepared kava at its dedicated kava bar.
16. Investigate the wrecks of Million Dollar Point
Visiting Million Dollar Point on Espiritu Santo is a great way to see Vanuatu’s wartime history and have an underwater adventure. This site was named Million Dollar Point because of the value of the equipment left behind after World War II. The dramatic underwater landscape is littered with military equipment, trucks, tanks, and aircraft.
The remnants, deliberately dumped into the sea by the US military at the end of the war, have become an artificial reef and underwater museum teeming with marine life. Snorkelers and divers come to Million Dollar Point to explore this underwater treasure trove, where coral gardens and history, particularly for dual US and Vanuatu passport holders, adds a layer of personal connection.
It’s a dive into history and a visual spectacle as marine life thrives around the relics, a must-see for history lovers and adventure seekers.
Discover the value of a Vanuatu Passport
Frequently Asked Questions about Fun Things to Do in Vanuatu
Is Vanuatu worth visiting?
This South Pacific archipelago of Vanuatu offers stunning natural beauty, from isolated beaches, crystal-clear lagoons, and blue holes to numerous caves, volcanic mountains, and eco-tours. Furthermore, Vanuatu is one of the safest countries in the South Pacific, allowing foreigners to move around freely, so it’s definitely worth a visit.
Is Fiji or Vanuatu better?
With fewer tourists and commercial activity, Vanuatu offers a more off-the-beaten-path experience than Fiji for travelers seeking a quieter and more authentic escape. While Fiji is renowned for its luxury resorts and well-developed tourism infrastructure, Vanuatu provides a more intimate connection with nature and local culture, with smaller crowds less populated destinations like the Banks Islands. In terms of cost, Vanuatu tends to be more budget-friendly, offering more things to do for tourists traveling on a budget.
How many days do you need in Vanuatu?
If you’re in search of a hassle-free family holiday or solo Vanuatu vacation, a week-long stay at a Port Vila resort is generally enough. However, the added travel considerations to visit and stay on other Vanuatu islands like the Banks Islands would require a few more days to explore and get the most from the experience.
What are the best hiking trails in Vanuatu for nature lovers?
Vanuatu’s best destinations for hiking include:
- Mount Marou in Nguna
- Mount Garet in Gaua
- Manbush Trail in Malekula
- Benbow Volcano in Ambrym
- Mount Tabwemasana in Santo
