Vanuatu

Lands of Fire and Water

Vanuatu is a unique place where active volcanoes, blue lagoons, and ancient tribal traditions coexist side by side. People come here for snorkeling and diving, for underwater caves and reefs, and also for trekking to the craters on the islands of Tanna and Ambrym. Life here is simple, but the experiences are vivid—ceremonies, dances, unique cuisine, and simply magnificent nature!

Guide to Vanuatu

Basic Information

Vanuatu is an island nation in the southwestern Pacific Ocean, with its main transportation hub in Port Vila. The country is known for its volcanic origins, coral reefs, and blue holes, so itineraries typically include trips between Efate and several outer islands. On the one hand, it is one of the first countries to ban plastic bags. On the other hand, in some villages, you can still pay with pigs as currency. Traveling to Vanuatu is always an extraordinary experience for adventure seekers.

Photos of Vanuatu

The cone of the Marumligar volcanic crater. Ambrym Island, Vanuatu

Efate is an island in the Pacific Ocean that is part of a province in Vanuatu.

Thick dark grey smoke is coming out of the active volcano in Tanna, Vanuatu.

Vanuatu Islands, December 2018: A close-up of an indigenous tribe in Vanuatu performing a ceremony in the rainforest

Port Vila, Vanuatu: People swimming in the Blue Lagoon

Olal, Ambrim Island, Vanuatu – July 10, 2016: dancers and the village chief

An aerial drone photo of a remote South Pacific island

Capital

Port Vila

Language

English, French, Bislama

Currency

Vanuatu vatu

Time zone

GMT +11

Population

335 000

Territory

12,190 km²

Dishes worth trying:

Laplap — а gratin-style pudding made with grated root vegetables, coconut, and meat or fish.

Kava — a traditional non-alcoholic beverage made from the roots of the plant of the same name.

Tuluk — cassava dough filled with meat, wrapped in leaves, and cooked in an earthen oven.

Simboro — fish or meat with vegetables, steamed in leaves or baked in the oven.

Fresh mahi-mahi or tuna — it is often served simply with lime and a side of taro.

Things to do in to Vanuatu

Watch traditional masked dances.
Discover hidden waterfalls in the jungle.
Relax on a beach with black volcanic sand.
Try taro and yam dishes at the market in Port Vila.
See pristine reefs on a boat tour.
Go kayaking along the coast and explore the small coves and caves.

Tips

If you’re planning your own itinerary for Vanuatu, work out the basic logistics in advance. Domestic flights and boat trips are often canceled due to weather, and there may not be any alternatives. If you have an international flight, allow an extra day in Port Vila. Confirm your reservations and transfers a couple of days in advance, and keep addresses and contact information saved offline.

Please respect local community rules. Many beaches, blue holes, and trails are located on village land, so there is often an entrance fee, which goes directly to the community. Keep small bills on hand and ask where you can swim and take photos. Off the beach, dress modestly and do not go beyond the barriers without permission.

If you’re planning an active vacation in Vanuatu, be sure to purchase insurance that covers outdoor activities and check with the tour operator to confirm that there is cell service, a guide, and an evacuation plan in place. Water shoes protect against coral and rocks, while insect repellent and lightweight, long-sleeved clothing are helpful at dusk. Drink only bottled water and always bring sunscreen.

Sights

To make the most of your trip to Vanuatu, combine three key experiences: volcanoes, water, and culture. This way, you’ll get a sense of the archipelago’s volcanic origins, discover lagoons with blue holes, and experience authentic village life. The distances between the islands are short, but the itinerary depends on the weather, so it’s best to pick a few of the most interesting places from your guidebook and not try to see everything at once.

Mount Yasur

The active volcano on Tanna Island is one of the most accessible active volcanoes. Visitors usually drive to the crater and then hike up from there with a local guide. It’s best to go at sunset.

Nanda Blue Hole

A freshwater blue hole with crystal-clear water, perfect for swimming and diving off the platform or diving board. It’s easiest to get there by car along the east coast, and there’s a small entrance fee.

The lands of Chief Roi Mata

The itinerary includes a visit to the village, sites significant to the history of the Roi Mata people, and a trip to Artok Island, where a mass grave is located. Please observe the taboos, community rules, and restrictions on photography.

Tours to Vanuatu

To make the most of your vacation in Vanuatu, you first need to figure out what you’re looking for. Port Vila on Efate is a good place to start—it’s easier to get your bearings here when it comes to accommodations, transportation, and money, and to take short trips around the island. After that, people usually choose one island for a specific purpose—the volcano on Tanna, diving and beaches on Espiritu Santo, or cultural trips to the small islands near Efate.

Snorkeling requires good visibility and calm seas, but otherwise it’s available almost everywhere. Diving in the Vanuatu islands is closely tied to military history. And if you’re looking for something less extreme, you can always relax peacefully in a quiet cove.

A trip to the local volcanoes offers a rare opportunity to see an active crater with a relatively short climb. It’s important to go only with local guides and make safety decisions on the spot, as access may be restricted due to changes in volcanic activity.

Accommodation options are quite diverse—ranging from city hotels in Port Vila to bungalows and eco-lodges on the islands, or simple fales by the water. In some regions, electricity and internet are limited, and generators run on a schedule, so a flashlight and a power bank will come in very handy. The staple diet consists of fish, coconuts, taro, and seasonal fruits. On the outlying islands, meals are simpler but very fresh. It’s best to view the complex logistics as an integral part of the experience rather than a challenge.

Where to go to Vanuatu?

Plan your trip to Vanuatu based on how much time you have. If you’re short on time, start in Efate and stay in Port Vila. From there, spend one day visiting the waterfalls and blue holes, and another day exploring the beaches and the market. You can also visit nearby scenic spots in a single day by renting a car.

For snorkeling and diving, it’s best to fly to Espiritu Santo to dive down to the sunken liner “President Coolidge.” Mystery Island is a true postcard-perfect paradise. The village of Ekasup will introduce you to the ancient customs of the Melanesians, and the Millennium Cave will amaze even seasoned adventurers.

When to go to Vanuatu

Vanuatu has a humid tropical climate, almost equatorial. However, the weather varies significantly depending on elevation and the influence of the trade winds. The heavy rainy season lasts from January through March across all the islands. During this time, there are fewer visitors and travel costs to Vanuatu are lower, but logistics become more complicated, so you should allow for extra time. The most comfortable time to visit is from May to October. Humidity is lower, nights are slightly cooler, and the sea is calmer, making it easier to plan snorkeling and travel. Even underwater visibility is usually better during these months.

Vanuatu in spring

In the spring, specifically in September and October, temperatures rise and rainfall increases to 100–150 mm. The water also warms up a bit more. The weather is generally stable, without any sweltering heat, making this a good time for active excursions to volcanoes and island trekking.

Vanuatu in summer

Summer, from December through February, is the rainy season and the season for tropical cyclones. Temperatures hover around 30 degrees Celsius, and humidity is very high. Rainfall can reach 250–350 mm per month. Storms are possible, so it’s a good idea to adjust your plans based on the latest forecasts and warnings.

Vanuatu in fall

The rainy season continues into March, but begins to ease off in April and May. Air and water temperatures remain stable, but rainfall drops again to 150–200 mm. This is a transitional season. Cyclonic activity decreases, as does the number of tourists, and the natural landscape looks particularly vibrant after the rainy season.

Vanuatu in winter

Winter in Vanuatu lasts from June to August and is considered the most pleasant time of year. Temperatures hover around 25°C during the day and 20°C at night. Precipitation is light—80–120 mm per month. Water temperatures are around 25°C. The waters are calm, so you can plan diving, snorkeling, and trips between the islands.

Usefulness

The tripmydream service has compiled a list of quick tips to help you find your way around more easily and feel more confident while traveling, as well as to give you a better idea of how much a trip to Vanuatu costs.

Visa to Vanuatu

Citizens of most countries may stay in Vanuatu for up to 90 days within a six-month period without a visa. Visa-free entry also applies to citizens of the United States and EU countries.

Customs & Tax Free

There are no restrictions on bringing cash into the country, but amounts exceeding 1,000,000 VUV must be declared. A limited quantity of alcohol and tobacco for personal use may be brought in duty-free. It is prohibited to export rare animals, corals, and products made from them without a permit. The duty-free system is not well-developed.

Travel by car

On Efate and Santo, it’s easier to get around in a rental car so you can reach all the interesting beaches and waterfalls. Traffic drives on the right, and the roads are narrow and unlit in places, so it’s best to plan your return trip before sunset.

Phrasebook for tourists

In Vanuatu, people speak Bislama, English, and French, but in Port Vila and tourist areas, English is usually sufficient. On the outer islands, it’s easier to point to a location on a map or show an address in writing.

Public transport and prices

Local minibuses run in Port Vila and around Efate, but schedules are flexible and depend on passenger volume. Be sure to agree on taxi fares before your trip. Travel between islands relies on domestic flights and ferries, which are subject to weather conditions and may be rescheduled.

Events

The most interesting local festivals include Independence Day, the Fest'Napuan music festival in Port Vila, and the traditional Naghol ritual on Pentecost Island. Before you go, we highly recommend checking the calendar to see if there’s anything interesting happening.