Vanuatu
Comprising more than 80 islands spanning over 1,000 kilometres, the Pacific nation of Vanuatu is a scuba diving haven and a lovely place to stay.
Vanuatu travel guide
An island paradise in the South Pacific, Vanuatu is an archipelago of 83 different islands boasting spectacular views, exquisite landscapes, lush rainforests, superb diving and snorkelling opportunities and a truly authentic, welcoming tropical island experience. Still relatively untouched, these remote islands are home to charming people with a patchwork of cultures and traditions. They offer a choice of locations where one can escape and enjoy an adventure, including active volcanoes, jungle areas and a magical, colorful underwater world.
Vanuatu features all sorts of accommodation, from simple spots to fully equipped resorts where everything is laid on, including entertainment, impeccable service and a variety of facilities. In addition, every island in the archipelago has its own special charm and personality – no 2 are the same.
So how do you choose where to stay? Let’s start with the main island, Efate, your gateway to Vanuatu’s treasures. It’s family-friendly, its markets are great places to shop and immerse yourself in the local culture and the resorts here are excellent. The largest island in Vanuatu is Espirito Santo, famous for its beautiful beaches, choice of accommodation, excellent snorkelling, scuba diving and hiking. Down south is the island of Tanna, home to the volcano Mount Yasur.
Those who want to experience the ancient style of bungee jumping should head for Pentecost, where people dive headfirst to the ground with vine ropes attached to their feet. Visit the volcanoes on the island of Ambryn, go off the beathen track in the Banks Islands… and that’s just a taste of the many diverse islands here just waiting to be discovered.
Independent since 1980, Vanuatu has a lot of Spanish, French and British influence. As it develops, it will become less of a hidden gem, so visit now while it is still relatively untouched and inexpensive.
The natural beauty of Vanuatu surrounds you when exploring the country.
Best time to visit: From April to October, in the dry season, when the weather is pleasant and not as humid. November to March is the rainy season and also cyclone season, so avoid this time.
Best Area for Sightseeing: The entire archipelago is a treasure trove of delights! See Things to do in Vanuatu, below, for some ideas.
Shopping in Vanuatu: Explore the islands’ local markets to find stunning handicrafts including paintings, carvings and other souvenirs.
Food & Restaurants in Vanuatu: Freshly caught seafood is a delight, especially lobsters and fish. The fresh produce markets are a great local experience and you’ll find great food there, including home-cooked meals. The local French supermarket chain, Le Bon Marche, offers a variety of superb French products including delicious pate – and there are some excellent French eateries in Port Vila, including Au Fare and L’Houstelet, which has been serving superb French dishes for more than 45 years.
Nightlife: You’ll find a number of nightclubs and a cinema in Port Vila, or enjoy one of the evening cruises on offer there, which feature music, wine and snacks. Many of the hotels and resorts on the islands provide evening entertainment.
Beaches: On the main island of Efate, visit Eton Beach, which is postcard-pretty. There’s also Paradise Cove Beach, near Port Vila, where you can snorkel and swim and Hideaway Beach on Hideaway Island, which boasts the only underwater post office in the world, so you can swim underwater to send a postcard from there if you wish. On Espiritu Santo you’ll find Champagne Beach with clear water and pristine white sand as well as Bokissa Beach on nearby Bokissa Island, another paradise beach.
Things to do in Vanuatu:
- Pick your island, then enjoy stunning scuba diving and snorkelling.
- Visit a tribal village to learn all about local lifestyle
- Explore the capital, Port Vila with its charming French and British colonial influences.
- Escape to Mystery Island for the day, to sunbathe, hike through the jungle and snorkel.
- Enjoy superb surfing on the main island Efate, at Erakor Point, Breakas and Pango.
- On Efate, visit the domain of the island’s chief, a UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site, on a Roi Mata Cultural Tour.
- Visit Mount Yasur Volcano on Tanna Island – stay here in a treehouse for a unique experience.
- Sail or kayak around the islands and explore.
- Enjoy a variety of water sports wherever you are in Vanuatu.
Best way to get around: On the islands you’ll find shared taxi vans (called buses) and regular taxis to take you around. Always settle on a price before you set off. Some of the islands offer free ferry rides.
Best Area for Families: Efate The main island is great spot for families, and a great base from which to explore the other paradise islands in the archipelago. You can stay here in the harbor town of Port Vila, which offers numerous accommodation options.