Things to do in Vanuatu
Welcome to our guide to what Port Vila and Vanuatu has to offer the visitor
We hope that you will enjoy some of these experiences and return home with wonderful memories and spread the word about this safe, friendly and rewarding destination.
1. Round island drive
The road around the island is all sealed. This makes for a great day trip and only takes about 2-3 hours to complete the full drive. Be sure to take a picnic lunch for Eton Beach – or book lunch at The Havannah Resort.
2. Picnic at Eton beach
Eton is the nicest white sand beach on Efate featuring a gorgeous turquoise lagoon and freshwater creek. There are lots of little huts that you can set yourself up in for the day for a picnic. The locals own and look after this beach and as such will charge you a small entry charge.
You can CLICK HERE to see the Trip Advisor details for Eton Beach.
(Image: Trip Advisor)
3. Blue Lagoon
A standout favourite for kids of all ages is Blue Lagoon just past Eton. Rope swings and crystal blue water offer the perfect way to spend a few hours with lots of fun.
You can CLICK HERE to see the Trip Advisor details for Blue Lagoon.
(Image: Trip Advisor)
4. Vanuatu Jungle Zipline
Soar through the jungle canopy and experience a fantastic buzz while on ziplines, suspension bridges and the new Jungle Canyon Swing. Zip platform to platform high in the trees and enjoy breathtaking views overlooking the ridgeline down to Mele Bay. For more information CLICK HERE.
5. Go chasing waterfalls
Mele Cascades is famous in Vanuatu. The climb to the waterfall is not a difficult one and, once there, it’s a rewarding experience. It’s the outpouring of an underground spring so the water is cool, clear and refreshing.
There is also a lovely waterfall at Rarru cascades near Eton. You can CLICK HERE to see the Trip Advisor details.
6. Hideaway Island
Hideaway Island is an ideal day trip for kids of swimming age. The snorkelling is great as it’s a marine reserve, and there is an underwater Post Office where you can dive down and send waterproof post cards to your friends.
7. Snorkelling
Lelepa Island half or full day tour is a great option and can include a look at island life in the village. To see their information CLICK HERE.
Another popular snorkelling spot is Top Rock at Samma in North Efate. CLICK HERE for details.
8. Diving
There are numerous dive sites in and around the Port Vila Harbour.
We recommend diving with Big Blue or Go Diving Vanuatu. Both are experienced operators and will provide you with expert tuition and equipment to get the best from your dive.
9. Game fishing
The offshore reefs and ocean around Port Vila offer one of the best blue water and coral fishing playgrounds in the world. Our guests have enjoyed charters with Fin Chaser Vanuatu or West Ocean Fishing Charters and Adventures
10. Vanuatu Watersports
From kayaking to snorkel tours and sunset cruises, Vanuatu Watersports offers a way for all the family to enjoy the sites of Port Vila harbour. CLICK HERE to see their options.
11. U Power Sea Adventures
For a harbour tour at a faster pace be sure to try U-Power Zego Sea Adventures.
A must do for teenagers and thrill seekers
12. Beachfront horse riding
A truly memorable experience with tours for both beginners and experienced riders. Club Hippique is located only 15 minutes from Port Vila on a panoramic beachfront rainforest plantation.
To see their information: CLICK HERE
13. Handicraft Markets
Located at the seafront near Nambawan Café you will find the Haos Blong Handikraft & Mahitahi buildings that contain a marketplace dedicated to selling and promoting authentic Vanuatu Made Handicrafts.
14. 83 Islands Distillery
83 Islands distillery is now open offering a unique opportunity to taste premium locally made rum & gin. CLICK HERE to book your experience … the cucumber dry gin is a winner!
15. Play Golf
The Port Vila Golf & Country Club welcomes visitors to play year-round and enjoy the vistas across Mele bay.
16. Eco Tours
Vanuatu Ecotours provides a full range of fun, exciting and interesting adventures: river and sea kayaking, trekking, mountain biking, and waterfalls tours. No one can get you closer to the real Vanuatu life and Pure Nature. For maximum personalized service and respect of the environment, these exclusive tours are reserved for small groups. For more information go to www.vanuatuecotours.com
17. Visit a Nakamal
Nakamals are kava bars. Kava is completely safe and is used as a natural anti-anxiety medication.
Kava is sold in “shells” as it is served in half a coconut shell. It is best to drink it down in one go .. as for the taste it’s like bitter peppered muddy water only worse.
18. Massage & Spa
For the full day spa experience book in at Tamanu on the Beach … and combine it with a long lunch with great ocean views.
For a great Thai massage head into Ahn Massage in the Tanna Russet Plaza in town or visit Volcanic Earth where they use their own locally produced organic skin care and body products.
19. Visit a Volcano
Yasur Volcano on the Southern Island of Tanna is well worth the effort to see this truly memorable live volcano.
Unity Airlines and Air Vanuatu run daily flights to Tanna and if you want to stay for a couple of nights on Tanna try Whitegrass Ocean Resort.
20. Watch Land Diving
Between May to July every year, men in southern Pentecost Island jump from tall towers (around 20 to 30 m) with vines tied to their feet, in a ritual believed to ensure a good yam harvest and fertility for men. The vine diving ritual is also now used to show acceptance into manhood. The original bungee!
Tours can be booked via Unity Airlines.
Image credits for this page: Images courtesy of tour operators, Istock, Trip Advisor, Vanuatu Tourism.