Five incredible things to do in Vanuatu

If you’re looking for an idyllic tropical holiday destination that doesn’t involve a long-haul flight, look no further than Vanuatu. Just a four-hour flight from New Zealand, it can be an alternative to other South Pacific destinations like Tahiti, Bora Bora and The Cook Islands.

Whether you dream of relaxing on beautiful beaches and snorkelling in clear blue water over coral reefs, or are looking for an adventurous holiday, you’ll find it all here. Check out our suggestions for some of the best things to do in Vanuatu.

Quick facts about Vanuatu

Vanuatu is an archipelago in the South Pacific Ocean consisting of approximately 80 islands but only about 65 of these are inhabited.
The capital of Vanuatu is Port Vila, which is located on the island of Efate.
English is an official language of Vanuatu along with French and the creole language Bislama.
Vanuatu has a tropical climate, so you’ll find warm temperatures here all year round. The wet season from November to April brings increased humidity and occasional tropical storms but also fewer tourists.

Aerial view of island in Vanuatu

Activities in Vanuatu

Whether you’re making a quick visit or have a week or two to holiday in Vanuatu, these are the things to do, places to go and sights to see.

1. Relax at the beach

Think South Pacific, and you automatically imagine stunning beaches with turquoise waters and coconut palms, right? Welcome to Vanuatu; with its white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters it’s exactly like your daydream!

There are many, many fabulous beaches to choose from and one of the favourites is in fact called White Sandy Beach. There’s really no other description needed. Grab a good book – or your snorkelling gear if you prefer something more active – and head to the island of Espiritu Santo to find this gem.

While you’re on Santo, as it’s sometimes known, add Champagne Beach to the must-visit list. This name we will explain: effervescent bubbles rise from the ocean bed, so the water does look like champagne. This beach is also beautifully calm and shallow so it’s great for kids.

For a beach close to Port Vila, Mele Beach is good for swimming, kayaking and paddleboarding.

2. Visit the blue holes

Vanuatu is known for its blue holes – pristine freshwater pools characterised by the deep blue colour of the water. The striking colour is caused by the contrast between the surrounding seawater and the freshwater contained within the hole. Blue holes are important natural landmarks and cultural sites in Vanuatu and are wonderful places for swimming, snorkelling and diving. Some of the most famous ones to visit are the Nanda Blue Hole and Matevulu Blue Hole both of which are on Espiritu Santo Island.

Child snorkeling

3. Go snorkelling and diving

You can snorkel at almost any of the beaches in Vanuatu but for something special, why not take a day trip to Hideaway Island. It’s a stone’s throw from Mele Beach near to Port Vila and there’s a free 20-minute ferry to get there.

Hideaway Island is a small coral atoll and home to a marine reserve; surrounded by sparkling clear water and coral reefs, it’s perfect for scuba diving as well as snorkelling. First-timers are very welcome and there’s even a shipwreck to explore – the Bonzer Wreck is easily accessed via the jetty. You’ll also find the world’s only underwater post office here. Buy your waterproof postcards and stamps from the nearby gift shop and then dive or snorkel to the post box to mail your cards!

Hideaway Island Resort is a fully equipped 5-star Scuba Diving International (SDI) Dive Resort and has everything you need to enjoy your dive experience. Be sure to undertake any diving activity with licensed providers!

4. Spend a day exploring Port Vila

Vanuatu’s capital offers a range of activities for visitors. The Port Vila Markets are a great place to immerse yourself in the local culture and sample the cuisine. You’ll find everything from crafts and souvenirs to fresh produce, freshly harvested shellfish and locally grown coffee. One thing to note is that, unlike other destinations such as Southeast Asia, haggling is not common practice in Vanuatu and asking for a cheaper price could cause offence.

Another popular thing to do in Port Vila is to visit one of the local villages to learn about the traditional lifestyle of Vanuatu. The Ekasup Cultural Village is only a 10-minute drive from Port Vila, and you can join a guided tour here to find out more about Vanuatu's fascinating history. In case you didn’t know, cannibalism was once a thing here! Don’t be alarmed by this piece of history though, this is very much a thing of the past and today Vanuatu is known for its warm hospitality.

Adventure-seekers will love a chance to explore the jungle and by zipline is an exciting way to do that. The whole family can enjoy soaring above the jungle canopy and seeing the sights from a whole different perspective. The Vanuatu Jungle Zipline is just a short drive from Port Vila, and tour companies will come and collect you. You don’t need any previous experience or skills and you’ll have a guide to show you what to do. And remember – any zipline activity should be undertaken with a licensed operator!

Another not-to-be-missed jungle experience close to Port Vila is the Mele Cascades. Take a guided hike through the rainforest to reach these beautiful waterfalls where you can swim in the pools and soak up the tranquillity of your surroundings.

Two people standing in cave entrance

5. Adventure into a cave

Vanuatu has some breathtakingly beautiful landscapes so if you’re looking for something truly unique to do, go underground. Vanuatu offers some thrilling cave adventures but, a warning: they’re not for the faint of heart.

Millenium Cave on Espiritu Santo is one of the most famous caves and a visit here makes for an intrepid day out, possible only as part of a guided tour – remember to ensure they’re a reputable licensed operator, and that you follow all instructions clearly.

Before you get to explore the cave system you’ll be trekking through the jungle, crossing rivers and bamboo bridges and then descending into the cave. You’ll need to be fit, not afraid of the dark, and comfortable getting wet but if you can answer yes to all of those things, you’re in for a fantastic experience. Inside the cave you’ll see underground waterfalls, stunning limestone formations and sparkling pools.

Getting to Vanuatu

A direct flight from Auckland to Port Vila, Vanuatu takes around three to four hours. Cruising to Vanuatu from New Zealand is another great option.

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