Planning a trip to Vanuatu or looking for a tropical escape with a mix of nature, culture and adventure? This South Pacific archipelago is well known for its crystal clear lagoons, volcano landscapes, and warm Melanesian traditions that charm visitors year after year. With more than 80 islands waiting to be explored, Vanuatu is a destination that invites you to slow down, reconnect with nature and enjoy unforgettable experiences.
Whether you are chasing waterfalls in Espiritu Santo, wandering vibrant markets in Port Vila or standing before a roaring volcano on Tanna Island, every corner of the country presents a new discovery. If you are planning your itinerary, these are the best places to visit in Vanuatu for a memorable and rejuvenating holiday.
Fun Facts About Vanuatu
- Vanuatu sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire and is one of the easiest places in the world to access active volcanoes, including Mount Yasur.
- Espiritu Santo’s Champagne Beach is famous for its natural fizz, caused by volcanic gases rising beneath the water.
- Vanuatu is home to UNESCO’s Chief Roi Mata’s Domain, a cultural site honouring one of the region’s most influential leaders.
- Land diving on Pentecost Island is the ancient precursor to modern bungee jumping.
- The islands are known for their blue holes, natural freshwater pools surrounded by thick jungle and vivid tropical vegetation.
Mount Yasur on Tanna Island
If there is one attraction that defines the spirit of Vanuatu, it is Mount Yasur, often called the world’s most accessible active volcano. Located on Tanna Island, the volcano glows day and night and has been erupting consistently for centuries. Early explorers, including Captain James Cook, were said to have used the glow of Yasur as a guide when navigating this part of the Pacific.
Travellers can venture close to the crater rim where spurts of lava illuminate the sky. The short drive from the airport to the volcano takes you through ash plains, traditional kastom villages and rugged highlands. Visits should always be arranged with licensed guides who understand the landscape and local customs.
You can learn more about Tanna’s natural attractions through the Vanuatu Tourism Office.
Matevulu Blue Hole on Espiritu Santo
The Matevulu Blue Hole is one of Vanuatu’s most enchanting freshwater lagoons. Surrounded by enormous banyan trees, hanging vines and untouched rainforest, the blue hole is known for its striking shades of jade and sapphire. Travellers often enjoy swimming or kayaking in its calm waters, which remain refreshingly cool throughout the year.
This natural attraction is a favourite for photography thanks to its mirror-like reflections and natural jungle canopy. For a peaceful escape from the coastal heat, this serene spot is a must when visiting the best places in Vanuatu for nature lovers.
Pentecost Island and the Tradition of Land Diving
Pentecost Island is famous worldwide for naghol, the traditional land diving ritual believed to bless the year’s harvest. Wooden towers reaching up to 30 metres are built each season, and men leap from the platforms with only carefully woven vines tied around their ankles. While it is considered the spiritual ancestor of bungee jumping, naghol holds deep cultural meaning and is only performed between April and June.
Aside from this cultural spectacle, Pentecost offers breathtaking mountain scenery, quiet coastal villages and warm village hospitality. Snorkelling and diving sites around the island reveal untouched reefs teeming with marine life.
Mele Cascades on Efate
Just outside Port Vila lies one of Vanuatu’s most loved natural attractions, the Mele Cascades. The falls spill across tiered limestone terraces covered in moss and lush vegetation. Travellers follow a guided path with ropes for support, leading to a large swimming basin at the top.
The walk can be slippery, especially after rain, so sturdy water shoes are recommended. Once at the summit, visitors are rewarded with panoramic views of Port Vila’s coastline and a refreshing dip beneath the cascade.
Mt. Benbow and Mt. Marum on Ambrym Island
Ambrym Island is known as the “black magic island,” named for its volcanic landscapes, rich traditions and deep cultural roots. The active volcanoes Mt. Benbow and Mt. Marum dominate the island, each with impressive lava lakes that glow beneath the ash clouds on clear days.
The treks to these craters are challenging. Travellers hike across volcanic ash, loose rock and wide calderas. Those who make the journey will witness one of nature’s most spectacular displays, a view rarely seen anywhere else in the world.
It is best to join experienced guides who specialise in volcano expeditions and ensure all safety precautions are followed.
Millennium Cave on Espiritu Santo
For adventurous travellers, Millennium Cave offers a full-day escapade through dense jungle, bamboo bridges, hidden waterfalls and deep canyon passages. The cave itself is enormous, with rushing water echoing through its interior. The trek that leads to it is physically demanding and requires a moderate level of fitness.
Along the way, guides share insights about local wildlife, plant life and cultural practices. The experience is rewarding and one of the most unforgettable things to do in Vanuatu for thrill seekers.
Luganville on Espiritu Santo
As the second-largest city in Vanuatu, Luganville is a gateway to many of Santo’s best attractions. It is home to Million Dollar Point, where old military equipment was discarded at the end of World War II, now transformed into a popular snorkelling site. Coral reefs have grown around these relics, giving visitors a unique combination of history and marine life.
Luganville also offers a great dining scene, from locally inspired dishes to seafood-focused restaurants. Markets sell island produce and tropical fruits, giving you a taste of Espiritu Santo’s culinary heritage.
National Museum of Vanuatu
Located opposite the Parliament building in Port Vila, the National Museum of Vanuatu provides cultural context for everything you encounter across the islands. Exhibits highlight slit gongs, ceremonial masks, pottery, canoes and tools used across different regions and time periods.
The museum also displays photographs and artefacts from Chief Roi Mata’s Domain, the country’s only UNESCO World Heritage Site, which you can learn more about here: UNESCO – Vanuatu.
Visitors often join guided tours where demonstrations of sand drawing, bamboo flute music and other traditional arts are performed.
Port Vila
No visit to Vanuatu is complete without exploring Port Vila, the lively capital on Efate Island. The city blends French influences with local Melanesian culture, creating a warm and vibrant atmosphere. Markets offer handicrafts, fresh produce and unique island snacks. Highlights include the waterfront promenade, cultural centres and boutique shops.
Foodies will enjoy tasting the local specialty, poulet fish, which is often described as a chicken-like reef fish with delicate flavours. Bars along the waterfront are perfect for sampling kava, an important ceremonial drink across the islands.
Champagne Beach on Espiritu Santo
Often ranked among the most beautiful beaches in the world, Champagne Beach is known for its luminous turquoise water, soft white sand and calm waves. The “champagne” effect is created when volcanic gas escapes from the sea floor, causing gentle fizzing that sparkles in the sunlight.
Visitors frequently see sea turtles, colourful fish and coral formations near the shore. Its relaxed and pristine nature makes Champagne Beach the perfect place to unwind during your Vanuatu holiday.
Expert Travel Tips
- Visit between May and October for ideal weather with lower humidity, when conditions are generally drier and more comfortable for island hopping, hiking and lagoon activities across Vanuatu.
- Volcano visits should be arranged through licensed guides for safety, particularly on islands like Tanna, where local knowledge is essential for navigating changing conditions and respecting customary land.
- Bring reef-safe sunscreen to protect Vanuatu’s marine ecosystems, as coral reefs are sensitive and many snorkelling spots are close to shore and community-managed.
- Carry cash when travelling through remote islands where ATMs may be limited or unavailable, especially outside the main towns and resort areas.
- Respect local customs by asking before taking photographs in villages, as permission is valued and helps maintain positive relationships with local communities.
Explore Vanuatu with Entire Travel Group
Vanuatu is a destination where adventure, culture and nature come together with ease. From standing beside an active volcano and swimming in sapphire-blue holes to exploring lively island markets and coastal villages, the islands offer memorable experiences at every turn.
Entire Travel Group features carefully curated Vanuatu travel packages that bring together the country’s highlights in well-paced journeys. Explore our Vanuatu travel packages and start planning an island holiday shaped by discovery, culture and time outdoors.
