Discover
the top things to do in Vanuatu, from Mount Yasur’s fiery crater to
blue holes, hidden beaches and kastom cultural encounters. This
island nation blends adventure, tradition and natural beauty for an
unforgettable South Pacific getaway.
Mount Yasur Volcano (Tanna) On the island of Tanna, Mount Yasur is one of the world’s most accessible active volcanoes, delivering roaring explosions and glowing lava against the night sky. The approach alone heightens the drama — ash plains, steaming vents and the smell of sulphur drifting over the landscape. Standing at the crater rim, watching molten fire rise from deep within the earth, is an unforgettable experience that blends raw nature with ancient Melanesian legend.
Blue Holes of Espiritu Santo These deep pools of sapphire-blue water, fed by the island’s freshwater springs, feel almost unreal in clarity and colour. Surrounded by jungle and framed by tree canopies, the blue holes invite peaceful swimming, kayaking and quiet reflection. Light ripples through the water like liquid glass, revealing submerged roots, vines and limestone formations in an atmosphere that feels tranquil and otherworldly.
Champagne Beach With soft white sand, crystalline water and gentle waves that fizz at the shoreline like tiny bubbles, Champagne Beach is picture-perfect island serenity. Elephants-ear trees frame the bay, while local villagers often sell fresh coconuts by the shore. The calm lagoon is ideal for swimming, snorkelling and pure relaxation, making it one of Vanuatu’s most iconic beaches.
Mele Cascades (Efate) A beautiful series of jungle waterfalls, Mele Cascades is a refreshing escape into lush green scenery. Cool water flows over smooth limestone terraces, creating natural swimming pools perfect for soaking after the short rainforest walk. The final tier — a tall, misting waterfall — offers a striking viewpoint and a tranquil place to swim beneath cascading freshwater.
Port Olry (Espiritu Santo) A peaceful beachside village with turquoise waters, quiet bays and friendly locals, Port Olry feels untouched and welcoming. Simple beachfront restaurants serve freshly caught seafood, while offshore reefs offer excellent snorkelling. Palm-fringed sands and shallow lagoons make it ideal for travellers seeking slow-paced island bliss.
Millennium Cave (Espiritu Santo) A thrilling combination of jungle trekking, canyoning and cave exploration, Millennium Cave brings you deep into Vanuatu’s wild interior. Walk through dense forest, cross bamboo bridges, descend into vast caverns and float along gorge rivers surrounded by towering volcanic walls. It’s adventurous, immersive and one of the country’s most exhilarating natural highlights.
Ekasup Cultural Village (Efate) This cultural village experience takes you deep into Vanuatu’s traditions, sharing insights into cooking, hunting, medicine, storytelling and kastom practices. Elders guide visitors through shaded forest sections, explaining how ancient knowledge still shapes modern community life. Warm, authentic and deeply respectful, it’s one of Vanuatu’s best cultural encounters.
Naghol Land Diving (Pentecost Island) Witness one of the world’s most extraordinary traditions, where local men dive headfirst from towering wooden towers with only vines tied to their ankles. This ritual, believed to ensure a good yam harvest, is raw, powerful and deeply spiritual, offering rare insight into kastom culture.
Custom Village Stay Spend time in a remote village where daily life flows gently with nature — weaving, fishing, storytelling and traditional cooking. You’ll learn about community roles, respect protocols and the importance of kastom in sustaining traditions across generations.
Kava Ceremony Participate in a traditional kava ceremony, where locals prepare the earthy drink from ground roots. The atmosphere is calm and reflective, often lit by lanterns and accompanied by quiet conversation.
Sand Drawing (Ambrym & Malekula) Watch or learn the art of intricate sand drawing — swirling lines and symbols created in smooth volcanic sand to tell stories, pass knowledge or record genealogies.
Traditional Fire Walking On Tanna and some outer islands, fire walking ceremonies reveal incredible skill and symbolism as participants walk barefoot across hot stones.
Loru Conservation Area A protected area of dense rainforest home to rare birds, giant banyan trees and vibrant wildlife. Trails feel wild and untouched, offering quiet immersion into nature.
Port Havannah (Efate) A calm turquoise bay perfect for snorkelling, paddle boarding and slow afternoons in waterfront cafés.
Woravi Waterfall (Tanna) A secluded jungle waterfall often visited only by locals. The walk includes lush vegetation, volcanic rock and refreshing pools.
Maskelyne Islands (Malekula) These remote islands offer pristine reefs, dugong encounters and traditional village life untouched by tourism.
South East Ambrym Known for its volcanic desert, ash plains and strong kastom presence, Ambrym feels mystical and rarely explored.
Lelepa Island A laid-back escape with caves, coral reefs and quiet beaches ideal for easy snorkelling and peaceful walks.
Post Office Underwater (Hideaway Island) Snorkel down to a small underwater post office where you can mail waterproof postcards.
Sulphur Bay Hot Springs (Tanna) Warm pools fed by geothermal activity near Mount Yasur, where locals cook food in volcanic heat.
Ambrym Black Magic Cultural Displays Mystical dances, masks and rituals unique to Ambrym’s volcanic culture.
Champagne Beach Cows Local cows often wander the beach, a quirky sight against turquoise water.
Port Vila (Efate)
Luganville (Espiritu Santo)
Tanna Island