Things to Do in Vanuatu

Things to see and do in Vanuatu, Vanuatu highlights, Vanuatu activities and attractions, and points of interest in Vanuatu - the ALL NEW Jasons Vanuatu Things to Do Guide is your complete guide to sightseeing in Vanuatu.

Port Vila & Efate
The island of Efate is home to Vanuatu's capital, Port Vila, and offers safe anchorage for yachties in it's magnificent deep water harbour.
Espiritu Santo
Commonly known as Santo, this is the largest island in Vanuatu - a mountainous landscape cloaked in lush rainforest, which is home to colourful butterflies, tropical birds and lovely orchids.
Tanna Island
Tanna is known for its accessible active volcano, Yasur, and for the wild horses which roam freely on the White Grass Plains.
Pentecost Island
The island is famed for its annual land-diving ceremony - a traditional custom whereby men and boys jump from specially constructed towers with long vines attached to their ankles to break their fall. The custom is to ensure a good yam harvest the following year.
Ambrym Island
Renowned for sculpted tamtams (drums made from tree trunks which are used for ceremonial singing and dancing) and for it's sand drawings which tell a story or leave a message. The island has a moon-like lava landscape and holds a reputation for sorcery.
Malakula
The second largest island in Vanuatu and home of the famous Big Nambas and Small Nambas tribes, who have retained their complex cultural identities.
Diving
Vanuatu has some of the most accessible dive sites in the South Pacific and excellent visibility year round. The warm waters harbour coral reefs, shipwrecks (including the famous passenger liner the President Coolidge in Santo Harbour), drop-offs and caves. Several dive companies operate in Vanuatu offering a range of diving options.
Snorkelling
Snorkelling conditions are ideal for viewing the coral reefs and abundant marine life in Vanuatu's coastal waters.
Wildlife
Wildlife ranges from beautiful rainforest butterflies and birds to friendly sea turtles which can be handfed. On the islands of Epi and Tanna, there is also a resident dugong (sea cow). Nature tours and bush adventures are available. Santo has the country's first national park - the Big Bay conservation area.
Volcanoes
Yasur Volcano on Tanna is a popular excursion. Although constantly active, visitors are able to walk to the crater rim and view the multiple vents. Night visits are particularly spectacular when fountains of erupting ash and rock glow bright red against the black sky. Ambrym's volcanic vents, Benbow and Marum, provide an awesome scenic attraction located amidst a surreal ash plain.
Fishing
Charter boats are available for all sorts of fishing from reef fishing to deep sea game fishing.
Island nights
Many of the major hotels feature colourful island nights with traditional food and dance.
Sailing
Options for sailing excursions include sightseeing, swimming, snorkelling, picnicking and cave tours. Take a half or full-day trip or sail off for a few days. Sailing trips depart from Port Vila on Efate and also Lunganville on Santo.
Beaches
Vanuatu is known for its pristine white sand beaches and also has volcanic black sand shores. It boasts one of the finest beaches in the South Pacific, Champagne Beach on Santo. This crescent of powdery white sand is shaded at each end by large trees and is ideal for swimming and snorkelling.
Crafts and Culture
The country's diverse cultures can be viewed at the Vanuatu Cultural Centre and Museum in Port Vila. Tanna Island, famous for its traditional villages, has a fascinating Custom Village Tour. Also on Tanna are the John Frum Cargo Cult of Sulphur Bay who live separately from others, adhering to strict rules. On Santo Island, the villages of Wusi and Linduri are known for their traditional pottery, while some of the finest art and ritual objects in Vanuatu can be found on Malakula. Ambrym Island is known for its beautiful wood carvings, and for the famous spirit dance of the ROM dancers.

Things to Do in Vanuatu

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