Top 5 Things to do in Vanuatu
Searching for your next tropical island escape? If you’re looking for a destination where you can swim in turquoise swimming holes, trek through rainforests, climb volcanoes and snorkel amongst colourful marine life, may we suggest Vanuatu?
Blessed with golden sand beaches, remote jungles and brilliant coral reefs, Vanuatu offers a South Pacific getaway like no other. Here are five of our favourite things to do in Vanuatu – we hope it inspires you to visit!
Take a Dip in Mele Cascades
You don’t have to travel far from Vanuatu’s capital to find the island’s best waterfalls. Perhaps the most well-known waterfalls in Vanuatu, Mele Cascades are a collection of terraced pools that tumble down a rocky hillside, before plunging 35 metres into a natural swimming pool. Hiding in the jungle just 10 kilometres from Port Vila, you can’t leave Vanuatu without taking a dip in Mele Cascades.
To reach Mele Cascades, you will have to trek about 20 minutes – but don’t worry, it’s not particularly strenuous. Just be sure to wear appropriate footwear, as you will ascend a number of natural stairways and pass through shallow pools of water. Along the way, you’ll find some incredible viewpoints of Mele Bay and Hideaway Island, so be sure to have your camera at the ready.
Once you reach the top, you’ll instantly see why Mele Cascades is well worth the trek. The waterfalls are a tropical oasis, with lush green foliage and iridescent aquamarine waters. Cool off with a refreshing dip in the pools at the base of the waterfall before making your way back down.
Summit Mount Yasur
Located directly on the Pacific Ring of Fire, Vanuatu is renowned for its volcanoes. With an array of both active and dormant volcanoes dotted throughout the country, Vanuatu offers a volcanic experience for everyone.
Most travellers choose to experience Mount Yasur, said to be the most accessible volcano on the planet. Located on the island of Tanna, Mount Yasur is an active volcano, where you can stand at the crater’s edge, listen to the ground rumble beneath you and watch as lava dances like fireworks across the sky.
Despite being one of the most active volcanoes in the world, Mount Yasur is surprisingly easy to explore. Travellers can catch a four-wheel-drive across the ash fields and up the mountainside, from which it’s just a 10-minute hike to the 361-metre summit. The best time to visit Mount Yasur is at sunset – the glowing crater comes alive at nightfall when the burning embers are bright against the black sky. A visit to Mount Yasur is both mesmerising and terrifying at the same time!
Dive Into Vanuatu’s Blue Holes
Vanuatu’s iconic blue holes have to be seen to be believed. Impossibly blue, these freshwater lagoons are perfect for swimming. Formed as a result of water eroding soft limestone over millions of years, these sapphire holes are dotted all across Vanuatu. In fact, there are more blue holes along the eastern edge of Espiritu Santo island than anywhere else in the world. A dip in these refreshing springs is a must on any Vanuatu holiday.
Perhaps the most popular of Vanuatu’s blue holes is the Blue Lagoon. Located just 35 minutes from Port Vila, the Blue Lagoon is secluded from the bustle of the city and makes the perfect backdrop for your next Instagram shot. The Blue Lagoon is a favourite amongst tourists and locals alike, and for good reason!
Days at the Blue Lagoon are spent lazing in the sunshine, swinging off the rope swing, splashing in the cool crystal waters and watching the local kids backflip off the wooden platforms. If you’re wanting to explore more of Vanuatu’s blue holes, Malo Blue Hole on Malo Island and Riri Blue Hole on Santo are both worth a visit.
Discover Paradise on Lelepa Island
As an archipelago of 83 islands, a visit to one of Vanuatu’s smaller islands is well worth a day trip. If you’re holidaying near Port Vila, make your island escape to Lelepa Island, a 160-acre haven of unspoilt rainforest owned and operated by local islanders. A visit to the slice of paradise is like stepping back into simpler times, as the island has no cars, electricity or worries!
There’s something for everyone to enjoy on Lelepa Island. Take a dip in the island’s warm clear waters, where you can hand-feed fish and snorkel amongst local marine life. Later, enjoy a hike through the palm-fringed jungle, where you’ll pass the wrecks of World War 2 aircraft and learn about the medicinal properties of native plants.
End your day in paradise kayaking around the island, strolling around the local village or relaxing on a hammock swaying in the salty breeze. Trust us, it doesn’t get much better than this.
Browse the Stalls at Port Vila Market House
Exploring local food and craft markets is a great way to connect with locals and immerse yourself in the culture of the destination you are visiting. While holidaying in Vanuatu, be sure to visit the Port Vila Market House, a lively marketplace that’s always buzzing with activity.
Port Vila Market House is known as the Mamas Markets, named after the local mamas behind the stalls, each dressed in vibrant colours and calling out specials on local produce. Come and say hi to these hard-working mamas, purchase some seasonal fruit – all grown organically in Vanuatu’s rich, volcanic soil – and sample some local island food, cooked fresh by the locals.
If you’re looking for a souvenir to remember your time in Vanuatu, the Port Vila Market is teeming with vendors selling local handicrafts – why not pick up a handwoven basket or tropical-print dress? We’ll be surprised if you leave the market empty-handed!
Discover Your Idyllic Vanuatu Escape Today
If you’re searching for a dreamy South Pacific getaway, My Vanuatu offers a range of perfectly packaged holidays, complete with exclusive bonus extras, like room upgrades, resort credits, included dining, local experiences and so much more. It’s all part of the My Vanuatu difference, which simply can’t be found anywhere else.
You can discover My Vanuatu’s range of irresistible holiday packages here.
