What to do in Vanuatu

Sometimes it’s hard to know what to do in Vanuatu,  but Port Vila is the nation’s capital and also considered the South Pacific Adventure Capital. There is so much to do in Port Vila and it’s all within 20-30 from the hotels. Regular cruise ship visits support a strong tour industry, with adventure activities like Zip Lining, Horse Riding, Off Road Buggies, Quad Biking, Helicopter Flights, Game Fishing and Jet Boating.

Zip Lining

Vanuatu Jungle Zipline is one of Vanuatu’s best outdoor activities as rated by Trip Advisor.  Soar through the canopy of the Vanuatu jungle and over canyons, while marvelling at the amazing views over Mele Bay. Suitable for all ages in rain or shine, the Jungle Zipline is a great activity for any size group and you’ll get the heart racing and make some great memories too.

Horse Riding

The original horses in Vanuatu came with the plantation owners in the late 1800’ and over the years the bloodlines have been mixed.  There are options to enjoy a HALF DAY Cultural Village Ride through a traditional Melanesian village, Or ride for a FULL DAY Erakor Beach where you can swim with your horse.

Dune Buggy Adventures

Strap into this self-drive adventure and discover Vanuatu in a unique and muddy way. Offering a range of guided tours around Port Vila, through local villages, off beaten tracks, into the jungle and onto pristine beaches.  All two-seater vehicles are built tough, easy to drive and have all the power you need with every tour supervised by local expert guides

Cultural Tours

A great opportunity to experience an ancient way of life. Learn how to make local herbal medicine, food preservation and roasting, hunting traps, traditional weaving and local dishes such as ‘laplap’ or ‘bunia’. And it’s all topped off with a fantastic musical
performance and a light snack of local treats.

Helicopter Flights

Take off on a breathtaking aerial adventure over Port Vila and the island of Efate. Witness the elegance of dugongs and sea turtles swimming around the coral reefs. Fly over remote villages, crystal clear waters, pristine reefs and lush tropical jungle before you circle back for a bird’s eye view of the town.

Game Fishing

If battling high-flying sailfish or stalking Marlin is your thing, then a game fishing charter is for you. Based in Havannah Harbour means your closer to the ‘Marlin Highway’ and being in the lee of the island gets you out of the trade winds and rougher seas.  All equipment and lunch are included in the cost and can be arranged for full or half days or a live aboard charter.
Due to the French influence, Port Vila is also the food capital of the South Pacific with a great mix of cuisine on offer from an eclectic assortment of locals and expat foodies.  Vila boasts an assortment of luxury accommodation from boutique hideaways at the edge of white sandy beaches to 4.5 star resorts, and there’s also plenty of options for budget travellers.  There’s a selection of conference facilities complete with audio & visual equipment and event catering.

 

BUT Get out of Vila and there are amazing options for

eco/adventure tourism too

 

Visit the world’s most accessible active Volcano in Tanna, or Dive the fascinating wreck at Million Dollar Point in Santo, watch Land Diving in Pentecost as men throw themselves off bamboo towers or experience traditional fishing with a bow and arrow in Banks.  Here are just a few sample packages we could put together for you.

TOUR PACKAGES

Walk Up an Active Volcano in Tanna

Visit the world’s most accessible active Volcano in Tanna.  A short 40-minute flight from Port Vila takes you to Tanna, which is like stepping back in time.  You’ll visit the traditional Yakel Village, then 4WD through undisturbed rainforest until you reach the sublime ash plane of Mt Yasur.  At sunset, you’ll reach the top of the Volcano.

No words can describe the sound of it’s roar!  Stand on the rim to be overwhelmed by explosions of lava as you look down into the crater! You’ll return to the resort for a well-earned dinner, then fly back to Port Vila the next day.

Dive Million Dollar Point in Santo

Scuba diving in Vanuatu is excellent with accessible dive sites, perfect water temperature, and fantastic visibility.  There are many dive sites within half an hour of Port Vila.  But for diving enthusiasts, the world famous “Million Dollar Point” in Santo should not be missed.

So named by the price tag that the Americans put on the vehicles of their task force, that they tried and failed to sell to the French, the English and finally the locals before they bulldozed the whole lot into the ocean to spite them all!

A very accessible dive site in about 15-25m of water just off the beach near Luganville, Espiritu Santo.