Ready for your dream Vanuatu trip? From the active volcanoes of Tanna to the blue holes of Espiritu Santo, the vibrant Port Vila markets to the tribal customs of Pentecost, this guide outlines the ultimate Vanuatu itinerary.
These easy-to-use and curated itineraries help you find the best things to do in Vanuatu—featuring volcano hikes, cultural villages, snorkeling shipwrecks, waterfalls, and island-hopping through the South Pacific.
Want to make your Vanuatu trip even more special? Learn basic Bislama before you go
- Port Vila: The vibrant capital on Efate Island, offering a mix of waterfront markets, island cuisine, and easy access to waterfalls and reefs.
- Espiritu Santo: Vanuatu’s adventure hub—home to Champagne Beach, blue holes, World War II wreck dives, and lush jungle treks.
- Tanna Island: Get up close with Mount Yasur, one of the world’s most accessible active volcanoes, and immerse in traditional kastom village life.
- Efate Island: Beyond Port Vila, explore hidden beaches, freshwater swimming holes, jungle ziplining, and coastal drives.
- Pentecost Island: Birthplace of land diving (Naghol)—a heart-pounding ritual and cultural spectacle you’ll never forget.
- Ambrym Island: A mystical land of twin volcanoes, black sand beaches, and ancient magic—famous for its traditional carvings and dance.
- Malekula: Rich in kastom culture and tribal heritage—visit traditional villages, hear local legends, and explore untamed nature.
- Epi Island: A peaceful, off-the-radar island perfect for snorkeling with dugongs, paddling over coral reefs, and slow island days.
- Aneityum (Mystery Island): A tiny, postcard-perfect islet visited by cruise ships—ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling in shallow turquoise waters.
- Gaua Island: Wild and remote—home to waterfalls, crater lakes, and authentic Ni-Vanuatu life, deep in the northern islands.
📅 Vanuatu Calendar
- Nagol (Land Diving) (April–June, Pentecost Island): The original bungee jump—men dive from wooden towers with vines tied to their ankles
- Independence Day Celebrations (July 30, Nationwide): Parades, music, and flags celebrating Vanuatu’s independence
- Back to My Roots Festival (August, Port Vila): Cultural exhibits, dances, and island cuisine celebrating Ni-Vanuatu heritage
- Fest’Napuan (October, Port Vila): Vanuatu’s largest music and arts festival, featuring artists from across the Pacific
- Unity Day (November 29, Nationwide): A national holiday of cultural pride and inter-island unity
- Christmas & New Year Celebrations (December, Nationwide): Feasting, fireworks, and community gatherings under tropical skies