Vanuatu

Airport transfer to Port Vila(15 minutes)

Taxis to town VUV 2,000 (~$17). The airport is just 6km from the waterfront

Check-in at Melanesian Hotel(30 minutes)

Central location near the waterfront. Rooms from VUV 12,000/night (~$102). Budget: Travellers Budget Motel from VUV 5,000

Late lunch at Nambawan Cafe(1 hour)

Waterfront cafe overlooking the harbour. Fresh fish and chips (VUV 1,200 / ~$10). Good coffee too

Port Vila waterfront walk(1 hour)

Stroll the harbour past the fish market, Parliament House, and the Melanesian craft stalls. The sunset over the harbour is beautiful

First kava session at a nakamal(1 hour)

Visit a nakamal (kava bar) at dusk — they open when the sun goes down. Coconut shell of kava VUV 100-200 (~$1). Muddy taste, numb lips, deep relaxation. Don't eat 2 hours before

Boat to Hideaway Island(5 minutes)

Water taxi from Mele Beach (VUV 3,000/~$25 return including marine reserve entry). A 10-minute drive from Port Vila

Underwater Post Office(30 minutes)

Mail a waterproof postcard from the world's only underwater post office at 3m depth. Postcards VUV 500. Snorkel down and drop it in the box — it actually gets delivered

Hideaway Island snorkeling(2 hours)

The marine reserve has excellent coral and fish diversity. Sea turtles common. Gear rental VUV 1,000 if needed

Lunch at Hideaway Island bar(1 hour)

Simple beach bar. Grilled fish and salad (VUV 1,200). Cold Tusker beer (VUV 400)

Mele Cascades waterfall(2 hours)

VUV 2,000 entry. A series of cascading pools you can swim in, 10 minutes from Mele Beach. The main falls are 35m. Guides optional but helpful for the slippery path

Flight Port Vila to Tanna(1 hour)

Air Vanuatu from VUV 15,000 (~$128) one-way. Small planes, book early. The flight over the islands is scenic

Check-in at Friendly Bungalows, Tanna(30 minutes)

Simple bungalows near the volcano. From VUV 6,000/night with meals. Running water but intermittent electricity

Afternoon at Port Resolution village(2 hours)

A beautiful bay near the volcano. Swim, explore the village, meet locals. The volcanic landscape is otherworldly

Mount Yasur volcano at sunset(3 hours)

VUV 10,000 (~$85) entry. Drive to the crater rim (300m from eruptions). Watch explosive eruptions fling molten lava into the darkening sky. The ground shakes. Best at dusk when the lava glow intensifies. Bring warm layers — it's windy at the top

Custom village visit(2 hours)

Visit a traditional village where kastom (custom) ways are still practiced. See nakamal ceremonies, traditional dancing, and learn about Tanna's unique cultural traditions. Arranged through your bungalow (VUV 3,000-5,000/person)

Banyan tree at Lenakel(45 minutes)

One of the world's largest banyan trees near Tanna's main town. The root system covers an enormous area. Free to visit

Flight back to Port Vila(1 hour)

Afternoon flight. Book both legs when purchasing to ensure seats

Dinner at Chill Restaurant(1.5 hours)

Port Vila's popular waterfront restaurant. Coconut crab when in season (VUV 4,000 / ~$34) — a Vanuatu delicacy. Book ahead for waterfront tables

Rent a car for the ring road(30 minutes)

From VUV 8,000/day (~$68) from Port Vila. The ring road is 130km, mostly sealed. Drive clockwise for the best sequence

Eton Beach(1.5 hours)

VUV 500 entry. White sand beach with excellent snorkeling. One of Efate's best. 45 minutes east of Port Vila

Blue Lagoon, Efate(1.5 hours)

VUV 1,000 entry. A turquoise freshwater swimming hole surrounded by tropical vegetation. Rope swing included. Not as famous as Santo's blue holes but equally beautiful

Lunch at a village roadside stall(45 minutes)

Look for smoke by the road — local women grill chicken and lap lap (the national dish: grated root vegetables baked in banana leaves). VUV 500-800

Sunset at Havana Harbour(1 hour)

A protected natural harbour on Efate's north coast. Calm water, mangroves, and the sunset is spectacular

Mama's Market (Port Vila Central Market)(1.5 hours)

The heart of Port Vila. Fresh tropical fruit, vegetables, lap lap, tuluk (meat-stuffed banana leaf parcels). Everything under VUV 500. Open daily, busiest Saturday morning

Lunch at Au Peche Mignon(1 hour)

French bakery and cafe — Vanuatu's French colonial heritage shows in the pastries. Baguette sandwiches VUV 800, croissants VUV 300. The best coffee in town

Ekasup Cultural Village(2 hours)

VUV 3,000. A cultural experience close to Port Vila — traditional cooking, weaving, kava preparation, and dancing. More accessible than outer island villages. 15 minutes from town

Sunset kava at Ronnie's Nakamal(1.5 hours)

The most famous nakamal in Port Vila. Kava VUV 100-200 per shell. Locals and visitors mix. The atmosphere after dark with dim lights and the kava settling in is uniquely Ni-Vanuatu

Last visit to Mama's Market(1 hour)

Pick up vanilla, local spices, and handicrafts. The woven baskets and carved story boards make excellent gifts

Breakfast at Nambawan Cafe(45 minutes)

Last waterfront coffee and eggs. Watch the fishing boats in the harbour

Transfer to Bauerfield Airport(15 minutes)

Taxi VUV 2,000. The airport is basic — arrive 2 hours early for international flights

Airport transfer(15 minutes)

Taxi VUV 2,000. Airport is 6km from town

Check-in at Melanesian Hotel(30 minutes)

Rooms from VUV 12,000/night

Lunch at Nambawan Cafe(1 hour)

Fresh fish and chips (VUV 1,200) waterfront

Waterfront walk(1 hour)

Harbour, fish market, Parliament, craft stalls

Kava at a nakamal(1 hour)

VUV 100-200 per shell. Numb lips, deep relaxation

Boat to Hideaway Island(5 minutes)

VUV 3,000 return including marine reserve

Underwater Post Office(30 minutes)

Mail a waterproof postcard at 3m depth. VUV 500

Snorkeling(2 hours)

Excellent coral, sea turtles common

Lunch at Hideaway bar(1 hour)

Grilled fish VUV 1,200. Tusker beer VUV 400

Mele Cascades(2 hours)

VUV 2,000. Cascading swimming pools. Main falls 35m

Flight to Tanna(1 hour)

Air Vanuatu from VUV 15,000 one-way

Check-in at Friendly Bungalows(30 minutes)

From VUV 6,000/night with meals

Port Resolution bay(2 hours)

Swim and explore near the volcano

Mount Yasur at sunset(3 hours)

VUV 10,000. Crater rim 300m from eruptions. Lava into the night sky. Ground shakes

Custom village visit(2 hours)

Traditional dancing, nakamal ceremonies. VUV 3,000-5,000

Giant banyan tree, Lenakel(45 minutes)

One of world's largest. Free

Second Mount Yasur visit (daylight)(2 hours)

A daytime visit shows the volcanic landscape differently — grey ash desert, steaming vents, sulphur deposits. Entry fee valid for 24 hours

Evening in Port Resolution(2 hours)

Village dinner with your hosts. Fresh fish, root vegetables, stories under stars

Rent car for ring road(30 minutes)

VUV 8,000/day. 130km, mostly sealed. Drive clockwise

Eton Beach(1.5 hours)

VUV 500. White sand, great snorkeling. 45 min east of Vila

Blue Lagoon, Efate(1.5 hours)

VUV 1,000. Turquoise freshwater hole with rope swing

Village roadside lunch(45 minutes)

Grilled chicken and lap lap. VUV 500-800

Mama's Market(1.5 hours)

Fresh fruit, lap lap, tuluk. Everything under VUV 500

Au Peche Mignon bakery(1 hour)

French pastries, baguettes VUV 800. Best coffee in town

Ekasup Cultural Village(2 hours)

VUV 3,000. Traditional cooking, weaving, kava, dancing

Ronnie's Nakamal sunset(1.5 hours)

Most famous nakamal. VUV 100-200 per shell

Flight to Santo(45 minutes)

Air Vanuatu from VUV 12,000. Luganville is Santo's main town

Check-in at Deco Stop Lodge(30 minutes)

Backpacker-friendly. Dorms VUV 3,000, rooms VUV 8,000. Near the dive sites

Nanda Blue Hole (Jacky's)(2 hours)

VUV 1,500 entry. Rope swing into impossibly blue freshwater. Bring a waterproof camera — the color is surreal

Riri Blue Hole(1.5 hours)

VUV 1,000. Quieter and more scenic than Nanda. A short canoe ride through mangroves to reach it

Dinner at Deco Stop restaurant(1 hour)

Fresh seafood and burgers. VUV 1,200-2,000

Drive to Champagne Beach(45 minutes)

North of Luganville. Rent a car (VUV 6,000/day) or join a tour. Road can be rough after rain

Champagne Beach(3 hours)

VUV 500 via village entry. White sand, volcanic gas bubbles at waterline creating 'champagne' fizz at low tide. Snorkel the reef. Bring food — minimal facilities

Lonnoc Beach (nearby)(1 hour)

Less visited than Champagne. Black volcanic sand meeting white coral sand. Interesting geological contrast

Million Dollar Point(1.5 hours)

VUV 500 entry. In 1945, the US military dumped millions of dollars of equipment (jeeps, bulldozers, Coca-Cola bottles) into the sea rather than ship it home. Now a surreal snorkeling and diving site. Bring snorkel gear

Two-tank dive on SS Coolidge(4 hours)

VUV 15,000 (~$130) with Allan Power Dive Tours (original operator). The bow is just 20m deep — accessible to Open Water certified divers. The 'Lady' porcelain statue at 40m is the signature sight. 200m of explored wreck

Lunch at Natangura Cafe(1 hour)

Luganville's best cafe. Fresh fish burger (VUV 1,000) and milkshake

Luganville market(1 hour)

Smaller than Port Vila but more authentic. Local produce, kava root, and cooked food

Sunset kava at a Luganville nakamal(1 hour)

Santo kava is reputedly the strongest in Vanuatu. Start with half a shell

Matevulu Blue Hole(2 hours)

VUV 1,000. The largest and deepest of Santo's blue holes with a beautiful swimming area. Rope swings and a platform. Less crowded on weekday mornings

Millennium Cave (guided tour)(5 hours)

VUV 5,000 (~$43) with a local guide from Funafuti Village. A challenging trek through jungle, river crossings, and bamboo raft ride into a cave system with waterfalls inside. One of Vanuatu's best adventures. Bring water shoes and a change of clothes

Village dinner(1.5 hours)

Arrange through your guide for a village-hosted dinner. Fresh fish, island cabbage, cassava. VUV 2,000-3,000. A genuine cultural exchange

Sleep in(2 hours)

After Millennium Cave, recovery time

Return to favorite blue hole(2 hours)

Nanda, Riri, or Matevulu — revisit the one that captivated you

Snorkeling at Aore Island(2 hours)

Short boat ride from Luganville (VUV 2,000 return). The reef around Aore has healthy coral and excellent fish diversity

Dinner at Beachfront Resort(1.5 hours)

Fresh lobster when available (VUV 3,000-4,000). Sunset over the channel

Morning at Luganville market(1 hour)

Last chance for Santo produce and handicrafts

Afternoon at Iririki Island Resort(3 hours)

Day pass VUV 3,000 includes pool and beach access. A tiny island in Port Vila harbour reached by 1-minute boat shuttle. The pool bar is excellent

Dinner at Chill Restaurant(1.5 hours)

Coconut crab (VUV 4,000) if in season. Waterfront tables

Cascade Waterfall(2 hours)

VUV 1,500 entry. A short drive north of Port Vila then a 15-minute walk through bush to a beautiful waterfall with a deep swimming pool. Less visited than Mele Cascades. Locals use it on weekends

Last lunch at Mama's Market(1 hour)

Fresh fruit, lap lap, and tuluk for the road

Souvenir shopping at Hebrida Craft Market(1 hour)

Near the waterfront. Sand drawings (a UNESCO intangible heritage), carved story boards, woven baskets

Farewell kava at Ronnie's(1.5 hours)

Last shell of kava. Malfala (goodbye) to Vanuatu

Sunrise waterfront walk(45 minutes)

Last look at Port Vila harbour

Breakfast at Nambawan Cafe(45 minutes)

Eggs and coffee with harbour views

Transfer to airport(15 minutes)

Taxi VUV 2,000. Arrive 2 hours early for international flights

Airport transfer(15 minutes)

Taxi VUV 2,000

Check-in at Melanesian Hotel(30 minutes)

From VUV 12,000/night

Lunch at Nambawan Cafe(1 hour)

Fish and chips VUV 1,200

Kava at a nakamal(1 hour)

VUV 100-200. Numb lips, relaxation

Hideaway Island(3 hours)

VUV 3,000 return. Underwater post office VUV 500. Snorkeling

Lunch at Hideaway bar(1 hour)

Grilled fish VUV 1,200

Mele Cascades(2 hours)

VUV 2,000. Swimming pools and 35m main falls

Rent car(30 minutes)

VUV 8,000/day. 130km loop

Eton Beach(1.5 hours)

VUV 500. White sand, great snorkeling

Blue Lagoon Efate(1.5 hours)

VUV 1,000. Turquoise freshwater, rope swing

Village roadside lunch(45 minutes)

Grilled chicken and lap lap VUV 500-800

Flight to Tanna(1 hour)

VUV 15,000 one-way

Check-in at Friendly Bungalows(30 minutes)

VUV 6,000/night with meals

Mount Yasur at sunset(3 hours)

VUV 10,000. Crater rim eruptions. Lava into the night sky

Custom village visit(2 hours)

Traditional dancing, ceremonies. VUV 3,000-5,000

Giant banyan tree(45 minutes)

One of world's largest. Free

Daytime Yasur visit(2 hours)

Grey ash desert, steaming vents, sulphur. Different from night

Village dinner(2 hours)

Fresh fish and root vegetables under stars

Port Resolution hot springs(1.5 hours)

Natural volcanic hot springs near the bay. Free. Soak in warm pools surrounded by tropical vegetation

South coast walk(3 hours)

Walk along Tanna's wild south coast with volcanic cliffs, black sand beaches, and crashing waves. Arrange a guide through your bungalow (VUV 2,000)

Lunch at bungalows(1 hour)

Home-cooked island food. Included in accommodation

Sunset at Yasur ash plain(1.5 hours)

Walk the grey volcanic desert at the base of Yasur. The ash plain at sunset is otherworldly

Mama's Market lunch(1 hour)

Fresh fruit, tuluk, and people watching

Iririki Island Resort day pass(3 hours)

VUV 3,000. Pool, beach, cocktails on a harbour island

Dinner at Chill Restaurant(1.5 hours)

Coconut crab VUV 4,000 if in season

Flight to Santo(45 minutes)

VUV 12,000

Check-in at Deco Stop Lodge(30 minutes)

Dorms VUV 3,000, rooms VUV 8,000

Nanda Blue Hole(2 hours)

VUV 1,500. Rope swing into impossibly blue water

Riri Blue Hole(1.5 hours)

VUV 1,000. Canoe through mangroves to reach it

Dinner at Deco Stop(1 hour)

Seafood and burgers VUV 1,200-2,000

Drive to Champagne Beach(45 minutes)

Car rental VUV 6,000/day

Champagne Beach(3 hours)

VUV 500. White sand, volcanic gas bubbles at waterline. Snorkel the reef

Lonnoc Beach(1 hour)

Black volcanic meets white coral sand. Interesting contrast

Million Dollar Point(1.5 hours)

VUV 500. WWII equipment dumped in the sea — surreal snorkeling over jeeps and bottles

Two-tank Coolidge dive(4 hours)

VUV 15,000 with Allan Power Dive Tours. Bow at 20m. 'Lady' statue at 40m

Lunch at Natangura Cafe(1 hour)

Fish burger VUV 1,000

Luganville market(1 hour)

Local produce, kava root, cooked food

Sunset kava(1 hour)

Santo kava — strongest in Vanuatu. Start with half a shell

Millennium Cave tour(6 hours)

VUV 5,000 with Funafuti Village guide. Trek through jungle, cross rivers, bamboo raft into a cave with waterfalls. Vanuatu's best adventure. Water shoes and change of clothes essential

Village lunch(1 hour)

Provided by the village guides. Fresh food cooked over fire

Return to Luganville and rest(2 hours)

Hot shower, cold beer. You earned it

Matevulu Blue Hole(2 hours)

VUV 1,000. Largest and deepest of Santo's blue holes. Rope swings and platform

Loru Rainforest Conservation Area(2 hours)

VUV 2,000. Guided walk through lowland rainforest with enormous banyan trees, flying foxes, and native birds. Community-managed conservation project

Lunch at a river picnic spot(1 hour)

Pack from the market. Swim in crystal clear river water

Evening at Beachfront Resort(1.5 hours)

Fresh lobster VUV 3,000-4,000. Sunset over the channel

Aore Island snorkeling(2 hours)

Short boat ride VUV 2,000 return. Healthy reef around the island

Luganville evening(2 hours)

Last Santo night. Nakamal, market food

Flight to Pentecost via Santo(1.5 hours)

Air Vanuatu. Small planes — book early. If outside April-June, substitute with a second Tanna day or Malekula island visit

Land diving (Naghol) ceremony(3 hours)

VUV 15,000-20,000 including transport. Men leap from 20-30m wooden towers with vine ropes. An ancient yam harvest ritual. Raw, unforgettable. Unlike anything else on Earth. Designated viewing areas only

Village overnight(3 hours)

Stay in a simple village guesthouse near the dive site. Basic facilities but the cultural immersion is unmatched. VUV 3,000-5,000 with meals

Morning in Pentecost village(2 hours)

Explore the village, talk with locals, see the aftermath of the ceremony preparations

Flights Pentecost to Port Vila(2 hours total)

Via Santo or direct. Schedule dependent

Dinner at Le Cafe du Village(1.5 hours)

French-influenced restaurant. Steak frites VUV 2,000, good wine list

Ekasup Cultural Village(3 hours)

VUV 3,000. Traditional cooking (lap lap, tuluk), weaving, kava preparation, dancing. Extended visit with hands-on cooking class

Lunch — eat what you cooked(1 hour)

Lap lap, grilled fish, island cabbage prepared with your hosts

Shopping at craft markets(1.5 hours)

Hebrida Craft Market. Sand drawings, story boards, woven baskets

Sunset at Erakor Island(1.5 hours)

Kayak to Erakor Island in Port Vila lagoon (VUV 2,000 rental). Small island with a resort bar and beautiful sunset views

Boat to Tranquillity Island(30 minutes)

VUV 5,000 day trip from Port Vila. The island runs a sea turtle conservation program

Turtle conservation program(1.5 hours)

Meet the hawksbill and green turtles being rehabilitated. Learn about the conservation challenges in Vanuatu's waters. Meaningful interaction

Snorkeling the house reef(2 hours)

Excellent coral and fish diversity around the island. Equipment provided

Beach lunch(1 hour)

Included in day trip. Grilled fish, fresh fruit

Mele Cascades extended walk(3 hours)

VUV 2,000. Climb higher than most tourists go — the upper pools above the main falls are quieter and the views are stunning. Ask a guide to show you the top section

Lunch at Vila Chaumieres Resort(1.5 hours)

Overwater restaurant near Mele. French-Polynesian cuisine. Poisson cru VUV 1,800. One of the most atmospheric restaurants in Port Vila

Free afternoon(2 hours)

Read, swim, rest. Three weeks gives you permission to do nothing

Farewell kava session(1.5 hours)

Visit a different nakamal for a fresh experience. Ask locals for their recommendation

Boat to Pele Island(45 minutes)

Charter a boat from Emua landing (VUV 10,000 per boat for up to 6 people). A small volcanic island with no tourist infrastructure

Crater lake walk(1.5 hours)

Walk across the island to a volcanic crater lake surrounded by tropical vegetation. A guide from the village is recommended (VUV 1,000)

Beach and snorkeling(2 hours)

Pristine beach with excellent snorkeling. You'll likely have it to yourself

Village visit(1 hour)

Meet the small community. Bring a gift (rice, sugar, or kava root) as custom dictates

Morning at Mama's Market(1 hour)

Last vanilla, spices, and crafts shopping

Hideaway Island return visit(2 hours)

One more snorkel at the marine reserve. Say goodbye to the turtles

Lunch at Au Peche Mignon(1 hour)

Last French pastries and coffee

Farewell dinner at Chill Restaurant(2 hours)

Waterfront tables. Coconut crab and a sunset. The perfect ending

Transfer to airport(15 minutes)

Taxi VUV 2,000. Malfala, Vanuatu