2nd July 2019
Vanuatu is like the buffet of holidays, there are so many wonderful things to gorge yourself on and there’s something to suit all tastes in one place. After all, there aren’t many (any?) other places in the world where you can hike up a crater to observe the fury of the most accessible volcano in the world then snorkel in a spectacular blue hole and partake in a kava ceremony with a village chief all in one day. However in Vanuatu, you can. There are so many amazing things to see and do in this island paradise, but here are five of the best things to do in Vanuatu to make the most of your holiday.
No visit to Vanuatu would be complete without taking in the majesty of the active volcano of Mount Yasur. Situated on Tanna Island, just a 45 minute flight from Port Vila, this constantly erupting crater is a testament to the beauty and fury of Mother Nature. Just 10 minutes from the carpark you’ll be at the crater and as you ascend you’ll hear the roar and feel the rumbling of molten lava beneath you. The crater rim puts on a spectacular show and for the most dramatic photos, visit at night.
Quite the departure from the volcanic eruptions of Mount Yasur, the calm oasis of these pristine waterways and lush foliage will bring you back to tranquillity. Just 20 minutes from Port Vila, these clear pools of turquoise water feed a 35m waterfall that flows into its own natural plunge pool. Great for all ages and particularly popular with families, you can join an organised tour of Mele Cascades Waterfalls or jump on a local mini bus and check it out on your own. The water is so blue you won’t believe your eyes.
One of the most amazing spots in Vanuatu, the trek through dense jungle is totally worth it. You’ll be filling up your camera’s memory before you know it. The 50m high and 20m wide cave is approximately 15km from Luganville and can be reached on a day long guided tour. Climbing down a bamboo ladder you’ll venture through a rock pool and past towering rock formations, lush rainforest and cascading waterfalls before you reach paradise.
Although these spectacular swimming spots can be found throughout Vanuatu, some of the best are located on the island of Espiritu Santo, however there are still a couple of great ones near Port Vila. The result of millions of years of fresh water cutting through soft limestone, these natural springs are filled with water of an impossibly blue hue and can be anywhere from 3 to 30m deep. A total bucket list activity, swimming in these aquamarine springs is an incredible experience.
In all of the excitement of the tourist attractions, it can be easy to get swept up into activities and sightseeing, but the smiling locals of Vanuatu are some of the friendliest people on the planet and they just want to share their beautiful homeland with you. In a country of just 250,000 people there are 83 uninhabited islands and over 1000 languages spoken, Vanuatu is surprisingly diverse. Be sure to spend some time chatting to the locals and learning about their way of life, they’ll do everything they can to make sure you have the best holiday ever.
