Best Things to Do in Vanuatu: The Ultimate Travel Guide
All you need to know about Vanuatu
Forget crowded destinations like Hawaii or Bali. The moment you step foot in Vanuatu, you enter an untouched South Pacific paradise. Pristine white sand beaches free from mass tourism, turquoise jungle lagoons, cascading waterfalls, and exceptionally warm local hospitality: this island nation has all the ingredients for a dream getaway.
On our journey from Australia (with a quick stopover in Fiji), we headed straight to the main island of Efate. In this guide, we’re sharing our personal experiences, practical tips, and the absolute best things to do in Efate!
About Vanuatu
Located in the heart of the South Pacific—about a 3.5-hour flight east of Australia—Vanuatu is an incredible tropical archipelago of around 83 islands. With a population of roughly 330,000 super welcoming locals (seriously, some of the friendliest people we’ve met on our travels!), the main hub and capital, Port Vila, is located on the island of Efate.
What makes Vanuatu so special for us is the raw, authentic Pacific vibe. There’s no mass tourism here—just active volcanoes like Mount Yasur, hidden jungle waterfalls, world-class snorkeling, and crystal-clear Blue Holes. The local currency is the Vanuatu Vatu (VUV), and because English is widely spoken alongside Bislama and French, getting around with kids and finding your way across the islands is a breeze!
Current Travel Situation: Can You Island-Hop in Vanuatu?
If you’re planning a trip to Vanuatu, it’s important to know that inter-island travel looks a bit different at the moment. The national carrier, Air Vanuatu, went through bankruptcy in 2024.
What does this mean for your trip?
Domestic Flights: Flying to outer islands (like Tanna for Mt. Yasur or Espiritu Santo for the famous Blue Holes) is currently limited or requires private charters and partner airlines.
Focusing on Efate: We decided to focus entirely on the main island of Efate—and honestly, it was an incredible decision! Efate offers so much diversity that you can easily spend a week or more exploring without the stress of domestic flight logistics.
Top Things to Do in Efate (Vanuatu)
1. Explore Port Vila & the Central Market Dome
Most travelers begin their adventure in the capital city, Port Vila. It’s vibrant and bustling, yet offers quiet beachfront pockets right in town.
Our Top Tips for Port Vila:
Central Market Dome: Skip the pricey western supermarkets and buy fresh local fruit (like sweet bananas for the kids) directly from local vendors at the covered market.
Budget Hack: If you accidentally leave your swim trunks behind in your previous campervan like Wout did, skip the expensive surf shops and head to a vintage secondhand store in town instead—you can grab great gear for under $4!
2. Mele Cascades Waterfall: Swimming in the Jungle
If there is one natural site you cannot skip on Efate, it’s the Mele Cascades. After a scenic 20-minute walk through tropical gardens managed by local landowners, you’ll reach a series of clear natural pools leading up to a massive, roaring waterfall.
Wout’s Tip: Visit on a weekday morning. We arrived on a Monday morning and had the entire waterfall completely to ourselves!
3. Snorkel the UNESCO Reef & Stay at M Resort
On the west coast of Efate lies a protected UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. We stayed in a private beachfront villa at M Resort & Spa Vanuatu (located right across from Eretoka and Lelepa islands).
You can swim directly off the beach straight into an untouched coral reef. We took Jens kayaking in the morning and ended up snorkeling right alongside wild sea turtles!
4. Experience the Friday Night Fire Show at Mele Beach
Every Friday evening, Mele Beach transforms into a cultural hotspot. Local performers put on an incredible show featuring traditional music, energetic dance, and mind-blowing fire spinning. It’s a must-do evening out on Efate.
5. Eton Beach & The Blue Lagoon (East Coast)
Take a scenic road trip to the eastern side of Efate for two iconic stops:
Eton Beach: A sheltered ocean bay protected by a natural rocky barrier. The calm, shallow waters make it the ultimate swimming spot for young kids and great for snorkeling.
The Blue Lagoon: A deep, vibrant turquoise lagoon where fresh river water meets the ocean. It’s ideal for cliff jumping and swinging off rope swings into the refreshing water.
Watch the Adventure & Plan Your Trip! 👇🏻
📍 Getting There
Getting to paradise is easier than you might think! The main gateway to the islands is Bauerfield International Airport (VLI) in Port Vila on the island of Efate. Most travelers fly into Vanuatu via direct connection hubs in Australia, New Zealand, or neighboring Pacific islands:
From Australia: Fly direct to Port Vila from Brisbane (approx. 2.5 to 3 hours) or Sydney with carriers like Qantas, Virgin Australia, and Solomon Airlines.
From Fiji: Fiji Airways offers quick direct connections from Nadi (under 2 hours), which is ideal if you want to island-hop across the South Pacific!
From New Zealand: Direct flights operate out of Auckland via Solomon Airlines.
Wout of the World Tip: If you’re traveling from Europe or North America, combining Vanuatu with a road trip in Australia, New Zealand, or a stopover in Fiji makes for the ultimate Oceania adventure.
✈️ Flight Deals: Planning your trip to Vanuatu? Compare cheap flights to Vanuatu here.
🚗 Transfers: Start your trip worry-free by pre-booking your transport. Book your private transfers via GetYourGuide Transfers and make sure to enter our promo code WOUTOFTHEWORLD5 to claim your 5% discount!
Practical Tips for Visiting Efate
Getting Around (Rent a Car):
Public transport on Efate can be unpredictable outside town, and taxis quickly add up. We rented a car which gave us total freedom to explore remote beaches, rugged dirt roads, and the entire island at our own pace.Catch the Local ‘B’ Buses:
Don’t want to rent a car every day? Look out for minivans with a ‘B’ on their license plate! You can simply wave them down along the main road around Port Vila. There are no fixed stops; just hop in, tell the driver where you want to go, and you’ll get dropped off anywhere in town for around 150 to 200 VUV (about $1.50 USD). It’s super cheap, efficient, and a fun way to travel like a local!Cash is King (Carry Local Vatu):
While major resorts and rental car companies accept credit cards, cash (Vatu) is absolute king once you leave Port Vila. Entry fees for natural sights like Mele Cascades, Eton Beach, or the Blue Lagoon are collected directly by local landowners in cash. Make sure to hit an ATM in Port Vila before heading out on a road trip.Support Local Landowners (Kastom Fees):
Almost all land, beaches, and natural spots in Vanuatu are privately owned by local families or villages. Paying small entry fees (usually between 500 and 1500 VUV) directly supports the local communities who maintain these beautiful pristine places.Island-Time Sunday Closure:
Sundays on Efate are strictly reserved for church, family, and relaxation. Most shops, supermarkets, and local markets in Port Vila will be closed or operating on very limited morning hours.Mail a Postcard Underwater:
Just offshore from Mele Beach lies Hideaway Island, home to the world’s only underwater post office where you can mail waterproof postcards back home!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is Vanuatu good for family travel with kids?
100%! Vanuatu is one of the most family-friendly destinations in the South Pacific. The local Ni-Vanuatu people absolutely adore children, and you’ll be welcomed with open arms everywhere you go. Island logistics on Efate are straightforward, and many ocean spots—like Eton Beach or the shallow edges of the Blue Lagoon—feature calm, crystal-clear water with no harsh waves, making them perfect and safe for toddlers and young kids. Plus, the absence of massive crowds and high-rise mega-resorts creates a completely stress-free, relaxed environment for parents.
Is Vanuatu expensive to visit?
While South Pacific islands generally have a reputation for being high-end, Efate offers plenty of options for different budgets.
Accommodation: You can find comfortable, family-friendly hotel rooms near Port Vila starting around $80 to $110 USD per night (often including breakfast), as well as mid-range beachfront villas or luxury resorts if you want to splurge.
Food & Dining: Western-style resort restaurants can be pricey, but eating locally is very affordable. Grabbing fresh tropical fruit from the Port Vila Central Market costs just a few dollars, and local meals at town eateries run around $8 to $12 USD.
Activities: Most natural attractions (waterfalls, beaches, lagoons) charge a small entry fee of $5 to $12 USD per person, which directly supports the local villages. Overall, with a bit of planning, Vanuatu is far more budget-friendly than neighbors like Fiji or French Polynesia.
Is Efate safe for tourists and families?
Yes, Efate is extremely safe. Vanuatu is known for having very low crime rates and a peaceful, welcoming atmosphere. You can safely explore the island, walk around Port Vila, and visit local markets without worry. Basic commonsense travel precautions apply—such as keeping your valuables secure and drinking bottled or filtered water when outside major resorts.
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We’re Wout & Suus, traveling full time around the world with our little globetrotters Jens & Céline.
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