50 Best Places to Visit in Vanuatu: The Ultimate Travel Guide

Vanuatu is an enchanting South Pacific archipelago composed of roughly 83 islands offering volcanic wonder, lush rainforests, crystal-clear blue holes, and deeply preserved Melanesian culture. From active, sputtering volcanoes to world-class wreck diving and tranquil white-sand beaches, Vanuatu presents an unforgettable tropical escape.

Why Visit

• Witness active volcanoes up close, including Mount Yasur on Tanna Island.
• Swim in world-renowned freshwater blue holes surrounded by lush tropical jungle.
• Experience rich Melanesian Ni-Vanuatu culture, traditional kava ceremonies, and village life.
• Scuba dive world-class shipwrecks such as the SS President Coolidge off Espiritu Santo.

Quick Facts

50 Best Places to Visit in Vanuatu

1. Mount Yasur

• Location: Tanna Island
• Best Time to Visit: May to October
• Category: Active Volcano / Nature
• About the Place: One of the world's most accessible active volcanoes, offering travelers the thrilling opportunity to stand at the crater rim and watch glowing lava eruptions.
• Travel Instructions: Take a short domestic flight to Tanna Airport, followed by a 4x4 drive across volcanic ash plains.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Mount Yasur

2. Champagne Beach

• Location: Espiritu Santo
• Best Time to Visit: May to October
• Category: Coastal / Beach
• About the Place: Globally famous for its horseshoe curve of powdery white sand and turquoise lagoon waters that bubble gently at low tide like champagne.
• Travel Instructions: Drive 1 hour north from Luganville town via paved coastal highway.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Champagne Beach

3. Nanda Blue Hole (Jacquelines Blue Hole)

• Location: Espiritu Santo
• Best Time to Visit: April to November
• Category: Freshwater Spring / Nature
• About the Place: A luminous natural freshwater pool fed by underground springs, surrounded by dense jungle and crystal-clear sapphire waters ideal for swimming.
• Travel Instructions: Located a 30-minute drive from Luganville; easily reached by taxi or tour bus.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Nanda Blue Hole

4. SS President Coolidge Wreck

• Location: Luganville, Espiritu Santo
• Best Time to Visit: Year-round
• Category: Diving / Historical WWII Wreck
• About the Place: A massive luxury liner turned WWII luxury troopship lying underwater, recognized globally as one of the finest shore-accessible wreck dives on Earth.
• Travel Instructions: Accessible directly from the shore near Luganville with licensed dive guides.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to SS President Coolidge Wreck

5. Mele Cascades

• Location: Efate Island (Near Port Vila)
• Best Time to Visit: May to October
• Category: Waterfall & Nature Reserve
• About the Place: A series of cascading terraced waterfall pools hidden within lush rainforest, offering refreshing dips and scenic natural aqueduct walks.
• Travel Instructions: Short 20-minute minibus ride from downtown Port Vila.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Mele Cascades

6. Chief Roi Mata’s Domain

• Location: Efate, Lelepa & Artok Islands
• Best Time to Visit: May to October
• Category: UNESCO World Heritage Site
• About the Place: Vanuatu's first UNESCO World Heritage Site, preserving the early 17th-century residences, mass burial ground, and oral traditions of paramount Chief Roi Mata.
• Travel Instructions: Take a day boat tour from Havannah Harbour on Efate out to Lelepa Island.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Chief Roi Mata’s Domain

7. Port Vila Market (Mama's Market)

• Location: Port Vila, Efate
• Best Time to Visit: Year-round (24/7 Mon-Sat)
• Category: Cultural Market
• About the Place: The vibrant heart of Port Vila, filled with colorfully dressed local women selling organic island fruits, fresh seafood, handicrafts, and hot laplap meals.
• Travel Instructions: Located directly in central waterfront Port Vila; easy walking access.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Port Vila Market

8. Hideaway Island Marine Reserve

• Location: Mele Bay, Efate
• Best Time to Visit: May to October
• Category: Island Sanctuary / Marine Reserve
• About the Place: A small coral island sanctuary home to a marine reserve, vibrant coral reefs, and the world's only underwater post office where visitors post waterproof cards.
• Travel Instructions: Short 3-minute ferry ride from Mele Beach on Efate mainland.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Hideaway Island Marine Reserve

9. Pentecost Island Land Diving (Naghol)

• Location: Pentecost Island
• Best Time to Visit: April to June (Saturdays only)
• Category: Traditional Cultural Ceremony
• About the Place: The ancient ritual birthplace of modern bungee jumping, where local men leap from towering wooden towers tied only by vines around their ankles.
• Travel Instructions: Day charter flights operate directly from Port Vila to Pentecost airstrips during ceremony season.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Pentecost Island Land Diving

10. Port Olry

• Location: Espiritu Santo
• Best Time to Visit: May to October
• Category: Coastal Fishing Village
• About the Place: A peaceful Francophone coastal village featuring quiet palm-lined beaches, treehouse beachfront cafes, and calm turquoise waters.
• Travel Instructions: Located 1-hour drive north of Luganville along Santo's east coast.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Port Olry

11. Blue Cave

• Location: Tanna Island
• Best Time to Visit: May to October
• Category: Coastal Sea Cave
• About the Place: A natural sea grotto accessible by swimming under a small rock arch, opening into a sunlit underground chamber filled with glowing electric blue water.
• Travel Instructions: Accessible via boat tour along Tanna's rugged northwestern coastline.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Blue Cave

12. Riri Blue Hole

• Location: Espiritu Santo
• Best Time to Visit: May to October
• Category: Nature / Freshwater Lagoon
• About the Place: Accessible via traditional wooden outrigger canoe up a jungle river, leading to a deep, shaded blue water spring ideal for swing jumping.
• Travel Instructions: Drive 20 minutes from Luganville; hire a dugout canoe guide at the river entrance.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Riri Blue Hole

13. Million Dollar Point

• Location: Luganville, Espiritu Santo
• Best Time to Visit: Year-round
• Category: WWII History / Snorkeling & Diving
• About the Place: A coastal dumping site where the US military dumped millions of dollars worth of equipment, bulldozers, and ships into the ocean following WWII.
• Travel Instructions: Easily reached by car just 5 minutes east of Luganville town center.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Million Dollar Point

14. Ambrym Volcanoes (Mount Benbow & Mount Marum)

• Location: Ambrym Island
• Best Time to Visit: May to October
• Category: Active Volcano Trekking
• About the Place: Known as the "Black Island," famous for active lava lakes churning inside the massive caldera craters of Benbow and Marum.
• Travel Instructions: Fly to Ambrym Island; arrange multi-day guided treks up to the caldera plateau.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Ambrym Volcanoes

15. Matevulu Blue Hole

• Location: Espiritu Santo
• Best Time to Visit: May to October
• Category: Freshwater Spring
• About the Place: A large natural spring basin shaded by banyan trees, famous for its massive rope swing hanging from a towering tree canopy.
• Travel Instructions: Located near Santo's east coast road; accessible by car or kayaking up the river.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Matevulu Blue Hole

16. Pele Island

• Location: North Efate
• Best Time to Visit: May to October
• Category: Tropical Island Escape
• About the Place: A tranquil tropical island offering white-sand beaches, coral garden snorkeling, and peaceful traditional island village stays.
• Travel Instructions: Take a 25-minute banana boat ride from Paonangisu wharf on North Efate.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Pele Island

17. Erakor Island

• Location: Port Vila Lagoon, Efate
• Best Time to Visit: Year-round
• Category: Lagoon Resort Island
• About the Place: A peaceful private island resort set in Port Vila lagoon, featuring historic mission sites, clear waters, and water sports.
• Travel Instructions: 24-hour free ferry operates continuously from Efate mainland dock.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Erakor Island

18. Eton Beach

• Location: East Efate
• Best Time to Visit: May to October
• Category: Coastal Beach & Freshwater Inlet
• About the Place: A picture-perfect beach where a cold freshwater stream empties straight into a sheltered saltwater turquoise ocean inlet.
• Travel Instructions: Located a 45-minute scenic drive east around the Efate ring road.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Eton Beach

19. Vanuatu Cultural Centre (VKS)

• Location: Port Vila, Efate
• Best Time to Visit: Year-round
• Category: Museum / Cultural Heritage
• About the Place: Houses historic collections of traditional slit drums, tribal masks, archaeological artifacts, and displays on UNESCO sand drawing traditions.
• Travel Instructions: Located in downtown Port Vila across from the Parliament building.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Vanuatu Cultural Centre

20. Rah & Mota Lava Islands

• Location: Torba Province (Banks Islands)
• Best Time to Visit: May to October
• Category: Off-the-Beaten-Track Paradise
• About the Place: Remote northern islands famous for the giant Rock of Rah, traditional snake dance ceremonies, and pristine white sandbars.
• Travel Instructions: Take a domestic flight to Mota Lava, then cross on foot or canoe to Rah Island.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Rah & Mota Lava Islands

21. Millennium Cave

• Location: Central Espiritu Santo
• Best Time to Visit: May to October
• Category: Adventure / Cave & River Trekking
• About the Place: Vanuatu's ultimate trekking adventure, taking hikers through dense tropical jungle, colossal caves, canyon swims, and bamboo river floats.
• Travel Instructions: Book an organized full-day excursion departing from Luganville.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Millennium Cave

22. Aore Island

• Location: Sanma Province
• Best Time to Visit: May to October
• Category: Resort Island / Diving
• About the Place: Located directly across the channel from Luganville, offering quiet resorts, coconut plantation tours, and coral reef diving.
• Travel Instructions: Take a 15-minute ferry ride across the channel from Luganville wharf.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Aore Island

23. Moso Island

• Location: Havannah Harbour, Efate
• Best Time to Visit: May to October
• Category: Coastal / Sea Turtle Sanctuary
• About the Place: A secluded island offering tranquil Havannah Harbour views, coastal walks, and the TASVANUA sea turtle conservation sanctuary.
• Travel Instructions: Boat transfer departing from Purau Bay on Efate.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Moso Island

24. Loru Conservation Area

• Location: East Espiritu Santo
• Best Time to Visit: May to October
• Category: Rainforest Reserve
• About the Place: A community-protected lowland rainforest reserve protecting native bird species, coconut crabs, and coastal forest ecosystems.
• Travel Instructions: Located 40 minutes north of Luganville by road.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Loru Conservation Area

25. Yakel Custom Village

• Location: Tanna Island
• Best Time to Visit: May to October
• Category: Cultural Village
• About the Place: An authentic traditional village where Ni-Vanuatu people live entirely by ancient "Kastom" traditions, wearing grass skirts and living off the land.
• Travel Instructions: Arrange a respectful guided visit departing from Tanna resorts.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Yakel Custom Village

26. Iririki Island

• Location: Port Vila Bay, Efate
• Best Time to Visit: Year-round
• Category: Resort Island
• About the Place: A lush 69-acre private resort island located right in Port Vila harbor, offering overwater bungalows, pools, and sunset dining.
• Travel Instructions: 3-minute complimentary ferry ride from Port Vila waterfront.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Iririki Island

27. Mount Tabwemasana

• Location: Espiritu Santo
• Best Time to Visit: May to October
• Category: Extreme Mountain Trekking
• About the Place: The highest peak in Vanuatu at 1,879 meters, offering a challenging wilderness trek through isolated rainforests and mountain villages.
• Travel Instructions: Accessible by boat to Kerepua village on Santo's west coast, followed by a guided multi-day climb.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Mount Tabwemasana

28. Black Sands Beach

• Location: Mele Bay, Efate
• Best Time to Visit: May to October
• Category: Volcanic Coastal Beach
• About the Place: A long stretch of dark volcanic black sand beach where freshwater rivers meet the ocean, popular for local fishing and sunsets.
• Travel Instructions: Located 15 minutes drive west of Port Vila.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Black Sands Beach

29. Sola & Vanua Lava

• Location: Banks Islands (Torba Province)
• Best Time to Visit: May to October
• Category: Off-Grid Volcanic Island
• About the Place: Capital of Torba province, featuring active sulfur volcanoes, waterfall rivers, and untouched coastal wilderness.
• Travel Instructions: Domestic flight from Luganville or Port Vila into Sola airstrip.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Sola & Vanua Lava

30. Havannah Harbour

• Location: North Efate
• Best Time to Visit: May to October
• Category: Sheltered Bay / Luxury
• About the Place: A pristine sheltered harbor filled with calm waters, coral reefs, luxury resorts, and historic WWII naval base artifacts.
• Travel Instructions: Drive 30 minutes north across Efate via ring road.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Havannah Harbour

31. Loru Rainforest Canopy Walk

• Location: Espiritu Santo
• Best Time to Visit: May to October
• Category: Eco-Tourism
• About the Place: Guided walks through coastal forest reserves showcasing native giant banyan trees and unique birdwatching.
• Travel Instructions: Located near the East Coast road of Santo.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Loru Rainforest Canopy Walk

32. Epi Island & Lamen Bay

• Location: Shefa Province
• Best Time to Visit: May to October
• Category: Coastal Island / Wildlife
• About the Place: Quiet island famous for Lamen Bay, where wild dugongs (sea cows) and sea turtles swim peacefully alongside snorkelers.
• Travel Instructions: Fly to Lamen Bay airstrip on Epi Island via Air Vanuatu.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Epi Island & Lamen Bay

33. Vatthe Conservation Area

• Location: Big Bay, Espiritu Santo
• Best Time to Visit: May to October
• Category: National Conservation Reserve
• About the Place: A massive protected lowland alluvial rainforest reserve where lush forest meets black sand ocean beaches at Big Bay.
• Travel Instructions: Drive 2 hours north from Luganville by 4x4 vehicle.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Vatthe Conservation Area

34. Loru Banyan Tree

• Location: Espiritu Santo
• Best Time to Visit: Year-round
• Category: Nature Landmark
• About the Place: An ancient, colossal sacred Banyan tree whose aerial roots cover a wide forest clearing, rooted deep in island folklore.
• Travel Instructions: Short guided walk inside the East Santo reserve.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Loru Banyan Tree

35. Lelepa Island

• Location: Off Northwest Efate
• Best Time to Visit: May to October
• Category: Cultural & Beach Island
• About the Place: A scenic island featuring historic Fels Cave with ancient rock drawings, quiet palm beaches, and turquoise snorkeling reefs.
• Travel Instructions: Day tours depart from Havannah Harbour on Efate.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Lelepa Island

36. Gaua Island & Lake Letas

• Location: Torba Province
• Best Time to Visit: May to October
• Category: Crater Lake & Waterfall
• About the Place: Home to Lake Letas, the largest freshwater lake in the South Pacific, emptying into the massive 120-meter Siri Waterfall.
• Travel Instructions: Fly to Gaua Island airport, followed by guided multi-day treks.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Gaua Island & Lake Letas

37. Tanna Sulphur Bay & Hot Springs

• Location: Tanna Island
• Best Time to Visit: May to October
• Category: Thermal Springs / Coast
• About the Place: A black sand coastal bay heated by natural volcanic thermal vents where warm mineral water meets the ocean.
• Travel Instructions: Located at the base of Mount Yasur on Tanna.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Tanna Sulphur Bay & Hot Springs

38. Malekula Island (Namba Tribes)

• Location: Malampa Province
• Best Time to Visit: May to October
• Category: Cultural Heartland
• About the Place: Vanuatu's second-largest island, celebrated for distinct cultural tribal groups known as the Big Nambas and Small Nambas.
• Travel Instructions: Fly to Norsup or Lamap airstrips on Malekula.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Malekula Island

39. Turtle Bay Lagoon

• Location: Espiritu Santo
• Best Time to Visit: May to October
• Category: Marine Lagoon
• About the Place: A quiet sheltered mangrove lagoon perfect for kayaking and spotting green sea turtles resting in the calm waters.
• Travel Instructions: Located 20 minutes north of Luganville along the coastal road.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Turtle Bay Lagoon

40. Kakula Island

• Location: North Efate
• Best Time to Visit: May to October
• Category: Private Beach Island
• About the Place: A tiny uninhabited paradise islet featuring coconut palms and coral reefs off the coast of North Efate.
• Travel Instructions: Reached by private boat transfer from Paonangisu.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Kakula Island

41. Tanna Coffee Factory

• Location: Port Vila, Efate
• Best Time to Visit: Year-round
• Category: Culinary Heritage
• About the Place: Learn how rich organic coffee beans grown on the fertile volcanic soils of Tanna Island are harvested and roasted.
• Travel Instructions: Located short drive from Port Vila center towards Mele.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Tanna Coffee Factory

42. Rarakau Beach

• Location: East Efate
• Best Time to Visit: May to October
• Category: Coastal Cove
• About the Place: A tranquil beach bay ideal for swimming, picnics, and coastal walking along Efate's quiet eastern shore.
• Travel Instructions: Located off the main Efate Ring Road.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Rarakau Beach

43. Maskelyne Islands

• Location: South Malekula
• Best Time to Visit: May to October
• Category: Coral Atoll Group
• About the Place: A small cluster of peaceful islands surrounded by fringing coral reefs, giant clam sanctuaries, and traditional fishing villages.
• Travel Instructions: Boat ride from Lamap in southern Malekula.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Maskelyne Islands

44. Chief’s Nakamal (Port Vila)

• Location: Port Vila, Efate
• Best Time to Visit: Year-round (Evening)
• Category: Cultural Kava Venue
• About the Place: Traditional meeting grounds where locals gather at dusk to drink authentic freshly prepared Kava in a quiet setting.
• Travel Instructions: Located near the Chief’s Council grounds in Port Vila.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Chief’s Nakamal

45. Siviri Cave

• Location: North Efate
• Best Time to Visit: May to October
• Category: Limestone Cave & Kayaking
• About the Place: A large water-filled limestone cave system where visitors kayak inside dark rock chambers filled with freshwater.
• Travel Instructions: Located near Siviri village on North Efate.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Siviri Cave

46. Luganville Town

• Location: Espiritu Santo
• Best Time to Visit: Year-round
• Category: Island Town
• About the Place: Vanuatu's second-largest city, serving as the main hub for exploring WWII wrecks, blue holes, and Santo's coastal beaches.
• Travel Instructions: Fly directly into Santo International Airport (Pekoa).
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Luganville Town

47. Tasariki & West Santo Coast

• Location: Espiritu Santo
• Best Time to Visit: May to October
• Category: Wilderness Coast
• About the Place: Isolated coastal region flanked by dramatic mountain peaks and remote fishing villages untouched by modern roads.
• Travel Instructions: Reached via boat charters along Santo's western shore.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Tasariki & West Santo Coast

48. Nguna Island

• Location: North Efate
• Best Time to Visit: May to October
• Category: Island Volcano Hiking
• About the Place: Dominated by extinct volcanic peaks, offering coastal hiking trails, marine protected reefs, and quiet eco-bungalows.
• Travel Instructions: Take a boat from Undine Bay on North Efate.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Nguna Island

49. Port Vila Lookout (Michoutouchkine & Pilioko Foundation)

• Location: Port Vila, Efate
• Best Time to Visit: Year-round
• Category: Art & Viewpoint
• About the Place: An eclectic outdoor art foundation set amidst tropical gardens, showcasing colorful South Pacific paintings and harbor views.
• Travel Instructions: Located near Pango point, short taxi drive from downtown.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Port Vila Lookout

50. Lopevi Volcano Island

• Location: Malampa Province
• Best Time to Visit: May to October (View from boat)
• Category: Active Volcanic Cone
• About the Place: An uninhabited, perfectly symmetrical active volcanic cone rising sharply out of the Pacific Ocean.
• Travel Instructions: Viewable during boat passages between Epi and Paama islands.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Lopevi Volcano Island

Featured Image

Tropical Beach and Lagoon in Vanuatu