Things to see and do in Vanuatu

There are a number of professional and friendly dive operators in Vanuatu (Efate and Santo) and the diving can be spectacular with easy access, great visibility and interesting reef, cave, swim-through and wreck dives. Introductory dives are offered (learn the basic skills and get comfortable in a pool before heading to the dive sites). Just off the island of Espiritu Santo is one of the world’s most sought after wreck dive, the President Coolidge (it is a deep dive, so for ‘Advanced’ divers, not novices.

Discover James A Michener's inspiration for South Pacific, Espiritu Santo Island. Here, scuba-divers can see where the liner President Coolidge and the destroyer USS Tucker rest on the seabed. It's less than an hour by air from Port Vila and apart from the wreck there is Million Dollar Point where military equipment was dumped at the end of the war, and lots of rewarding reef dives. The snorkelling is also excellent and it is arguably the most scenic island in Vanuatu, with stunning beaches like Champagne Beach and Blue Holes for swimming. The main town of Luganville is interesting and there are a number of good resorts.

A full day cruise with pick-up and drop-back to your resort, the Coongoola is a lovely timber ketch. The cruise leaves from Havannah Harbour and included is a visit to the turtle sanctuary on Tranquillity (Moso) Island, a beach barbecue, snorkelling and morning and afternoon tea. If the wind is favourable you return under sail and there is a good chance of being joined by dolphins off the bow.

There are two markets located on the harbour front in Port Vila. One is the colourful ‘Mama’s Markets’ which are open 24 hours a day (close afternoon Saturday to Monday morning). There is a wonderful array of fruit, vegetables and flowers with the friendly local woman (with their pikaninis) serving. You can also sample local dishes like lap-lap. A stroll along the harbour are the handicraft markets that sell handicrafts, carvings, souvenirs, sarongs and other items of clothing. Local women also offer hair-braiding.

Visit the capital, Port-Vila, on Efaté Island; its Cultural Centre has one of the most extensive Pacific artefact collections in the world. There are also plenty of opportunities for active visitors, especially those interested in watersports.

Tanna island is about 40 minutes by air from Port Vila. Most visitors go to Tanna to see the world’s most accessible active volcano, Mt Yasur. You can go right to the rim of the volcano and there are day excursion or overnight excursions (night recommended as it is more spectacular). For those wanting a longer stay, there is a lot to see and experience – the John Frum Cargo Cult, traditional villages, a black magic and kava tour, beaches, caves and waterfalls. While a little more ‘basic’ than resorts in Port Vila, there are some good accommodation options.

The Vanuatu Museum & Cultural Centre is opposite Parliament house and near the Chief’s Nakamal (meeting place). There are permanent displays of traditional artefacts, pottery, fossils, masks and slit-gongs to reflect the diversity of culture and history on the various islands. There are daily video screenings as well as a series of vibrant temporary exhibits and performances (sand-drawing, bamboo flute, traditional dance and story-telling.

Mele Cascades waterfall is about 15 minutes from Port Vila. Evergreen Tours run organised tours with pick up from your resort or you can explore independently by catching a local bus. The falls are dramatic and there are swimming holes. The adventurous can also abseil down the falls with The Edge (safety gear, refreshments included). Lololima Cascades is also a very pretty spot with the falls and a swimming hole. Lololima is on private property and can only be accessed through Vanuatu Ecotours. Vanuatu Ecotours also runs river kayak safaris and mountain bike tours.