Vanuatu
Vanuatu is an archipelago of about 80 islands in the South Pacific known for its lush volcanic landscapes, clear turquoise waters, and rich Melanesian culture. Visitors can snorkel vibrant coral reefs, explore active volcanoes, and experience traditional dances, kastom villages, and kastom sand drawings. The islands offer a relaxed pace, fresh seafood, and unique attractions like the underwater post office and cultural festivals, making Vanuatu an appealing destination for adventure, nature, and cultural travel.
If you’re here from my post “How to visit every country in the Pacific,” welcome! This is going to be a little more of an in-depth guide on my trip to the country of Vanuatu.
How to get to Vanuatu
Vanuatu is one of the more popular destinations in the South Pacific, so you shouldn’t have a problem trying to find a flight. Flights operate everyday from Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, and the Solomon Islands. We ended up flying from Brisbane to Port Vila, Vanuatu and then after onwards to Fiji.
Where to stay in Port Vila
There are a lot of options since Vanuatu is more of a touristy destination, but since there was four of us for this leg of the trip we stayed at Pacific Lagoon Apartments so we could cook and hang out together. If you have a rental car this was a pretty central location, but it definitely wouldn’t be easy if you’re just planning on walking.
SEARCH | Alternatively, check out Booking.com for more options in the area.
Staying connected in Vanuatu
My friends and I all used the Airalo Oceania Esim for this trip, which covers eight countries in Oceania and specifically seven of the countries on this trip through the South Pacific. It’s cheaper than buying individual esims or physical sim cards for each country so it’s a great deal and you can top-up if you run low on data. I personally love using esims since you’re instantly connected when you land to look up directions, currency rates, or language translations. Yes, Vanuatu is covered on the Airalo Oceania Esim, but if you’d rather purchase a Vanuatu esim separately you can check it out here.
SEARCH | Alternatively, check out Airalo.com for more esim options.
How to get around Vanuatu
We decided to rent a car to get the most out of our time in Vanuatu, and so we could get to the touristy spots early and avoid crowds. You can see all the sights of the island in pretty much a full day, and everyone does the same loop. If you can get on the road early and beat everyone to the first stop, you will beat everyone to the rest of the attractions.
Rental car options are limited; we managed to snag a rental since we were the first ones out of customs in the arrival hall of the airport, but you should try making a reservation online in advance. Expedia seems to have the best rates for rental cars.
SEARCH | Alternatively, check out Expedia.com for more options in the area.
Best Itinerary from Port Vila
Day 1: Arrival
We arrived at Bauerfield International Airport in Port Vila at 2 PM and did the usual money exchange, sim cards, rented a car, then found the guesthouse we were staying at. There was a grocery store along the way so we stopped for groceries and made dinner.
After dinner we met up with another friend who had a collaboration with the Vanuatu tourism board, and they were at the Kava Lounge. Kava is a traditional Pacific Island beverage made from the ground roots of the kava plant, known for its calming, mildly sedative effects and earthy, peppery flavor. I personally didn’t try kava but it seemed like a nice atmosphere and place to do it! If the Vanuatu tourism board recommended this place, it’s probably the spot to check out.
Day 2: Loop around Efate island
We got on the road early in the morning to drive to the Blue Lagoon so we could be there right when it opened at 8 AM. It was 1500 Vatu per person (about $12 USD) and you need to pay in cash. We were the first ones in and had it all to ourselves before the tour buses showed up!
Our next stop was Nasinu Hot Springs, which includes both the hot springs and mud bath. To rinse off after there was a bucket for a makeshift shower and a changing area. It’s pretty basic but it’ll get you clean for your next stop!
We stopped for lunch at Gideons Landing Restaurant & Ecolodge because supposedly the TV show Survivor was filmed at the beach there. The beach was beautiful, but the food options weren’t great. I would probably recommend looking for a different restaurant nearby on Havannah Beach (Survivor Beach).
The last stop of the day was Hideaway Island, where you can snorkel and visit an Underwater Post Office. Drive to the point on the map closest to the island (I’ll also share a map with a pin) and park. There will be a small boat that goes back and forth taking people and you can take it across. Once on the island visit the visitor’s office where you can rent snorkeling gear and buy postcards for the Underwater Post Office. The postcards and stamps are waterproof, and they have special pencils to use. After you can snorkel out to a platform and dive down to an underwater mailbox and pop your postcards in. This was probably my favorite experience in Vanuatu!
day 3: ekasup cultural village
In the morning we went to the Ekasup Cultural Village to learn more about Vanuatu and their customs. I have to say, I was expecting it to be touristy but they did a great job at making it an authentic experience! You do have to contact them in advance to make a reservation.
They don’t have a direct website, but you can email them at: ekasupculturalvillage@vanuatu.com.vu
If you don’t want to rent a car but still want to explore the island, I found a few tours that cover these activities. This day trip covers the cultural village, Blue Lagoon, Nasinu Hot Springs, Survivor Beach, and trying the local kava.
If you also want to visit Hideaway Island, you can try this day tour here which also includes a coffee roastery visit.
SEARCH | Alternatively, check out Getyourguide.com for more options in the area.
Vanuatu Budget
FLIGHTS: $528 USD
The whole Fiji Airways loop (Vanuatu - Tonga - Samoa - Tuvalu - Fiji - Solomon Islands) cost $2072 USD, but to just break it down, from Brisbane to Vanuatu cost $312 USD and the flight from Vanuatu to Fiji cost $216 USD.
HOTEL: $35 USD
Our guesthouse cost $140 USD for two nights, but we split it four ways so it was $35 per person, or $17.50 per person per night.
RENTAL CAR: $ USD
FOOD & DRINKS: $20 USD
ACTIVITIES: $ USD
TOTAL SPENT FOR VANUATU: $ USD
