Island Hopping

A Guide to Fun and Exploration in Vanuatu

The island nation of Vanuatu is made up of more than 80 islands and numerous smaller islets. While islands like Efate and Santo have become almost destinations unto themselves, there still exists a plethora of other islands to explore, many of them completely uninhabited. The tradition of island hopping, that is moving from island to island during your stay, gives you access to the widest range of attractions and enjoyment.

Island Hopping by Air and Cruises

How do you hop islands in Vanuatu? Where can you stay when you do island hopping? What are the best islands to visit during your trip? The answers to these questions will largely depend on what type of vacation you wish to experience. You'll find that you can change islands in one of two ways. Air travel is relatively inexpensive and can take you to numerous islands (but not all). However, Air Vanuatu is often booked a week in advance, so you'd best plan early.

In addition, you can sail from island to island. You'll find charter cruises, boats for rent and transport vessels throughout the island chain. If you're feeling adventurous, consider renting your own boat; many are available with a professional guide and pilot (so you stay safe during your stay).

Island Hopping Accommodation

Island hopping in Vanuatu can be done by air, offering great sights

As far as accommodations go, you'll find a wide variety in the islands. From 5 star resorts to motels and campgrounds to primitive beach camping on deserted islands, Vanuatu offers quite a few places to stay. Visit HotelsCombined.com to find the best rates on local resorts and hotels, or you can enjoy outdoor camping on many of the islands in the chain. In fact, island hopping and camping at your destination can be one of the best ways to enjoy the astounding beauty of the area. For those who do not wish to camp or stay in a resort, you can find many small villages that provide guesthouses for your needs.

You'll find numerous islands to visit. As mentioned, there are more than 80 islands in the chain. You'll also find numerous tiny spits of land (islets) that you can explore. If you want proximity to the city, consider visiting Efate or Santo (Port Vila lies on Efate and Luganville on Santo). Many other islands in the chain have towns and villages around them, as well. A trip to Pentecost will let you explore the jungle, while Ambrym Island offers Rom dancing, coconut plantations and active volcanoes.

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Vanuatu Islands Articles

• Popular Islands - Each of Vanuatu islands is a beautiful paradise just waiting to be explored. Some of the most popular islands include Moso, Tann and Santo.
• Ambrym Island - One of the star islands in Vanuatu archipelago with its two volcanoes - Benbow and Marum. It's also famous for sorcery, magic, and Rom dances. 
• Efate Island - Efate island was probably settled some 3,500 years ago by Lapita people. They named it Efate, meaning 'a place where we will settle'.
• Efate Tours - Some of the more interesting Efate tours include Cascades Waterfall, 'Round the Island tour, Aerial tour, and Ekasup Cultural Village tour.
• Epi Island - This quiet, lush garden island is the perfect place for families, hikers and backpackers. You can also visit Nikaura's Marine Protected Area.
• Erromango Island - Once the home to sandalwood forests, Erromango island is now adventurer's dream come true with caves and hiking trails.
• Malekula Island - For unspoiled beauty and an incredible array of history and culture, you must visit Malekula island, a favored destination by anthropologists.
• Pentecost Island - Sighted by Captain Cook in 1774 on the Day of Pentecost, this island is largely known by its Land Dive ceremony held annually in April and May.
• Santo Island - Vanuatu's largest Espiritu Santo island is well known for its scuba dvining sites, including WWII shipwrecks, snorkeling, sailing and hiking.
• Tanna Bungalows - Tanna island is probably one of the most favorite Vanuatu holiday destinations. Tanna provides a great location to relax or look for an adventure.