Vanuatu Activities

What to do on your holiday in Vanuatu

Vanuatu, is a true South Pacific tropical paradise. This island nation is a little more than a thousand miles east of the north coast of Australia. All of the 83 islands have a tropical or a subtropical environment, which makes it perfect for a relaxing getaway. Visitors to the island nation can keep busy with a variety of fun and exciting Vanuatu activities.

No matter what your idea of the “perfect holiday” is, a trip to Vanuatu will exceed even your greatest expectations. Look at all the different activities that you can do while holidaying in Vanuatu.

Backpacking

Backpacking through the Vanuatu islands is an amazing experience. Many of the islands are uninhabited, meaning that you can camp where you like, unless you find yourself in a national park or reserve. However, even backpacking through populated islands like Efate and Espiritu Santo can be an exciting way to get to know the locals.

Backpacking is a great way to explore any place outdoors, including Vanuatu's flora and fauna.

Catamaran Sailing

One of the most popular types of sailing in cities around Vanuatu like Port Vila is to take a trip on one of the sailing catamarans. In some areas, you are able to take the catamarans out by yourself. If you are not familiar enough with sailing to go by yourself, you can usually find a sailing catamaran tour or a guide to take you out for the day in a catamaran.

Cruises

When choosing your cruise through the islands, take a minute to ensure the charter company offers what you want. You'll find both diving trips and pleasure cruises, as well as combinations of the two. Choosing the right package is vital. In addition, find out what the cruise operator provides; will you need to bring beach towels? Will you need to purchase your own food? Many cruises are all-inclusive, but some are not.

Sailing is one of the more popular Vanuatu activities. It can be done on your own, or by chartering others, while you relax and enjoy the sea and sights around Vanuatu islands.

Diving

Perhaps one of the most popular Vanuatu activities. If you like diving, then you are going to love the clear blue waters around all of the Vanuatu islands. You can explore the coral, as well as shipwrecks, and meet some of the native marine life face to face, when diving in Vanuatu.

Exploring and Hiking

One of the great things about all of the different islands in the Vanuatu archipelago is that there is always something new to see and explore, and it is easy to get to the islands. Packing a picnic lunch and trekking through some of the lush interiors on the volcanic islands is a favorite activity of visitors to the islands.

Fishing

Vanuatu offers great fishing options

Golf

If your idea of a great holiday is hitting a ball and playing a few rounds of golf, then you are going to love your trip to Vanuatu. Here, you can find great golf courses, including the Port Vila Golf and Country Club (opened in 1984), which is the home of the Tusker Vanuatu Golf Open, which attracts amateurs and professionals alike.

Horseback Riding

You can take a relaxing horseback ride outside of the city. Travel through fields and rainforest or even along the beach, depending on the tour you take. Most of the horseback riding facilities can show you the basics of riding a horse, so you don’t have to worry if you don’t have any experience. This is a great way to see the land and to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Island Hopping

Island hopping is perhaps best suited for those with the craving for adventure. Many of the islands in the archipelago are uninhabited, yet still features the swaying palm trees, verdant jungles and pristine white beaches of the other islands. Island hopping can help you enjoy as many of these jewels as possible. Explore the jungles, enjoy the beach, bath in the ocean or rivers.

Parasailing

Another way to enjoy a type of sailing in Vanuatu is to go parasailing. With locations in Port Vila and on Hideaway Island, parasailing offers a perfect family activity. Most flights last eight to ten minutes and allow you to go up to 65 meters from the boat.

One of the popular Vanuatu activities is also parasailing, which is a tremendous fun.

Sailing

If parasiling is tad too adventurous, you might want to skim along the blue in a Vanuatu sailing vessel that darts between the islands. You can relax and let others do the sailing or get in on the action and try your hand on deck. You can even book a sunset cruise with that special someone and take a relaxing sail to watch as the sun dips gently into the ocean.

Snorkeling

Snorkeling can be done just about anywhere on any of the islands, and you will usually be pleased with all the aquatic life that you encounter, including a variety of tropical fish. Just about all of the towns and resorts will have places where you can rent your snorkeling gear (snorkel, mask, fins, etc.), but if you are heading out to one of the smaller islands that is basically untouched, then you will have to bring your own equipment.

Enquire at your holiday resort in Port Vila to get tips for best surfing spots in Vanuatu

Surfing

For those looking for a little more of a surfing challenge while in Vanuatu, there are a few less-than-accessible surfing spots, but it will take a little asking to find out where they are and get a ride to take you out there. You also need to be prepared to be patient when it comes to waiting out a wave.

These are some of the most popular of Vanuatu activities that you can do while holidaying in this tropical paradise. For more Vanuatu activities information, visit our Entertainment and Attractions pages, as well as our other Activities page.

Holiday Information and Guides to Vanuatu
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