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 Vanuatu activities that you can do!

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.

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.

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
The waters off Vanuatu are some of the best sport fishing grounds in the world. You can charter any number of large, professional boats in your quest to land a huge fish. Big eye tuna, striped Marlin, and sailfish are only a few of the fish available in this area.

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.

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.

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, visit our Attractions and Entertainment pages, as well as our other Activities page.

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Vanuatu Activities Articles

• Duty Free Shopping - The capital city of Vanuatu, Port Vila is a duty free shopping paradise. You will be treated to a menagerie of Melanesian, English and French cultures, as you wander among the colourful market and duty free stalls and shops.
• Duty Free Shops - If you have the extra time and want to pay the best price for your duty free goods, do some comparison shopping among Port Vila duty free shops. Most of them are conveniently located around the main street, making it easy to compare the prices.
• Fishing and Cruises - The pristine waters around Vanuatu archipelago are rich in a wide diversity of fish and sea life. Local cruises offer you a great way to get to know the area, by exploring the waters, lagoons, inlets and caves around the islands.
• Vanuatu Golf Courses - There are number of Vanuatu resorts and clubs that offer golfing, where you can bring your own clubs, or rent them at the club. The best known is Port Vila Golf and Country Club near Mele, where Vanuatu Open is held every year.
• Horseback Riding - If you enjoy riding a horse down the white sand beaches, through crystal blue waters, or even see the rainforests from a horseback, the Club Hippique Adventure Park provides fun and exciting horseback rides.
• Snorkeling in Vanuatu - Diving and snorkeling opportunities abound in Vanuatu. Many resorts have snorkeling tours available right on the property, while others have preferred partner companies with whom you can get discounted rates.
• Surf in Vanuatu - Although Vanuatu is not particularly known as a surfing destination, you will find that Vanuatu has some of the most powerful and hollow surf in the South Pacific. This is especially true if you are able to take a boat further out into the water.
• Vanuatu Diving - These tropical islands, bathed in crystalline waters, with incredible sea life, offer some of the best diving in the South Pacific. There are numerous dive sites, from coral reefs to WWII wrecks, most of which are found around Efate and Santo islands.
• Vanuatu Sailing - For a true tropical sailing adventure there's no better way than to start your sailing in Port Vila and continue your sailing enjoyment around other Vanuatu islands for a memorable experience.
• Weddings in Vanuatu - An island wedding or a honeymoon in Vanuatu combines the beauty of the islands with the romance. If you wish to get married in Vanuatu, there are several wedding venues in Port Vila. A popular option is to hold the ceremony in a Melanesian chapel.