last edited Dec 11, 2019
What to See in Vanuatu
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Location Map of Vanuatu
Vanuatu
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UNESCO World Heritage Site
Vanuatu has one site inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list:
Chief Roi Mata’s Domain (2008)
A group of three sites on the islands of Efate, Lelepa, and Eretoka linked to the life of this 17th-century king. They are UNESCO-listed primarily for their historical and cultural significance.
A group of three sites on the islands of Efate, Lelepa, and Eretoka linked to the life of this 17th-century king. They are UNESCO-listed primarily for their historical and cultural significance.
Tafea Province
Aniwa
A small coral atoll of 8 km² with a few hundred inhabitants northeast of Tanna. Despite its beautiful lagoon, it is barely touristy.
A small coral atoll of 8 km² with a few hundred inhabitants northeast of Tanna. Despite its beautiful lagoon, it is barely touristy.
Futuna
This volcanic land (also called West Futuna) is the easternmost in the archipelago and one of the least visited.
This volcanic land (also called West Futuna) is the easternmost in the archipelago and one of the least visited.
Tanna
By far the most populous island in Tafea, Tanna’s main attraction is the active volcano Mount Yasur, renowned as the world’s most accessible volcano. Other highlights include waterfalls—particularly the hot springs at Port Resolution—the wild horses of White Grass, and the local culture and traditions, including the famous "cargo cult.".
By far the most populous island in Tafea, Tanna’s main attraction is the active volcano Mount Yasur, renowned as the world’s most accessible volcano. Other highlights include waterfalls—particularly the hot springs at Port Resolution—the wild horses of White Grass, and the local culture and traditions, including the famous "cargo cult.".
Shefa Province
Efate Island **
Mele Cascades
These are the largest and most beautiful waterfalls on the island, which has several in its central region.
These are the largest and most beautiful waterfalls on the island, which has several in its central region.
Chief Roi Mata’s Domain
A group of three sites on the islands of Efate, Lelepa, and Eretoka linked to the life of this 17th-century king. They are UNESCO-listed primarily for their historical and cultural significance.
A group of three sites on the islands of Efate, Lelepa, and Eretoka linked to the life of this 17th-century king. They are UNESCO-listed primarily for their historical and cultural significance.
Hideaway Island
This small marine reserve a few kilometres from the capital is unique for housing the world's only underwater post office, located 50 metres offshore at a depth of 3 metres.
This small marine reserve a few kilometres from the capital is unique for housing the world's only underwater post office, located 50 metres offshore at a depth of 3 metres.
Port Vila
The capital of Vanuatu is primarily the starting point for exploring the rest of the archipelago. This means organizing a dive (especially on the east coast), a boat trip, or a trek (inland), and, incidentally, doing some duty-free shopping. Beyond that, the city has a cultural museum-center and a lively market.
The capital of Vanuatu is primarily the starting point for exploring the rest of the archipelago. This means organizing a dive (especially on the east coast), a boat trip, or a trek (inland), and, incidentally, doing some duty-free shopping. Beyond that, the city has a cultural museum-center and a lively market.
Other Islands
Epi
A beautiful forested and volcanic island north of Efate. It's a destination for surfing, diving (with a dugong at Lamen Bay), and, secondarily, hiking.
A beautiful forested and volcanic island north of Efate. It's a destination for surfing, diving (with a dugong at Lamen Bay), and, secondarily, hiking.
Malampa Province
Ambrym
The island is primarily known for its volcanic activity (Mt Benbow and Mt Marum) and the landscapes that come with it. It also boasts vibrant traditions and a notable craftsmanship in carved drums.
The island is primarily known for its volcanic activity (Mt Benbow and Mt Marum) and the landscapes that come with it. It also boasts vibrant traditions and a notable craftsmanship in carved drums.
Malakula
This is the most populated place in Malampa and the second-largest island in Vanuatu. Visitors come for its beaches and diving along the east/southeast coast (or the nearby Maskelyne Islands), as well as to trek through its mountainous and forested interior or discover local traditions.
This is the most populated place in Malampa and the second-largest island in Vanuatu. Visitors come for its beaches and diving along the east/southeast coast (or the nearby Maskelyne Islands), as well as to trek through its mountainous and forested interior or discover local traditions.
Paama
Small island between Epi and Ambrym with fewer than 2,000 inhabitants. Nearby, Lopevi is an uninhabited volcanic island (active).
Small island between Epi and Ambrym with fewer than 2,000 inhabitants. Nearby, Lopevi is an uninhabited volcanic island (active).
Penama Province
Ambae
Though at the heart of the Vanuatu archipelago, Ambae isn’t very touristy despite its active volcano, jungle, and traditions that remain very much alive.
Though at the heart of the Vanuatu archipelago, Ambae isn’t very touristy despite its active volcano, jungle, and traditions that remain very much alive.
Maewo
A long, rainy island with numerous waterfalls and lush vegetation. Its southern tip has been developed for boaters.
A long, rainy island with numerous waterfalls and lush vegetation. Its southern tip has been developed for boaters.
Pentecost
This beautiful mountainous land of waterfalls and gorges is linked to the tradition of the Gol jump, considered the origin of bungee jumping.
This beautiful mountainous land of waterfalls and gorges is linked to the tradition of the Gol jump, considered the origin of bungee jumping.
Sanma Province
Espiritu Santo Island ***
Champagne Beach
Crystal-clear waters, coconut palms, and white sand—Champagne is one of the Pacific’s most beautiful beaches. It is located on the east coast of Espiritu Santo Island. Other pleasant beaches and small villages are also scattered along Santo’s shores.
Crystal-clear waters, coconut palms, and white sand—Champagne is one of the Pacific’s most beautiful beaches. It is located on the east coast of Espiritu Santo Island. Other pleasant beaches and small villages are also scattered along Santo’s shores.
Luganville
It is the second-largest city in Vanuatu and an international gateway to the archipelago. Its primary role is economic.
It is the second-largest city in Vanuatu and an international gateway to the archipelago. Its primary role is economic.
World War II Remnants
The island was a major US base during the Pacific War. Traces of equipment and buildings from that era can still be seen in various locations. For divers, the "Million Dollar Point" site (tons of equipment dumped at sea!) and the wreck of the *President Coolidge* date from the same period.
The island was a major US base during the Pacific War. Traces of equipment and buildings from that era can still be seen in various locations. For divers, the "Million Dollar Point" site (tons of equipment dumped at sea!) and the wreck of the *President Coolidge* date from the same period.
Torba Province
Banks Islands
These are beautiful small islands with lush nature, waterfalls, as well as a lake and an active volcano on Gaua Island. In general, the archipelago boasts a rich fauna, including turtles, Pacific boas, and a few alligators.
These are beautiful small islands with lush nature, waterfalls, as well as a lake and an active volcano on Gaua Island. In general, the archipelago boasts a rich fauna, including turtles, Pacific boas, and a few alligators.
Torres Islands
This group of 7 sparsely populated islands is the northernmost in Vanuatu. Here you’ll find beautiful beaches and the Yeyenwu caves on Hiu Island.
This group of 7 sparsely populated islands is the northernmost in Vanuatu. Here you’ll find beautiful beaches and the Yeyenwu caves on Hiu Island.
Recommended
Champagne Beach
★★★ Crystal-clear waters, coconut palms, and white sand—Champagne is one of the Pacific’s most beautiful beaches. It is located on…
Malakula
★★★ This is the most populated place in Malampa and the second-largest island in Vanuatu. Visitors come for its beaches and diving along the…
Tanna
★★★ By far the most populous island in Tafea, Tanna’s main attraction is the active volcano Mount Yasur, renowned as the world’s…
Worth a look / Other
Ambrym
★★ The island is primarily known for its volcanic activity (Mt Benbow and Mt Marum) and the landscapes that come with it. It also boasts…
Mele Cascades
★★ These are the largest and most beautiful waterfalls on the island, which has several in its central region.
Epi
★★ A beautiful forested and volcanic island north of Efate. It's a destination for surfing, diving (with a dugong at Lamen Bay), and…
Banks Islands
★★ These are beautiful small islands with lush nature, waterfalls, as well as a lake and an active volcano on Gaua Island. In general, the…
Maewo
★★ A long, rainy island with numerous waterfalls and lush vegetation. Its southern tip has been developed for boaters.
Pentecost
★★ This beautiful mountainous land of waterfalls and gorges is linked to the tradition of the Gol jump, considered the origin of bungee…
Vatthe Conservation Area
★★ A near-virgin forest with birds and opportunities for nature activities.
World War II Remnants
★★ The island was a major US base during the Pacific War. Traces of equipment and buildings from that era can still be seen in various…
Ambae
★ Though at the heart of the Vanuatu archipelago, Ambae isn’t very touristy despite its active volcano, jungle, and traditions that…
Aneityum
★ This is the southernmost island in Vanuatu. It offers diving opportunities.
Aniwa
★ A small coral atoll of 8 km² with a few hundred inhabitants northeast of Tanna. Despite its beautiful lagoon, it is barely touristy.
Chief Roi Mata’s Domain
★ A group of three sites on the islands of Efate, Lelepa, and Eretoka linked to the life of this 17th-century king. They are UNESCO-listed…
Erromango
★ The largest island in Tafea, but barely populated with 2,000 inhabitants.
Futuna (Vanuatu)
★ This volcanic land (also called West Futuna) is the easternmost in the archipelago and one of the least visited.
Hideaway Island
★ This small marine reserve a few kilometres from the capital is unique for housing the world's only underwater post office, located 50…
Shepherd Islands
★ A group of small, sparsely populated islands between Efate and Epi.
Torres Islands
★ This group of 7 sparsely populated islands is the northernmost in Vanuatu. Here you’ll find beautiful beaches and the Yeyenwu caves…
Luganville
★ It is the second-largest city in Vanuatu and an international gateway to the archipelago. Its primary role is economic.
Paama
★ Small island between Epi and Ambrym with fewer than 2,000 inhabitants. Nearby, Lopevi is an uninhabited volcanic island (active).
Port Vila
★ The capital of Vanuatu is primarily the starting point for exploring the rest of the archipelago. This means organizing a dive (especially…