A first-timer’s guide to Vanuatu

30.05.2024 - 16:53 / lonelyplanet.com

Jungle-cloaked islands, rich kastom (traditional) cultures, blockbuster scuba diving and a remarkably accessible active volcano are just a small part of the allure of Vanuatu, an 80-plus island archipelago made for adventure.

With only a fraction of visitors to Vanuatu venturing beyond the cruise ship port and family-friendly resorts of the capital Port Vila ("Vila" to locals), this sparsely developed South Pacific nation offers more intrepid travelers the now-rare opportunity to experience natural attractions and cultural experiences untouched by mass tourism. Slip on your swimwear and dive in.

Vanuatu’s dry season, from late April to September, is the most popular time to visit, but with just 45,000 tourist arrivals per year, even the main island of Efate doesn’t feel crowded during the high season. Budget travelers may uncover more accommodation deals in the October-to-March low (wet) season, with trade-offs including higher humidity and an increased risk of tropical storms and cyclones. Increased rainfall during the wet season can also impact underwater visibility in some destinations, yet diving is generally good year-round across the archipelago.

Most of Vanuatu’s festivals are held during the dry season. Visit Pentecost Island on a Saturday between April and June to take in the ancient naghol (land diving) ritual that inspired modern bungee jumping; the Maskelyne Islands in July for the two-day Maskelyne Canoe Race and Arts Festival; and Ambrym Island, also in July, for the Lylywy Cultural Festival showcasing Vanuatu’s unique Rom dance.

For travelers seeking an easy family holiday or budget-friendly getaway, a week away (including flights) at a Port Vila area resort should fit the bill. For travelers keen to venture beyond Efate, allow around nine days plus international flights for a relaxed two-island itinerary, especially if you plan on doing some diving, or two-to-three weeks to visit additional islands.

The main international gateway to Vanuatu is Bauerfield International Airport on Efate, 5km (0.6 miles) outside of Port Vila. The domestic terminal is adjacent to the international terminal. Airlines with direct flights to Vanuatu include Aircalin, Fiji Airways, Solomon Airlines and Virgin Australia.

Taxis service the airport route, and minibuses operate in Port Vila. There’s no fixed schedule or routes – tell the driver where you want to go and they’ll let you know when you get there. Buses also run in Luganville on Espiritu Santo island, on northeast Malekula Island, and on Tanna Island. Central Port Vila and central Luganville are also easy to get around on foot.

It’s possible to travel between some of Vanuatu’s larger islands by ferry, but the journeys can be long and rough, and services can