Table of Contents
Introduction
With over 80 paradise islands scattered across the South Pacific Ocean, Vanuatu has become a top destination for island-hopping adventures. From active volcanoes to world-class diving, traditional villages to lush rainforests, Vanuatu offers incredible diversity and beauty across its islands. Island-hopping is one of the best ways to experience the top sights of Vanuatu while getting a taste of several different islands. This guide will cover everything you need to know to plan your perfect Vanuatu island-hopping trip.
Getting to Vanuatu
Most travelers will fly into Port Vila on the island of Efate to start their Vanuatu island-hop adventure. Port Vila is Vanuatu’s capital and main international gateway, served by flights from Australia, New Zealand, New Caledonia, Fiji, and Solomon Islands. Many airlines offer flights to Port Vila including Air Vanuatu, Virgin Australia, Qantas, and Aircalin.
Another popular option is arriving by cruise ship, as Vanuatu is a popular South Pacific cruise destination. Major cruise lines like Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, Holland America, and Princess Cruises include Vanuatu on some of their itineraries. You can start your island-hopping straight from the cruise ship or spend a few days on the islands before or after your cruise.
Top Islands to Visit
With so many beautiful islands to choose from, it can be hard to narrow it down. Here are some of the top islands to include on a Vanuatu island-hopping trip:
Efate Island
As home to the capital Port Vila, Efate is likely going to be the starting or ending point for most travelers. While in Port Villa, don’t miss the lively produce market to stock up on fresh island fruits and handicrafts. Take a day trip up to Mele Cascades to swim in the stunning waterfalls and rock pools. The cultural village of Ekasup offers a glimpse into traditional island life through ceremonies, music, and storytelling.
Tanna Island
Tanna is known for its incredible natural sights like the mystical Mt. Yasur volcano. You can get up close to the constantly erupting volcano on a hike or tour. For a more cultural experience on Tanna, visit traditional villages like the ceremonial grounds of Ikama to see age-old customs. Relax on Tanna’s beautiful black sand beaches in between adventures.
Espiritu Santo Island
With brilliant blue waters and stunning beaches, Espiritu Santo is a top spot for water activities. Go snorkeling or diving through the coral gardens, sea turtles, wrecks, and underwater caves. Explore the otherworldly Blue Hole limestone sinkhole for swimming and hiking. Learn about Espiritu Santo’s fascinating World War II history by visiting Million Dollar Point, where military equipment was dumped into the bay at the end of the war.
Pentecost Island
Best known for the incredible land diving ceremony, Pentecost Island has plenty of other attractions for travelers. There are scenic waterfalls to swim under like Waterfall Village, as well as rainforest hiking trails with panoramic views. The beaches on Pentecost range from sandy to pebbly with striking rock formations offshore.
Accommodations
Vanuatu offers a wide range of accommodations well-suited for island-hopping. On many islands, you can stay in a resort for added amenities and activities. For a more local experience, there are family-run bungalows and guesthouses where you can meet the community. Here are some options to consider:
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Resorts – Port Vila and Efate have larger resorts with pools, restaurants and organized tours. Le Lagon, The Havannah, and Breakas Beach are top choices.
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Bungalows – Small, beachfront bungalows offer simple, budget-friendly local charm on islands like Tanna, Pentecost, and Espiritu Santo.
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Guesthouses & B&Bs – Family-run guesthouses often come with home-cooked meals and island hospitality. They’re found across Vanuatu’s islands.
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Liveaboards – Diving liveaboards cruise between top dive sites and remote islands for those wanting a floating island-hop.
Transportation Between Islands
Island-hopping in Vanuatu is made easy thanks to frequent transportation options between the islands:
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Flights – Air Vanuatu and Air Taxi fly quick 35-minute flights between Efate, Tanna, Santo, and other islands for reasonable fares.
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Ferries & Speedboats – Regular ferries and faster speedboats connects Efate with nearby islands like Moso, Lelepa, and Nguna.
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Private Boats – Chartering a private boat is the premium way to hop between islands on your own schedule.
When planning your itinerary, be aware that some inter-island transportation only runs a few times weekly, so schedule connections accordingly. Flight passes can save money for multi-island trips.
Food and Drink
Sampling Vanuatu’s delicious fresh seafood and produce is a highlight of any visit. Traditional island dishes incorporate coconut, tropical fruits and vegetables, and fresh fish like mahi mahi and wahoo. Root crops like taro and yam feature heavily in ni-Vanuatu cuisine. Every island has lively local markets to try authentic dishes and stock up on fresh fruits. Many restaurants blend European flavors and techniques with local ingredients. Don’t leave without trying kava, the traditional intoxicating drink made from kava root. You can partake in a kava ceremony in villages across Vanuatu’s islands. Bring crisp bills and coins for markets, as change is scarce.
Shopping for Souvenirs
Vanuatu’s islands offer bountiful opportunities to bring home unique Melanesian handicrafts and art as souvenirs. Every island has a daily market selling handwoven baskets, carvings, bracelets, and more direct from the villagers who made them. Espiritu Santo and Pentecost have excellent handicrafts markets. In Port Vila, stop by galleries like Vila Handicraft Market and Au Bon Marche to find handmade textiles, woodcarvings, and paintings by Ni-Vanuatu artists. VAT refund schemes can save you 15% off souvenir purchases – just ask!
Best Time to Go
The best time to island-hop around Vanuatu is during the drier months from May to October. During this period, temperatures are cooler and rain is minimal, making it perfect for exploring beaches and jungles. The winter months of July and August are also popular due to school holidays. It’s best to avoid November to April, which is cyclone season. If possible, plan your trip to coincide with one of Vanuatu’s famous festivals like the Nagol Land Diving Festival. Timed with the yam harvest, these celebrations feature incredible traditional song, dance, food, and ceremonies.
Budgeting
As a generally affordable South Pacific destination, Vanuatu offers plenty of ways to island-hop on a budget. You can find basic guesthouse rooms for around 5,000 Vatu ($50 USD) per night, while mid-range hotels average 10,000-15,000 Vatu ($100-150 USD). Round-trip flights between Efate and other islands range from 15,000 to 25,000 Vatu ($150-$250 USD). Ferries and public buses are very reasonable as well. Eating at markets and street food stalls will save dining dollars. Booking activities, tours, and transportation as a group is a smart way to cut costs in Vanuatu.
Health and Safety
Before embarking on a Vanuatu island-hopping trip, it’s important to check on any health precautions and travel advisories. Be sure to get any recommended vaccinations before departure. Malaria pills are suggested for travelers going to rural areas. As a developing nation, standards of infrastructure, healthcare, and emergency response vary dramatically across Vanuatu’s islands. Therefore having travel insurance, including medical evacuation coverage, is highly advised in case of accidents or illness. In terms of crime, Vanuatu is generally very safe, although petty theft can be an issue in major towns. Always keep valuables securely stored.
Respecting Local Culture
Ni-Vanuatu culture remains very traditional and conservative across most islands. It’s important to respect local sensibilities as a visitor. Request permission before photographing people, as they may expect payment. Public displays of affection and immodest clothing like bathing suits should be avoided away from resorts. Learning a few words of Bislama, the national language, will be appreciated. Never enter ceremonial grounds like a village nakamal without being invited. Eco-consciousness is also encouraged to preserve Vanuatu’s pristine natural beauty. Following these simple courtesies will lead to warm connections with welcoming locals across your island-hopping adventure.
Conclusion
With dazzling scenery, rich cultures, and easy island-hopping access, Vanuatu promises an unforgettable South Pacific adventure. The diversity of experiences across the islands allows you to choose your own perfect blend of natural wonders, water activities, cultural immersion, and relaxation. After wondering whether Tanna’s volcanoes or Santo’s blue holes are more captivating, all that’s left is to start planning your own extraordinary Vanuatu island-hopping trip.
FAQs
How many islands make up Vanuatu?
Vanuatu consists of around 83 islands, with about 65 of them inhabited. The largest and most visited islands are Efate, Espiritu Santo, Tanna, Pentecost, Epi, and Ambrym.
How do you get between islands in Vanuatu?
There are daily flights between the major islands with Air Vanuatu and Air Taxi. Ferries and speedboats connect closer islands regularly. Chartering private boats or joining an island-hopping cruise are other popular options.
Do you need a visa for Vanuatu?
Citizens of many countries, including the USA, UK, EU, Australia, and New Zealand can visit Vanuatu without a visa for up to 30 days. Other nationalities will need to apply for a Vanuatu visitor visa.
Is Vanuatu expensive to visit?
Compared to other South Pacific island countries, Vanuatu is generally an affordable destination for travelers on a budget. Accommodations, food, transportation and activities tend to cost less than similar options in Fiji or French Polynesia.
What is the best way to experience Vanuatu’s culture?
Visiting traditional villages, watching land diving on Pentecost, seeing kava ceremonies, and purchasing handicrafts directly from locals are great ways to engage with Vanuatu’s vibrant indigenous culture and customs.