UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Book Attractions in Advance

Skip the lines at Vanuatu's top attractions by booking tickets in advance through Tiqets. Get instant confirmation and mobile tickets for museums, volcanoes, and experiences across Vanuatu.

🏝️

Chief Roi Mata's Domain

Explore this tentative UNESCO site on Lelepa Island with ancient chiefly villages, caves, and cultural legends.

A sacred Melanesian heritage area perfect for guided historical tours and snorkeling nearby reefs.

🌋

Yasur Volcano, Tanna

Visit one of the world's most accessible active volcanoes, a tentative UNESCO natural site with dramatic eruptions.

Evening tours offer mesmerizing lava views, blending adventure with indigenous cultural significance.

🏛️

Port Vila Cultural Centre

Discover Vanuatu's national museum showcasing traditional artifacts and Melanesian heritage.

A hub for understanding kastom (custom) traditions amid the capital's vibrant island life.

🪦

Roy Mata Cultural Landscape

Uncover the legendary chief's domain with burial sites and historical villages on Efate.

Combining archaeology and storytelling for an immersive look at pre-colonial Vanuatu.

🏺

Mele Cascades & Cultural Sites

Experience waterfalls linked to ancient legends and nearby traditional villages.

A peaceful spot for cultural exchanges and nature walks highlighting Vanuatu's spiritual heritage.

📜

Aoba Island Chiefly Sites

Explore historical chiefly compounds and oral history sites on this volcanic island.

Fascinating for those interested in Melanesian governance and ancient island societies.

Natural Wonders & Outdoor Adventures

🌋

Yasur Volcano Trails

Hike to the rim of this active volcano for lava flows and seismic thrills, ideal for adventure seekers.

Guided night hikes with stunning fire displays and indigenous storytelling.

🏖️

Champagne Beach, Espiritu Santo

Relax on powdery white sands with turquoise waters and swaying palms.

Family-friendly paradise for swimming, snorkeling, and tropical picnics in serene settings.

🏊

Blue Holes, Efate

Swim in crystal-clear freshwater pools surrounded by lush jungle, attracting nature lovers.

Tranquil spot for cliff jumping and birdwatching with vibrant ecosystems.

🌴

Hideaway Island Marine Reserve

Dive into coral reefs near Port Vila, perfect for easy underwater exploration and family outings.

This protected area offers a quick marine escape with colorful fish and sea turtles.

🚣

Million Dollar Point, Santo

Snorkel among WWII shipwrecks and machinery in shallow bays, ideal for water sports.

Historical dive site with scenic boat trips and underwater photography opportunities.

💦

Mele Cascades Waterfalls

Discover cascading falls and natural pools with hiking routes through rainforest.

Refreshing swims connecting to Vanuatu's lush biodiversity and adventure heritage.

Vanuatu by Region

🏝️ Efate & Central Islands

  • Best For: Capital vibes, beaches, and easy access to cultural sites with Port Vila as the hub.
  • Key Destinations: Port Vila, Mele Cascades, Havannah Harbour, and Epi Island for relaxed island hopping.
  • Activities: Market visits, waterfall hikes, snorkeling trips, and kastom village tours.
  • Best Time: Dry season (May-Oct) for sunny days and festivals, with warm 22-28°C weather.
  • Getting There: Bauerfield Airport in Port Vila - compare flights on Aviasales for best deals.

🌊 Espiritu Santo & Northern Islands

  • Best For: World-class diving, WWII history, and pristine beaches as the largest island's adventure base.
  • Key Destinations: Luganville, Champagne Beach, and Aore Island for marine and cultural immersion.
  • Activities: Wreck dives, beach lounging, blue hole swims, and local coffee plantation tours.
  • Best Time: Year-round, but June-Sept for calmer seas and diving (24-29°C water temps).
  • Getting There: Well-connected by domestic flights or ferries from Port Vila, with private transfers available via GetTransfer.

🌋 Tanna & Southern Islands

  • Best For: Volcanic adventures and traditional villages, featuring dramatic landscapes.
  • Key Destinations: Tanna Island, Yasur Volcano, and Lenakel for fire rituals and ash plains.
  • Activities: Volcano rim hikes, cultural ceremonies, horse treks, and black sand beach walks.
  • Best Time: Dry months (Apr-Nov) for clear volcano views and events, 20-27°C with trade winds.
  • Getting There: Rent a car or 4WD for exploring rugged terrains and remote villages.

🪂 Pentecost & Outer Islands

  • Best For: Unique customs like land diving and remote island escapes with authentic Melanesian life.
  • Key Destinations: Pentecost, Ambrym, and Malekula for rituals, volcanoes, and tribal communities.
  • Activities: Land diving ceremonies, volcano treks, village stays, and sailing adventures.
  • Best Time: April-July for land diving season and dry weather, with mild 23-28°C temps.
  • Getting There: Small plane flights or ferries from main islands, ideal for off-the-beaten-path explorers.

Sample Vanuatu Itineraries

🚀 7-Day Vanuatu Highlights

Days 1-2: Port Vila & Efate

Arrive in Port Vila, explore markets and the cultural centre, visit Mele Cascades for swims, and snorkel at Hideaway Island.

Days 3-4: Espiritu Santo

Fly to Santo for Champagne Beach relaxation, dive at Million Dollar Point, and explore blue holes with local guides.

Days 5-6: Tanna Island

Travel to Tanna for Yasur Volcano night tour, village visits, and black sand beach horse rides.

Day 7: Return to Port Vila

Final day for shopping in Port Vila, lagoon cruises, and departure with time for fresh seafood tastings.

🏞️ 10-Day Adventure Explorer

Days 1-2: Port Vila Immersion

Port Vila city tour covering markets, cultural sites, Mele Cascades hikes, and harbor sunset cruises.

Days 3-4: Espiritu Santo

Santo for pristine beaches including Champagne, wreck diving prep, and lush jungle explorations.

Days 5-6: Tanna Volcano Focus

Tanna arrival for Yasur hikes, traditional village stays, and ash plain adventures.

Days 7-8: Pentecost Land Diving

Fly to Pentecost for cultural ceremonies, tower climbs, and remote island village interactions.

Days 9-10: Efate & Return

Back to Efate for beach relaxation, final snorkels, and Port Vila farewell before departure.

🏙️ 14-Day Complete Vanuatu

Days 1-3: Efate Deep Dive

Comprehensive Efate exploration including Port Vila museums, waterfall tours, island hopping, and cultural workshops.

Days 4-6: Northern Islands Circuit

Espiritu Santo for dives and beaches, Aore Island stays, and Banks Islands day trips for remote vibes.

Days 7-9: Southern Adventures

Tanna volcano treks, Erromango cultural sites, and Aneityum for pristine reefs and hiking.

Days 10-12: Central Outer Islands

Ambrym for twin volcanoes, Malekula tribal villages, and Pentecost land diving experiences.

Days 13-14: Efate Finale

Return to Port Vila for markets, spa days, last-minute adventures, and departure preparations.

Top Activities & Experiences

🚣

Volcano Rim Tours

Ascend Yasur for live lava views and seismic excitement in a guided evening adventure.

Available year-round with cultural insights from local ni-Vanuatu guides.

🪂

Land Diving Ceremonies

Witness the original bungee jumping ritual on Pentecost Island during seasonal events.

Respectful viewing of this UNESCO-recognized custom with village hospitality.

🏄

Scuba Diving Expeditions

Explore SS President Coolidge wreck and coral gardens around Santo with PADI-certified operators.

World-renowned sites teeming with marine life and historical underwater relics.

Island Hopping Cruises

Sail the Shepherd Islands for hidden bays, snorkeling stops, and beach barbecues.

Multi-day charters with flat seas and opportunities to spot dolphins and seabirds.

🌿

Kastom Village Visits

Engage in traditional life on Tanna or Ambrym with homestays, dances, and craft workshops.

Authentic encounters with Melanesian customs and community-led experiences.

🏞️

Waterfall & Jungle Hikes

Trek to Mele Cascades or Santo's trails for swims, birdwatching, and rainforest immersion.

Guided paths revealing Vanuatu's biodiversity with moderate difficulty levels.

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