Vanuatu is a land where the elements collide. In 2026, it remains one of the few places on Earth where you can stand on the rim of an erupting volcano in the evening and dive into a world-class WWII shipwreck the following morning. For travelers seeking a blend of high-adrenaline adventure and deep cultural immersion, the archipelago offers a “New Year, New Adventures” spotlight on eco-luxury and raw exploration.
Whether you are visiting for a short escape or scouting the islands for a potential long-term base, this list of things to do in Vanuatu covers the essential experiences across the three main islands: Efate, Espiritu Santo, and Tanna.
Table of Contents
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Top Islands & Iconic Landmarks
1. Peer into the Fiery Heart of Mount Yasur (Tanna)
Often called the world’s most accessible active volcano, Mount Yasur on Tanna Island offers a pyrotechnic display like no other. Visitors can take a 4×4 vehicle through ash plains before a short 10-minute walk to the crater’s rim to watch lava explosions light up the night sky.
2. Visit the World’s Only Underwater Post Office (Efate)
Located in the Hideaway Island Marine Sanctuary, this functional post office allows you to send waterproof postcards to friends and family from beneath the waves.
3. Relax on Champagne Beach (Espiritu Santo)
Regularly voted one of the world’s most beautiful beaches, this crescent of powdery white sand gets its name from the volcanic gas that bubbles up through the shoreline like effervescent wine.
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Underwater Adventures: Diving & Snorkeling
4. Dive the SS President Coolidge (Espiritu Santo)
This 200-meter luxury liner turned troopship is one of the largest and most accessible shipwrecks in the world. Divers can explore intact holds filled with jeeps, munitions, and the iconic “The Lady” porcelain statue.
5. Explore Million Dollar Point (Espiritu Santo)
After WWII, the U.S. military dumped tons of machinery into the ocean. Today, this “underwater junkyard” of tanks, bulldozers, and trucks is a thriving artificial reef perfect for both diving and snorkeling.
6. Snorkel the Blue Cave (Tanna)
A stunning sea cave on Tanna’s coast, the Blue Cave is accessible by swimming through a short underwater opening to reach a cathedral-like cavern flooded with brilliant turquoise light.
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Natural Wonders: Waterfalls & Blue Holes
7. Swim in the Nanda or Matevulu Blue Holes (Espiritu Santo)
These natural freshwater springs are famed for their intense sapphire and turquoise colors. Many, like Matevulu, feature massive banyan trees with rope swings for the perfect island plunge.
8. Hike the Mele Cascades (Efate)
A series of tiered rock pools and waterfalls just outside Port Vila. A scenic rainforest walk leads you to the main 35-meter fall, where you can swim in the refreshing mountain water.
9. Discover the Millennium Cave (Espiritu Santo)
For those with a high fitness level, this full-day trek involves canyoning, bouldering, and swimming through a massive cave system deep in the Santo jungle.
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Cultural Immersion: Ancient Rituals & Local Life
10. Witness the Nagol (Land Diving) on Pentecost Island
The precursor to modern bungee jumping, this ritual takes place every Saturday from April to June. Men leap from 30-meter wooden towers with only vines tied to their ankles to ensure a bountiful yam harvest.
11. Experience a Traditional Kava Ceremony
Kava is the cultural soul of Vanuatu. Visiting a local nakamal (kava bar) to sample this earthy, numbing drink is a rite of passage for any visitor looking to understand the local “kastom” (custom).
12. Taste “Laplap” at the Port Vila Mama’s Market
Laplap is the national dish, made from grated root vegetables and coconut cream cooked in an earth oven. The bustling waterfront market in Port Vila is the best place to try it fresh from the local women.
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Adrenaline & Action: Ziplines & Buggies
13. Soar Across the Jungle Zipline (Efate)
Fly across deep ravines and over the canopy of Mele Bay on a series of six ziplines totaling 1.5km. It’s an exhilarating way to see the coastline from a bird’s-eye view.
14. Off-Road Buggy Adventures (Efate)
Rent a rugged buggy to explore the muddy tracks, remote villages, and hidden beaches of Efate that are inaccessible by standard rental cars.
15. Kayak the Sarakata River (Espiritu Santo)
Paddle a glass-bottom kayak through mangrove thickets and past local villages on a serene journey toward the island’s inland blue holes.
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Expert Angle: Seasonal Events You Can’t Miss
In 2026, Vanuatu’s event calendar is packed with “kastom” festivals that offer a rare glimpse into ancient traditions.
- April – June: Nagol Land Diving (Pentecost).
- August: The Fanla Rom Dance (Ambrym)—a mystic dance featuring intricate masks and ancestral storytelling.
- September: Fest’Napuan—the largest music festival in the South Pacific, held in Port Vila.
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How qom.sg Can Help You
The sheer variety of things to do in Vanuatu can be overwhelming. At qom.sg, we provide a personalized bridge between tourism and lifestyle investment.
- Custom Scouting Trips: We organize visits that combine these top attractions with tours of Vanuatu real estate options.
- Local Logistics: From chartering private planes to Tanna to arranging exclusive kava ceremonies with village chiefs.
- Strategic Advisory: We help you see the islands through the lens of a future resident or investor.
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FAQs
1. What are the best things to do in Vanuatu for families? Hideaway Island for snorkeling, the Mele Cascades for swimming, and the Port Vila Turtle Sanctuary are excellent family-friendly options.
2. How do I get to Mount Yasur on Tanna Island? Most visitors fly from Port Vila to Tanna (approx. 45 mins) and then take a 4×4 tour across the island to the volcano base.
3. Is diving the SS President Coolidge safe for beginners? The wreck is massive and has sections as shallow as 20 meters, suitable for recreational divers. However, the deeper engine rooms and stern require advanced certifications.
4. When can I see the Land Diving (Nagol) ceremony? The Nagol only takes place on Pentecost Island on Saturdays between April and June each year.
5. Do I need to book tours in advance? For popular activities like Mount Yasur or the Millennium Cave, booking 2–4 weeks in advance is recommended, especially during the peak dry season (May–October).
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